Page 54 of A Little Bit Whiskey
“You handled her beautifully.” Weezer’s smile settled into a warm and caring one. “I’ll admit I was a little surprised to see her drive down the road, but this news coverage is all hype, not substance, and it’s not going to make things nice for any of us.”
“I can see where it’s going.” Tamsyn returned to her seat, grabbed her mug, and hit the play button on the remote.
“We all know Carter River helped his daughter-in-law and her mother disappear twenty-two years ago. He has money, means, and connections to make things happen. While he’s done some incredible things for this community, like help get rid of corruption in the sheriff’s office, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that he and his wife have also done some questionable things. Could it be possible that Carter had this document forged and he paid for his mistress’ silence?”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Noir slammed his mug on the nightstand and stood. He paced between the bed and the sofa, raking his fingers through his hair. “That’s just irresponsible reporting.”
“I’ve already called the station as well as the lab that did the paternity test. She’s going to have to retract,” Carter said. “And it will be before the end of the day. The lab would also do a rush and we could get the results today. I know it doesn’t feel this way for the two of you, but it will be more embarrassing for Alison than you.”
“I’m less worried what people are think about that.” Tamsyn sipped her coffee. “The real issue is explaining those checks.” She held up her hand. “We all know my mom slept with a lot of men. I’m sure she slept with a few people in this town that were married. Just because you’re not my father, that doesn’t mean you didn’t have an affair. That right there changes the focus of what Weezer’s fight with my mom was all about. It makes it less about me and more about an ongoing affair. Like you were taking care of your mistress for years. It doesn’t matter who my father is; what matters is that you had a sidepiece.”
“My lawyer—God, that sounds strange to say that—is filing a motion to see your mother’s bank accounts,” Carter said. “Every time I gave your mother money, it was for something specific. Medical bills for you. Rent. A few times she got herself into trouble. If you look at my checks, they are for specific amounts. I didn’t round up. I didn’t give her extra. I also made sure she used the money for what it was meant for. We want to match those dates with anything she might have paid.”
“And you have an accounting of that?” Tamsyn asked.
“I do.” Carter ran a hand over his unshaven face. “But that file was where your paternity test was. It was in my home office in a filing cabinet that is locked when I’m not home.” He cocked his head. “The only people who know where I keep the key are my kids and Weezer.”
“But the file was labeled, correct?” Tamsyn asked.
“Yes.” Carter nodded.
“Any chance you can get me a list of those people who have been in your house—including family—for the last two weeks?”
Carter leaned over and pulled out a piece of paper from his back pocket. “Already done. It’s a short list, mostly including a few staff members and the Holiday Showcase committee,” he said. “And before I forget, Richard Berkin is not your father. That came back last night.”
“While it would have been nice to have a sister, I have to admit, I’m glad not to be related to that bastard,” she mumbled. “Fred will get pissed off, but I’m going to make a statement about paternity. I’m the one who asked you to do it. I’m the one who went to the lab. I’m putting that fucker to rest once and for all.” Tamsyn cringed. “I apologize for my language.”
“There is a time and a place for everything,” Weezer said. “And fuck is appropriate right now. But do you think that’s a good idea? Especially since that little witch Alison could very well get her hands on the paternity test you just did, which shows you’re actively seeking your biological father. That could put a whole different spin on this that we’re not even considering.”
“That’s a risk I need to take.” She stood next to Noir, taking his hand, squeezing hard.
He glanced at her with a confused expression.
“With your permission, I want to give the statement right here in front of the cottage,” Tamsyn said.
“First, you live here. If that’s what you want to do, we can’t stop you,” Carter said. “But why would you want to bring the news media here? Bringing that kind of attention to where your mother’s body was found, especially when the police have barricaded the access road because it leads to two private residences.”
“This is your property and I want to be respectful. If—”
Carter waved his hand. “You can give a statement to the press from the cottage, if that’s what you want. I just want to know why.”
“I need you to trust me; can you do that?” She glanced between Noir and his parents.
Noir wrapped his arm around her waist. “I know I can.”
“So can we,” Weezer said. “That brings us to a different subject.” She recrossed her legs, sitting up taller. “Can the two of you please sit down?”
“Sure.” Noir took her by the hand, guiding her back to the bed.
That felt a little strange, but the entire morning had been weird.
She sat cross-legged with her fingers intertwined with Noir’s.
“This is an odd time to bring it up, but since we’re already speaking to an architect, we thought we needed to have a chat with the two of you,” Carter said.
“I’m not following, Dad,” Noir said.
“This cottage is too small for two people and the main house is too big for your mom and me.” Carter smiled. “All your other siblings have settled into beautiful homes. None of them are going to give up where they are and move back into the family home and it’s time for your mom and me to give it up.”
