Page 34 of Texas Cold Case Murder

They didn’t run into any traffic accidents on the way to Ellen Carter’s house. Nina was right; the neighborhood was a big step up from the trailer park where Anna had lived with her mother. He couldn’t help but wonder if a lack of financial stability had played a role in Anna’s death. Desperate people did desperate things. And he still thought Anna may have gone into a life of prostitution.

“That’s the house.” Nina’s tone was ripe with anticipation. “It’s in the middle of that cul-de-sac.”

“She might not be home,” he cautioned.

“I know.” Nina practically had her face pressed to the window. “But I see a television on inside.”

Jackson pulled into the driveway and killed the engine. He turned to face her. “I’m going to let you take the lead with Ellen. Stay focused on finding out more about your mother, without mentioning the fact she was murdered.”

“Got it.” Her expression turned serious. “I think you’re right that she’s more likely to confide in me if she thinks I just want to know about my mom. Not that we’re investigating two murders.”

“Exactly.” He flashed a grin. “Pretend I’m your boyfriend who just came along for the ride.”

He was joking, but her cheeks flushed red with embarrassment. She quickly turned away and pushed out of the car. He followed her up to the front door.

Nina rang the doorbell. There was a ring camera device, which made him wonder if Ellen Carter was planning not to answer.

He was wrong. The door swung open and the woman on the other side of the screen stared at Nina in shock. “Are you Anna’s daughter?”

“I am.” Nina smiled. “My name is Nina and this is—uh, my friend Jackson. Would you mind talking to me for a few minutes? I’m curious to learn more about my mother.”

Ellen hesitated a moment, then opened the door. “I can’t believe how much you look like her. For a moment I was back in high school.”

“I’ve been told I resemble her a lot.” Nina gazed around the house. “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thanks. I got to keep it after the divorce.” Ellen shrugged and gestured to the living room. “Come in, please sit down.” She led the way to the sofa, taking a moment to shut off the television. “Tell me about your mother. How is she doing? I feel terrible that we lost touch after graduation.”

“Unfortunately, my mother passed away when I was very young,” Nina said sadly. “I was adopted by a wonderful couple, a firefighter and his teacher wife, but I never knew anything about my mother. That’s why I’m here. You were friends with her, right?”

“Why, yes. Anna, Nancy and I were close friends.” Ellen’s expression turned solemn. “I had no idea Anna passed away. That’s terrible. Did she have cancer like her mother?”

“I’m not sure,” Nina hedged. “I was only told she died when I was young. Too young to remember her.” She managed a smile. “You and my mom were close, then?”

“Well, somewhat close.” Ellen leaned back against the sofa. “Your mom was very smart. She used to help me and Nancy with science and math.”

Jackson watched Ellen’s expression closely. He didn’t sense she was being evasive. But he thought he caught a flash of guilt in her gaze.

“I should have been a better friend,” Ellen suddenly blurted out.

“What do you mean?” Nina asked. “In the yearbook picture of the three of you studying in the library, everyone looked happy.”

“That picture was taken early in the year,” Ellen said. “Shortly after that, Anna started working as a housekeeper for a prominent family in the area because she needed extra money. The Tillmans,” she added at Nina’s confused look. Ellen sighed. “Anna told me she had a crush on their son, Douglas. He was several years older than she was, as he’d already graduated from college, but she told me they were secretly dating.”

“Really? My mom dated Douglas Tillman?” Nina repeated, looking stunned and excited at the news. Jackson knew she was wondering if Douglas was her biological father. “Did she say anything else about him?”

“Not really. To be honest I didn’t approve.” Ellen grimaced. “I didn’t really know him, but he was so much older than she was, and from a rich family. I warned Anna that he might be using her, but she claimed they were in love. Soon Anna was spending all her free time with him, and, well, Nancy and I pretty much turned our backs on her.” Ellen covered her face with her hands. “I can’t believe she died so young. We should have been nicer to her…”

“It’s okay, I’m sure my mom knew you cared.” Nina glanced at him, then leaned over to pat Ellen’s knee. “Please don’t be upset.”

Ellen swiped at her damp eyes. “The story gets worse,” she said in a hoarse tone. “Anna came to me crying one day, because she learned Douglas was engaged to be married. And when she confronted him, he promised to break off his engagement. Only the next thing she knew, Doug was gone. His mother claimed he’d moved out to live with his new fiancée.” Ellen bit her lip. “Anna was crushed. She honestly believed he loved her. And she confided in me about her pregnancy. I told her he was using her as a sidepiece and that she should have known better to get involved with him. Next thing I know, Anna dropped out of school.” Ellen frowned. “I wonder if she found out about her cancer after she had you.” Nina realized that Ellen figured that was what had killed her. “That happened to another friend of mine. I feel terrible, now. More than ever. I was such a lousy friend, I didn’t go visit her.”

Anna had told Ellen about being pregnant. That was interesting. Jackson could see the shock in Nina’s eyes as the realization hit her, too.

“I’m sorry,” Ellen said after a moment. “I guess I’ve been feeling bad about this for years. Seeing you, looking so much like her, brought it all back.”

“It’s okay.” Nina’s smile was strained. “I appreciate your candor. And truly, you shouldn’t blame yourself. If my mother was sick, she should have told you and Nancy, rather than keeping the information to herself.”

“I still should have been there for her.” Ellen’s expression was full of self-reproach. “I should have been a better friend.”