With a deep sigh, she opened the manila folder, determined to get to the bottom of the Morrow cases. On top of the file’s contents sat two pictures of Catherine. The first picture showed a vibrant woman with curly black hair, a flawless complexion, and radiant smile. Catherine looked very happy in this picture. Jenna moved the picture to the side to reveal another picture, Catherine post-mortem. Catherine was lying on the bank of the lake in a white night gown, her hair was wet and matted, her eyes foggy and lifeless. The radiance was gone, her warmth replaced with a terrible coldness. She must have been lying there for a few hours, as frost began to form on her limbs and her lips had turned an unnatural shade of blue. The photograph gave Jenna chills, and she had to turn it over, away from view. What happened to you, Catherine?
Jenna continued browsing through the file, scanning the original police report. Her body was found on Christmas Day around 8 A.M. by Angus Morrow, her father-in-law. Significant evidence of frostbite was found on the body, but no other signs of physical harm. Blood on her nightgown was not caused by trauma but is a byproduct of delivering a child in the early morning hours. There were interviews with various family members who were able to confirm her whereabouts until 5:00 on Christmas morning. According to her husband, Catherine had given birth to a daughter at around 4:00 A.M. Additionally, she is known to have suffered from moderate depression, and high levels of anxiety. No one ever saw her leave the house - they all assumed she was recovering from giving birth in her bedroom.
Jenna moved the police report to the side to reveal further investigation notes. There was a coroner’s report as well as written logs from interrogations, medical records, even official documents listing Jack Morrow and Bernard Kendricks as key persons of interest. One by one, she moved the papers to the side, on top of the others, until she noticed something that intrigued her. A life insurance policy that was taken out just three weeks before Catherine’s death listing Jack Morrow as the sole beneficiary, and a restraining order against Bernard Kendricks taken out just a week prior to Catherine’s death. Now this would be worth remembering.
*
Adam Morrow slammed a heavy video projector on the coffee table in the den, as his brother hung up a sheet against the wall with a staple gun. Jack, supervising, told Adam in a quiet voice, "Get everyone down here. Aunt Bridgette and Uncle Frank too." The family gathered in the living room, filling up the sofa, love seat, arm chairs and the floor. The Morrows gathered in this fashion every Saturday night for family movie night, when they would watch old family projections on the wall, but tonight would be much different. Jack would be showing them a slideshow that they had never seen before.
Jack spoke, looking at his family with a somber expression, "As you all know, a very integral part of our family is not here tonight. And unfortunately, there is something I need to tell you. I promised Tristan I would. I promised her that I would tell you about your mother.”
Silence fell across the room. Blake gave Adam a prying glance.
“I remember every word Catherine ever spoke to me. Every glance, every touch, every exchange. She transferred to the Steeplechase Academy during our sophomore year from some white-collar private school in Philadelphia. She was polished, demure, and took my breath away. Naturally, she hated my guts. Turns out her high society upbringing also meant she was spoiled and snobbish at times. She spent all of sophomore year ignoring me. Befriending the “in” crowd, which ironically included your favorite English teacher, Bernard Kendricks.”
"Kendricks?!" shrieked Tommy.
"Do you want to hear this or not?"
Silence took over the room.
"You'll soon see that your old English teacher plays a significant role in this story. Anyway, what was I saying?"
"Mother befriended good 'ol Bernie," supplied Liam.
"Ah, right."
Jack peered down over his glasses at his sons and nephew.
"This conversation does not leave this house. Do you hear me?" They all nodded in unison indicating that they did indeed understand, and kept quiet because they wanted to hear what he was going to say next.
"Bernard Kendricks is an unstable man. He is not to be trusted. You'll soon understand why. So, as I was saying..." Jack began, digging deep into his memory.
Chapter Ten
The Curator’s Daughter
Society Hill - Philadelphia, PA
Westfeld Residence
1964
Catherine’s Point of View