Dead Rapunzel by Victoria Houston

night.”
    â€œNight, Dad. Thanks for not being upset that I showed up so kind of unannounced.”
    â€œI think it is good that you will be here. See you in the morning, kiddo.”
    After letting Mike out for the last time, Osborne stood at the back door while the dog leapt along the shoveled walkway to the garage. The icy path was so cold that the lab hopped like a rabbit. Osborne gazed at the winter moon overhead, listening as the snow fell in whispers.

Chapter Twelve
    When Lew, Osborne, and Mallory walked into the Loon Lake Inn at nine the next morning, Judith was surprised to see Mallory. “I never connected the name Osborne between you and your dad,” she said.
    â€œAnd I was—I am still—stunned to hear what happened to Mrs. Tomlinson,” said Mallory. “Believe me, I understand if you have to tell me there is no position for me. I can’t imagine—”
    â€œOh, but there is,” said Judith. “This is part of what I have to tell the family today. Rudd signed documents months ago saying that after her death she wanted her estate to be used to run the Tomlinson Museum. I’m to be in charge and I will be in desperate need of your help, Mallory. I would love for you to come with me this morning when I meet with the family. It’ll give you a heads-up on some issues we may be facing. Do you mind?”
    Both women looked relieved. Mallory turned to Osborne. “So, Dad, be patient. I’ll start looking for an apartment or a condo tomorrow. Maybe I can find a cabin to rent.”
    â€œOh, don’t do that yet,” said Judith. “Once Chief Ferris has completed her investigation of Rudd’s home, I think you and I can move into the guest quarters—at least until we have the legal issues settled. Plus, Rudd purchased a number of important artworks from private dealers, and I can use your help with the organizing and cataloging.”
    â€œGreat,” said Mallory. “I think we should plan to get a press release out to the arts community explaining that Rudd Tomlinson’s death won’t put an end to her plans for the museum, too.”
    â€œGood point.” A smile crossed Judith’s face. “See, we’re moving forward already.”
    As she sat listening to the two women, Lew thought back to her conversation with Dani early that morning. She had alerted her to a possible call from a Charlene Murphy asking for help locating her birth mother—and to the fact that Lew had suggested Dani might be able to help on a freelance basis. In a brusque tone, she had added that Charlene’s birth father was Lew’s former husband—and hoped Dani wouldn’t ask any questions. Dani gave her a long look before she apparently decided not to say a word. Lew was appreciative. Some details about her private life did not have to be shared with staff.
    By nine-thirty they had finished breakfast and were on their way to the Tomlinson family meeting. Osborne and Lew followed Judith’s car past Rudd’s home to a two-story frame house about a third of a mile down the road. The house was grey-shingled, with white trim and a red door. It looked brand-new.
    They parked behind Judith along the road, as the driveway already held three cars and a large Ford pickup. A stiff wind blasted their faces as they stood waiting for Judith and Mallory to climb out of the other car and join them.
    â€œWhere are we?” asked Lew, pulling the collar of her parka up close to her face.
    â€œThis is Kenzie and Greg Steidl’s home,” said Judith. “After their mother died, each of the siblings inherited a waterfront lot. That plus half a million dollars, which certainly helped Kenzie build this place.”
    â€œKenzie, by the way, was the only one at home when her mother fell, fractured her skull, and died on the basement steps. It was Kenzie who had to watch the EMTs try to revive Caroline.
    â€œAfter going through all