2 Months Later

The police conducted an investigation that night, but ultimately the evidence was inconclusive. Branden had hit his head on the side of the pool, was knocked out, and drowned. He could have been pushed, but he also may have fallen. The authorities knew that Hillary would have more information, but she couldn't be found.

For 2 months, Hazel lived in fear as she grieved for Branden. She was sure that Hillary had pushed him in the pool, and she hoped the police would track her down.

It was at about this time that Hazel became quite sick with some kind of flu. Her sister, Heidi, who was busy pursuing a political career decided to take a few weeks off of work to care for her. The recent murder wasn't helping her reputation in the community anyway. Some time off would do her good.

After 3 weeks of battling what she thought was the stomach flu, Hazel went to the doctor. They had her take a pregnancy test. It was positive.

She was simultaneously filled with joy and sadness. It was Branden's baby, but he wouldn't be able to share in the joys of parenthood with her.

She knew what she had to do. It was time to move, into a home of her own - away from the memories of Branden's death, away from the stresses of seeing her ailing father, Henry. She needed to start a better life for herself and her child.

She moved into a small cottage on the north side of town:

Hazel's New Home

Hazel's New Home - Interior