He laughed and slapped his knee again before settling back into the seat of his lawn mower, making the springs squeak. “Sorry to disappoint, but I didn’t kill her.”

I squinted at him again.

“I know. I know. That’s exactly what a murderer would say, but I didn’t. Even if people think I had motive.”

I tilted my head in question.

“Bah, don’t go acting all innocent.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m sure you’ve heard all about my father’s will.”

“I heard maybe you wanted the land that came with the family house.”

He nodded, suddenly looking much older. “It’s a pretty spot. I used to tell Connie when we were kids all about my big plans to have a few animals back there.” A smile touched the corner of his mouth. “She was a different person then.”

I wanted to tell him again I was sorry for his loss, even if it had been a lifetime ago, but I wasn’t sure how he’d take it.

“When the time came, though, none of that made a bit of difference. Connie had made up her mind, and there was no changing it.”

“That’s what I don’t understand, and I know I have no right to be asking you this, but—”

“You had no right to stand in front of my lawn mower, but that didn’t stop you.”

I fixed him with another look. “Everyone I’ve talked to has made it clear how you all felt about one another, but sibling rivalries don’t seem to explain the level of contempt Constance must have felt to cut you all out of your father’s estate.”

The question had been percolating for a while. At first, I had been focused solely on why Rip Sr. had left everything to Constance, but now I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe the bigger question was why Constance hadn’t split up the estate.

John’s face darkened. “Now you’re getting into some private family business, girl.”

I knew it. There was more to the story. It didn’t make me feel any better, though, about what I was going to say. “Your brother implied you held the most resentment toward Constance.”

“My brother! You’ve been talking to my brother? If you’re looking for a suspect, I’d start with him. He’s always hated Connie, and he tried to get us to hate her too. Sure, Dad was easier on her, but that was no excuse.”

I shook my head. “But what would his motive be? I know he wanted Graves House, but it’s in terrible shape, and the apple orchard is beautiful.”

“The apple orchard! He let you believe that was his, did he?”

“It’s not?”

“It all belongs to his father-in-law. And between you and me, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’ll be calling him his ex-father-in-law soon. I just can’t believe it’s taken Maureen this long to come to her senses.” A tremor ran over John’s face. Beatty had mentioned the brothers had fought over the same woman. I guess Rip had been the one to marry her. Time obviously hadn’t healed that wound.