Deadly Echoes (25 page)

“The sign of a good teacher,” Anson said, lifting his coffee cup as if toasting me.

“Thank you. I hope so. I love teaching. There's nothing else I'd rather do.”

We talked a little more and then called it a night. I wanted to talk to Mike, but Anson asked Mike to walk him back to his car.

“So what do you think?” I said to Paul as we strolled across the parking lot.

“Well, I think it went as well as we could expect. I really wanted a chance to talk to Mike though.”

“Me too.”

“I'll give him a call later tonight.”

“Good idea. I don't want him to think we don't appreciate everything he's done for us.”

Paul held the door of the truck open, and I climbed inside. Then I waited for him to come around the other side and get in. He immediately started the engine and turned on the heater, but instead of leaving, he just sat there.

“Something wrong?” I asked.

“Just thinking.”

He seemed to be watching Mike and Anson. They appeared to be having a very animated conversation. What was that about?

“Wish I knew what they were saying,” he said. “I don't want Anson to make trouble for Mike.”

“But why would he do that? He told Mike he was appreciative of the work he's done and wants his continued help with the case.”

“I know.” He chewed on his bottom lip for a moment. “I thought he'd be happy that Anson took our concerns seriously.”

“And he should be,” I said. “I have no idea why he's upset, but it isn't our job to read his mind, Paul. We're trying to figure
out who killed my family. Mike's ego isn't the most important thing here. He should know that.”

Paul nodded. “You're right. I guess I respect him for coming to Sanctuary to help us without asking for anything. I mean, as a favor for a friend. But that was his choice, I guess. We can't make that the priority.”

“So now what?”

“So now we wait. We've done everything we can do, Sarah. We let Anson go back to Kansas City with all the information we've gathered. Then we pray he can reopen the case and figure out what really happened.” He looked over at me, his face illuminated by the light coming from his dash. “I'm sorry I couldn't bring you all the answers you wanted.”

“Oh, Paul. Without you, none of this would have happened. You've been there for me all the way. Besides, your expertise helped to make sense of so many things. If it wasn't for you, I would have given up.”

He laughed lightly. “I don't believe that for a minute. You're a lot like Hannah. She kept looking for answers, and you did too. When the truth finally comes out, it will be a testament to both of you.”

“If only it hadn't gotten her killed.”

“I'm just thankful you're safe, Sarah. There were many times I wanted to beg you to stop.”

“I never felt I was in real danger. Besides God's protection, I had two very strong allies. A town full of people who watch over each other . . . and you. Hannah didn't have those advantages. That's what made it easier for someone to hurt her.”

“I'm sure you're right. I have to say that I'm incredibly relieved we can finally walk away from this now.”

“I hope we didn't just make Anson a target.”

“Don't even go there,” Paul said curtly. “That's his job. Besides, he knows what he's doing. He'll be fine.”

“I would have said the same about Doug Sykes.”

Paul reached over and put his hand on my arm. “Please don't start worrying about Anson. It's time for you to let this go and start living your life again.” He smiled. “I'd like to be a part of that, Sarah.”

“I'd like that too.”

Even though I wanted to feel as if our journey for justice was almost over, I still felt a twinge of anxiety. I couldn't tell if it was concern for Anson's safety or something else still hiding in the shadows.

I woke up Monday morning to frigid temperatures. First I heard Janet moving around and then the whoosh of the furnace as it came on. Not wanting to brave the cold house, I decided to stay in bed while the furnace did its job. Even though I respected my Conservative Mennonite neighbors, I was grateful I didn't have to rely on potbellied stoves or fireplaces for warmth. I was doubly grateful that after today, the school would be warm again too. A big blessing. William and the other men had pulled the old furnace out on Saturday and would install the new one today.

I got up around seven-thirty, said good-bye to Janet as she headed for the clinic, and lingered over coffee and rolls until almost nine. In the light of day, my apprehension about Anson's safety had lessened some. Last night in bed, I'd prayed for him, asking God to protect him and help him to find the truth. Now I was ready to do what Paul had suggested. Just let go of the past and live my life.

I'd just decided to get dressed when Cicely came into the kitchen looking sleepy. “Anything for breakfast?” she asked.

“Janet made pecan rolls before she left. Want me to heat one up?”

“Awesome.” She nodded and plopped down in a chair at the table. Her hair hung over her face, but I could make out a smile as she said, “And hot chocolate?”

I laughed. “I think I can manage that.” First I poured myself a sorely needed cup of coffee. After a few sips, I started heating up milk on the stove, then popped one of Janet's giant homemade pecan rolls in the microwave. As it heated, the smell of warm pecans filled the kitchen. When it was ready, I took it out and gave it to Cicely. She began eating the roll while I finished making her hot chocolate.

“How did you sleep?” I asked.

“Lying down.”

It took me a minute to figure out what she meant, but when I did, I laughed. “Very funny.”

Cicely pushed the hair out of her face. “That was my mom's joke. I guess it's mine now.”

I sat down next to her. “I like it when you share parts of her with me. I missed so many years. Being with you . . . it's like getting some of that time back.”

She nodded. “I like that, Aunt Sarah.” Without a warning, she suddenly wrapped her arms around me in a hug. “I love you,” she said softly.

I hugged her back while I tried not to cry. “Oh, honey, thank you. I love you too.” When she let me go, I saw her eyes were wet. “We're going to make it, Cicely. I just know we are.”

“I'm starting to believe that too, Aunt Sarah.”

I got up and poured her hot chocolate. She finished her breakfast quietly, but I felt we'd crossed a critical point. My heart sang as I silently thanked God for His goodness. Cicely and I were
becoming a real family, and concern about Hannah's murder had been passed into very capable hands. I felt a real sense of hope.

“Get dressed,” I said when Cicely finished eating. “And start studying. When you're done, we'll work in a game of Scrabble.”

She frowned. “I like Scrabble,” she said, “but could we play something else? I'm getting a little tired of it.”

“Sure? What would you like to play?”

“How about UNO?” she said.

“I've never played it, but I'm game.”

“Mom packed our UNO cards with my clothes,” Cicely said. “It will be fun to play it again.”

“Sounds great,” I said with a smile. “And if you need help studying, let me know. I'd be happy to help you.”

“Awesome. Thanks, Aunt Sarah.” She got up from her chair. “You know, I really like school now.”

“I'm glad,” I said. “Learning is so important.” I smiled at her. “I've never asked you what you want to be when you grow up. I guess we've been so busy trying to get through
now
, there hasn't been much time to talk about the future.”

A strange look came over her face. “For a while I thought I wanted to be a lawyer. Mom used to tell me that if she'd had the chance to go to college, she would have studied law. Working at a law office was as far as she got. But then I started thinking about being a veterinarian.”

I smiled at her. “A veterinarian like Janet? That's wonderful.”

She looked down at the floor. “But now I think I might like to be something else instead.”

Typical of someone her age. She'd probably change her mind a dozen times by the time she really had to choose. “So now what do you want to be?”

Cicely was silent for a moment. When she gazed at me, she
looked as serious as a ten-year-old could be. “Now I think I'd like to be a teacher. I never realized how much teachers can help kids. I think it's awesome.” With that she turned and left the kitchen.

I sat in my chair, stunned by her comment. Wiping tears from my face once again, I had to laugh at myself. “You're going to drown yourself, Sarah,” I said softly. I finished my coffee and was cleaning up when someone knocked on the front door. I opened it and found Wynter Evans standing there.

“How nice to see you,” I said, holding the door open.

“I'm sorry, Sarah. I don't have time to stay and visit. Reuben and I are on our way to Fredericktown to get a marriage license. We've decided we don't want to wait any longer. We intend to hold the ceremony three weeks from today.”

“Oh, Wynter! How wonderful!”

I hugged her, and we both giggled.

“I hope I'm invited to the wedding.”

“Of course you are. We wouldn't get married without you, Janet, and Cicely.”

“We'd be honored to attend.”

She smiled. “Thank you.” She handed me a large envelope she held in her hand. “Zac sent this.”

I took it from her. “What is it?”

“It's a copy of the report from your parents' murders. I remembered it was something you'd really wanted and mentioned it to him. Zac's friend at the police department was able to find an old hard copy in the file room.” She smiled. “I hope it helps.”

“Thanks so much, Wynter. I really appreciate it.”

“Let's have lunch this Saturday. You can bring me up-to-date on what's going on.”

“That sounds great.” I leaned to the right and saw Reuben sitting in his truck. I waved at him, and he waved back.

“Gotta go.” She gave me another quick hug and then hurried back to the truck. I waved again as they drove away. I was thrilled to find out they were finally getting married. Wynter and Reuben had been through a lot, yet their love stayed strong. It gave me hope for Paul and me.

I hadn't told her that I already had a copy of the report because I didn't want her to think her help wasn't appreciated. I carried the envelope with me upstairs. After going into my room I tossed it on the bed and changed out of my pajamas. After putting on jeans and a sweatshirt, I brushed my hair and quickly braided it. Then I went to my bookshelf and pulled out a novel I'd been wanting to read. My plan was to go downstairs and curl up on the couch with Murphy for a while before spending a couple of hours this afternoon preparing the tests for this week. I was just getting ready to leave the room when the phone rang. It was Paul.

“Just calling to check on you,” he said. “I've got a really busy day, otherwise I'd come by and take you to lunch.”

“That's fine. I was just getting ready to settle down with a good book.”

“Sounds nice. So how about a date Friday night?” he said. “There's a new movie in Farmington I think you'd like. We can go to dinner afterward.”

“I'd love it, Paul. Yes, let's do it.”

“Great. I'll pick you up around four-thirty.”

“Sounds wonderful. Have you heard anything from Mike?”

“I tried to call him this morning, but the operator at the motel said he'd checked out.” Paul sighed. “I think he's gone, Sarah.”

“Oh. I thought you were going to call him last night.”

“I did, but he never answered his phone. I'll try his cell later today. If he's already on the road, I don't want to distract him. It's snowing near Kansas City.”

“Okay. When you talk to him, please tell him how much we appreciate him. Wish I knew why he's so upset.”

“Don't worry about it. I'll get to the bottom of it.”

“Thanks, Paul. Guess I'd better let you go. Hope you have a good day.”

“You too, Sarah. Talk to you soon.”

I stared at the envelope lying on my bed and decided to throw it away. The darkness it contained was something I didn't want in my life anymore. After picking it up I started to toss it into the trash can, but at the last second I changed my mind. What if it was different from the original report? Shouldn't I at least make sure it was an exact copy?

I tore the envelope open and quickly scanned the pages. It did seem to be a duplicate of what I'd already seen. I was almost finished reading when I noticed something that stunned me. I read it over three times, trying to make certain my eyes weren't deceiving me. Sure enough, it said exactly what I thought it did. But how could this be? This information wasn't in the other report.

The doorbell rang, pulling me out of the fog that seemed to surround me. In a daze, I went downstairs, holding the report in my hand. When I opened the door, I found Mike standing on the porch, looking grim.

“I need to talk to you, Sarah. Right now.”

He didn't wait to be asked inside. Instead he pushed his way past me.

“What are you doing here, Mike?”

“There's something I've got to tell you, Sarah.” He looked around. “Where is Cicely?”

“Upstairs.”

“Can we sit down?” he asked, his eyes wide.

I held the report out to him, my hands shaking. “I just read a report from my parents' murders. Do you know what it says?”

Mike stared at me, his expression unreadable. “If it's a copy of the original report before some of the information was scrubbed, I imagine it lists the investigating officers: Mike Templeton and Anson Bentley.” He reached inside his coat and pulled out a gun. “You'd better sit down and listen to me, Sarah. If you don't, you and Cicely may not live through the day.”