Page 111 of Forever Dark
“No,” Connor said.“What I want is whoever killed those women.”
For the first time, her expression slipped.Underneath the attitude sat fear.
“Then find them,” she said.“But don’t go after the preacher just because he’s easier than believing the truth.”
“What truth’s that?”
Her smile came back too fast.“That evil likes church same as anybody else.”
Outside the diner, Arnold climbed into the SUV more quietly than before.
Connor started the engine.“You’ve gone thoughtful.”
Arnold stared ahead.“That’s three interviews and we have nothing.”
“No.We have something.All of them think he’s worth protecting.”
“But over murder?Why?”
“That,” Connor said, pulling away, “is what I’m starting to wonder.”
The fourth interview took them farthest out.
Arnold had nearly suggested leaving it for morning until Connor saw the address and recognized the road.Old mission house above Miller’s Creek, one of those places the county forgot unless a storm took a roof off.The name attached to it was Ruth Ann Bell.Arnold’s notes marked her as a regular who had followed Croft through at least five stops.
The house sat apart from everything.
Pines crowded close around it.Wind moved through them with a long needling sound.The porch light was already on when they came through the gate, as if someone had been watching the road.
Ruth Ann answered the door in a plain blue dress buttoned to the throat.Late forties maybe.Hair braided tight and pinned up.No jewelry.No makeup.Her face held no welcome and no fear.Just stillness.
“Sheriff Chase,” she said.“Deputy.”
Connor showed the badge anyway.“Mind if we ask you a few questions about Elias Croft?”
“You’ve already asked enough of him.I heard you near damn ran him off the road.”
Connor felt Arnold glance sideways at him.
“We’re asking you now.Three women are dead and all were connected Croft’s revival.Do you want there to be a fourth?”
Ruth Ann stepped back and let them in.
The front room had almost nothing in it.One couch.Two wooden chairs.A lamp on a side table.No television.No family photographs.Bare walls except for a framed verse from Isaiah above the mantel.
Connor remained standing.“How long have you known Croft?”
“Years.”
“Socially or through the ministry?”
“There is no difference.”
Arnold shifted.
Connor said, “Three women attended those revival meetings and ended up dead.”
“I heard.Some of the other flock called and gave me a heads-up.”
