Page 44 of I'm Watching You

‘Nothing.’

He took a step back. ‘You’re hiding something. And I’ll figure out what it is.’

Chapter Ten

Monday, July 7, 5:45P.M.

Lindsay was fighting a headache when she arrived at the church just before six. Without car keys, she’d had to borrow a car from her neighbor. The gal had been a little reluctant at first, but Lindsay had promised to drive carefully and have the car back by nine.

She’d considered canceling this speaking engagement to the church’s group. Despite the extra sleep last night, she felt wrung out and exhausted after the day she’d had. But Nicole was at work and the idea of staying home alone didn’t sit well.

Besides, this church’s pastor was one of the shelter’s best supporters. He had called her after theInside Richmondarticle and offered his congregation’s support. For several months since then, there’d been a stream of clothes, some money, and food donations.

She didn’t want to let him down tonight. So, she made a double espresso and pushed through the fatigue.

The Methodist church was located on Shady Grove Road in an affluent tree-lined section of the city. The church had been constructed less than five years ago. It had a tall A-line roof and tall windows that let the sun shine in. The church also had an education building thatwas joined to the church by an arched breezeway. This building had a more streamlined look and was suited strictly for function, not worship.

The day’s heat hadn’t cooled much and the sun was still bright. The large gravel parking lot was nearly deserted. There were only a half dozen cars, including the one that filled thepastor’s slot. It looked as if it was going to be a low turnout tonight. Not surprising. Low turn-outs weren’t uncommon. Few wanted to give up their evening to hear about grim domestic violence stats.

Lindsay grabbed her laptop with her PowerPoint presentation and made her way to the education building. She opened the side door and started down the long red-carpeted hallway to the minister’s office.

Halfway down the hall, a man came out of a side parlor. He was tall and thin with dark thinning hair. He looked to be about fifty and was dressed in a golf shirt and khaki pants. He had a ‘father knows best’ way about him that made you glad he was in charge.

He noticed her immediately and smiled warmly. ‘Ms O’Neil?’

Lindsay nodded. ‘Pastor Richards.’

‘How are you doing?’

The evening news hadn’t hit yet so he didn’t know about the murder. ‘Great,’ she said. She didn’t want to discuss the murders. After the evening news, she’d be answering a lot of uncomfortable questions.

Pastor Richards moved toward her and shook her hand. He had an extension cord in the other hand. ‘Thank you for coming out this evening.’

‘Happy to. Thank you for having me.’

He nodded toward the parlor. ‘I’ve got you set up in the green room. In fact, I was just going to see if I could find a longer extension cord. You said you needed power for your computer.’

‘Yes. I’ve a PowerPoint presentation.’

‘Go on in and get yourself set up. I’ll see if I can’t find a longer cord.’

‘Sure.’ She moved into the room. It was elegantly decorated with silk swag curtains on the tall windows; a Chippendale sofa and chairs; and, in the corner, a baby grand piano. Pastor Richards had set up a podium and table for her, a white projection screen, and a dozen chairs. In the back of the room was a small round table set up with coffee, lemonade, and cookies.

She removed her computer from the case and set it up just as the pastor returned.

‘I can’t find the longer cord,’ he said, scratching the side of his head. ‘Our church secretary is on vacation and, honestly, she is the brains behind this operation. When she’s away, the church and I just stumble along until she returns.’

Lindsay smiled. ‘It’s fine. I should have enough battery power to get through the presentation. And if not, I’ll do what I do best – talk.’

Chuckling, he checked his watch. ‘Most of the folks should be here any second. They’re just wrapping up their Monday night supper down the hall. It’s a summer Bible study program and they decided to turn it into a pot luck. They’re four weeks into a six-week program.’

‘Great.’

‘Help yourself to coffee.’

‘Thanks.’

She moved to the back table and filled a Styrofoam cup with coffee. ‘So tell me a little more about the group I’m speaking to tonight.’

---