Makarowicz plucked the photographs from the desk and placed them back inside the file folder. “You know, this story of yours sounds just stupid enough that I almost believe it.”
Ragan massaged his temples with his fingertips. “It’s the truth. But it doesn’t change anything because I don’t know who killed Lanier or why.”
“Maybe you can help me figure that out,” Makarowicz said. He took his cell phone out of the briefcase and placed it on the desktop.
47
Down by the Riverside
A Tybee police cruiser was parked at the Chatham Avenue end of the driveway when Hattie arrived the next morning.
“Hi, Officer,” she said, when he approached the truck. “I’m Hattie Kavanaugh, the property owner.”
He looked down at a clipboard he carried under his arm. “Okay. You’re good to go.”
She pointed in the direction of the house. “Everything okay down there?”
“As far as I know. Detective Mak just said to keep out the busybodies and tourists.”
* * *
Mo had emailed everyone on the cast and crew about an eight o’clock meeting. Everyone was gathered around the craft services tent, sipping coffee and casting anxious eyes toward the backyard where the remains were discovered.
“Okay, everyone,” Mo started. “For those of you who weren’t here at the time, where do I even start to bring you up to speed about yesterday’s events?”
He quickly rattled off the chain of events from the previous day, ending with the discovery of the body, and the likelihood that the remains were that of the missing schoolteacher.
“I know it seems cold, but the network is adamant about not giving us an extension of our deadline.”
He turned and pointed to Trae. “I need you and Hattie, in the kitchen, discussing the plans for the cabinets. Leetha can fill you in on what she wants. Later on, we’ll film some stuff upstairs in the bedrooms.” He turned to scan the crowd and his eyes settled on Cass, who stood at the back of the tent, looking shell-shocked.
“Cass, can you order some construction screening? Unfortunately, the cops don’t want us backfilling that septic tank just yet, but I need it screened off, because it’s a safety hazard, and also, pretty freaking creepy.”
“Yeah.” She took her phone from the pocket of her work pants. “I’ll call right now.”
Leetha stepped forward. “Okay, Hattie and Trae, I’m gonna need you in hair and makeup. We’re gonna shoot some exterior stuff of the front of the house, but that can wait until after the kitchen shots. In the meantime, Cass, let’s get your guys busy doing the tiling in the bathrooms, and maybe setting up everything to install the new fireplace mantel this afternoon?”
Cass nodded.
The somber-faced crew began to drift back toward the house, but Hattie noticed that Cass was run-walking in the direction of the river, giving a wide berth to the gaping hole in the earth.
* * *
She found her best friend sitting on the seawall, her shoulders hunched together, rising and falling with uncontrollable sobs.
“Cass?” In all the years Hattie had known Cassidy Pelletier, she’d never seen her in such a state. She sat down on the concrete abutment and put an arm around Cass’s shoulders.
“You okay?”
“N-n-no,” Cass managed. She buried her face in her hands. “I’ll never be okay.”
Hattie waited a minute. “What’s going on?” she asked. “Can you talk to me?”
Cass shook her head, took a deep breath, and turned sorrowful, red-rimmed eyes toward Hattie.
“I can’t stand this.”
“What?”
“Lying to you. Lying to everyone. I’m such a fucking fraud.”
“Hey!” Hattie tried to tamp down the alarm in her voice. “You’re not a fraud, and you’re not a liar. C’mon, Cass. This is me. You can tell me anything.”
Cass used her shirt sleeve to wipe her eyes. “It’s so awful. I don’t know if I can.”
“What?” Hattie said, trying to cheer her up. “Are you trying to tell me you killed Lanier Ragan?”
“No. But I think I know who did.” Cass let out a long, shuddering sigh. “And that’s just as bad. Because I never said anything. I never told anyone. Because I’m a fucking coward, and a fraud. You’re gonna hate me, but not as much as I hate me.”
“I could never hate you,” Hattie said. “After all you’ve been through with me? The mess with my dad, and then, when Hank was killed? You and your family literally saved my life. I don’t know what I would have done without you. So just talk to me. Please?”