Page 79 of Crosshairs

He ground his teeth. What was the name of that church he passed? “Uh, Faith Gospel,” he said.

Her frown deepened. “That’s not that snake-handling church, is it?”

“Oh no, ma’am. Full gospel.” That’s what had been on the sign. “If you don’t mind, I’ll get to work.”

He found a wheelbarrow behind the house and started at the back and slowly hauled leaves and debris to a spot near the street. It gave him time to familiarize himself with the two houses and find a place where he could watch from later.

He was glad the ranger wasn’t staying with her grandmother. Of the two, the grandmother’s would be the harder to breach. While it had a privacy fence, it backed up to another two-story house, and if someone happened to be on the second floor looking out, they might see him enter through the back door. No, the Chamberlain house would be much easier to break into.

After he’d been working an hour, Mrs. Johnson brought out a glass of lemonade. “Thank you,” he said and quickly drained it.

“I just appreciate what you’re doing. Did you tell me your name? I’m so forgetful I can’t remember.”

“Sorry, I don’t think I did. Doug Banks,” he said, tipping his head.

“That’s a nice solid name,” she said. “Have you been going to that church long?”

He hoped she wouldn’t ask a barrage of questions. “Just got in town a couple of weeks ago. Only been once.”

“So, you’re not from here?”

“No, International Paper transferred me to the Natchez plant.” It had paid to research the area. “I’m looking forward to living here.”

“Natchez is a lovely town,” she said. “Have you found a house yet?”

“Not yet. I’d love to find something around here,” he said, “but I don’t see any houses for sale other than the one next door to you.”

“I think that’s the only place for sale in the neighborhood right now, but of course, several of us are getting on in years.” She pointed to the house diagonally across from them. “Rose Beaumont has lived there ever since she married, but I expect her sister will move in with her one day. Her granddaughter, Ainsley, was staying with her.”

He’d hit the mother lode on information. “And she’s not now?”

“No.”

Now was not the time for her to clam up. But how to ask without seeming to ask? “That house there,” he said, pointing to the one straight across from them. “Who does it belong to?”

“Cora Chamberlain, Rose’s sister I mentioned. She’s in the hospital, but Ainsley is looking after the place.” Mrs. Johnson frowned. “Who is that?” she murmured.

He looked to see what she was talking about. A Lexus had pulled into the Chamberlain drive. When the driver got out, she chuckled. “Oh, that’s J.R., Cora’s nephew and Ainsley’s dad. Cora told me they fight like hummingbirds. And that’s Ainsley now with her friend,” Mrs. Johnson said, pointing toward an SUV that pulled into the drive behind the Lexus.

Maddox quickly turned his back to the street and checked his watch. “Well, if I want to get finished here before dark, I better get back to work.”

After thanking him again, Mrs. Johnson started toward her house, and halfway there, she turned around. He bit back a sigh.

“Seeing J.R. reminded me—be sure to register to vote. J.R. is running for governor, and he’ll make a good one too,” she said. “Tonight he’s having a big barbecue shindig at his mansion downtown.”

Maddox’s stomach growled. He hadn’t had a decent meal this week. Besides, he’d bet Ainsley Beaumont would be there, andit might be his golden opportunity. “Don’t suppose you have the address? I might like to hear him speak.”

“Oh, this one’s for his biggest contributors and invitation only, but I’m sure he’ll have one soon that’ll be for everyone.”

“Say he lives downtown?” When she frowned, he palmed his hand. “Just want to make sure I avoid the area he lives in—bound to be lots of traffic.”

“Oh, there will be! His house is near the Riverwalk and overlooks the river.”

“Good to know.” With that information, getting to Ainsley Beaumont was easier than shelling peas.

41

It was nearly four when Linc pulled into Cora’s drive behind a late model Lexus. A low groan escaped Ainsley’s lips. “Dad’s here,” she said. “I wonder what he wants.”

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