Page 175 of State of Suspense

Vernon and Jimmy had stayed close to her the entire time she was out of the vehicle. As she was accompanied by highly trained police officers everywhere she went, usually one of the agents stayed back, so it said a lot about their level of discomfort that they’d both come with her.

Vernon was visibly relieved as he held the back door for her.

“Let’s go to church, gentlemen.”

They were told they’d find Eleanor Simpson in a small office located in the back of an open, airy sanctuary that didn’t resemble any church Sam had ever attended. It had a contemporary vibe, with white walls and wood accents.

“Nice place.”

“I’ve heard great things about this church,” Freddie said. “They do a ton of work in the community.”

Sam liked knowing there were places like this where people could come together to worship and then spread the good word to people in need.

Eleanor was petite, with blonde curls, blue eyes and a friendly, welcoming smile. “Are my eyes deceiving me? Is the first lady at my door?”

She said that with such disbelief that Sam couldn’t help but smile as she showed her badge. “I’m undercover at the moment as Lieutenant Holland, Metro PD. I wondered if I might have a moment of your time.”

“Please, come in.”

“This is my partner, Detective Cruz.”

“Of course I know of him, too.”

Judging by his goofy grin, the comment pleased Freddie tremendously.

“Don’t tell him that. I’m trying to raise him with humility.”

While Freddie scowled, Eleanor laughed.

“It’s such a tough job to raise them humble.”

“You know it.”

“I understand you investigate homicides. I’m not sure what I can do for you.”

“We’re investigating the murder of U.S. Attorney Tom Forrester and the attempted murder of FBI Agent Avery Hill.”

“I read about both of those shootings.” Her light seemed to dim somewhat as she said that. “Gun violence is such a scourge on our society.”

“It is indeed.”

“What does your case have to do with me?”

“We believe the person who shot Tom and Avery is coming next for Judge Corrinne Sawyer, who presided over the trial of his family.”

“Oh no. Not Cori! She’s the loveliest person.”

“Yes, she is. She’s agreed to allow us to basically use her as bait to lure this guy out of hiding.”

“That sounds dangerous.”

“Our goal is to get him before he can get to her.”

“What does that have to do with me and the church?”

“We’d like to stage the operation around her attendance at this Sunday’s service.”

“Oh, I don’t know… I couldn’t possibly endanger my congregation that way. More than two hundred people attend the ten o’clock service on Sunday.”

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