“I explained that I am a conduit for my father. I know his every thought and deed. Yesterday I briefly became Charles Richard, a man consumed with passionate rage. Intending to kill Lucas LaPiere, Charles pushed you both out the window. Since Jack was in a state of hypnotic limbo, for a moment we altered history.”
“Then are there actually three bodies in the grave under the flagstones?”
“Yes. I believe he’s buried there alongside his lover. What we saw didn’t permanently change anything. As I said, I think it was an aberration.”
“My last question is about that torture chamber in the attic. How can you live with yourself knowing your father never stopped her from torturing others like himself? You said you can’t take your own life, and I can only imagine how much you wish you could. Think of it: you’re a conduit to every thought your father ever had, and his thoughts were every bit as insane as those of his lover Prosperine. I should pity you, but somehow I can’t find it within me.”
Empyrion stared out the window.
After a moment Landry said, “Fine, don’t respond. You’re a damned coward. When you die at last, I hope you rot in hell. Jack, I’m sick of the sight of this despicable person. Is there anything I’ve missed before we can end this?”
He said, “I have a question about the LaPiere mansion. When we first saw you there, it was old and run-down, but it was habitable. In fact, you called it your house. Other people saw it, Landry included, when it was totally different. Parts of the interior had collapsed from disrepair. There were holes in the floor, rotting furniture and curtains, and no portrait above the fireplace. What was that about?”
Ignoring Landry’s tirade, Empyrion said, “That’s an interesting peculiarity about my long life. Not only am I a conduit to the past, somehow the plantation is as well. On occasion the house and cemetery are as pristine and fresh as when Prosperine and Charles were here. I’m sorry to say those times are becoming less and less common these days. On other occasions the house is old and in need of a good dusting, as it was the day you and Mr. Drake first came. And sometimes it appears in its true state — an abandoned mansion rotting after years of neglect. Mr. Drake, you saw it that way the last time you trespassed on the property.
“Another time you came, I wouldn’t allow you into the house. That was because it was a good day. The house was full of fresh flowers, the furniture was clean and dusted, there were no creepers growing on the porch, and I could never have concocted an explanation that satisfied you.”
“And Milton? You called for a valet when we were there, but he was at the market.”
“Ah yes, Milton. I forget myself sometimes and call for him. He died in 1899, just before the dawn of the new century. He was a faithful servant to my father and me, and I miss him every day.”
The questioning ended with Empyrion reminding Landry of his oath as a gentleman not to exhume the bodies.
As he stood and picked up his walking stick, Landry called, “Phil, is everything good?”
Vandegriff came through a door on the far wall and said, “I got everything on camera. Audio and video all at a hundred percent.”
Flushing beet-red, Empyrion bellowed, “What is the meaning of this?”
“The meaning is that you’re going to be on television, Mr. Richard. We agreed that in exchange for answers, the bodies would remain buried. You said nothing about keeping your answers confidential. In this state, one-party consent for videotaping is all it takes. I consented, and I appreciate your candor in revealing the secrets of the Toulouse Street building. This will make a fascinating show.”
“No! You tricked me, and this will not happen. There will be no television show. You’ll hear from my attorney!”
“I’m sick of you and your family. You won’t sue. You’ve lived a very long time with no one invading your privacy. It will be hard enough enduring the publicity my show will generate. A lawsuit means depositions, cross-examinations, explanations — baring your family’s secrets to the world. Go back to the LaPiere plantation and live with your memories. Wallow in your loneliness. I have no sympathy for you. My heart goes out to the unfortunate victims, not the perpetrators.”
CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT
During the next two weeks, Jack remained free on bail. He and Landry joined Detective Young to watch the video of Empyrion’s confession. Afterwards Young agreed to speak to the district attorney about dropping the charge.
Jack asked how confident he was that it might happen.
“I’m convinced you’ve done nothing wrong. Once I tell her I’ll testify for the defense at the trial, I’d say the chances are about a hundred percent you’ll be a free man.”
His prediction turned out to be accurate, and both Jack and Doc Adams rested easier. He got his bail money back, and Pamela Sacriste reduced her fee to ten thousand dollars, a sum Jack promised to repay Doc in installments. Cate’s dad said it wasn’t necessary, but for Jack it was a matter of principle. No one had ever taken a chance on him, and although it might take years, Jack promised to pay back every cent.
As a courtesy, Landry called Shawn Leary, the building’s trustee. He revealed the upcoming television episode featuring the LaPiere family and their nefarious activities inside the building. Most of the revelations had come from Empyrion Richard, he added, and the lawyer promised to seek an injunction.
“That’s great,” Landry said. “Bring it on. Think how that will heighten public interest in what already is an incredible story. The
