Page 84 of Buried Secrets

Matt smiled grimly as he pulled onto the main road. The case was finally breaking open, thirty years of secrets spilling into the light. And somewhere in the growing pile of evidence was justice for Margaret Straub, Kaitlin’s aunt, and the other young women whose voices had been silenced for far too long.

Chapter 24

The unseasonably warm November afternoon felt like a gift as Kaitlin settled into the cushioned patio chair. Marissa had set the outdoor table with cheerful yellow placemats and mason jars filled with the last chrysanthemums from her garden, creating an atmosphere that felt both festive and intimate.

“More iced tea?” Ryan asked, already reaching for the pitcher before Kaitlin could answer. At thirty-two, her half brother possessed an easy charm that reminded her of their shared parentage.

“Thank you.” Kaitlin accepted the glass, still marveling at how natural this felt despite knowing Ryan for a short time.

“I still can’t believe you’ve never had a proper Thanksgiving dinner,” Marissa said, her eyes bright with excitement. “Turkey with all the fixings, pumpkin pie, the whole Norman Rockwell experience.”

“I’m afraid my upbringing was rather limited when it came to American traditions.” Kaitlin smiled at the enthusiasm in her mother’s voice. “Though I did read about it in books.”

Ryan laughed, a sound that carried genuine affection. “Mom’s Thanksgiving is legendary around here. She starts planning the menu in September and usually ends up cooking for half the neighborhood.”

“This year will be special,” Marissa said softly, reaching across the table to touch Kaitlin’s hand. “Having you here makes everything complete.”

The simple gesture sent warmth into Kaitlin’s heart. She was slowly growing accustomed to the welcome her biological mother extended.

Marissa’s overtures made Kaitlin think of her adoptive parents, which sent a pang of pain into her belly. She loved them so and missed them tremendously. But knowing these people and the decisions they made for her to end up with her parents in London was helping to button-up that hole in her heart she’d felt all of her life.

She pulled herself back to the conversation. “Tell me about the others who’ll be there,” Kaitlin said. “I want to be prepared for the chaos Ryan keeps warning me about.”

“Oh, it’s wonderful chaos,” Marissa assured, her green eyes sparkling. “My sister-in-law Jenny and her family from Portland, the MacLeods from down the road, Amy, Kelsey, Mac and Noah if they’re not too buried in renovation plans, and usually whoever else needs a place to celebrate.”

Ryan grinned. “Last year she invited the mailman when she found out his kids couldn’t make it home from college.”

“Harold Jenkins is a lovely man,” Marissa defended. “And he brought the most beautiful flowers from his garden.”

Kaitlin watched the easy banter between mother and son, feeling the bittersweet ache of all the years she’d missed. But underneath the regret was gratitude for the chance to be part of this now.

“Marissa,” she said carefully, “How has the case been proceeding with your sister?”

“It’s mostly settled. But it’s pretty clear what happened to Diane.”

The three of them sat in contemplative silence, processing the implications of Dr. Whitaker’s extensive manipulation. He’d silenced witnesses by giving them money to start new lives, ensuring their gratitude and silence. Those who refused to cooperate ended up buried in the garden.

“Well,” Ryan said finally, “at least now we know what happened to Aunt Diane. And we can give her a proper burial.”

“Sheriff Winters said it might be several more weeks before they release her remains,” Marissa said. “The investigation is still ongoing, and they need to complete all their forensic analysis.”

“But we can start planning,” Kaitlin suggested. “Something meaningful. She deserves to be remembered properly.”

“I’d like that.” Marissa’s eyes brightened. “Maybe a service here on the island before we take her home to be buried beside our parents. She loved the ocean.”

“A memorial service,” Ryan agreed. “Before Christmas, like you said.”

“I’d like to start the new year with this all behind us, and our new family together,” Marissa said, looking at Kaitlin. “When are you planning on going back?”

“I’ll stay through Christmas,” Kaitlin said impulsively. “I can help with the planning, if you’d like.”

Marissa’s face lit up with joy. “Really? You’d do that?”

“I’ve waited thirty-four years to find you,” Kaitlin replied. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Ryan raised his iced tea glass in a mock toast. “To family found and family remembered.”

“To new traditions,” Marissa added.