Page 25 of Vows of Murder

He took a snowflake cookie and put the box away. “Carrie will love these. What can I help you with? I’m assuming you’re here because of the Matthews boy downstairs.”

“I am. What can you tell me about how he was murdered?” I opened my notebook anduncapped a pen.

“Officially, nothing.”

When I didn’t react, he leaned back and sighed. “You’re going to get me disinvited to your wedding and Carrie already bought a new dress.”

“Not going to happen. Now, how did Kane die?” I was hoping he would say something like he was killed with someone’s bare hands. That would eliminate Molly. Maybe not this new parent that Greg found or even Pastor Bill, but Molly would be off the suspect list. “When Greg’s main suspect found him, he looked like he was praying. Then he just fell over. At least accordingto her story.”

“He was posed. From what I could see, he was killed there, on-site, but maybe not in that exact place or position. There was evidence that he was lying on his back when he died. He was strangled with a thin wire, maybe the cord from his headphones. Although why someone would choke him, I don’t know. His attacker was either very angry or very strong. And the only reason I’m telling you this is tosee what you remember of the scene. I’d like you to walk me through it. Maybe this will make more sense then.”

“What’sbothering you?”

Doc shook his head. “First tell me about what happened. Tell mewhat you saw.”

I went through why I’d been there and what I saw after leaving the chapel with my mother-in-law’s purse. “Soon-to-be mother-in-law,” I corrected after I was done.

He shook his head. “So all you saw was the body on the ground? I was hoping you’d seen something that would explain the posing. It’s like they were making fun of his position as headof the church.”

“Yeah, I kind of got that too. Which makes Molly a good suspect.” I sank back in the chair. Maybe I should just sit this one out. If Molly had killed Kane, maybe I was just looking for clues that explained away her being there.

“What does this Molly look like? Her physical shape? Is she tall? Fit?” Doc grabbed asecond cookie.

“She’s probably in her fifties. Maybe five foot two, if that. She’s tiny. I bet she wears a size two or something stupid like that.” I hadn’t been a size two since high school. And I didn’tremember that.

“I don’t think she could have posed the victim if she’s that small. It’s hard to move dead weight. That’s why they call it that.” He wrote down a note. “I need to get Greg an estimate of what body type the killer would need to have to pose him after death. And if she attacked the guy, he would have had to be sitting down unless he walked past her standing on a stool, waiting for him. I need to check that angle as well. You’ve given me some things to think about.”

“And maybe help to exclude Molly Cordon? I hope so.” I glanced at my watch. “I need to go. Greg’s brother, Jim, and his girlfriend are coming for dinner.”

“The brother who swore he’d never remarry after his wife died. That’s an interesting twist I didn’t see coming.” He stoodto walk me out.

“Me neither. I briefly met Beth a few months ago, but I’m looking forward to learning more about her and how she won over the confirmed widower.” I gave Doc a quick hug. “Thanks for chatting with me.”

“If anyone asks, we were just sharing some cookies and getting caught up before your big day.” He leaned closer. “Your fiancé gets a little miffed if he thinks I’m feeding your sleuthing habit.”

As I drove to the grocery store, I thought about what Doc had said. If he was right, Molly could be removed from Greg’s suspect list. Of course, Pastor Bill couldn’t be removed, but he wasn’t the only man in town who could have killed Kane. Kane’s own brother probably met the same criteria. And he was the new head guy for New Hope. That seemed like more motivation than a disagreement about translations of the Bible.

At least in my book.

When I got home, Greg’s truck and what looked like a second rental car sat in my driveway. I was busted. I grabbed the cookies, hoping they would give me an excuse. As long as Judith didn’t mention what time I left the store. And I had the grocery bags in the back.

I could hear voices, but no one was in the living room. I went to put the cookies in the kitchen and realized everyone was sitting outside on the deck. Greg peeked inside the back door. “Lock the front door, grab a beer, and come out to sit with us. If you’re doneinvestigating.”

I almost denied it, but it wouldn’t do any good. Greg knew me. And probably too many people had seen me. “Give me a second. I need to put the groceries away.”

Emma greeted me as I came out on the porch. Then Greg waved me over to the love seat and I leaned down into a kiss. “There’s my bride.”

“I thought I’d be home before you guys got into town.” I sat next to Greg and smiled at Jim and Beth.

“Blame this one. I swear, every time we leave for vacation, he sets his alarm for some ungodly hour and we’re on the road with the chickens. So our flight was at the crack of dawn. At least flying, I have a bathroom available. He doesn’t like to stop whenwe’re driving.”

“You need to stop too many times,” Jim grumbled.

“I’m a girl. Deal with it.” Beth poked him in the side. In response, he put his arm around her and pulled hercloser to him.

“I’m just glad we’re out of the car. I can’t believe how small a normal car is these days.” He sipped his beer. “I take it Bill Doyle is doing the service?”

The quick change of subject surprised me. “Yes. Bill and his girlfriend, Sadie, are friends. Well, I was friends with Sadie first. She supplies the treats for my shop. I brought home some snowflake cookies for dessert.”

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