Page 62 of Cold Threat

“Which movie?” Beth asked.

When River mentioned the title, Beth nodded. “I saw it once many years ago. In fact, I saw it in a theater. It was ... well, it changed my thinking. I’d never been in a theater where people sobbed so openly. After it was over, we were actually hugging each other. It ... it was something I’ll never forget.”

“Have you seen it again since then?”

Beth shook her head. “No, one time was enough for me. Besides seeing what our Lord suffered for us, it also made me think about Mary. What she went through seeing her son treated like that. Watching him die an excruciating death.” Tears filled her eyes. “I used to say that I couldn’t imagine it, but when Tony was shot ... well, I actually thought about that movie. I mean, Tony wasn’t dying for the sins of the whole world, but he came near death because he was trying to help people. Attempting to bring an evil man to justice.”

As well as trying to save my life.The familiar rush of guilt began to fill her, but this time she shoved it away.Not this time.

“I understand,” she said. “You know, I think Tony is the best man I’ve ever known. You and Ray did an incredible job in raising him. You should feel proud.”

Beth reached over and put her hand on River’s. “Thank you. We are proud of him. We really are. I have to say, though, I do worry about him.”

“Are you talking about the aphasia? He’s really improved lately.”

Beth hesitated for a moment before saying, “No, that’s not it, although I’m certainly happy to hear that he’s doing better.” She cleared her throat, moved her hand, and met River’s gaze. “Is he dating anyone? I mean, I know his job is important to him, but in the last year, he hasn’t mentioned any women. I don’t want him to allow his job to push out everything else.”

River was taken aback by Beth’s question. “I ... I don’t think so. We don’t talk much about who we’re dating. Of course, now that we’ve moved to Missouri, he hasn’t had much of a chance to meet anyone.”

“Not even at church?”

What should she say? She didn’t want to be dishonest. She tried to choose her words carefully. “The truth is, I’m not sure. I mean, we’re close friends, but I don’t know everything he does. You really need to ask him.”

“Okay,” Beth said slowly, after taking a sip of coffee. “What about you? Are you dating anyone?”

River had just taken another bite of her cinnamon roll and almost choked at Beth’s newest question. She coughed a couple of times and then swallowed the piece of food in her throat.

“Are you okay?”

River nodded, still having a hard time speaking. “Yes, I’m fine,” she finally got out, her voice raspy. “I’m not dating anyone right now. I haven’t met anyone ... yet.”

“I know you told me that you and Tony are only friends and partners,” Beth said, “but maybe you should consider something more. I mean, have you ever wondered if it could happen?”

Had she wondered about it?How about a thousand times?She certainly couldn’t say that. “Look, Beth, I understand why you’re asking these questions. You’re concerned about Tony. But I really feel uncomfortable talking about this. Like I said, you really need to talk to Tony yourself.”

Beth sighed. “Believe me, I’ve tried. He just clams up. It’s likehe’s some kind of castle, and when I ask about his romantic life, he pulls up the drawbridge and barricades the door.”

River had to laugh. “I’ve seen him do the same thing. Not about dating, but about anything he doesn’t want to talk about.”

“Ray is the same way. That’s where Tony gets it.”

“Look,” River said gently, “you just need to trust Tony. He’s the smartest man I’ve ever known. He’ll find someone ... when the time is right. Now he’s concentrating on getting stronger after the shooting and making sure our agency grows. He’ll fall in love someday. I’m sure of it.”

“And what about you?”

Once again River was surprised by the directness of the question, but thankfully, this time she didn’t choke. “I guess I’d give you the same answer. If God has someone for me, He’ll let me know. I have to trust His timing.”

“And I need to do the same.” Beth’s words were said with conviction. “I know I worry about my kids too much, but unfortunately, it’s something mothers do too easily.” She smiled at River. “Thank you for reminding me that God’s got this. I only have one more question for you.”

River braced herself. Now what?

“Did Aimee tell you that she blames you for Tony’s injuries?”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-SIX

I’m ready. I’m going there tomorrow at dusk. It gets dark early now, so it will be easy to slip into their backyard unseen. They turn off the alarm a lot during the day. I’ve watched them carefully. There’s a back door that leads directly to the basement. I’ve already tried the door, and know I have the right key. As soon as I’m certain the alarm is off, I’ll slip in, go downstairs, and wait until the right moment. I can wait as long as I need to. I even have one of those plastic things some men buy for long trips in case they have to go to the bathroom and don’t want to stop. I keep it in my backpack. It’s come in handy many times. I can’t flush a toilet. That could alert someone that there’s an intruder in the house. My plan’s perfect. Everything has always worked like clockwork ... except when it came to Sandra Cooper. I felt a quick burst of anger, but I pushed it down. No time for that now. I’ll take care of her later. She’d been judged and found guilty. She’ll get what she deserves.

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