Page 27 of Vows of Murder

A few red roses washed up on the shore and Beth pointed them out. “Was there a weddinghere earlier?”

I shook my head. “Not a wedding. Probably a burial at sea. They toss the ashes over the side of the boat alongwith flowers.”

“You know, I’ve thought a lot about death and what I’d want.” Amanda held up her hand as Beth started to say something. “Let me finish, dear. Talking about death is part of life, no matter if you’re sick or well. I’m not saying anything about my current health status. Anyway, I’m not sure what I want yet. So I guess either I can’t die, or I’m leaving the decision up to the four of you. Please don’t fight about it.”

“You’re so thoughtful.” I grinned at Beth. “I’m sure the boys will be able to pull themselves out of their grief to make all the decisions for you.”

“It’s the main reason to have children. To pass on your baggage.” Amanda put her arms around both Beth and me. “I’m so glad you two strong women are in the boys’ lives. I hope we’ll be doing anotherwedding soon.”

Beth blushed and dropped her gaze. There was definitely a story there. “Let’s just get through this wedding first before we start talking about another one.”

“You said you wanted to make it official,” I teased. “You’re right. I’ve never been this close to getting married. The last time I got married was on a whim and such a bad decision, so I had no thinking time. This time, with Greg, the countdown clock hasn’t stopped, yet. We’ve been a month out, but never three days. I’m thinking the world’s going to end just before the rehearsal dinner is about to start.”

Everyone laughed, but Amanda was quiet as we walked. She took my hand. “I’m sorry you had to put off your ceremony becauseof me. Twice.”

“I’m just glad you’re here for this one.” I leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. “Let’s go get my wedding dress. I hope you like it.”

As we walked back to the car I saw a familiar black Hummer pull into the parking lot. Men in suits got out, and then they opened the back door. Roger and Maryanne Matthews looked up at the sky as they left their vehicle. Roger was in shorts and a cotton shirt. Maryanne was in a cute sundress. Not the plain long-sleeved cotton dress that she’d worn during the visit to the fabric store. She was actually showing her legs and neck. They took their shoes off and started walking hand in hand down the beach. One man stayed with the vehicle, the other followed the couple at a discreet distance. In his suit on the beach, the guy looked like he was auditioning for a newMenin Blackmovie.

“Hey, Beth. Look at that couple to our left. That’s the new spiritual head of New Hope and his wife. I’ve never seen them in regular clothes before.” I met her gaze in the rearview mirror but didn’t start the vehicle. We sat there and watched the two walking down the beach for a while. Then I saw the man near the car turn toward us. He said something into his lapel mic and started walking toward the Jeep. “And it’s time to go.”

After we’d left the parking lot, Beth looked at her phone. “I think I got a few good pictures of them. So that’s Roger and Maryanne Matthews? You’re sure?”

“I’m positive. Even if I hadn’t recognized them, the black Hummer with the goons gave it away. Kane used to cruise Main Street in that vehicle. Maybe they’re considering doing a burial at sea for Kane and wanted to check out the view.” I turned onto the highway that would take us downtown.

“I don’t know. From what I saw, they looked like any other couple in love on a beach. Maybe Kane’s passing didn’t cause much grief.” Amanda glanced over at me. “It’s weird, isn’t it?”

“I’ll tell Greg tonight when he gets home. He can decide if it’s suspicious or if we’re just overthinking their grieving process.” I focused on driving to get my dress and not thinking about how upset Greg would be if Jim was killed. There would be no way I’d get him to take a walk with me on a beach. And if I did, he wouldn’t be smiling likeRoger had been.

When we got to the bridal shop, both Amanda and Beth decided to buy new dresses for the ceremony while I tried on mywedding dress one last time. My runs with Emma must have toned me because it was just a little loose. The dressmaker who’d made the alterations pinched it tighter.

“I can take it in another half inch if you want. You’d have to pick it up Friday evening, though.” She started to pin it.

“I don’t know,” Amanda commented. “I like the dress a little loose. It gives you some movement. If you tighten it more, you’d look terrific, but I think you look that way now.” Amanda brushed the woman’s hands away. “Lookin the mirror.”

I studied myself. I loved the way the dress made me look soft and perfect. Then Amanda pulled the back and I felt it tighten. I took a breath in. I did look skinnier, but it didn’t change who I was. Or who Greg was marrying. “I think it’s beautifulthe way it is.”

The dressmaker was smiling. “I do as well, but most brides, they’re so worried about being thin for their wedding day. And you are slender, don’t get me wrong. They want to look like children, not mature women. You lookbeautiful now.”

“Okay then. We’re good. And I don’t have to add a trip to Santa Barbara before my rehearsal on Friday.”

Beth giggled. “Which is the real reason you don’t want the alterations.”

I put my hands on my hips and let the dress swirl around me. “I want to be able to enjoy the reception without changing out of this dress. I only get to wear it for a few hours. I want to be comfortable and enjoy it duringthe reception.”

After my dress was packed up and Beth and Amanda bought their dresses, we took all the packages to the car in the parking garage and walked to the restaurant. After we got settled with virgin margaritas, I turned to Beth. “Tell me everything you know about New Hope. When was it started? Was Kane Matthews thefirst leader?”

“Jill, this is your celebration lunch. Are you sure you want to talk about that cult?” Amanda puta hand on mine.

“Yes, if it’s all right, I’d love to know what Beth knows. I think we’re missing something by treating this like any other church. There has to be something that we’re not seeing. And it all starts with the beginnings of the church.” I turned towardBeth. “Please?”

“Okay, it’s your party. Besides, no one ever wants me to talk about this.” Beth grinned as she started explaining the history of the Matthews brothers and New Hope. Like I’d suspected, they’d started the church right after getting out of college. The small town had welcomed a new church, especially since it focused on updated music and a mission of serving others. There were no dues to pay to a larger organization, so all of the money stayed with the church. And Kane kept bringing more peopleinto the fold.

Beth lowered her voice. “Then the whispers started. From what I read, there were rumors of improper relationships between Kane and quite a few of the followers. He liked his girls young. And it seemed like he might have crossed the line between legal and felony at least once. The church deacons voted to oust him, and he left—with the church coffers, Roger, Maryanne, and many of the true believers. That’s when they movedto California.”

“Were there actual charges filed?” Now I understood the creep factor I’d felt when I had been under Kane’s gaze. I’d felt stripped down, just by his look.

“None of the women or the parents would talk to the police, so they were able to just leave.” Beth took a bite of her shrimp fajitas, which had been brought during the discussion. “Amanda, you were right. This is amazing.”

---