by DiAnn Mills
Tonight, if she refused to open the door, he’d resort to asking April to arrange a meeting. Carrie had emotional problems, and if she still thought he’d killed Russell, she might unload her gun on him. But he’d take the chance. He wanted five minutes to grieve together with her.
Russell’s funeral was scheduled for 10 a.m. Jason planned to be there and hoped Carrie didn’t deny him the opportunity to celebrate Russell’s life. He regretted Mom and Dad wouldn’t be at the services, but their condolences could be shared later.
He entered Carrie’s long lane and inched along the quarter mile to the restored farmhouse. He and Russell with Carrie and Lily had spent hours fixing, replacing, and adding to the charm of the century-old home. Memories cut into his heart.
Jason parked and waited for Carrie to check her driveway. When he saw a slight fluttering of the kitchen blinds, he left his truck, squeezing his keys into his palm before dropping them into his pocket.
The porch light came to life as he mounted the wooden steps leading to the door. He held his breath and knocked.
The door opened. Carrie wore a heavy robe wrapped tightly around her. Her dark-brown hair and pale face gave her an eerie look. She had to wade through this swamp for the welfare of her sons.
“Jason, why are you here?” Her voice trembled.
“Because Russell was Lily’s brother, and we’re family. We look out for each other. Grief is to be shared, not spent alone.”
Her lips quivered. “My sons are in bed. Pastor and his wife left about thirty minutes ago.” Her shoulders slumped.
“Can we talk out here?” He pointed to the swing where she’d rocked Isabella after Lily’s funeral and wept kisses on his daughter’s face.
In the porch light, she shook. He smelled alcohol, and the realization of where she was trying to find peace brought a lump in his throat.
“Please,” he said. “Imagine Lily is with me.”
“I miss her so. She was the best sister-friend I ever had. Why did you let her die? You could have done more.”
This wasn’t the time for Jason to address Carrie’s imbalanced emotions. “I’m sorry. I really believe the doctors did all they could.”
“But now she’s gone.” Despite her words, Carrie stepped over the threshold in a point of reconciliation. She positioned herself at the far end of the swing and gripped the chain that secured it to the porch ceiling as though it were a lifeline.
He sat at the other end. “Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“Russell’s gone, and I don’t know how to go on. I felt the same when Lily died. But now I don’t want to face another day.”
April had shown him how listening to people who were hurting demonstrated compassion, a trait he desperately needed. He needed to let Carrie toss all the verbal daggers. “What else, Carrie?”
“My sons will forget their daddy’s face, forget the things he did for them, how much he loved them. I hurt so badly I wish I’d died with Russell.” She pulled the rope of her belt tighter as though to hold in the pain. “The ironic truth is no matter how much I want to despise you for being alive, only you know how I feel.”
“I do,” he said. “Some days are better than others. Some days I’m angry at God and then glad He freed Lily from the pain. Such a dichotomy.”
“And what about Willis? How am I supposed to find peace with him missing and a person of interest?” She shook her head. “Those three words tear me apart. My brother a person of interest in my husband’s death.” She slowly faced him. “The FBI has to be wrong. They think my brother arranged the murder of my husband and set you up? Never. The thought is like someone stabbed my heart.” She sighed. “Willis stretches my patience, but murder? And why?”
Jason stared up at the night filled with stars, looking for clarity, a word or phrase to ease her. Mom would see Carrie as a soul in distress. Her soft weeping broke nature’s night songs.
“We’ll soon have answers.”
“I wonder if Billie has someone telling her what’s happening.”
Was that a ploy? “I have no idea. She hasn’t contacted you?”
She shook her head.
Jason stifled a sigh. “Carrie, who is driving you to the funeral tomorrow?”
“Kevin offered since Willis is gone. I’d hoped Mom and Dad would come. But Willis said Dad’s struggling with dementia, and Mom won’t leave him. She hasn’t even called, and Willis asked me not to bother her. Said it would be too devastating for her to leave Dad.” Carrie touched a tissue to her nose. “She’ll find out eventually. Seeing life through my brother’s eyes is hard. But he is the favored son, so I’ll do as he says.”
“I’m sorry.” The lack of caring didn’t sound like the older Lennox woman. Suspicion nipped at his mind. Were the older couple even aware of Russell’s death?
“Dad’s physical health is deteriorating, so I understand Mom’s reluctance. Please tell me you’ll be there.”
“Of course.”
She retrieved a tissue from her pocket. “How he loved you and Lily.” Carrie sniffed.
“Do you mind if I bring FBI Agent April Ramos?”
“Does she think Willis murdered Russell?”
“She only wants the truth, like me.”
“I think that would be fine. I’d like to meet her.” She closed her eyes. “Russell didn’t have a malicious bone in his body. He loved and cared for us, even Willis. Said Willis had a good spot somewhere, and he’d find it.” Her voice broke, and she paused as though to gain control. “For my sons’ sake, I want to get past tomorrow and go on with our lives.”
“Law enforcement won’t stop until Russell’s killer is found, I’m certain. I’ll keep looking too.”
“Good.” She sighed. “I’m tired, and tomorrow’s a long day.”
His signal to leave. “Thanks for talking to me.” He headed toward the porch steps, relieved he’d followed his instincts to talk to her.
“Jason,” Carrie said.
“Yes.” He turned.
“Russell didn’t tell me you two had quarreled. Willis told me about the argument, said Russell didn’t want to worry me with it. Does this mean my brother knows who shot my husband?”
53
AS THE HOUR MOVED toward 9:30 p.m., April sat in the dark of Vicki and Ted’s living room. Her coffee-soaked sweatshirt was spinning in the washing machine, and she wore a sweater Vicki had purchased for her. Occasionally a car drove by, headlights spilling into the room like the sun shining through an eastern window and revealing tabletop decor and lamps. Then the light would vanish, hiding all traces of the life inside.
Four days ago, she’d never heard of Jason Snyder, Isabella, Vicki and Ted, Miss Ella, or any of the fine people she’d met in Sweet Briar. Now Jason’s existence was entwined with hers in a peculiar way. She craved and feared what his presence meant in her life. She drew in a weary breath. Jason Snyder, what have you done to me?
How had her ordered life taken such a detour in less than a week? Prior to this weekend, she depended on established habits and her career to stay in balance. But now she had a new priority—God.
Would Jason be part of her new life? And Isabella? Were their sweet conversations about new fragile feelings and kisses merely a way to relieve tension? She hoped not.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the scent of a home not her own, a lingering of cinnamon and apples tossed with a measure of love. Inside her cottage, sage and lavender welcomed her. She treasured both scents.
Headlights targeted the driveway, and she opened her eyes. The vehicle stopped on the driveway. The wandering Jason had arrived. As much as she questioned where he’d been, she hadn’t felt a need to text him. She’d learn soon enough. She flipped on a lamp and met him at the door.
“Am I past my curfew?” He grinned.
“Not at 9:45.”
He closed the door and enveloped her in his arms, a warm surprise. “I paid Carrie a visit.”
“How is she?”
“In shock
. Confused.”
An awareness of being in his arms soothed her longing to be home. “Were you able to talk?”
He nodded. “Carrie told me a couple of things.” His voice held a wisp of sadness.
“We can sit and chat.”
They sat together on the sofa, and he took her hand. “First I want to hear what went on with Brenda.”
She gave a quick rundown. “Brenda’s protecting Joey like a she-bear. But I feel sorry for her. Anyway, I requested a subpoena for her cell phone records and financials and learned Simon was one step ahead of me. Hope to have the info tomorrow.” She held up her hand. “I want to hear about your evening.”
“Willis invented an argument to discredit me in Carrie’s eyes.” Jason outlined his conversation with Carrie, mentioning that the senior Lennoxes wouldn’t be at the funeral. “Willis is one selfish man, and Carrie is no stranger to his low-crawling attitude. But why keep a mother and daughter apart?”
“People aren’t born thieves, killers, or any other base behavior. Surely there is an ounce of decency in him. If we could tap into it, the case might unravel.”
“If only he’d changed with Billie and Zack. Become a new man.” He paused. “Carrie wants to meet you at the funeral.”
“I’d like that.” April wanted an opportunity to speak to Carrie too. But her husband’s funeral wasn’t the appropriate place to ask questions. Still it bothered April that Carrie had lied about Russell and Jason’s supposed argument, even though she suffered from emotional issues.
Jason stared out the window facing the street. “We have company.” A set of headlights moved behind his truck.
April’s apprehension sailed with the lengthy list of those who might have arrived at the Snyder home.
“Expecting anyone?” Jason said.
“Not unless you ordered pizza.” She shook her head. “Bad joke.” She pulled her Glock from her shoulder bag.
The doorbell rang. “I’ve got this,” he said.
At the sound of a woman’s voice, April approached the front door.
“Hi, Brenda,” he said. “Come on in.”
Brenda was the last person April expected tonight.
“Evening, Jason. Is April available?” Her voice quavered.
“I am.” April faced the woman who’d thrown coffee on her earlier.
Brenda reached out her hand, and she took it. “An apology is in order, and I’m sorry. Really sorry. Are you burned? Because—”
“No worries,” April said. “I’m fine. Can I get you something?”
“I had a great cup of coffee before I threw it.” Her lips trembled. “I’ve done a few miserable things in my life. Tonight is near the top. I was so angry but not at you.”
April’s interpretation of what happened had been right. “All is forgiven. Want to sit here or in the kitchen?”
“Here’s fine.” Brenda slid into a chair.
“I’ll leave you two ladies to talk.” Jason retreated to the kitchen. Out of sight yet he could hear every word.
“Thank you for seeing me,” Brenda began. “I’ve spent a little time tonight soul-searching about what is best for Joey. I’m sure you’ve done your research and discovered her dad raised her. When she arrived on my doorstep less than two years ago, I thought I’d been given a second chance at motherhood.” Brenda paused and moistened her lips. “Could I have a glass of water?”
April patted Brenda’s hand and rose to retrieve it. When she presented the water, the woman struggled with her emotions. She took a sip and nodded, as though the extra few seconds had calmed her.
April tried to focus on what it might be like to have a wayward child who’d committed serious offenses. She leaned closer. “I’m sorry. It’s impossible for me to understand because I’m not a mother. What I know is disappointments are difficult to bear, but when they are inflicted by those we love, the pain is tremendous.”
“At first, I believed she simply needed a mother in her life. But it wasn’t too long before I detected the signs of drug abuse. Money disappeared from my wallet. I confronted her and offered to pay for rehab. She agreed. Twice. Both times she reverted to drugs. No idea where she got the cocaine. And like a fool, I repeatedly gave her money. Occasionally she opened up to me, and we experienced wonderful moments together.” Brenda shrugged. “Now I wonder if she was high then. I caught her stealing money again. She pawned my grandmother’s jewelry. Two weeks ago, I attempted to talk to her about rehab, but she blew her top and left.”
“I’m really sorry for what you’re going through.”
“I’m afraid for Joey. She’s been accused of terrible crimes, and I’m at a loss as to how I can help her. For her to hold Ted and Vicki at gunpoint, kidnap Jason’s baby, is deplorable. Perhaps Joey justified it since I abandoned her for a bottle of liquor.” Brenda’s hands shook, and she placed them in her lap. “I’ve been a fool thinking I could change her.”
Brenda abruptly stood and walked into the kitchen. April followed her. “Jason, I was the one who alerted Willis to you and April being at the motel. I was showing property nearby and saw your truck. Much of this is my fault. Please forgive me.”
Learning one more person was guilty of working for Willis had to try Jason’s patience.
“Brenda, I’m not saying this isn’t hard. But I forgive you if you can forgive me for not trying harder to be friends. Let’s hope we can move forward.”
“I want that. I’m done covering for Willis and pushing others away.” She stopped. “Admitting I’m wrong goes against my normal method of dealing with people. I’ve said incriminating things to the FBI about you, but there’s no substantiation in them at all. I’m sorry for that, too.”
“The question is why,” he said. “Did Willis prompt you?”
“He claimed you had vowed to destroy his credibility as county sheriff, and you were having an affair with Billie.”
He frowned. “That’s absolutely untrue.”
April gently brought the conversation back to Brenda’s daughter. “We need to find Joey. The address we have in northwest Houston isn’t valid.”
“She kept two addresses—mine and her Houston apartment. Joey values her privacy.” Brenda touched her fingertips to her lips. “Probably used the Houston address to get high.”
“Have you called her?”
“I tried, although she doesn’t like me contacting her. Says it’s disturbing.”
“May I have her number?”
Brenda produced a pen and pad of paper from her purse but stopped before writing anything. “Tomorrow is her twenty-third birthday.”
The same day as Russell’s funeral. Joey was wanted for assault, kidnapping, and theft. Drug abuse. Certainly not a birthday celebration for either mother or daughter.
“She’ll cast me out of her life for giving you her number.”
“What is the alternative?”
“She might change. I did.” Brenda’s hand with the pen hovered over the paper. “I feel like I’m betraying my own daughter, and yet she can’t go on this way. Why did she commit such horrid crimes? Is it money? Does every action of a lawbreaker trickle back to what money can buy?”
Was Brenda referring to her own past actions?
“Please, Brenda. I need to contact Joey. Perhaps I can reason with her.”
Brenda blinked and jotted down the number. She tore off the piece of paper and handed it to April. It was the same cell number the FBI had on file, which had been disconnected.
“Will you call me if you hear from her?” April said.
She hesitated. “I should, and I want to. When depressed, she threatens to take her life. When she’s stressed, she panics and reacts in outlandish behavior.”
April remembered Joey shoving Isabella into her arms. “The charges against your daughter are serious. If I can talk to her, persuade her to turn herself in, I can arrange care and counseling.”
“I’ll do my best. She disappears when she’s using.”
“What is her
relationship with Willis?”
“She’s had dinner with him and me twice. Sulked the whole meal. Claimed to dislike him.”
Could have been part of a charade. “Who are her friends?”
“I’ve never heard her mention anyone. I’ve asked, but she said friends were personal, and I wouldn’t like them.”
“Does she have a job?”
“Off and on. No idea where she’s working, if at all.”
“Tell me about the last time you spoke with her.”
“Joey called to tell me she had a new job. From the high pitch of her voice and how fast she was talking, I assumed she was high. She said she’d call later when she got home. But she must have forgotten.”
“Do you have a recording of Joey’s voice?”
“Why?”
“It will help the investigation.”
“With her erratic behavior, I never know when will be the last time I see her.” Brenda wrung her hands. “If I refuse, I know you’ll get the recordings legally.”
“Are they on your phone?”
Brenda gave her device to April. “Check voice mail.”
April recorded two separate calls with Joey’s voice and sent them to Simon. “Thank you. Does she have a car?”
“I bought her a truck, but she sold it for an old, dented Honda.”
That car matched the description of the one Joey drove to Houston with Isabella.
“April, has Willis drawn her into his scheme? I mean, he asked me to cover for him last night.” She touched her stomach.
“Are you okay?” April said softly.
“I think so. Seeing what Willis might have done to you last night makes me sick, physically. I’m sorry. Really sorry.” She took a deep breath. “He said if the FBI asked too many questions, to use his lawyer, David Canfield.”
April wondered how much Canfield was earning from all this. “You’ve taken a brave step in coming here tonight.”
“I wish I had the answers you need.”
“Have you told me everything about Joey and Willis?”
