Page 22 of Trace of Doubt
“She married a cop, our brother.”
“Give it a rest, Brice. The past is in the past. Andy and Lisa’s marriage has worked for a lot of years.” I wish I could accept their relationship...
“Know what? You’re right. I’m done giving you a bad time, Bro. Andy jumped all over me after I ran you off at Christmas.” He drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”
“Is that why you called?”
“There’s more. I wondered if you planned to be at the barbecue.”
“Mom put you up to this?”
“Yes. She said your staying away is my fault. And she’s right.”
“Never thought you’d swallow your pride.” But I couldn’t bring myself to dissolve the many times Brice had irritated me with his constant badgering.
“You’ve had a solid career with the FBI. But not near what youcould have accomplished in the police force.” After my prolonged silence, he sighed. “Don’t forget to call Mom.”
Even with an apology, Brice had a way of making me feel like horse manure. When I least expected it, he’d remind me of something stupid I did in middle school or college. Always something. And it always ended with me not going into the family business. Being a police officer.
My thoughts turned back to Shelby. Before her release from prison, she’d been part of a program that encouraged prisoners to bond with dogs while learning how to train them. I understood from my own experience how an animal could be a source of comfort. Now shame tormented me for giving her the puppy as though I had an ulterior motive.
I paced the floor. I’d investigated every inch of this case—repeatedly. Years ago, Shelby’s parents grieved the death of a son-in-law and stalwart member of the church and community, as they grieved the loss to their oldest, pregnant daughter. Shelby’s high school friends testified to her rebellious and often-dangerous pranks. No one was surprised she’d been charged with murder, except one girl claimed Shelby had put aside her wild ways and chosen to pursue her dreams in fashion design.
Every road I’d followed led to a dead end.
The sensible explanation to my mixed feelings about her today pointed to Shelby playing me for a fool. She’d pretended to be a decent, reformed woman and learned from the past. Had to be a role she played, a ploy of manipulation.
Still, a longing to see her again told me I wouldn’t get much sleep tonight. How could I find something good in a murderer?
14
SHELBY
I stood behind the bakery counter and read the article in theValleysburg Gazettefor the second time. My parole news was printed on the third page in an opinion column. The information was public knowledge, but reading my release status crushed me to the core. I rubbed my arms. Would the dirt always be there as though I needed a perpetual shower? Someone had taken the newspaper photo the day I met with James Peterson and Sheriff Wendall, further confirming a person or persons wanted me out of the area. My name glared up at me and the crime I’d committed in cold black letters.
Was Officer Randy Hughes responsible? I’d noted the way he and Denton walked and their builds. Neither one resembled the slight man I’d chased into the woods.
Amy-Jo took the newspaper from my hand. “I saw you reading this while I seated a customer. It’s trash.”
“I’m not finished with the article.”
“No need. Nothing you don’t already know or haven’t read online.” She crumpled the paper and pursed her lips. “No one has the right to condemn you. You can reclaim your life and be proud of your accomplishments.”
“Maybe I should move on. My job here might damage your business.”
“If someone chooses to eat and shop somewhere else, I don’t need them. Besides, leaving here is crazy. Edie and I have already talked this morning, and she’ll be here as soon as she drops the kids off at school.”
“Why? She shouldn’t be seen with me.”
“More craziness. We were sure of your ridiculous response to one person’s opinion. You’re in Valleysburg for a reason, to start over.”
My mind journeyed to a dark place. “I’d like to know who wrote the article.”
“Doubt you’ll find out. The person’s a coward. Trust me, I know a coward when I see one.” Amy-Jo tapped her finger on the glass bakery case. “Are you thinking it’s Edie’s brother? He’s been opposed to her helping you from the beginning.”
“He’d sign his name and brag on what he’d done.”
She blew out her frustration. “You know him well.”
