Page 102 of Fatal Witness

“It’s just me,” Alex said.

“Come on in, then.”

“I meant to give this to you earlier.” She handed Dani a light-colored vest.

She examined it. “Body armor?”

“I’d like you to wear it anytime you’re outside the house, including church today.”

“Do you think someone might come after me there?”

“I don’t think so, but why take the chance?”

“Maybe I should just stay home.”

Alex shook her head. “It’s important to Mae for you to go. Take it into the bathroom and try it on.”

In the bathroom, Dani slipped into the vest. It was remarkably light. She stepped back into the bedroom. “Do I have it on right?”

Alex tightened the tabs, giving a snugger fit. “How’s it feel?”

“Odd, but not too bad.”

“Good. See you in a few.”

Dani pulled on black pants and a flowing top that covered the vest well, and half an hour later joined the others in the kitchen,where Alex assigned Dani to her SUV. “Mark will be riding with us,” the chief deputy said.

Dani enjoyed the service, especially standing beside Mark as he joined the congregation in singing hymns she remembered from her childhood. She’d gotten out of the habit of attending church after she moved into her apartment in Clifton. And when she moved back into Keith’s house during Laura’s illness, Dani always volunteered to stay with Laura so he could attend.

Pastor Rick was a good preacher, but she’d expected that after meeting him in the airport—he was the type that never met a stranger. The sermon was more anecdotal than hellfire and brimstone, linking the story of David and Goliath to modern-day problems.

Pastor Rick was at the door as they were leaving the church. He took Dani’s hand. “It’s so good to see you here. I hope you’ll come back next week.”

“Thank you.” Dani wished she knew what next week promised.

His warm brown eyes bored into hers. “My offer is still good if you want to talk about your parents ... actually anything. I’m a really good listener.”

He’d known them, and it might be good to have someone she could discuss her parents with. Someone who remembered them but wasn’t part of the family or a close friend. “I’ll think about it.”

Mark and Alex flanked her as they walked to Alex’s SUV.

“Alex,” a voice called from behind them. “Wait up!”

They turned as one person. “Morgan!” Alex said as a dark-haired woman hurried toward them.

Dani studied Morgan, hoping for ... recognition. Then her attention switched to the man trailing behind her. Even though he was older, it had to be Ben. She caught her breath. Dani couldn’t be certain, but he looked like the man in her dreams.

“You have to be Danielle!”

Before she knew what was happening, Morgan swept her upin a hug. And just as quickly backed away. “You’re wearing a bulletproof vest.”

“Morgan!” Ben scolded.

“I’m sorry.” She looked around. “But no one heard me. I brought the photos Alex called about. Why don’t you and Alex go to lunch with us? And Mark.”

“We’re meeting my grandparents at the salad place,” Alex said. “Why don’t you join us? We can look at the photos there.”

“That sounds like a good idea,” Ben said. “We’ll see you there.”

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