Page 57 of Long Road Home

“You’re getting rusty.”

Theo rounded the hood of the car. “That was fun.”

“It’s been a while?”

Alonzo just chuckled. “Not as long as you think.”

The retirees were such an interesting pair. The only thing her brain could figure is that there was some connection that brought them together in a way they had to do life side by side for years in this frozen tundra. Which was Charlayne’s words, not what Kenna felt about the Northern States.

She knew what she thought. Question was, whether she was correct about it.

Kenna said, “Why are you guys following me?” Hadn’t she asked them to make sure Forrest was safe, or were they here with her because her friend had gone home?

“You’re looking around the church, right?” Theo nodded toward the white clapboard building.

Alonzo said, “Figured we could help.”

They cared, and they were nosy. She figured it was an even spread between those two things.

“Let’s go.” She pulled the front door of the church open, feeling the pull of a smile on her lips.

“Something funny?” Alonzo’s dyed black brows rose.

“Nothing about this case.”

They stepped into the entryway she’d heard someone call a “narthex” right as a lady walked down the hall in their direction. She had a knee-length corduroy skirt and a knitted sweater, tight curly hair, and glasses, along with sensible footwear.

“Hey, Becky.” Theo eased over and gave her a side hug.

“Hi, Pops.” Becky gave Alonzo a similar greeting.

Theo said, “Becky was in Betty’s Sunday school class for years.” He waved at her. “This is Kenna Banbury.”

“You met with Pastor Bruce?” The edges of her eyes were puffy. She’d been crying, but not destroyed-life-is-over upset. More of a reserved grief.

“That’s right.” Kenna nodded. “Is it okay if we ask yousome questions, and maybe take a look around?” She wanted to ask if the police had been through here, or if they’d get to see the scene as is.

“I just got here a few minutes ago, so I need to make some calls. Find out who the elder board wants to pull in to lead the church now.” She sniffed. “So I’ll show you his office and leave you to it.”

Kenna could find it herself but didn’t mind being escorted.

Theo walked with Becky in front of them down the sanctuary center aisle, talking quietly. “Did you see Bruce yesterday, or hear from him this morning?”

“He eats breakfast at the diner on Mondays every week. He likes to talk to people in town on his day off, and I drop off his groceries after lunch.” Becky wound her arm in Theo’s, leaning on the older man for strength.

“How did he seem last time you saw him? Was he upset, or worried about anything?”

That was exactly the line of questioning Kenna would have gone with. Had Theo been some kind of cop? One of her theories—the top one, in fact—was that he was a US marshal formerly, or still, and Alonzo some kind of high-profile mobster. Laying low here in Wisconsin where none of their pals would find them.

Or they were partners. With the book of equal concern to both of them, maybe they’d both gone dark side and were now on the run.

Becky pulled up short. “The door is open.”

Theo eased her back. “Stay here.”

“Let me.” Kenna pulled her gun.

Theo said, “You think you’re the only one with one of those?”

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