“They’ll get over it. Besides, you deserve a bigger audience than Madden’s weekly newspaper. As your instincts told you all along, the story was more than just one young girl who was murdered. Focusing not just on Rosie but also on the mothers in the story—Wynona, Fern, Molly, Cassie, and even your own mother—is powerful. Cassie would love it.” Jack bent over at the waist, bowing to her. “I am humbled by your journalistic instincts.”
Enid blushed. “Oh, stop it. I couldn’t have done it without you, and you know it.”
“I’m serious. You did a great job. When you first came to Madden, I thought you were crazy.” He swirled his finger in a circle. “And you were, just a bit. But you were also determined and your compassion for Rosie and her memory inspired me. I think your series will get picked up by the AP and go national.” He punched her arm gently with his finger. “In fact, Cade and I are going to lean on our contacts to make sure it does.”
Enid looked down at the ground to avoid Jack’s gaze. “What happened to Cade’s story about police corruption in small towns like Madden—the one he’s writing with Madelyn’s help?” Enid almost choked saying her name.
“He’s going forward with it, but he’s going to wait a while so he doesn’t take anything away from your series.”
Enid watched Jack rub his neck, and smiled to herself. She would miss him and his familiar mannerisms. “That was considerate of him.”
“He loves you, you know. I think he hates this split between you two more than you do.” He kicked the little rock again with his toe. “Sometimes people just need a change, and they’re willing to pay almost any price for it. And, sometimes that price is steep—more than the person bargained for.”
Enid wasn’t sure if Jack was talking about Cade or her. “Thanks for the offer to go to Charleston, but I need to get these articles written if I’m going to meet my deadline. And I need to have a long talk with Cade. Then I’ll figure out where to go from there.”
Jack put his hand under her chin and raised her face to look at him. “Don’t read anything into my invitation. The only way I can deal with my grief is to stay busy, and I need a work partner, that’s all.” He tapped the tip of her nose gently with his finger. “We’re pretty good at working together, don’t you think?”
Enid stammered. “No, I know . . . I mean, yes. Yes, we work pretty good together.”
“What I need now is a really good friend, that’s all. And I suspect you do too. So, you’ll think about it then? If not Charleston, then maybe another story later. The invitation is open—when you’re ready. He frowned. “Unless you’re thinking of going back to that god-awful bank job.”
“I don’t think they’d have me.”
Jack held the door as she got in. “Their loss indeed.”
Enid lowered the car window. “What’s your story in Charleston about?”
Jack turned and started walking back toward his house. As he got near the front steps, he turned and called out to Enid. “Come on down and buy me that handkerchief. Then I’ll tell you.”
Thank you for reading Murder in Madden, a fictional story inspired by the real-life murder of Hope Gibson. Like Rosie, Hope is gone but not forgotten
* * *
Please visit Raegan at http://RaeganTeller.com and let her know if you enjoyed the book—or provide any other comments. She would love to hear from you.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
It takes a village to write a book. Without my village, and without their love, support, and encouragement, I would never have published this book.
The chief of my village is my wonderful husband, William Earl Craig. Over the past three years, he has been neglected and subjected to all my writer’s moods. He has also helped me work through plot points, create characters, and find errors in my manuscript. He cooked and cleaned when I was too busy to stop working. But the best thing he did was give me a hug when I was discouraged and tell me, “I’m proud of you.” In every way, this is “our” book.
My sister, Jane Cook, who writes poetry and stories as “Jane Marie,” has also been a big supporter throughout this process. In fact, she wrote the poem for my book, “If Today.” Her unwavering confidence in her “little sister” helped me stay focused.
Every writer needs someone who helps her get started. Al Watt of L.A. Writers Lab guided me through the first draft of Murder in Madden—and a couple revisions. Most importantly, he helped me dig deep and discover the real story. Every writer should experience working with Al.
After several more revisions, I was nearly finished when I met Bill Looney, author of Hunting the Storm and three other suspense novels. Contrary to what he may tell you, I would have finished without his constant nagging. (Okay, so maybe it did help a bit.) Nonetheless, I am grateful for his encouragement, support, and friendship.
The wise woman of my village is Ramona DeFelice Long, my developmental editor. Her patience and encouragement in working with a first-time novelist was appreciated. I am especially grateful for the valuable insights she shared with me that will take years off my learning curve.
I also want to thank our writers group, Indie Authors NE. They have become ardent supporters and good friends. I hope I can make them as proud of me as I am of them.
And my dear friend John Bennett, you have been with me every step of the way. Thanks for your love and unwavering belief in me.
Finally, I want to acknowledge Wilbur Vaughan, a South Carolina coroner; Penny at the American Goat Association; and Dr. Stefanie Oppenheim of UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Lab for their research assistance.
There are many others in my village who provided support and friendship along the way. Please know how much I appreciate all of you for being on this remarkable journey with me.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
As the saying goes, “you can’t pick your relatives.” But if you’re a fiction writer, you can pick your name. Raegan Teller is the nom de plume for Wanda Bryant Craig, a communications consultant and business writer in Columbia, South Carolina. She has also been a marketing manager, executive coach, and insurance manager—among other things. While working her way through school, she even sold burial vaults at a cemetery. How apropos is that for a mystery writer!
Murder in Madden Page 24
