A Question of Family

By Jessica Lyn Elkins

Myra Martin escaped a criminal husband and multiple addictions with the help of her brother Tommy and her childhood friend, Katherine Brooks. Bound together by family ties and dangerous secrets, the three friends operate a guest ranch in northwestern Wyoming. When Katherine’s daughter brings her fiancé to meet the family, buried truths come to light that could disrupt the family’s newfound happiness. Strange coincidences and an old photograph reveal a suspicious connection between Myra’s and Katherine’s former spouses. Unpredictable events lead to a perilous confrontation with a powerful man. Will the search for truth finally free the family from their past or might it completely destroy their future?

In this novel, two women with dark secrets struggle to preserve their family when a threatening figure from the past comes into their lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 13, 2020
• ISBN: 9781663200402

Jessica Lyn Elkins

Jessica Lyn Elkins grew up in a small town in Texas. She earned a BA from the University of New Mexico and graduated from St. John’s College of Santa Fe with a MA in liberal education. She has worked as a general contractor, ice cream shop owner, and human resources manager. Her first novel, The Friend in Question, was published in 2015. This is her third novel. She and her husband live in Gainesville, Florida.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

PAST SINS AND BAD VIBES

T wo well-dressed women walked through the arrival gate and faced a sea of people. Myra Martin and Katherine Brooks stayed close as they made their way through the crowds. Both traveled lightly with only a small carry-on bag and one briefcase.

Certain travelers had intense looks on their faces like they were determined to start gambling as soon as possible. Three grey-haired women rushed to the nearest line of slots. Others, tired business types, slogged along with dazed expressions common to arrivals in an unfamiliar city. Many headed to the nearby bar. Myra and Katherine dodged families with strollers and circled around a bright blue uniformed group burdened with musical equipment.

Now that we’re here, I’m really nervous, said Myra. She was a gorgeous blonde who wore a dark blue blazer, red floral blouse, trim slacks, and low heels. She kept adjusting her black frame glasses. Katherine, also an attractive blonde with her hair twisted into an elegant bun, wore similar professional clothing. She had opted for a crisp white shirt under a black tailored blazer. A delicate blue pastel scarf around her neck completed the look.

This may have been a big mistake. Besides, don’t we look a little like we are in disguise? Who are we, anyway? asked Katherine.

Both women laughed. They had been best friends since grade school and had experienced good times growing up in the same small Texas town. They’d also weathered emotionally fraught life coincidences. Coincidences which brought them to this place, to this time.

Do you think I look like an accountant with these silly glasses? Myra chuckled.

And are you a fashion representative with that fancy bun and elegant scarf?

Katherine spoke so softly that Myra strained to hear what she said.

Seriously, it’s your final big step in burying the past and getting rid of Mark’s ghost.

Yes, but … this place brings back so many bad memories. I’m glad we’re returning home tomorrow. Let’s just get it over with. Myra’s mood turned dark.

After waiting in line, they hailed a Yellow Cab plastered with ads for casinos. Both took a deep breath. Myra leaned forward to the cabbie, First Credit Union of Nevada, downtown branch. Do you need the full address?

Nope. Lady, I know how to get there. Welcome to Vegas. Most people visit the bank after a few days here. Get it? They need more money! The cabbie was a chatty type. Myra and Katherine looked at each other and shrugged.

Oh, we’re here on business. How long to get there? Katherine sounded stern, hoping to shut off conversation.

Twenty, max. Traffic’s not too bad. Say, you ladies need a good place to stay? I have hotel discount cards for your entire stay. The man wouldn’t stop with the chatter.

Myra closed her eyes and thought about making up some fabulous lies about who they were and how wonderful it was to be in Vegas. She could say they were bank examiners or show producers for Circus Maxim, but she restrained herself. The very air in the city brought out the worst in her. She had forgotten the seduction of lying for the thrill of it. The memories of Mark and their glittery life together flooded back—parties, drinking, pills. She wondered what ever happened to her former friends. Had their luck with the despicable men in their lives been as bad as hers? She remembered the times she’d taken Sherry to the emergency room and when Connie was kicked out of her apartment. She thought she’d been their savior and close friend; but then, her kindness was not repaid by either of them.

Myra felt Katherine’s hand on her shoulder. She sensed Katherine’s concern when she whispered, Myra, You’re shaking. Hang on. You’ll feel better once it’s done. You have the proper ID now to get everything. Don’t worry. It’ll be fine.

Myra spoke loudly to the driver. That looks like the credit union up ahead. It’s the silver sign in the middle of the block. You can let us out here on the corner.

Sure thing. Need any help with those bags? The very overweight cabbie didn’t move from his seat.

Thanks a lot. We’re good. Myra gave him two twenties. Keep the change and have a nice day.

At the teller’s window Myra calmly handed her Wyoming driver’s license to a disinterested middle-aged clerk. I’m Myra Martin. I’d like to close my deposit box. I’ve moved out of town.

The woman hardly glanced at the license. Sign here, please. Do you have the second key? You were issued two when you opened the box. You’re required to return all keys when closing the account. She made no comment that the only visit on record was the original date when the account was opened.

Panic flooded through Myra like a heat wave. She’d forgotten about another key. No idea what happened to it. Time for a lie.

I lost the extra one when our house burned last year. I stayed at my mother-in-law’s for three months. It was a very bad time because she owned six cats, and I’m allergic. But here’s the one I always keep in my purse. Myra waved a small brass key on a well-worn chain.

I know what you mean about cats and a mother-in-law. Sorry, but you’ll have to pay $25.00 fee for not returning it.

Sure, fine. Can I give you cash? Myra’s pulse raced. She wanted this to be over without more questions or delays. My friend goes in with me.

That’s your choice, ma’am. Follow me, please.

After filling out the paperwork for the lost key, the woman led them into the vault. When they stood before Box 703, Myra inserted her key into the slot on the left. The clerk promptly inserted her official key into the second slot, flipped open the heavy latch, and pulled out the large drawer. Myra smiled to herself. Such an old-fashioned system for secretly storing valuables, but it still worked. Inside was what she had so hastily stored when she was Rachel Stanley, pregnant, on the run from her wasted life—on the run from Mark Stanley and all he represented.

Myra’s thoughts were interrupted by the clerk’s insistent instructions.

You can use one of those cubicles for privacy if you like. Leave the box on the table once you’ve emptied it. I’ll take the key now.

Thank you. We won’t be long.

Myra motioned for Katherine to sit on nearby chair. Her breath was ragged. Myra looked her friend’s deep blue eyes and felt small tears in her own. Thanks for coming with me.

Myra slowly opened the box. Katherine bent closer to look. Inside were neat stacks of banded hundred dollar bills. Beside the cash lay a purple velvet bag tied with a gold cord. Katherine gasped when Myra opened the bag and poured out the contents. On the table before them lay four sparkling diamond necklaces, several garish rings with diamonds, glowing red rubies and dark blue sapphires. Last to fall from the bag was a pair of twisted gold and diamond drop earrings and a delicate diamond hair clip. She fingered the clip briefly and swept it into the glittering pile. Flashbacks of a drunken night in a lavish hotel room. Would those memories ever leave? Seduced by my best friend’s husband. Didn’t know who he was at the time. I was so weak then. I was Rachel. But this is now. I’m Myra, the real me.

Wow, Myra! You said you had evidence. What a stash! Katherine was clearly taken aback. The jewelry is spectacular. I’ve never seen stacks of hundreds. How much is it?

Myra just shook her head. She couldn’t even remember how much cash she’d put in the box.

Resting on the bottom of the box was a small worn black notebook. Myra slowly withdrew it and looked at Katherine. She handled the book like it was distasteful, vile. Suddenly, she burst into tears.

This is it. This is the evidence I stole from Mark. But now what do I do with it?

After leaving the building, Myra insisted they check into a near-by hotel. It was modest by Vegas standards. The flight back home would be early. Katherine spoke to the front desk clerk and ordered a car service to simplify their departure. Per their agreement, Katherine paid cash. No need to leave a trail of credit card charges. Only the airline tickets were in their names, but what with today’s security, no way to avoid that.

They ordered room service. Neither woman wanted to leave the hotel for the evening. While they waited for the food delivery, Myra paced the room. She repeatedly rearranged the bed pillows and adjusted the blinds. What she felt was visceral distress.

Please, Myra. Settle down. You got what you came for. You’re in the clear. No way was anyone paying attention to us. We leave here early. In and out.

Maybe we should have flown into Reno and driven here. Maybe that would have been smarter. Myra fretted.

Well, too late now. We are just two friends who came for a day in Vegas. It’s been five years. Mark’s dead. Who do you think cares?

I’ve had this terrible feeling since the accident. Sometimes it leaves, but it comes back. The therapist told me it would pass, but it still haunts me. Seems like I got away too easy after all.

What you went through could never be called easy. You need to decide what to do with this evidence. You know what I think.

Myra had listened to Katherine’s arguments at least once a year. Shouldn’t they contact the authorities and tell them what they suspected—criminal connections between their dead spouses, Grant Phillips and Mark Stanley? There were others involved who should be charged with bribery, falsification of documents, and who knew what else. The conversations often turned into full-blown arguments with Myra yelling at Katherine that she didn’t know what some of Mark’s friends or business associates might be capable of doing—even now. Myra’s palpable fear arose at unexpected moments. Yet, she wanted to believe that no one from her former life knew how to locate her. Katherine tried to convince her to take action, to do the right thing. Only then would it finally all be over. No more ghosts of ex-husbands hanging around to taunt them about their bad choices. Katherine wanted a clean slate, but Myra had always refused. Until now.

Six days ago Myra told Katherine that she made a decision which would help her to find peace. Katherine was surprised when Myra asked her to accompany her to retrieve evidence she’d hidden long ago in Vegas. This was the first time the matter of evidence had been mentioned. Katherine thought it over for several hours before agreeing to the plan. She insisted on making the arrangements. Within three days Katherine booked their flights, withdrew six hundred in cash from the bank, and bought new carry-ons for the trip.

Now they were in Vegas, damning evidence in hand, but no plan to proceed other than to catch their morning flight. The ranch in Wyoming was their safe haven, their home and newly-found life together.

So what’s next? Shall we have a little bonfire back at the ranch? Toss your stash in the river? Bury it out behind the horse barn? Myra didn’t laugh or even show a hint of a smile at Katherine’s attempt to lighten her mood.

I’ll have to think about it. All of a sudden this feels very weird. I should probably put the cash somewhere safe and sell the jewelry. Think there’s any market in Wyoming for this gaudy stuff? Would a jeweler take all those stones out of the settings? Could I pawn it? I guess that would mean it could be traced back to me.

Well, those last two ideas might not be the best option. However, I don’t think we’ll have many events at the ranch for you to wear those diamonds, kiddo. Myra grimaced at Katherine’s lame joke.

Maybe I’ll hide it and not tell you where it is. None of this implicates you, Katherine, in any way. Yeah, the book would make a nice little fire like you said! God, I know I’m not making much sense.

No, you’re really not making any sense. We’ll talk this over once we’re back. Katherine reached for her plate. Let’s eat this sad hotel salad before it completely wilts.

Katherine took a tentative bite of her meal, but Myra walked to the large window. She sighed as she gazed at the glittering city scene of flashing neon signs on the streets ten stories below.

I’m not hungry. I just want go to sleep. We need to get out of this horrible place. Thanks for coming with me, Katherine. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Once back home, Katherine watched Myra sink into a depressed state for days. An awkward silence grew between them—no more talk about their hasty trip.

After several weeks passed, Katherine broached the subject one night at dinner. Myra had prepared a delicious meat loaf with garlic mashed potatoes. Katherine suggested no more delay in devising a plan to properly disclose the evidence. She asked Myra if contact should be local law enforcement, or perhaps the FBI. Without a word, Myra abruptly left the table, slamming the kitchen door behind her.

That went well, right?

Katherine addressed the other person seated across the table. Tommy was her brother and owner of Martin Ranch. He was the only one who could bring Myra down to earth. He welcomed both women into his life after their surprising connection was uncovered. Tommy was the unacknowledged son of Katherine’s father, Fred Brooks. He had been adopted as an infant by Myra’s parents, Bob and Edna Martin.

Five years ago Katherine and Myra were involved in a motor accident after no contact for twenty years. At the time, Katherine believed she had struck a homeless person. A search for the victim’s identity led to long-held secrets in a surprising combination of coincidences that changed their lives. In efforts to contact Myra’s family, Katherine located Tommy Martin. Together they had uncovered the truth of his parentage. Now they were all together—no question about it—they were a family. They lived in Wyoming and helped Tommy manage Martin Ranch, a destination guest ranch for wildlife photography and outdoor adventures.

Tommy groaned when he shifted his chair back from the table. Think we’d better let this rest. She’ll tell us when she’s ready. His blue eyes misted. He swallowed hard and held Katherine’s gaze. Her attempted conversation with Myra met a dead end. She silently vowed to try again, knowing Tommy understood her frustration.

Positive energy flowed between them. His lanky good looks and dark curly hair were inherited from their father. Katherine felt a calmness in his presence. What a wonderful feeling to have a brother who loves me.

The summer season was in full swing. The days after Katherine’s failed inquiry about the Vegas trip were filled with guest arrivals and departures. Word had spread and new families were coming on recommendations from previous visitors. One thing was different this season. Melissa, Katherine’s daughter, was living in Boston for the summer. She had completed her third year at Boston College and was working as a paid intern at a prestigious engineering firm. Melissa was determined to help pay tuition for her final year.

Tommy led daily photography trail rides for adults and teens. Two college students hired for the summer months taught the younger children how to tie knots, lasso hay bales, and paddle small rafts around the meadow pond. Riding lessons for the kids were most popular. Last spring Tommy purchased two gentle older mares to complete the ranch’s stable of six trained horses. The main problem was guest transportation back and forth between the Jackson airport and the ranch; but somehow they all managed to do a run when necessary. Katherine hired a local high school girl to help Myra prepare the daily meals needed for twenty guests. Reservations for cabins were booked for three months straight. Katherine in her role as business manager collected payments and processed ranch accounts.

After the summer season, the hired help went back to school or other jobs. Property maintenance for the coming winter consumed their working hours. There were no more conversations about the time in Vegas—no mention of Myra’s secret stash of cash, the bag of expensive jewelry, and a little book that could put certain people in prison and change lives their lives forever.

CHAPTER TWO

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

L ife was good. Melissa Phillips had successfully completed her internship and earned a 4.0 for two online classes. She was preparing for bed when her cell phone rang. The name Brooks flashed on the screen. She was adjusting to seeing her mother’s maiden name. Mom, again, probably to remind me to call as soon as I land in Jackson. It was midnight and the flight left at seven the next morning. She was more worried about Adam being late to the airport than forgetting to call her mom.

Hi again, Mom. It’s midnight.

I knew you would be up. Are you packed? Remember it’ll be cold.

Mom, it’s cold here in Boston, you know. Of course, I’m packed. You know how I plan ahead.

Katherine chuckled at her remark.

What about that friend of yours? Hasn’t backed out meeting your family, has he?

Of course not! Seriously, Mom, I have to get some sleep. Need to be at the airport in five hours.

Well, sleep tight, as I always told you. Melissa, we are so happy you are coming for the holidays and bringing Adam. Call as soon as you land. Tommy and I’ll be there waiting.

Isn’t Aunt Myra coming to meet us?

She’s got things to do. You know, cooking up a storm and making all your favorites. She doesn’t like the drive anyway.

See you late tonight. I’ll text if there are any delays. You can call the airlines, too.

Melissa laughed to herself. She knew her mom would call every hour until the airline said the flight was on time. Mothers worry way too much.

Bye. See you soon. Be safe.

"Bye, Mom. I love you.

Katherine sighed when she put the phone back on the receiver. She’d seen Melissa in the summer during a trip to New York. It was the longest they’d been apart since Melissa started college. Katherine knew she was a hovering mother. Melissa’s panic attacks had frightened her. The two years after her father’s death had been difficult on both mother and daughter. Grant’s indictments, his disappearance, the divorce, and the call from Mexico notifying her of Grant’s death were events that brought them closer. Katherine was overjoyed when Melissa sought a therapist after she went to college. Melissa reported how the weekly sessions helped her. Yet, Melissa had not seemed to process all that had happened until she met Adam Reece. There was nothing like a love interest to help her to get on with her life.

Now Katherine would finally get to meet the boyfriend. Well, she’d never heard Melissa call him her boyfriend. Maybe there was another current term for newly found love. Katherine wondered how Melissa would introduce Tommy and Myra. I hope Melissa has explained the relationships of best friends, brothers, and sisters. It’s complicated how our family came together.

Now Katherine had a new life. A life she had never imagined for herself. After the divorce and before Grant’s death, her plan had been to resign from the law firm and move close to Melissa’s college. Tommy convinced her that they needed to make a life together with Myra and put the past behind them. He