Page 48 of Cold Threat

“She divorced him,” Tony said. “Turns out she was pregnant. She moved to England where her parents lived, had their son, and did everything she could to keep him away from her ex. Bad situation all around.”

“If I ever get married, I’ll never cheat. That way I won’t have to face this.”

Tony laughed. “Sounds good.”

“I don’t think that will ever be a problem anyway. I’m not sure I’ll ever marry.”

“Ever?”

“I doubt it.” She turned to look at him. It was getting dark, and he could just barely make out her face. “I haven’t had a great example to follow. You’re blessed to have the parents you do. They really love each other.”

“Yes, they really do,” he said. “They’ve had their tough times, but they’ve gotten through them. I think it’s because they put each other first. Dad moved here because he wanted my mother to have a better life. He wanted to be home more.”

River was silent until Tony pulled into the parking lot of Burgers ’n’ Buns. He parked, and they got out. When they walked into the restaurant, he realized he had no idea what Angie looked like. He should have asked. Since it was crowded, he walked up to the counter and asked the young man wearing a paper hat that looked like two hamburger buns holding onto his head if he knew where Angie Jenners was. When he pointed at a woman sitting in a booth in the corner, he realized that if he’d looked around, he would have guessed she was Angie. She looked worried and there was a haunted look in her eyes.

He and River walked over to the booth. “Angie?” he said when they reached her.

She nodded and gestured toward the other side of the booth. Tony waited while River slid in first, then he got in next to her.

“Thanks for seeing us,” River said.

“I was shocked when you called. I haven’t heard the name Mayhew since I was a child.”

“We realize that,” River said. “Sorry if it upset you.” She gazed around the restaurant. “I understand you help people with disabilities get jobs in the community. Are you working with someone here?”

River was clearly trying to put Angie at ease. If she would relax, it would be easier for her to talk to them. Tony was grateful that River realized this. Angie could be a huge help, but she needed to trust them—and calm down. This was obviously difficult for her.

Angie hesitated a moment as if surprised by River’s question. Then she said, “Yes. See the young woman in the back? Behind the counter area?”

Tony and River looked toward the spot Angie indicated. There was a young woman who appeared to be intent on doing something, although they couldn’t see what it was.

“That’s Megan,” Angie said. “She’s autistic. She’s been working here awhile. She helps to count out the chicken fingers and place them in smaller bags. It may not seem like much, but two years ago, she didn’t have a job. Her parents weren’t certain she’d ever be able to do anything outside of her home. The management here loves her, and Megan is really proud of herself. It’s quite an accomplishment.”

Tony could hear the pride in Angie’s voice. It bothered him that he and River were going to have to plunge her into a past he was certain she’d rather forget.

“That’s incredible, Angie,” he said gently. “You’ve really changed her life for the better.”

“Well, it’s not just me. It’s the program. I’m grateful there’s a resource like this for people who need help.”

“You sound very fulfilled,” River said.

“I am,” Angie said. “My life has turned out better than it began.” She looked down at the table. “Now you want me to go back to atime I’ve tried hard to forget.” When she looked up, there were tears in her eyes. “I still have nightmares about that night.”

“I’m so sorry,” River said. “If we didn’t need to take you back there, we wouldn’t.”

Angie hesitated a moment. Then she sighed. “Like I said on the phone, I don’t know what I can do to help you. I was only six when my grandparents died. I don’t recall much about it.”

“We understand,” Tony said, “but sometimes children remember things that don’t seem important at the time but may make sense later.”

“I’m sorry, but why are you concerned about this now?” Angie asked. “Has something happened?”

Tony had been wondering about what to say to her. In the end, he’d decided to tell her the truth. “We believe the man who killed your grandparents is still taking innocent lives. Has been for many years. We also think he’s here in Burlington. We’re trying to find him before anyone else dies.”

Whatever reaction he thought he might get wasn’t the one she gave him. Angie Jenners turned completely white and began to cry.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-EIGHT

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