Chapter 7

I went into the bathroom; I took a washcloth that was clean. I scrubbed my face trying to wash away the horror I uncovered.

Upon their death, I would be inheriting the family fortune. I didn’t know how to feel about that. I finished scrubbing. I looked in my mothers wardrobe. I felt like I needed to scrub my whole body. We wear the same size in clothes. I felt the need to take everything belonging to her with me suddenly. There was so many memories in this house that I wanted to save. I didn’t know what to do with it all.

I picked out her pearl pink blouse; it was long enough to be a mini dress. It had rose embroidered sparkles on the front. I paired it with some cream-colored leggings. I set them on the bed. I walked into the ensuite bathroom that they had added on. I stripped everything off; I adjusted the shower. They had a shower head that flowed from the ceiling. It had digital temperature settings. I set the warmth, stepped inside and stood there for what felt like an eternity. I heard footsteps walking around the house. I assumed it was the police team still handling affairs. After what felt like a thousand years. I finished washing, dried off, and dressed in my mothers clothes. I laid on her bed dreading the next several days to come. I did not want to lay them in the ground; I did not want to say goodbye to them. I wanted to walk downstairs and greet my mother with a kiss. I wanted to walk into my dads study, find him working on reports like always. Why do people I love have to die?

I knew I could not procrastinate anymore. No matter how much pain  I felt. I have always been a person that would just handle everything first then fall apart later. Lately that has not been me. I need to stop moping and be strong. I went into my fathers private study upstairs near their bedroom, I started to go through his books looking for his attorney’s information. He used to partner with Owen’s office but, I would imagine, after everything that happened, he chose a different firm. I found his address book. Looking at the location of the firm, I was correct. He chose a firm a bit further away, it’s located in Boston. The name is striking and knocks me a bit. I steel myself it could be just a coincidence. “Hofer Law Firm.”

I sit at the desk and dial the number. It rings three times then I hear a man who’s voice sounds familiar answer. It has a German accent.

“Hello”

“Hello, my name is Katherine De Cheney”

“Yes, how may I help you” there is a undercurrent in his voice that I don’t quite place. Like as if he knows me. I need to stop imagining things.

“My father Marcel De Cheney, he’s passed away. Both my parents.”

“I am so sorry to hear this. Can you explain how it happened so I am aware?”

“Police are still solving it. I had not been in touch with them for some time, family issues. I just came home. The way the scene looks as if, someone came in and butchered everyone. Police found signs of struggle but, no other DNA evidence but my parents and the property staff. Everyone is dead. There’s blood everywhere.” I said as I still shook. The affects of the warm bath has worn off, and I am back to rocking in trauma. I try to be strong but, the pain is still getting to me.

“I am so sorry hear this.” He says in a somber tone.

“I have been working with your dad for the past year. He was a  good man.” He says soothingly

“My name is Victor Hofer. I am one of four lawyers at the firm. Our owner does not reside in America continuously. His name is Rudolph Hofer. He lives abroad currently in our families ancestral country of Germany.”

“Nice to meet you.” I say.

“We have had previous family relations with yours generations ago. Our ancestor Rudolph was betrothed to yours, though her death was tragic. We gave the family space when grieving, considering we were not yet bound in marriage. Over time, through your Grandparents, or great grandparents connections, we’re happy to become reacquainted.” He said in a pleasant tone.

“Thank you, I look forward to meeting you.” I say as I hang up. I feel something inside of me connecting after talking to him. what in the fuck is going on with me?