Page 13 of Cold Threat

River smiled at her. “Guilty, but I didn’t mean to let my mind wander.”

“I know,” Beth said kindly. “I was asking if you liked the baked spaghetti.”

River grinned. “Well, I’m on my second helping. That should tell you that I think it’s delicious.”

“Good. It’s one of Tony’s favorites. I always make it when he comes home.”

“I love everything you cook, Mom,” Tony said. He winked at River. “I usually gain weight every time I visit.”

River shook her head and looked at Beth. “I don’t buy it. He’s one of those people who can eat as much as he wants and never gain an ounce.”

“You’re right,” Beth said. “It’s one of his most annoying traits.”

“And the others?” River asked, smiling.

“How much time do you have?”

“I’m right here, Mother,” Tony said, one eyebrow raised.

Everyone laughed.

“I’ll save my list for later,” Beth said. “When you and I get some time alone, River.”

“Sounds good. In the meantime, I’ll work on my own list. Hopefully, I have enough paper.”

Her comment caused a new round of laughter. After another piece of Italian cream cake and more conversation, River and Tony headed upstairs. River took a shower and then retired to her room, settling into the bedroom that had once belonged to Tony’s sister. It was lovely. The four-poster bed was huge. The cream-and-dusky-blue comforter was thick and soft, and the sheets on the bed felt like silk. She wanted to sink down into their softness and drift off, but she was determined to go through the file.

In one corner of the room was an overstuffed chair with a lampnext to it. She got up, then went over and sat down. She’d just settled in and pulled the crocheted blanket over her legs when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” she said.

The door opened slowly, and Beth came in, a small tray in her hands. “I thought you might like a cup of hot chocolate. I considered bringing tea, but you seemed like more of a hot chocolate girl to me.”

River grinned. “I’m assuming it’s because I ate two pieces of your wonderful cake? You noticed I have a sweet tooth?”

Beth smiled as she put the small tray down on top of the polished wood table next to the chair. “That was a pretty good clue. I also brought a couple of my snickerdoodle cookies. I make them every Christmas. It’s a tradition. I hope you like them.” She straightened up and seemed to study River for a moment. “If it was anyone else, I wouldn’t bother them this late, but I was pretty sure you’d be up.” She gestured toward the file on River’s lap.

River realized that some of the graphic photos were showing and quickly closed the folder.

“Don’t worry,” Beth said with a sigh. “Being married to a police detective has exposed me to a lot of images and details I wish I’d never seen. It comes with the territory.”

“It’s ... difficult,” River said.

Beth nodded. “I can’t say I’m thrilled with the side effects of law enforcement, but I’m proud of Ray and Tony.” She shook her head. “When we were in Des Moines, the pastor of our church called us into his office once. Told Ray that he had no business being involved in a world full of crime and violence—even murder. He used the scripture in Philippians that says we should think on things that are pure and lovely.”

“What did you say?”

Beth grunted. “I asked him if he truly believed those in law enforcement should all be unbelievers. And then I remindedhim that that scripture also mentioned honesty, justice, and virtue. That defending those who have been hurt by evil—bringing justice—is the embodiment of that scripture.”

River grinned. “How did he respond to that?”

“He couldn’t come up with an answer. Ray and I walked out of his office and found another church. The one we attend now honors those in law enforcement. I believe bringing justice is a high calling. I thank God for people like Ray and Tony. And you.”

For some reason, Beth’s words impacted River more than she expected, and she felt tears fill her eyes. She tried to blink them away. Sometimes this job took so much from her. Beth’s words touched her heart like a soothing balm on a painful wound.

“Oh, honey,” Beth said, sitting down on the end of the bed. “Tony’s told me some of the things you’ve been through. I’m so sorry. And I know you’re concerned about your mom. I was surprised you were able to come with him.”

“If it wasn’t for an incredible woman who’s moved in with us, I would have had to stay behind. Frankly, I think I needed this. Just a break, you know?”

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