Page 19 of Vows of Murder

“Well, you can tell Greg, but he’s not going to just remove Molly from the suspect list because you ask him. He wants to find the killer, not just someone who might be.” I was beginning to notlike Vince too.

“Which is what I told Vince, but hope springs eternal with that man.” She handed Deek her coffee cup. “Can you refill this? I need some caffeine since I didn’t get much sleep last night.”

“We can just go back to the house,” I suggested.

Amanda shook her head. “Let’s hit a few antique shops, then take Emma to the beach. I like watching the waves. I guess Greg will be joining us for dinner. Or does he just want to yell at me forseeing Vince?”

“Maybe on the dinner part. He wants to, I know that. But if he gets a break in the case, he’ll be gone.” I thanked Deek for the coffee. Amanda knew her son well.

“Well, if he doesn’t come home, maybe we could order pizza? I never order pizza for dinner at home.” Amanda held the door open. “It’s too bad the store next door doesn’t open until ten. I’d love to see what they have.”

Josh was sweeping the front steps as we walked up. “Hey, Josh, do you think we could do a walk-through? This is Greg’s mom, Amanda. Amanda, this is my friend, Josh Thomas.” I didn’t want to remind him that I’d gone with him on some crazy adventures lately. But I wouldif he said no.

He smiled at Amanda. “So nice to meet you. Greg King is well respected in South Cove. He does a great job. Of course you can come in now. If you find something, Mandy can help you with the purchase. She’s inside setting upa new display.”

“Josh and Mandy are newlyweds,” I added, to his discomfort. If having Amanda here opened doors like this, maybe she should stay around.

As we entered Antiques by Thomas, Amanda started talking about her and Vince. How it happened and how it ended. Greg had the story right about the ending, but the beginning had been magical. Vince had been attentive, brought her flowers, and listened when she talked. Everything a woman wanted in a partner. But as soon as the ring was on her finger, he changed. He became controlling. He kept asking about her finances. And he quit looking for work.

“I didn’t know what to do. He had good excuses. Great stories. But I knew something was wrong. Now I wish I’d trusted my instincts. I started having doubts just before the wedding, but I went through with it anyway. I thought it was just wedding jitters.” She paused at a beautiful dresser, stroking the wood. “Should have, could have, would have. Right?”

“So is this why the questions yesterday about why I waited so long to marry your son?” I was beginning to understand where Amanda was coming from. “That’s a beautiful bedroom set. I keep saying we need to replace what we have. Maybe after the wedding.”

“Yes. Sorry about the inquisition yesterday. Sometimes I let my insecurities and faults color my view of your relationship. Thank you for humoring me.” She glanced at the price tag. “This is a nice set. And it’s in great shape.”

“Josh has good stock. And he has a helper who can fix anything that needs it.” I followed her to the next setting. The antiques were in more focused groupings than the last time I visited. Probably Mandy’s influence. “I did have my doubts that I’d ever remarry. But Greg just kept showing up and saying the right things. I can’t imagine life without him.”

Amanda smiled at me. “Now that’s a good reason to get married.”

We thanked Mandy for letting us in early, then walked back to the house, where I let Emma out and grabbed a couple of waterbottles for us. We took the Jeep to Bakerstown and found several stores to wander through. I bought a garden gnome for the backyard. I thought Greg would get the humor. As we left the last store, we saw three vans in front of a fabric store and men in suits waiting outside.

“The New Hope group must be shopping.” I pointed Amanda toward the store. “Do you mind coming in with me?”

“I’d love to go inside. We need to get tulle and ribbon anyway for the shower of good wishes as you walk down the aisle. We need wild bird seed too.” Amanda grinned. “Or are your friends handling that tradition?”

“No one’s mentioned it. Don’t people throw rice?” I held the store’s door open for her.

“Rice swells up in the birds’ tummies. Especially since you’re having the wedding outside at the mission, we should do birdseed.” Amanda patted my arm. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll make up a basket for you. How many guestsdo you expect?”

I wasn’t going to be the one who told her that swelling rice was an urban myth. Instead, I gave her the number of guests we were expecting, and we headed over to the right section. I scanned for the women of New Hope and found them in the cotton section. Someone must make their dresses. As Amanda talked about matching different fabrics to my wedding colors, blue and silver, I looked at each woman’s face, tryingto find Carlie.

When I locked gazes with an older woman, she smiled, dropping the fabric she’d been considering, and walked over to where we were standing. “You’re Jill Gardner, owner of that cute bookstore in South Cove, aren’t you?”

I smiled and held out my hand. “That’s me. I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met.”

“I’m Maryanne Matthews. Roger’s my husband. He just took over the New Hope leadership after the tragic loss of Kane. Our brother was so charismatic. He’s always been that way. I met Roger in college, so I’ve been part of the family for years.” Maryanne glanced at the men standing outside by the van. I turned to follow her gaze. They weren’t watching her, yet. “Anyway, I don’t have a lot of time. They don’t like us to converse with nonbelievers. I saw you at the open house talking to Kane. Are you curious about the church?”

“You mean, am I thinking of joining?” I shook my head. “I’ve got a lot going on right now, with the business, and family…”

Before I could add to the list of excuses, Maryanne nodded. “And the upcoming wedding. I’m so happy for you. Weddings are the best, especially when you’re marrying your soulmate. Anyway, I just wanted to meet you formally and extend an open invitation toour services.”

Then Maryanne hugged me. I patted her back and saw Amanda watching us. I slightly shrugged my shoulders, indicating that I didn’t know anything more than she did.

When Maryanne stood back, she glanced outside again. This time a man was watching her. She smiled and nodded her head. “Remember, you’re welcome anytime.” Then she hurried over to the other women. “Are we about ready, then?”

Amanda came over with two shades of white tulle for me to consider. “Which one is better?” Then she dropped her voice to ask, “And what theheck was that?”

I pointed to the correct shade, which I was sure she already knew. “I have no idea. But I think I see Carlie Cordon over thereby the plaids.”

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