The Bones She Buried

Sixty-Two

Josie and Noah sat on her couch. His casted leg was propped up with a pillow on her coffee table. On the television in front of them, the network morning news show that Trinity co-anchored played. They watched the weather, the latest news in politics and then the words Scandal in Central Pennsylvania flashed across the screen. Trinity’s face appeared as the camera zeroed in on her. As always, she was heavily made up, and her hair was so shiny you could see the reflection of the studio lights in its thick locks.

“She doesn’t look that much like you when she’s doing the reporter thing,” Noah noted.

“I know. I think that’s why the resemblance went unnoticed for so long.”

Noah reached between them for the remote and turned the sound up. Trinity’s eyes burned with intensity. “Today, we’re bringing you an exclusive interview with Laura Fraley-Hall, the vice president of Sutton Stone Enterprises, where authorities in Central Pennsylvania recently unraveled a scandal so massive and so complex that it’s still sending shockwaves through not just the region but the entire nation. At the center of this scandal, and now left to pick up the pieces, is Ms. Fraley-Hall whose mother was murdered by her husband—setting off a chain of events that would break this story wide open. Welcome, Ms. Fraley-Hall, and thank you for joining us via satellite from your hospital bed in central Pennsylvania where I understand you’ve been on bed rest for a week.”

The screen split into two frames with Trinity on the left and Laura on the right. Although she was in a hospital gown, confined to a bed, Laura had taken care to have someone do her hair and makeup. She looked lovely, in spite of the circumstances.

“Good morning,” Laura said. “Yes, it’s true. I’m on bed rest.”

“First, before we get into what happened, how are you feeling?” Trinity asked with exaggerated concern.

Laura gave a pinched smile. “I’m feeling grateful that my baby is still healthy. Having some pain and Braxton Hicks contractions but otherwise, I’m doing well.”

“I’m so glad to hear that. Now, Ms. Fraley, I understand you’re the acting head of Sutton Stone Enterprises now that Zachary Sutton has been charged with a number of things, most notably fifteen counts of first-degree murder.”

“That’s right,” Laura said. “I’ve taken control of the company. This was all in place before any of this happened. Mr. Sutton took steps to make sure that I could transition into his place should he pass on or become… incapacitated.”

“Well,” Trinity remarked. “He’s certainly in no position to run a company now, is he? Given the public relations nightmare all of this is shaping up to be for Sutton Stone, it’s very unusual for the new head of the company to come on live television and discuss such sensitive matters. Why did you think it was important to speak with us today?”

Laura looked earnestly into the camera. “The terrible tragedy that took place at our main quarry back in 1974 was the sole act and responsibility of Mr. Sutton. His father and his father’s head of security conspired to cover it up. They both passed on decades ago. No one presently employed at this company was aware of what took place, except for my mother, and she did not make me aware of anything she had found out. We employ hundreds of decent, hard-working people at Sutton Stone, and I do not believe that they should be held accountable for something Mr. Sutton did. Our employees come to work every day and give us their very best. They’re caring people who routinely volunteer for the community outreach programs which I have put into place in the last ten years. I think that by being transparent with the public right now, helping authorities in any way that we can, and making sure that we develop internal policies to ensure that something this heinous and tragic never happens again, Sutton Stone will begin to atone for the sins of its former boss.”

They went on to discuss the case—all of which was fair game since Ivan Ulrich, Zachary Sutton and Grady had all agreed to plea deals. Ivan and Sutton would spend their lives in prison—avoiding the death penalty by cooperating. Grady agreed to a lesser charge of third degree murder and took forty years. There would be no trials. The Alcott County District Attorney was working with the sheriff’s office to make plans to excavate the workers that Sutton had buried outside the encampment at the original quarry site. Unfortunately, the bodies of Craig Bridges and Drew Pratt would likely never be found since so many years had passed and neither had washed up on the banks of the rivers where they’d drowned. But at least their loved ones knew what happened to them.

“You think she’ll turn Sutton Stone around?” Josie asked.

Noah stretched his arms over his head. “Yeah, she’s a master at spinning things. If Trinity hadn’t asked for this interview, she probably would have been after you to set it up.”

“We have to pick up the pieces however we can, I suppose,” Josie remarked.

She felt Noah’s hand slide into hers. “Yes,” he said. “We do.”

She turned to him. “You’re going to be messed up for a long time, you know that, right? Grief is a funny thing.”

He smiled. “I know. You have any tips?”

She laughed. “I’m good at being messed up, but not that good.”

He squeezed her hand. “Are we okay? You and me?”

Immediately she thought of her night with Luke, the exact details forever out of reach. Had she and Noah even been together at that moment? Was it worth telling him? What would she even say? Did she want to get into all of that again? She thought of something her mother, Shannon, had said to her when she was first reunited with her family, when they were all so overwhelmed with the task of filling the gap of the past thirty years. She had said, “Sometimes, you have to start from where you are.” So they did.

Josie squeezed back. “We’ll try, okay?”

He raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “We’ll try,” he repeated.