Page 28 of Delivering David

“I’m her bodyguard,” Kristopher said evenly. “Someone learned she talked to Mercy Phillips hours before she died and then someone tried to kill her as well.”

“Dear Lord!” The color drained from Tattersall’s face. “I had no idea it had come that. Who would do such a thing?”

“That,” Kristopher said, “is what we’re trying to find out.”

“Lucinda,” Suzanne began, and had to swallow the tears clogging her throat. “Do you know who Mercy named as her emergency contact? The police couldn’t find anything like an address book at her home and her cell phone was smashed.”

“And who will identify her body?” Kristopher placed his hand close enough to Suzanne’s she could feel its calming warmth, and she realized her heart was pounding. “She and Mercy were friends,” he added. “She shouldn’t have to do that.”

“Both those unhappy duties fall to me,” Lucinda said sadly. “I have her parents’ contact and travel information, so I’m going to reach out to them today. She also named me David’s temporary guardian if something happened to her, including giving me medical power of attorney if needed. Thank God, he’s healthy. Are we finished here? I’m meeting Sergeant Miller at the morgue when we are.”

“Well, I for one, am going to go kick some ass,” Tattersall announced. “Perry Johnson is about to be handed his head on a platter without a reference. Tennessee Cares has spent too many years taking care of children for this to happen.” He gave Suzanne a sympathetic gaze. “You and Ms. Phillips were friends?”

“Good friends,” she said. “Very good friend.”

“The state has lost one of its best-case managers,” Lucinda said sadly. “I don’t know how we’re going to tell the children and youth on her case load. They’ll be heartbroken.”

“Then again, you have TC’s full support in the search for her killer,” Tattersall announced as he stood. “I hope Perry at least remembered to send you an invitation to the gala, Lucinda. If you will all excuse me?”

He left and it was a minute before Elaine asked,” Lucinda, what do you know about Charles Tattersall? I’ve worked with him a bit, and he really seems to know his stuff. He seems awfully calm in all of this.”

“He’s been in the child welfare industry for years and is highly regarded by almost everyone,” Lucinda described. “He helped found TC years ago and made it what it is today. I think he started the first one in Memphis because that’s where his wife wanted to live. He’s known not only in Tennessee but around the southeast.”

“One of the good guys?” Suzanne asked.

“Absolutely,” Lucinda said. “We need someone like him on our team. Sgt. Brower, why do you have that look on your face?”

“He was awfully defensive, don’t you think?” Kristopher sat back, and moved his hand, taking its warmth with him. His expression suggested that like Suzanne, he had a lot more to ask but was keeping his questions and comments to himself.

“I would be too, if I were in his position,” Lucinda said. “Especially with this fundraiser coming up. The proverbially shit is about to hit the fan.”

“I bow to you ladies experience.” Kristopher smiled and inclined his head. “We’ll be off, then. With everything that’s happened, I don’t like us being away from the safehouse for too long, even with Bailey driving us back.”

“Bailey?” Lucinda asked. Her voice and features were calm, but Suzanne had no doubt she was exhausted and wondered if she’d ever had to identify the body of an employee.

“A Brotherhood Protector backup,” Kristopher explained, and Lucinda nodded, and the meeting ended.

But once they were safely in the car, Suzanne gently prodded Kristopher with a gloved finger. “OK, Kristopher with a K, out with it. What’s on your mind?”

“Why do you think,” he said, stretching out those very long legs, “Ms. Gonzalez didn’t mention Henry Tate to Tattersall? If TC runs the shelter, shouldn’t he know about all the state case managers who place children there?”

“One would think,” Suzanne replied. “She’s probably keeping it in house until she talks to Tate because technically she’s his boss. Whatever Tattersall is going to do to Perry Johnson is nothing compared to what Lucinda will do to Henry Tate.”

“Going to do some ass-chewing?” Kristopher wiggled his eyebrow.

“Lets’ put it like this,” Suzanne said. “I hope for his sake, Henry Tate is on vacation or he’s picked out the music he wants played at his funeral. He’s going to need it.”

“Good for Ms. Gonzalez.” Kristopher slipped his arm around her shoulders. “Is there a reason you didn’t tell Elaine about what happened to us today?”

“I’ll tell her on Monday,” Suzanne said. “She’s worried enough about me as it is. And Mercy was her friend too.”

“Not tomorrow?” Kristopher asked softly.

“Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest,” Suzanne reminded him. “Monday will be soon enough. With the two of you watching out for me, I’ll be fine. Let’s go back to the safehouse.”

“Good idea,” Bailey agreed from the front seat. “I’m getting hungry. And we need to be there when Kristopher’s new wheels are delivered.”

CHAPTER 21

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