Page 317 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Me too.”

“Maybe we can use it to our advantage. If we have any security agents who are free, we might be able to get someone to tail him and see where he goes. He could be a viable suspect.”

“He works with me at the park.”

“I know.”

“I forget sometimes how much information you and Gavin have about me and my life.”

“It helps us do our job.”

“I understand that, but it doesn’t make it any less disconcerting.”

“What do you think?” She narrowed her eyes. “Do you think Jerry could be our guy?”

“I honestly don’t know. I would’ve said yes back in July, but now I’m not so sure. He’s weird. I’ll grant you that, but I don’t think he’s a mastermind criminal.”

“They’re never the ones you expect.”

“True.”

“We did a background check on Jerry, and he came up clean. He probably has a crush on you, but we can’t be too careful. On the other hand, I overheard Wade telling Gavin they were going to look into your neighbor.”

“Bob?”

“Uh huh.”

“He doesn’t have anything to do with this.”

Sandra barked out a laugh. “Sometimes the person we suspect the least is the one hiding the most.”

They hushed as the preacher took his spot at the podium.

Emily and Sandrawere ushered into the fellowship hall for brunch. She’d forgotten all about it and hadn’t prepared a dishof her own, but the preacher and his wife insisted they stay. So, they stood in line with the rest of the congregation, and she could feel Jerry breathing down her neck as she filled her plate with a few of her favorite things, including a cinnamon bun and some fresh fruit. It was a bountiful harvest, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to eat much. Her stomach was still in knots from yesterday’s news.

When they found seats, Sandra engaged her in conversation. She noticed Gavin was pacing in front of the windows while speaking quietly into his cell phone.

“What do you think that’s about?” she asked Sandra.

The other woman lowered her voice to a whisper. “I texted him during service. He’s probably looking for someone to check out your friend Jerry.”

As she said his name, Jerry slid into the seat beside Emily. “Did I hear my name?”

Emily smiled. “I’ll never tell.”

“I think I know why you switched churches now. There is enough food here to feed a village.”

“My church has meals, too.”

He grinned. “I know. I went to the meal you invited me to, but you weren’t there. It was a disappointment. The food was good, but it wasn’t nearly as plenteous as this.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“What have you been up to? Are you dating that Brunner guy?”

Emily breathed out a sigh. “Yes.”

“Oh. Is it serious?”

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