Page 46 of Vows of Murder

“Carlie didn’t go back to the cult after leaving the hospital. She’s staying with me in Bakerstown. We didn’t want anyone, including Vince, to know. She’s been having a hard time and a local pastor has been helping her reacclimate.” Molly glanced at the almost-empty display case and smiled. “He must be from South Cove since he brought her those same cookies on Sunday.”

“She’s doing good, though?” I refilled my cup and walked around the counter to talk with Molly.

“She misses Kane. He was the draw for her. She thought he was in love with her, but when she got to the compound, she was just one of many.” Molly looked around. “That man used the group as his harem. It’s horrible. Now that Roger and Maryanne are in charge, Carlie said it’s been better. But she believed in Kane. Not New Hope. Thank goodness she got pulled out when she did. I think she’s going to be okay.”

I’d thought maybe Kane’s charisma had drawn people to the cult, but I hadn’t imagined he’d been so close to his young, pretty followers. I wondered if Greg knew how Kane hadrun the church.

“Are you going to the funeral?” I thought I knew the answer.

Molly violently shook her head. “There’s no way I’m letting her step foot on the property again. The pastor told her that saying goodbye doesn’t require a formal ceremony. And I bless him for that. He’s convinced her not to go. Mostly for my safety, but I’ll play the victim if it keeps my kid safe.”

Molly got up and glanced at her watch. “I’ve got a counseling session in about ten minutes. Thanks for the coffee and for talking with me. I appreciate everything you’ve done.”

“Molly, about Vince—” I started, but sheshook her head.

“Don’t worry about him. He left an angry voice mail this morning saying that Detective King had men come to his hotel roomand escort him out of town. Of course, he blamed me for telling them that he hit me. But then he said something about his ex-wife’s kid, so I don’t know who ratted him out for being a bad guy. I just know he’s gone.”

I couldn’t help but glance out the windows to the street. I hoped Molly’s words were true. “Just be careful.”

She put the hat back on and slipped on the glasses. “You think anyone will recognize mein this getup?”

I let the statement stand. I’d recognized her the first time she walked past the window, but maybe Vince was out of town.

I focused on getting the shop ready for Deek to take over at eleven. I needed to change into clean black pants, a silk tee, and a blazer, my go-to funeral outfit along with black slides. I wouldn’t be invisible at the funeral, but maybe I’d fit in enough tonot stand out.

* * * *

As soon as Esmeralda and I walked into the foyer of the meetinghouse, I realized I’d chosen the wrong outfit to blend in. Besides the local community members, like Esmeralda and me, who’d come out of curiosity, everyone was dressed in colors. Bright colors, florals, and celebration clothes. The men were in tan khakis and brightly colored polo shirts, which made them look like they worked ona golf course.

As Esmeralda moved to the chapel area, I paused. “I need to go to the restroom first.”

“Do you want me to wait?” Esmeralda glanced at the men standing and watching the group mill around. They weren’t carrying guns today since no one had on a jacket to hide them, but they were the security guards.

“I’ll find you. Save me a seat.” I turned toward the library, where I knew the restrooms were located, except I went down the hallway and tried the door toKane’s office.

It was unlocked. I pushed open the door and slipped inside. The doorway was hidden from the watchful guards in the foyer, but I knew I wouldn’t have much time. Maybe he had a journal somewhere. Or aletter from the killer. Of course, Greg would have found that. I wasn’t sure what I was looking for, but I’d never have this opportunity again.

I scanned his desk and found his calendar. It was still open to the week he’d died. There was no note about meeting Molly on that Sunday. It noted his sermons, which he called talks, and the times. I used a pen from my tote and turned the page. On the next Tuesday, he’d written my name and Coffee, Books, and More.

Had Kane planned to come see me the next week? And if so, why? Maybe he thought I was the weak link in getting Greg to leave New Hope alone and not support the detractors. I turned to the next week and the pages were blank. I guessed Kane didn’t plan too far ahead. I scanned the room again. Nothingscreamed at me.

I felt the clock ticking. I was out of time. Whatever Kane had wanted to talk to me about must havedied with him.

I listened at the door. Music was starting. I needed to find my seat before it was obvious I wasn’t coming from the bathroom. I looked back once again and saw Kane’s bookshelf. Had I missed the opportunity to learn more about his life? And maybe his death?

I slipped out of the office and realized the guards were standing near the front door with their backs to the chapel area. I walked over to the restroom, then came out of that door like I’d usedthe facilities.

No one was watching me as I went into the chapel and spotted Esmeralda.

As I sat down, the jumbo screen at the front of the room was playing a selection of Kane’sfavorite talks.

“You are made to be happy. To explode onto this world. Not hide your talents under a bushel. And by talents, I mean your intelligence. Your beauty. Your strength. Find what makes you special and capitalize on it. That’s what you’re made for. For me, it’s my height. Everyone loves me because I’m tall, right?”

The audience on the screen and in the meetinghouse laughed along with Kane.

“No. They love me because, for some reason, God gave me the ability to connect with others. To bring you into the fold. To love you and this entire family. To give you a New Hope.”

Esmeralda leaned in. “I’ve been to duller tent revivals with live snakes. The man had the power of words.”

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