Page 681 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Sydney and Tuesday drove in silence until Tuesday spoke. “You done a good thing here tonight.”

“I’m just glad I could be of some help.”

“Oh, you were. That’s for shore. You know, there are some people in this world who say that money cain’t buy happiness.”

It was like Tuesday had read her mind. “That’s for sure.”

“I said that’s what some people say. I didn’t say I agree.”

Where was this conversation going?

“Well if you ask me, I say those people who believe money don’t buy happiness just don’t know where to shop. Look at the happiness you brung that family tonight. It just goes to prove that money can be very useful … in the right hands.”

“Yes, I suppose you’re right.”

“Absolutely.”

They drovein silence again and Tuesday began chewing her lip. “I’ve been thinking about that first time you came to visit me and the questions you were asking.”

Sydney was silent for a moment. “Yes?”

“Well somethin’s been gnawing at me.” Tuesday paused and shifted in her seat. “Well, I ain’t quite shore how to tell you this ’cause I don’t wanna sound crazy.”

“Just tell me.”

“All right it’s like this. Ever since I first met you, I had this feeling, like you’re in danger.”Sydney’s eyes went round. “What kind of danger?”

Tuesday blew out a breath. “That’s just it. I don’t know. I keep trying to figure it out. It’s just a feeling. That’s all.”

“You told me that Buford was mixed up with some shady men at the mill. Do you remember a man by the name of Lewis Jackson?”

“That name don’t ring no bell. I’m sorry. It’s been too long.” She stared out the window into the blackness. “There is something else.”

“What?”

Tuesday began turning her wedding band on her finger. “I probably shouldn’t even say nothing ’cause I don’t know exactly. What I mean is that the other night I dreamed about that tune that one of the men was always whistling—like to have drove Buford crazy.”

“Which man? What song?”

Tuesday scratched her head. “I can’t remember. Oh, I shouldn’t have said nothing about it. It’s probably nothing.” She paused. “It’s caught on the edge of my mind, and I just can’t get my hands on it.”

“If it comes to you, will you tell me?”

“Sure. Look Sydney, I don’t know why you’re so concerned about the past, but I know there’s a lot more to all this than you’re telling me. Am I right?”

Sydney’s silence was a confirmation.

“Anyways, I guess you have your reasons for keeping quiet, but I feel impressed to tell you that whatever it is you’re running from, you’re gonna have to face it sooner or later. That’s the only way you’re gonna be able to go on.”

The truth of Tuesday’s words hit Sydney like a landslide. It was almost exactly what Stella had told her. But how could Tuesday have known?

“I know what you’re thinking: that I’m rattling on like a crazy woman. Maybe I am, and maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about. It’s just a gut feeling I have. That’s all.”

Peace vanished when the all-too-familiar sick dread settled over her. She swallowed hard. “My life is just really complicated. I have all these different things pulling at me, and I’m not sure which direction to take.”

“You have to listen to your heart.”

Weren’t those almost the exact words Ginger and Stella had used? Sydney tried to keep her voice even. “What do you mean?”

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