Dangerous Mercy: A Novel (25 page)

Jude finished addressing the media and then went down the hall to Gil Marcel’s office. He knocked on the open door, and Gil looked up from his desk and put half a doughnut back in the Krispy Kreme sack.

“Come in, Sheriff. I was just finishing my lunch.”

“You really should do something about that doughnut addiction. You need brain food.”

“Yeah, I know. When I’m involved in a case, my self-discipline goes out the window.”

Jude walked over and stood in front of Gil’s desk. “Found anything on Jeanette Stein?”

Gil wiped his mouth with a napkin. “You mean other than she’s a good wife, mother, friend, neighbor, and a weekly volunteer at hospice?”

“I was hoping you uncovered some deep, dark secret that would help us connect the dots.”

“Afraid not. We’ve talked to a number of coworkers at Aubry. But the two who knew her beyond a
hi-how-are-you?
don’t work there anymore. We’re looking for them now.”

“The coworkers who are still there—what did they tell you?”

“Just that Jeanette was pretty. Nice dresser. A little shy. According to the HR director, Cecilia Nunn, her male coworkers tripped over themselves being nice to her, but she wasn’t a flirt.”

“Her sister said she was dating someone.”

“Her boss thought so too but never saw Jeanette with anyone. She appreciated that Jeanette was modest, hardworking, and
competent
—and that she kept her private life out of the office.”

“Did she say why Jeanette left?”

“She took a job with Davidson Software Solutions. For considerably more money. Aubry wasn’t willing to pay her that much so they wished her well and hired a replacement.”

“That’s it?”

Gil pushed the sack of doughnuts to the side. “I’m afraid so. But we’re still looking for the two coworkers she was closer to. They might know something that would help us.”

“What do the people at Davidson say?”

“Same thing, basically. She was good at what she did. During the time she worked there, she was very private. They didn’t even know she was dating someone until she got engaged to Barry Stein. She gave notice when she married him.”

Jude sighed. “Don’t tell me this is a dead end, Gil. It can’t be a dead end. Jeanette Stein is connected to these other murders. Keep digging.”

CHAPTER 26

Just before lunchtime, Adele sat in the sunroom, thumbing through the latest issue of
National Geographic
and watching Noah, who was down on all fours, working in the flower beds. He looked sad. It must be so hard on him, not working for the Langleys while the suspicion surrounding Flynn Gillis’s murder seemed to settle over him like a cloud. Vanessa seemed as sad as he. Surely the sheriff would clear his name soon?

Isabel’s voice startled her.

“The phone is for you, Mrs. Woodmore. It’s Murray.”

“Thank you, hon. I’ll take it right here.” She picked up the extension. “Well hello, Murray.” She glanced up in time to see the scowl on Isabel’s face before she left the room. “I was just sitting here with a magazine, enjoying a glass of lemonade and watching Noah work outside. He’s doing such a wonderful job with those flower beds.”

“Is this a bad time?”

“Not at all.”

“I’m getting back to you about setting up a time to go to Scoops. I’m free tomorrow afternoon around three thirty. I know that’s late in the day. And eating all that ice cream is liable to spoil your dinner.” His voice was playful.

“No doubt it will.” She laughed. “I’ll tell Isabel to take the evening off.”

“All right, then. I will pick you up at three thirty.”

“This time I’ll know to wear a pair of slacks and my Nikes.”

“You have Nikes?”

“Indeed I do. I ordered a pair over the phone. I’ve started walking again. I used to walk outside every day when I lived at Woodmore. It’ll be a little easier getting in the truck if I’m dressed for the big step up. I’m really looking forward to our outing.”

“Me, too. I’m bringing a footstool to make it easier for you getting in and out.”

“How thoughtful.”

“And if you have errands to run, we could do those at the same time.”

“We’ll see,” she said. “Right now, I’m just eager to try the Banana Mountain at Scoops.”

“Then I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”

“I’m looking forward to it. Good-bye, Murray.”

Adele hung up the phone, feeling a bit giddy. It was nice having something fun to look forward to—something out of the ordinary. Something that made her feel alive and not like an old prune. But even more important, she welcomed the chance to get to know Murray better.

Lord, thank You for this chance to touch his heart in whatever way I can. I sense he’s been very wounded and blames You.

Adele looked at the stained-glass dove hanging on the window. Maybe the conversation would be relaxed enough that she could broach the subject of God again.

She smiled. Regardless, it was going to be a fun afternoon. And Isabel had better keep her negativity to herself.

Zoe picked up the coffeepot and walked over to the table by the window, where Grace sat in her booster seat next to Father Sam and facing Hebert and Tex.

“Hi, Mama.” Grace flashed an elfin smile with giggles to match.

“Hi, sweet girl.” Zoe started pouring refills. “Pierce said your lunch orders are up next.”

“You handle this waitressing thing pretty well,” Tex said, looking uncharacteristically handsome in his dark sport coat and yellow shirt.

Zoe put two tiny tubs of creamer in front of Tex. “I can manage through the lunch hour—until the second shift takes over. It’s the least I could do so Savannah could be off today for her aunt Nicole’s funeral.”

“Us guys are goin’ together,” Tex said. “You wanna come with us?”

“That’s so sweet.” Zoe patted his cheek. “But I have to get Grace situated with her babysitter and run a few errands. Why don’t I meet y’all at the church? Maybe you could save me a place.”

“Be glad to. Talk about déjà vu—all of us gettin’ together for a funeral. Can’t believe it’s been three years since Remy died.”

“And here we are again.” Father Sam took off his glasses, breathed on the lenses, and wiped them with his napkin. “This time Savannah has lost someone tragically. And it shouldn’t lessen the blow to our community because her aunt was a CEO.” He held Hebert’s gaze, his black cleric shirt lending authority to his words. “Each of these victims had friends and family who mourn their loss.”

“But most folks here tink da CEOs got what dey deserved.”

“It’s not for us to judge them.” Father Sam put his glasses back on. “No one
deserves
to be murdered—certainly Nicole didn’t. She was a fun-loving, delightful person. I can’t remember when anyone made me laugh the way she did.”

“I know dat,” Hebert said. “Da massive layoffs in da past few years was bound to make
someone
to go off, dat’s all.”

“Someone went off, all right.” Tex took a sip of coffee. “I’m hopin’ that since he hasn’t killed anyone since last week, maybe he’s done. Maybe whatever grievance he had with these folks has been satisfied.”

“I certainly hope so,” Father Sam said. “It was one thing to lash out against the CEOs. But the killing of this young mother really has people afraid.”

“Dat’s fuh shore.” Hebert pulled at a snag on the sleeve of the brown leisure suit he bought at Goodwill and had worn to Remy’s funeral.

“The sheriff will piece things together,” Zoe said. “The killings have to be related to the layoffs and foreclosures.”

“What about Jeanette Stein?” Tex arched his bushy silver eyebrows. “She doesn’t seem to fit that scenario one whit. There’s just somethin’ that tilts with me about her bein’ lumped in with the others.”

“But that unnamed source close to the case told someone in the media she worked at Aubry a few years back.” Zoe set the carafe of coffee on the table. “That could be significant. I’m sure Jude is looking into it.”

“I tink dey should put dat Barry Stein under a microscope,” Hebert said. “He’s da one dat’s ticked people off—not his poor dead wife.”

Adele walked into the kitchen, surprised that Isabel hadn’t prepared lunch yet and was instead standing at the kitchen sink, staring out the window.

“What is it, hon?”

Isabel didn’t answer for what seemed an eternity, and then she turned around, her face expressionless. “Mrs. Woodmore, I think the world of you. But this arrangement just isn’t working for me.”

Adele bit her lip. So it was finally coming to a head. “What you mean is my association with Noah and Murray isn’t working for you.”

“I thought I could handle it. But I can’t.” Isabel neatly folded a hand towel and set it on the countertop. “I’m sorry. I quit. I’ll go pack my things and leave.”

“Because I choose to be kind to these young men?”

“You are the dearest, kindest woman I know. But leaving yourself open to these guys is careless. And it’s painful to watch. I can’t tell you what to do. But I’m not opening myself up to the men from Haven House.”

“I see. And it doesn’t impress you at all that they’re hardworking and honest and have been nothing but kind and thoughtful?”

“It’s irrelevant to me how they act. I don’t trust them. They’re manipulative, and they’re working you. I can’t just sit back and watch. I don’t have mercy on people like that. I’m not willing to be that vulnerable.”

“I suppose by its very nature mercy leaves us vulnerable. That can’t be helped.”

“It’s not for me.” Isabel glanced up and then stared down at her hands. “I’m sorry for letting you down like this. But I think both of us will do better if I leave. I tried, but I can’t hide my feelings about this.”

“I’m disappointed, Isabel.”

“I’m disappointed too. I wanted to settle into this job. I really like it here. I resent feeling the need to leave because of these guys. It was difficult enough when you hired Noah and Murray and they were around here all the time. But now you’re even willing to give up time with Grace to spend time with Murray.”

“Were you eavesdropping on me, Isabel?”

“I wasn’t trying to.” Isabel lifted her gaze. “But you haven’t exactly tried to hide any of this. I can read between the lines. Zoe’s excuse for not bringing Grace over was bogus. Since when have you been too overwhelmed to have her here—especially when I’m here to help? It’s obvious Zoe doesn’t want her daughter over here when Murray or Noah’s around. And Vanessa didn’t argue with Noah when he gave his keys back. That tells me there are trust issues there, too.”

“Well, you certainly have everything figured out.”

“My point in all this is I’m not the only one who’s uncomfortable with the men from Haven House.”

“No. I suppose not.”

“And I’m concerned for you. I think it’s a
huge
mistake to befriend Murray. I did overhear today’s conversation. That was the final straw.”

“You’re quitting because I’m going to the ice cream parlor with Murray?”

“I don’t think you should go
anywhere
with him.”

“You made that clear once before. You called it dangerous mercy.”

“Yes. I did.”

Adele held Isabel’s gaze. “Mercy
is
risky. I guess that’s what makes it mercy. There’s always a chance someone will abuse it. Am I just supposed to stop reaching out to these young men—even though they haven’t done one thing that gives me pause?”

“There are others trained to deal with these types of people. Father Vince knows what he’s doing. He isn’t going to let anyone take advantage of him. You’re a sweet, trusting, wealthy widow. With all due respect, ma’am, you’re an easy mark for guys like that.”

Adele smiled. “For heaven’s sake, you make me sound like a helpless numskull who wouldn’t know if someone had his hand in my proverbial cookie jar. I didn’t stay rich by being foolish, Isabel.”

“Just be careful. Find out who these men are before you invite them to sit down at your table. And please don’t feel sorry for them and give them money.”

“I’ve given them only what they’ve earned. They worked hard for it.”

“You’ve
invented
jobs for Murray to do. Isn’t that the same thing?”

“Not if the jobs benefit me.”

Isabel sighed. “Believe me, they have their sights on your money, whether you think they do or not. I feel obligated to warn you. That’s all I can do. I’ll go get my things now. I’m very sorry things between us had to end this way.”

“So am I. I owe you for half a month. How would you like me to pay you?”

“If it’s all right with you, just send it to my parents’. That’s where I get my mail.”

Isabel brushed past her and disappeared down the hall.

Adele sat at the table. She hated that Isabel was so unhappy here. And that she would have to dig out the employment applications she’d tucked away and see if she could find a suitable replacement.

I don’t have mercy on people like that.

Isabel’s words echoed in her mind. On some level, weren’t we all “people like that”? Yet how could she expect Isabel to understand mercy unless she had been the recipient of it? Adele remembered all too well what she herself had been like before the Lord saved her and forgave the cruel words she had used to control those desperate enough to work for her in the years following the loss of her baby. The thought of it still made her squirm.