Page 691 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“He was out celebrating last night with some of the guys, and he fell off a bridge and broke his neck.”

She tried to collect her thoughts. “What can I do to help?”

“I’m going over to Jarilyn’s to pay my respects, and I want—need—you to come with me.”

“I’ll get dressed right now and meet you at your house.” She stumbled out of bed and began rummaging through her pile of clothes to find something to wear.

“Sydney?”

“Yes?”

“Hurry.”

38

“ATTEND UNTO MY CRY; FOR I AM BROUGHT VERY LOW: DELIVER ME FROM MY PERSECUTORS; FOR THEY ARE STRONGER THAN I.” —PSALMS 142:6

Kendall must have seen Sydney drive up the long driveway because when she pulled up, he darted out the door and got in her jeep. His eyes were red and blotchy.

She leaned over and hugged him. “I’m so sorry.”

He nodded. “I know.”

It hurt to look at him, and for the first time since she’d heard the news, tears formed in her eyes.

They drove to Jarilyn’s house in silence. A thousand thoughts tumbled in her mind. She wanted to ask Kendall more questions about how Reggie was killed but could tell that he was in no condition for it.

A cold dreadsettled over Sydney when they arrived at Jarilyn’s house, even worse than when Sydney first heard the news. Maybe bombarding Jarilyn wasn’t such a great idea. A Cadillac bearing Tennessee license plates was parked in the driveway, and Sydney remembered that Jarilyn had an older sister who lived in Knoxville. Considering that Knoxville was agood three hours away, Sydney guessed that Jarilyn’s sister must have left in the early hours of the morning to be with Jarilyn.

Kendall moved to get out of the jeep and Sydney caught his arm. “Are you sure this is a good idea? I mean, maybe Jarilyn needs her space right now.”

“I have to go in and talk to her.”

“Okay.”

Jarilyn’s sister answered the door on the first knock, and Sydney could immediately see the familial resemblance between the two sisters.

“May I help you?”

“I’m Kendall Fletcher, Reggie’s football coach.” His voice dribbled off. “I mean … I was Reggie’s football coach.”

The stately lady nodded in understanding and then extended her hand. “My name is Serena. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Jarilyn thinks the world of you.”

Sydney marveled at how composed Jarilyn’s sister was under the circumstances. “My name is Sydney Lassiter.”

Serena acknowledged Sydney’s comment with a solemn nod. “Please come inside and have a seat in the living room.”

They followed Serena down the hall and Kendall spoke. “I need to speak to Jarilyn.”

Serena answered, “I’m not sure she’s ready for that yet.”

“Please, tell her that I’m here.”

Serena looked at him for a moment with her dark eyes. “Okay. I’ll be right back.”

A few minutes later, she returned with Jarilyn. Sydney had to fight back the tears. Serena helped her to a recliner across from the sofa. “I appreciate y’all comin’.”

Kendall knelt beside her and cupped his hands around hers. “I wish there was something I could say … I’m so sorry.”

---