Page 26 of Trace of Doubt
I stared into my bedroom and at the closed door of the second one. Who did I call when my only evidence lay in dirt on the floor, the shape of the drawers in my bedroom, footsteps in the dirt, and a sixth sense crawling up my spine?
Actually no one but James Peterson or Sheriff Wendall. My suspicious nature told me even they could be behind the threats.
Silence kept its secret.
My phone rang with an anonymous caller ID.
“Shelby,” the distorted voice said. “Did you receive my calling card?”
“Yes. Why not come to the door when I’m here and knock like a civilized person?”
The voice laughed. “Are you ready to accept my invitation?”
“Which is?”
“Take an overdose, an easy way out. Your parents despise you. Marissa and her daughter are afraid of you. Give them the peace they deserve.”
Love for my family had guided my actions for years... but I refused to take my own life. That belonged to God. “I’d rather live and see you arrested.”
“Always the selfish one.”
I stared at my phone after his final words. One bit of information told me the caller knew more than I did about my family... I had a niece. All these years I’d wondered if Marissa’s child was a girl or a boy. Now I heard it from a person who wanted me dead.
17
DENTON
I stepped into church three times a year—Christmas Eve, Easter, and Mother’s Day. Sometimes I attended weddings and funerals, both as a sign of respect. Today gave me an extra God-star. I’d sacrificed sleeping in on a Sunday morning not to strengthen my faith, but to add a notch in my friendship belt with Shelby.
I assumed Shelby would walk in any minute, a way to start a new week out right after a rotten start. I chose a pew midway on the right side, thinking she’d sit close by.“Doesn’t matter where you sit, only that you listen”echoed from one of my grandpa’s sayings. Shelby didn’t hit me as a front- or back-row gal.
Five minutes to ten, Shelby slid into a pew on the left in front of me. Go figure. She wore jeans and a shirt... so did many other folks. Out of my upbringing and sparse attendance, I’d dragged out slacks and a sport coat to spend an hour in God’s house.
Lots of people filed in at the last minute. Edie and her kids sat in front of me, a boy who looked like his mother and a smaller girlwith huge dark eyes. Odd that Edie hadn’t chosen to sit in Shelby’s company. Randy Hughes must have missed the invite because he wasn’t there. Then again, he didn’t impress me as the churchgoing type. Had no clue about his ex-wife and teenage sons.
Amy-Jo scooted in next to Shelby. I had no clue of Amy-Jo’s last name, and she didn’t come across as the churchgoing type either. I swallowed a chuckle. Today her ensemble resembled a peacock... head to toe.
Pastor Emory, a broad-shouldered man in his late forties, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their care and concern while his family suffered from the flu. He gave announcements and congratulated a couple on forty-eight years of marriage. At the sound of a guitar and drums, I startled. The contemporary service and the pastor in jeans and red tennis shoes reminded me of my parents’ church.
An older man in the front pew stood. “Pastor, the newspaper said we have an ex-con in our community. Shelby Pearce murdered a family member and is living among decent people. How are we to handle such an atrocity? How are we to defend ourselves?”
I glanced at Shelby, and she attempted to stand, but Amy-Jo pulled her down onto the hard bench. The older man must not have seen her sitting among them. Before meeting her, I’d have sided with the man. I expected criticism, but in church, where sinners were supposed to find forgiveness and support? No wonder I kept God at a distance.
Pity for Shelby washed over me, which was odd. How could I have compassion for a woman who’d murdered a family member?
“I read the newspaper article.” Pastor Emory sighed. “While I’m not disputing the circumstances, whoever wrote the piece chose to be anonymous.” He scanned the crowd. “Jesus would want us to give Ms. Pearce an opportunity to regain her dignity, to feel welcome.”
“She’s not.” The man turned to face the crowd. “A good person lies in the ground.”
“I suggest an open mind and heart. Be loving and discerning. If you have any other concerns about the matter, please contact me personally.”
Shelby rose to her feet, although Amy-Jo attempted to yank her back down again. Edie gasped in front of me. Her son wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
“Pastor Emory,” Shelby said. “I’d like a word, please.”
He nodded and gestured for her to step to the pulpit. The older man resumed his perch on the front row.
“No thank you. Here is fine.” Her back was the only part visible to me, but she trembled. “My name is Shelby Pearce. I chose Valleysburg to begin my life over after recommendations from the prison chaplain who is familiar with the area. My purpose is not to cause problems with anyone, young or old. I found Jesus Christ in prison. He accepted me, my past, my present, and my future. He is leading my life as my Lord and Savior. I ask the citizens of this town to give me a chance to show I’m sincere.” Shelby sat.
