Page 649 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Sydney stood. “I’m going to get something to drink. Does anyone else want anything?”

“I’d like a Dr. Pepper,” Sean said.

Sydney glared at him. Of course he wouldn’t miss a chance to have her fetch something for him. “Anyone else?” Everyone else shook their heads. “Okay then.” So much for making a good impression. She should have kept her big mouth shut about Jessica. When would she ever learn?

She headed in the direction of the concession stand and then stopped in her tracks. Walter and Maurene were sitting in lounge chairs on the sidewalk.

“Well, hello,” she said, a broad smile on her face. Walter looked up and then right past her like she was a stranger.

Her smile faltered, and she stumbled by them. She felt something touch her arm and looked up to see Sean standing beside her.

“Do you know them?”

“What?”

“That couple. It looked like you were trying to talk to them.”

She shook her head, all the while trying to make sense of what had just happened. Why did Walter treat her like a stranger? Was he trying to protect her? Maybe he didn’t want to arouse Maurene’s suspicions.Yes, that was probably it. She had to agree that Walter used good judgment in pretending not toknow her, but that didn’t stop the hurt from washing over her like a tidal wave.

Sydney turned to Sean. “What are you doing here? I told you I’d get your Dr. Pepper.”

“I decided to get some popcorn too.”

“Oh? I’m surprised you could pry yourself away from Jessica for that long.”

Sean laughed. “You’re not jealous are you, Syd?”

“Of you? No, quite the opposite. I’d say the two of you are perfect for each other.”

“Ouch! Somehow I don’t think that was meant as a compliment.” He paused. “I guess Jessica and I are about as well suited as you and Kendall.”

She laughed. She hated to admit it, but Sean was right. She and Kendall were an odd match.

He linked his arm through hers and held her hand so she couldn’t pull away. “Shall we?”

“Let’s.”

23

“KNOW YE NOT THAT THEY WHICH RUN IN A RACE RUN ALL, BUT ONE RECEIVETH THE PRIZE? SO RUN, THAT YE MAY OBTAIN.” —1 CORINTHIANS 9:24

The phone call that Sydney received the next Monday morning was the very one she’d been hoping for, although it didn’t quite turn out the way she expected it to.

“Sydney Lassiter?”

“Yes, this is she.”

“This is Tuesday Phillips.” There was a pause. “We talked the other day.”

“Hello, Mrs. Phillips.” Sydney’s heart leapt. Maybe Mrs. Phillips had remembered something.

“I’ve been asked to help with an activity for the young chil’ren this Saturday at the church. I was wondering if you would mind coming along and helpin’ too.”

She’d given Mrs. Phillips her number in case the woman remembered anything about Buford’s death. Now she was second-guessing that decision. The woman was as relentless as Ginger about church attendance. Sydney mentally reviewed her schedule for the week. There was Friday night’s football game, but she didn’t have any plans for Saturday.

“I really could use your help,” Mrs. Phillips said. “And I know the chil’ren will love you.”

“Okay,” Sydney heard herself say. “I’ll go.”

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