Deadly Heritage

by Marissa Shrock

  Cal studied me. “Do you want to go in and have a seat, so you don’t have to talk to everyone?”

  I gave three emphatic nods, and we returned to the chapel where my brother Dakota headed straight for us. Because it was tax season, he and his wife Stella hadn’t been able to make it to the rehearsal, but Dakota had assured Wanda that he’d been an usher for five weddings and was an expert.

  Like me, Dakota was tall. We shared the same brown eyes and honey-colored hair, though he’d inherited his features from my mom’s side of the family. In fact, Dakota and J.T. looked more like brothers than first cousins, except Dakota wore dark-framed glasses.

  Dakota hugged me and then held out his hand to Cal, whom he’d met at Christmas. “Cal. Good to see you again, man.”

  “Likewise.”

  Dakota pointed to a pew at the front of the church. “I’ll take you up, so you can sit with Stella.” He held out his arm. “Mom told us you aren’t talking until after you sing, which I told her I’d have to see to believe.”

  I raised my eyebrows as we moved down the center aisle. The florist had finished the decorations, and bunches of white and pink roses adorned the ends of the pews.

  “Now I believe it.” He leaned over. “Will your wedding be next?” he whispered.

  I shrugged. I should’ve started collecting money from each person who asked me that, because I’d have a nice little nest egg by now. Enough for my own escape-the-nasty-Indiana-weather excursion.

  “I need to know if I should vet this guy or not. He was pretty quiet at Christmas. I’m never too sure about the quiet ones.” He stopped next to our pew.

  Spoken like a true Winston.

  I turned to give Stella a hug. Her petite frame reminded me of my mom’s build, though Stella had waist-length black hair that was shiny enough to be in a shampoo commercial.

  “Are you nervous about singing?” she whispered.

  I shook my head.

  “That’s good. I’d be passed out in the bathroom.” She brushed lint from the sleeve of her red sheath dress. “Hey, Cal.” She waved.

  “Hey.” He removed his buzzing phone from his pocket. “Excuse me, ladies. I need to take this call.” He strode up the aisle.

  “Are you guys next?” Stella glanced over her shoulder.

  I shrugged and smoothed my dress’s hem. Why had Cal stepped out? Was he going to leave?

  “Excuse me,” I mouthed and slipped out of my seat to follow him.

  Mom and Dan gave me puzzled looks as I passed. The chapel had filled with guests—mostly family and a few of Grandpa and Wanda’s close friends. When I reached the multi-purpose room, I found Cal on his phone, facing the corner near the coffee bar. I edged closer.

  “Now’s not the time to tell them.” He paused. “I know. You’re right.” He squeezed the bridge of his nose. “I’ll handle it as soon as I can. Thanks, Vanessa.” He disconnected.

  “Handle what? What’s wrong?”

  Surprise flickered in his eyes as he faced me and pressed his lips together. “Let’s go back inside. The wedding’s about to start.” He pointed to the sanctuary door.

  “You had a break in Beverly’s case, didn’t you?”

  He arched an eyebrow. “I see you’ve given up on your vow of silence.”

  “At this point, it’s not going to make much difference.” I’d be done singing in twenty minutes.

  “I see.” He rested his hand on my shoulder. “We’ll talk after the ceremony.”

  The anguish in his eyes caused my stomach to plummet. “You know who killed Beverly.”

  He looked away. “No. We don’t.” He stalked toward the chapel. “But we do have a new lead. I promise I’ll fill you in. Just not now.”

  I glanced around the empty room. “Please tell me,” I whispered.

  He stopped, put both hands on my arms, and looked into my eyes. “Georgia, you’re going to have to trust me that it’s best to have this conversation after the wedding.”

  I ran my thumb back and forth over my purse. “Okay.”

  Trust. Why was that so hard for me?

  We returned to the chapel in silence.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  As Cal and I scooted into the pew, Grandpa and Pastor Mark took their places at the front. Behind them, the white trees sparkled in the dim light. Cal grasped my hand and squeezed it.

  The pianist played “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” and we stood as Wanda walked down the aisle between her sons Tyler and Todd.

  Wanda’s silver, floor-length gown shimmered. She carried a bouquet of pink and white roses with silver accents. I turned my gaze to Grandpa, who was beaming.

  Would Cal ever look at me that way? Did I still want him to? The thought struck me so hard, I had to grab the back of the pew in front of me.

  “You may be seated,” Pastor Mark said.

  I shot Cal a weak smile, and he reached for my hand.

  “What a joyous day for the Morris and Winston families. I never cease to be amazed when God brings two people together.”

  Was God bringing me together with Cal? Or was he warning me not to move ahead? I touched the necklace Cal had given me for my birthday.

  “Instead of having a small, private ceremony, Wanda and Ron opted to have a wedding because they wanted to celebrate the joining of their families. We’ll begin with scripture, which Ron’s granddaughter Michelle will read.”

  I couldn’t bring myself to focus as Michelle read from Ephesians five. My eyes fell on Dakota, who was gripping Stella’s hand. They’d met in college, but I’d never asked my brother when he’d known he wanted to marry her.

  Cal nudged me. “You’re up.”

  Michelle was moving back to her seat. When I approached the front of the chapel, a tiny wave of apprehension vibrated in my gut. I loved performing, but nervousness always hit me at the last second.

  The music began, and I launched into the opening bars of “How Beautiful.” As I sang the chorus, I caught Hamlet’s eye. He smiled, and it was clear he was enjoying my performance. I glanced at my boyfriend, who sat stone-faced.

  Was it because of the news he’d received? Or did he not like my voice—or me anymore?

  After the ceremony ended, Cal and I worked our way through the receiving line and congratulated Grandpa and Wanda. Then, I dragged Cal away from the crowd toward the offices. “Now will you tell me what’s going on?”

  “Yes.” He waved Dakota and Stella over to where we were standing next to the coatracks.

  “What’re you—?”

  “Hey,” Cal said as they approached. “I need to talk to you and your sister. I’d like your mom and stepdad to be in on it too. Have you seen them?”

  Concern flickered in Dakota’s expression. “What’s this about?”

  “I’ll tell you in a minute.” Cal’s tone left no room for argument.

  Dakota and I exchanged glances.

  “I’ll find them.” Stella walked away, her hair swishing.

  “Let’s find an empty Sunday school room,” Dakota said.

  “Oh, Georgia, you sounded beautiful.” Mallory Morris flitted over to us. “No one would ever know you suffered from smoke inhalation. Your voice was as clear as a bell.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Why, Dakota Winston.” She turned to my brother and gave him the once over. “Look at you. All grown up and handsome. What’re you doing these days?” She tilted her head and batted her eyes.

  “I’m a CPA.” He jingled some change in his pocket. “And I’m married,” he added quickly.

  “Lucky girl. I saw her sitting with you. She’s absolutely gorgeous. Such perfect hair.” Mallory flipped her shoulder-length hair. “I never could grow mine that long, so I envy any girl who can. Oh well. God gave me great legs instead.”

  I coughed. Great legs that she wasn’t afraid to show off in that short dress of hers.

  “It was nice seeing you again, Mrs. Morris.” Dakota turned toward Cal. “You follow college basketball?”


  “Sure do,” Cal said.

  “You can call me Mallory now.” She took the hint and sauntered away.

  “Not in this lifetime,” Dakota muttered.

  Stella, Mom, and Dan approached, and Cal led the way to an empty Sunday school room, and the memory of our argument in one of these classrooms resurfaced.

  He’d hated my involvement in the youth pastor’s murder investigation and hadn’t appreciated all the questions I’d been asking.

  We entered the room where Cal and I had fought, and I shut the door behind us.

  He motioned to the table in the middle of the room. “Please have a seat.”

  “What’s this about?” Mom asked as she sat in the chair Dan pulled out for her.

  “I’m sorry to interrupt your celebration, but Georgia overheard part of my conversation with Detective Hawk earlier, so I wanted to tell you we have a new lead.”

  “About Beverly Alspaugh’s case?” Confusion played in Dan’s expression as he asked the question I was sure we were all thinking.

  Then, understanding dawned in my mind, and my breath caught. The cases couldn’t be connected, could they? But why else would Cal be talking to us instead of Beverly’s family? Why else would he refuse to tell me before the wedding?

  “Yes.” Cal folded his hands and rested them on the table. “We’ve received the ballistics report from Beverly’s murder.”

  “And?” My voice wavered.

  Cal met my eyes. “The same gun that killed Beverly was used to kill Ray Winston.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  “You’ll figure it out, Georgia Rae. God has something special planned for you.”

  Those weren’t Daddy’s very last words to me, but it was something he’d said during the final meaningful conversation we’d had that long weekend of fall break during my senior year in college. I’d been in the middle of student teaching and had discovered that my passion for playing piano and singing didn’t translate to teaching music.

  My elementary school placement had been particularly trying, because I was convinced if one more kiddo tattled about something insipid, I was going to have a tantrum that would send them to the principal for refuge.

  And I didn’t care.

  But my Winston family pride—and lots of prayers—had helped me persevere and graduate with a degree in music education.

  “Georgia?” Cal’s voice ripped me back to the present and into the Sunday school room. For the second time in less than two weeks, I’d zoned out in front of him. I hadn’t scared him off yet, but this might do it.

  Dan had his arm around Mom, and she dabbed tears with his handkerchief. Dakota and Stella held hands. Clearly, everyone was eager for answers, and the last thing I wanted was to be the reason for a hold up. “Sorry. Go on.” I pressed my hands together to stop the shaking.

  “She’s as white as a sheet,” Stella murmured as she dug around in her sequined clutch. She produced a roll of chewy mints and slid them across the table. “Have some sugar.”

  “Thanks.” With my trembling fingers, I popped a mint from the package and slipped it into my mouth.

  “Are you sure you’re okay?” Cal’s eyes blazed with concern, and he reached over and took my hand.

  “Yeah.” I ignored my feelings and focused on the facts. “Why would the murderer be dumb enough to use the same gun twice? Why not get rid of it? Hasn’t this person ever watched CSI?”

  “Excellent questions, and I’ll do everything I can to get answers.” Cal stroked his thumb across my hand and then looked at everyone.

  “We have to tell Grandpa,” I said.

  “No way.” Dakota shook his head. “Let him enjoy the reception. He’s not been this happy since Grandma died. We can’t ruin his wedding day.”

  “I agree,” Mom said.

  Dan held up his hands. “I’ll stay out of this one.”

  Of course Dan wouldn’t take sides. “Grandpa deserves answers too.”

  “And he’ll have them.” Dakota crossed his arms. “We can tell him tomorrow before he leaves for Florida.”

  My brother was right, but whether we told Grandpa today or tomorrow, this revelation would be forever tied to his wedding. “Fine. We’ll wait.” We just had to make it through the reception.

  Cal looked around the table. “I need you to think about any additional connections between Beverly and Ray that we might not know about.”

  We all glanced around the table in silence.

  “Other than Ray’s high school relationship with Beverly’s daughter?” Mom asked. “I wish I knew. Beverly was our neighbor for years. A good friend.” She shook her head, and tears filled her eyes. “None of this makes any sense.”

  A knock broke the silence.

  “Georgia Rae? Dakota? Are you in there? We need you for pictures.” Aunt Rhonda opened the door and peeked in. “What on Earth is going on?”

  I hopped up. “We’re coming. Sorry. We were talking about what to get Preston and Austin for their birthday in a few weeks.” It was a lame excuse, but there was no way we could let Aunt Rhonda know if we wanted to keep this news from Grandpa. I hoped everyone in the room would follow my lead—especially since they were the ones who didn’t want to tell.

  Aunt Rhonda frowned. “You had to do this in a secret meeting? Why?”

  Like aunt, like niece.

  Dan studied his Italian loafers, and Mom looked like she was about two seconds from cracking.

  “They have friends everywhere, so we have to keep our discussions on the down low if we want to surprise them.” Dakota caught my eye.

  “They sure do.” Dan shoved his hands in his pockets. “Those boys of mine have never known a stranger.”

  Stella coughed, and Cal’s face remained expressionless.

  Aunt Rhonda flipped her piercing gaze back and forth between Dakota and me. “Well, we’re not getting any younger.”

  “We’re coming,” I said. “Sorry for the delay.”

  Grandpa loved his restored Oliver 77 Row Crop tractor. After pictures, Tyler had hurried ahead to the event center and moved the tractor near the entrance. Our families waited in the foyer until Grandpa and Wanda arrived in their limo, and then we’d rushed outside. I’d taken several great candid shots of Grandpa’s surprised expression. With tears shining in his eyes, he’d kissed his bride.

  Cal and I entered the reception hall that Wanda and I had transformed the day before. Round tables draped with silver tablecloths dotted the room, and each table held white candles encircled with pink roses. To our right, a buffet table laden with warming dishes invited us to dive in.

  We found our seats near the front of the room next to the cake table, which displayed a three-tiered cake adorned with pink and white sugar flowers. Big band music played over the speakers. When Cal and I arrived at our table in the front, Mom and Dan were there with Stella and Dakota.

  Cal pulled out my chair, and as I sat, I surveyed the empty seats to my left between Dakota and me. “I wonder who else is going to sit here.”

  Aunt Rhonda and Uncle Gary had a full table for their family, and Wanda’s sons had tables for their families, so they were out.

  Hamlet strode over to us.

  Cal muttered something under his breath that I couldn’t decipher.

  Hamlet held out his table card. “It looks like I’m joining you.” He shook Dakota’s hand, but instead of taking the chair closest to my brother, he hung his suit jacket on the back of the chair next to me and plopped down. “It was so kind of your grandparents to include me since I’m just the sound man.”

  Cal glared at him.

  “Shall we get some appetizers?” Mom asked. “They announced we’re free to help ourselves.”

  “Absolutely.” Cal stood up, and we made our way to the table, which held vegetables, dip, crackers, and cheese, as well as assorted fruit.

  Even though a rock had taken up residence in my gut, I filled my plate with a couple of crackers, a block of cheese, and three strawberries before windin
g my way through the tables to our home base.

  Hamlet had an extra skip in his step as he returned with a plate stacked with cheese cubes. He swayed along with the music. I hoped he was smart enough not to ask me to dance, or Cal would probably put a fist in his face.

  “Hamlet Miller.” Mallory approached our table. “Just the man I’m looking for.”

  This was going to be interesting.

  Dakota smirked and put his arm around Stella.

  “How may I help you, Mrs. Morris?” Hamlet stood and faced her. “I’m afraid my bachelorette party performance was a one-time deal.”

  “I know. Too bad. You’re quite gifted.” She tittered. “Anyway. I’ve been thinking about what a fine catch you’d be, and I have the perfect young lady in mind for you.” She leaned against his chair and tilted her head.

  Life Lesson #589: Always travel with a barf bag.

  “Really?” He adjusted his tie. “That’s very thoughtful. What can you tell me about her?” The dim light did nothing to disguise his red face.

  Cal leaned back, crossed his arms, and the edge of his mouth twitched. I didn’t dare look at him or I’d erupt into a shriek of laughter for sure. All the tension had to come out somehow.

  “Her name is Carmen, and she loves musical theater. She’s my daughter-in-law’s sister.” Mallory displayed her phone. “Isn’t she pretty? She has a nice little figure, too.” Mallory winked.

  “Actually, Mrs. Morris, that’s a picture of a pug.”

  Hamlet deserved a Tony Award for his straight face and kind tone.

  Mallory pressed her hand to her chest. “Oh, silly me. That’s my dog, Wiggles. I got this new phone a while back, and I don’t know how to use it.” She swiped her fingers over the screen. “How about this?” She tipped the phone so he could see.

  I strained to get a look. Carmen was dark-haired and gorgeous. I occupied myself with sticking a pepper jack cheese cube on a cracker. It was none of my business anyway.

  “Yes, she’s attractive,” Hamlet said.