Page 85 of Buried Roots

We chuckle, but the mood turns serious as we walk toward Mary Louise’s house. I step onto to her porch, steeling myself before I ring her bell.

When she opens the door, her face twists into a scowl. But she comes out to the porch, closes the door behind her, then folds her arms. “Now you two? We didn’t start the damn fire.”

I can’t barely look at her given everything, but I force myself to when I say, “Why should I believe you?” My tone is indignant.

“I’ll tell you what I’ve told the investigators swarming my house, interrogating Bill and me for answers. Firstly, Bill and I don’t match the description that Bailey provided. And it couldn’t have been Huck because the day before the fire, he left for Atlanta to start college at Emory University. He’s got a whole dorm full of alibis, so he’s off their list.”

“Oh.” It’s hard to argue with that. “But you talked to the surveyor the day of the celebration.”

“Yes. Because there were two maps of our property lines, and they were drawn up differently. Since there was a surveyor out, we wanted that cleared up.”

“Why didn’t you just tell me that?”

“I’m sorry. I should have—that was wrong.” She sighs. “I didn’t want to be a thorn in your side while you were working so hard to finish everything.”

What she’s saying makes sense, but I’m still unsure. I shoot Owen a glance, then say, “And word is, you have a plan for the cotton plant.”

“Yes. I do. There are several open warehouses just outside of town since Covid took out many businesses.”

“Oh.” Guilt twinges at my gut.

“Yes, I wanted this land when you first arrived, but that was before I knew what you could do for Violet Moon. Since then, Bill and I have been supporting you on this project, both thrilled to have a historical place to increase tourism.”

“True.” In fairness, shehasbeen nothing but supportive since that first argument we had after I didn’t sell her the property.

“And, honestly, I don’t want a plant right next to my home.” Hurt shades her eyes. “I was angry with you at first, but I realized I was dead wrong and apologized. What you did was so much better for this town. And I’d support you all over again if you wanted to give it another go. And I want to find the man who did this every bit as much as you do.”

“Oh.” Her words hit me hard, and I approach her. “I believe you, Mary Louise. I’m sorry for everything you’ve had to go through for this.”

“I’m sorry for you, too, Willow. I truly am.” Her lips wobble. “My heart’s broken, too. Please let me know how I can help.”

“That means a lot, thank you.” I put my hand on her shoulder. “I’ll let you know if I need anything.”

She fidgets with the ring on her finger. “Are you gonna rebuild?”

“I don’t know, Mary Louise. Insurance doesn’t cover arson.”

She shakes her head. “This whole thing is just a nightmare. Absolute nightmare.” She pulls me into a hug. “You take care of yourself now.”

“I will. That’s what I’m doing right now, actually.” I nod to the water. “Watching the stars.”

“Good.” She turns to Owen. “Bye, Owen.”

“Bye, Mary Louise.”

When she clicks her way inside, Owen and I leave and head to the lake. Once we get there, I breathe in the intoxicating air while I take in the harmony of chirping crickets and endless stars. This might be the best place on earth.

I see a boat tied to the dock, and I realize it’s still there from the day we had the party—only four days ago. Somehow, it feels like another lifetime. I want to get in it, but I have no idea how to paddle, and I’d probably get stuck in the middle of the lake and damage the boat. So, instead, I walk to the edge of the dock, take off my heels, roll up my pants, and dangle my feet in the water.

Right now, the lake is calm, contrasting with what’s happening inside me. I squint to see the mountains in the distance, but it’s too dark. So, I close my eyes and focus on the sound of the water gently lapping up against the dock. And that’s enough.

After Owen sits and dangles his feet, too, I say, “Well, that leaves Levi.”

“I’ll wring that kid’s neck.”

I have to put that worry on hold for now because I have another that’s more pressing. I take Owen’s hand when I say, “I have something to tell you.”

“Okay.”

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