Page 5 of Trace of Doubt
She nodded. “He died of a heart attack. No clue he had a health problem. Went to sleep one night and didn’t wake up. It’s been four years now.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks. Every day gets better.”
The drive-through girl handed Edie a bag and two drinks. One bite, and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I chewed slowly to savor it all.
“Incredible.” I stuck the straw into my Coke and drew in a long, sweet sip. “How old are your kids?”
“Timothy is twelve and Livy is seven. They’re good kids.”
“Single parenting must be hard.”
“Every day gets a little easier... until they’re teenagers.”
I smiled. What a grand feeling to be talking with a normal person outside concrete walls. “Any special instructions?”
“Just common sense around my kids. You’ve met my family’s worst—my brother.”
I held up my palm. “Not going there.”
“No need. He’s likeGood Housekeeping.”
“What?”
“He has years of issues.”
I covered my mouth to suppress the humor. Didn’t work. “It’s been way too long since I’ve laughed. But I was serious about guidelines around your kids.”
“I know you are.” She sobered. “After you’ve rested tomorrow, we can talk. I’ll do all I can to help you succeed.” She patted my arm. “We women have to stick together.”
“I won’t disappoint you.”
“We have Jesus, and He’s done the hard work.”
How did one woman say all the right things? “How many people in the community are aware of me?”
“Sheriff Wendall, my brother, Randy, Amy-Jo, who owns the café, the parole officer, my kids, and Pastor Emory. No one else’sbusiness. Wanted to tell you the pastor has signed a check for you to purchase jewelry-making supplies.”
I startled. “But he doesn’t know me.”
“Pastor Emory is a kindhearted man. He wants to make sure you have all you need to get started on the right path. I showed him some pics of your designs. He was impressed.”
A warm sensation curled through me. The chaplain had complimented me, but her role was encouragement. “I’m grateful, and I’ll pay him back. I don’t want to owe anyone or be viewed as a charity case. What a blessing.”
“You do what feels best, but he’s not expecting payment.”
“Would you keep the check for me? The jewelry supplies and stones are sold online, and I don’t have a credit card.”
“Sure. Put together the order, and I’ll handle it. Before I forget it, you have a neighbor who is a super nice guy. I’ve asked him to keep an eye out for you. The cabin is a bit remote.”
“What’s his name?”
“Denton McClure. He rented the cabin nearest you, about a quarter of a mile through the woods. He’s a widower.” Edie laughed. “The man would make friends with a fence post.”
“What’s his profession?”
“High school math teacher.”
