Page 33 of Only Girl Alive

Eve closed down the memory.

“What was there to return to?” she asked Sheila. “You were the only one who was pleasant to me and you were gone.”

“Devotion to God and the prophet,” was her stepsister’s quick reply.

Their conversation today would not change Sheila’s beliefs. It took years to overcome the brainwashing. Sheila had to want out first. She had spent her entire life within the community and quite possibly would never leave. Eve had to accept that.

“Why are you here?” Eve asked bluntly.

Her stepsister inhaled deeply then released the breath, glancing down and not meeting her eyes. “One of my sisters came from this home. She’s been upset about the deaths.” Sheila looked up at Eve. “More than upset. She thinks the person who killed them will come for her. My husband, Craig, punished Candace for acting out and she’s remanded to her room. This isn’t like her. My husband said what happened here is God’s retribution for the Tanners’ sins. Speaking of their family has been forbidden.”

Sheila’s husband knew what Bart Tanner had been doing. And, if he did, the other men of the church did too.

“I need your address and your husband’s full name,” Eve said. She couldn’t help feeling glad that Sheila was no longer with Uncle Thomas.

Sheila’s shoulders stiffened and she shook her head.

“I’m investigating four homicides,” Eve said, her voice firm. “If you live in the area, we would be interviewing your family eventually.”

This was their first lead and Eve needed this information.

“Craig Wilson is the third husband God granted me,” Sheila said, giving in. “He will know I came here. I knew I would be punished when I made the decision to speak to you.”

“How old is Candace?” Eve asked after writing down the address.

“She is twenty. She’s terrified of something. I—” She stopped and looked down. “She’s had trouble since she was married into the family. She has nightmares.”

Eve couldn’t imagine what it would be like to live within the Tanner home. Eve’s stepfather was strict and his punishments harsh. Nothing he did to her or Sheila compared to the atrocities Bart Tanner committed.

“I need to leave,” Sheila said, and abruptly stood.

“I know what you’ve risked by coming here,” Eve told her.

“Do you? My sin may be forgiven.” The hardness entered her eyes again. “You walk beside the devil and do his bidding. You will be condemned to the fires of hell.”

Arguing would not help at this point. “How far is your home?” Eve asked wearily. Fear brought her sister here. A greater fear for Candace than that of Eve’s damnation rubbing off on her.

“A few miles,” Sheila said.

“Did you drive?”

“No.”

Walking several miles explained her disheveled appearance.

“I need to interview Candace. We don’t know who did these murders. She could be in danger.”

Sheila gave a small nod. Her sisters would condemn her for coming to Eve. Her husband would punish her. The church might take her children away and reassign her to another husband. She’d taken a huge risk. Even though Sheila’s attitude hurt, Eve appreciated that she came.

“You should interview her now before my husband returns or before someone from the church arrives.”

“Thank you.”

They stepped out of the van and Eve opened the door of the SUV for Sheila. She gave her team a quick narrative of the conversation.

“Bina, I want you with me in the vehicle. I don’t expect a warm reception and it’s likely her husband will show up if he isn’t there already.” She looked at Clyde. “Thank you for keeping your cool.”

“They’re on edge. We need to figure out what’s going on. Hopefully, you’ll get answers.”

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