Page 115 of Deception

Judith stood statue still. “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” She turned on her heel and walked out of the restroom.

“I think the FBI will be interested in what I found in my grandfather’s safe-deposit box,” Madison called after her.

The woman kept walking as though Madison hadn’t spoken. She wanted to kick herself. Why had she said anything? But the words had popped out before she could stop them. And telling the FBI hadn’t been an idle threat. She was pretty sure Hugh would be interested in what she’d found. He was here at the church and had told her he’d come by later. She would show him the papers.

There was a knock on the restroom door. “Madison?” Clayton called. “The service is starting.”

“I’ll be right out.” She smoothed her skirt and straightened her shoulders. She had a eulogy to deliver.

Forty-five minutes later, Madison concluded her words at the end of the service. “William Samuel Anderson served hiscountry, his state, his district, and his county well. He will not soon be forgotten.”

When she’d composed the speech, she’d meant every word, and several times the memories of the man she thought he was had overridden what she’d learned today.

She stepped away from the microphone and stood as the bugler stepped forward to play “Taps.” Madison glanced at the sea of faces and shivered as unease rippled through her. It was almost as if she’d felt a wave of hatred directed toward her, and she scanned the crowd, seeking the few people she actually knew.

To her right, Judith Winslow dabbed her eyes ... crocodile tears, Madison was certain. Nadine smiled through real ones. Clayton’s smile was warm, encouraging. Hugh gave her a thumbs-up.

She was surprised to see Steven Turner and Terri Davis in the church. She hadn’t realized they’d come to the funeral. Both were somber. Terri stared off to her right, her eyes narrowed, while Steven stared straight ahead, his lips pressed in a thin line. Maybe he was remembering his brother’s funeral.

As the bugler lifted the horn to his lips, her gaze shifted, and she saw Vivian Hawkins furiously dabbing at her eyes. Probably remembering her fiancé’s death. Tears burned the back of Madison’s eyes as the lonely notes filled the church, and she turned her attention to the casket in front of her.

She choked down the lump in her throat.Oh, Grandfather, why?

60

Clayton escorted Madison and Nadine from the sanctuary since it had been decided before the service that it was too dangerous for them to go to the cemetery. There were too many places for a sniper to hide.

Madison gripped his arm. Her heart had to be breaking. In spite of that, she’d done an amazing job eulogizing Judge Anderson. He squeezed her hand. “I was praying for you.”

“It must have helped—I got through it.”

“Are you ready to leave?”

“Not quite. The church ladies have prepared a meal, and while I don’t think I can eat one bite, they went to a lot of trouble. I want to go by and thank them and everyone who stayed behind for being here.”

Before they reached the dining hall, Gregory Thorn approached. “You did an amazing job today,” he said.

“Thank you.” She gave her father a who-are-you look.

“I’m not staying for the meal, and I won’t come by the house tonight ... but I’d like to see you tomorrow before I leave for Memphis.”

Madison still wore a dazed expression, but she nodded. “Just give me a call before you come.”

Then she turned and followed Nadine to the fellowship hall. Clayton stood near the doorway as Madison made the rounds.As she tried to make her exit, another of the ladies hugged her, then thrust several to-go boxes in her hands. She thanked her, then turned and walked toward him. “Sorry—I didn’t know how to say no to the food. I’m ready to leave now.”

Clayton pulled his SUV to the back of the church and helped Nadine into the front seat while Madison climbed in the back and set the boxes beside her. Once they pulled away from the church, the housekeeper turned to Madison.

“What you said at the funeral was beautiful.”

“Yes,” Clayton added. Only he knew how hard it had been for her. “You did a great job.”

“Thanks,” Madison murmured and then leaned forward toward Nadine. “How much do you know about Judith Winslow?”

Nadine was quiet for a moment. “I haven’t always approved of her tactics, but you have to give credit where it’s due—she has made a better life for so many babies.”

“Did you know she’s my grandmother?”

The older woman turned toward Madison and clasped her hand. “I have never seen it in black and white, but in here”—she tapped her heart—“I knew.”

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