Illicit Affairs

Chapter 36

Standing on the large wraparound porch of the charming, well maintained Victorian style house located in the heart of Charlotte, my thoughts were all over the place. Nerves, anticipation, curiosity and an overwhelming desire for the truth had me wavering between ringing the doorbell and returning to my car and leaving.

This was the home of Mary Ellen Payton, my grandfather's alleged mistress. The possible answers to many of my questions lay behind the vibrant red painted door. What do I even say to her? Will she even speak to me? Would bringing up his name cause this poor woman emotional distress? Or was she a bitter shrew who would see this unannounced visit as an opportunity for revenge? Maybe I should have called first. But if I had called first there is a huge possibility that she would have hung up on me.

It's now or never.

Moments after ringing the doorbell, the door was answered by a very pleasant looking, smiling woman who looked to be early to mid seventies. The smile quickly dropped, and her face paled when she looked at me. She looked as if she'd seen a ghost.

"Hello Mrs. Payton. My name is..." I started to say.

"I know who you are. Why are you here?" The woman actually looked frightened.

"Mrs. Payton...I'm here on my own behalf. I mean you no harm or disrespect...."

"It's McLemore. Now how can I help you?" Her tone had turned icy.

"I believe you know my grandfather...Rick Hendrick."

"Who around these parts doesn't know the name Rick Hendrick." She gave me the side eye.

"Mrs. McLemore, I am aware that you worked for my grandfather many years ago. I would like to ask you some questions."

"There's...there's nothing to tell. That was a very long time ago." Her eyes darted around nervously.

"He paid you off for your silence didn't he?" I asked.

"I have nothing to tell you, Miss." She adamantly stated, but her eyes told a different story. They looked panicked, yet torn at the same time. I knew he paid her off.

"My mother can't speak to you, but I can." Another voice spoke. A blonde woman, probably late forties to early fifties and just came through the doorway. Natalie? Wait...was this the mysterious twin?

"Mom, why don't you go ahead and rest up. You've been on your feet all morning. I'll take care of this." The woman said to her mother, who nodded as if giving her consent. The older woman then gave me a small nod before leaving the room.

"I'm sorry, I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Mia Davenport."

"I know who you are. Your face is plastered all over every social media outlet. Frankly, anything having to do with Rick Hendrick is big news. You look just like your mother. I guess the family genes are strong." I wouldn't exactly call her tone warm and friendly, but she wasn't really cold either. She was definitely right about the family genes being strong though. She and I definitely looked like we were related.

"You knew my mother?" I asked.

"Not personally. We never got the chance to meet. I'm Monica, and well...I guess I'm your aunt." She replied nonchalantly, almost as if she didn't just drop a huge bombshell.

I had so many questions and had no idea what to even ask first.

"I'm assuming since you are here, you've discovered, or are trying to uncover your grandfather's past. From what I've seen, he did a real disservice to you and you're wondering what else he's hidden from you." Monica's face was blank of any emotion, almost as if she had been waiting for this day to come and was just ready to get it over with.