Page 694 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Emma hooted. “That’s for sure.”

“Kendall didn’t mention anything about going hunting,” Sydney said. “He just said to come on over.” She had the uncanny sense of déjà vu. Avery and Walter used to go hunting on Thanksgiving morning while her mom and a sober Maurene cooked lunch. Somehow, the fact that Kendall was taking Avery’s place made her feel slighted. She didn’t know why she should be surprised.Hadn’t she been drawn to Kendall because he had those same attributes that Avery possessed? Why shouldn’t Walter feel the same way?

“I guess Walter and Kendall are pretty close, huh?”

“Yes, they’ve been close ever since Kendall lost his dad.” Mrs. Fletcher spoke the words without looking up as she arranged the yellow mums in a vase filled with water.

“Are they coming for dinner?”

“No, I’ve invited them several times, but Maurene always has plans of her own.”

Sydney tried not to let her relief show. “The flowers are beautiful, Mrs. Fletcher.”

Mrs. Fletcher stood back and admired her handiwork. “Thanks. Let’s go out back and cut some for the dining room table. Emma, we’ll be right back.”

“Don’t take too long. I’ll need some help shortly,” Emma said.

Sydney bent and examined each flower before selecting the ones to cut.

Mrs. Fletcher cleared her throat. “I’ve wanted to talk to you for a while about Kendall.”

Sydney stood and looked at Mrs. Fletcher in the sunlight. She was very attractive in spite of her age. The lines around her eyes and mouth did not mar the inner beauty that shined through. Sydney wasn’t sure what to expect next. “Oh?”

“Let’s sit over here where we’ll be protected from the wind.” Mrs. Fletcher pointed to a bench nestled close to the house. “In high school Kendall was a fun-loving boy. I’m sure he’s probably told you that he was the quarterback on his high school team.” She trimmed the dried leaves from the stems. “Well, after his dad died, he changed. Walter was the only one he would even talk to.”

“I had no idea that Walter was such an important part of your family.”

Mrs. Fletcher nodded. “Oh yes. You see, Walter and J. W. were close friends. They had been ever since J. W. went to work at the mill. When J. W. died, the life insurance company didn’twant to honor the claim because J. W.’s death was suicide.” Mrs. Fletcher looked off in the distance, and Sydney could tell that remembering was painful. “If Walter hadn’t stepped in, we would’ve lost everything. He convinced the insurance company to pay us.”

Mrs. Fletcher gave Sydney a sad smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I shared that with you.”

Sydney was touched. “I’m glad you did. It helps me to understand Kendall better.”

“After J. W. died, Kendall was so sullen and withdrawn that I worried about him all the time. He was mad at J. W. and at the world. But lately, he seems more like his old self. I think a lot of that has to do with you, and I just wanted you to know that.”

A lump formed in Sydney’s throat, and her eyes grew moist. She could only imagine the anguish this poor woman had suffered, first over the death of her husband and then worrying about her son. She wished they had had this conversation several months ago. For the first time, she felt she was getting a true picture of Kendall and his family.

She thought about Jarilyn and what she must be going through this holiday season. Sydney was glad that she’d gone to Knoxville to be with her sister. At least Jarilyn would be surrounded by family. She felt a twinge of guilt that she was here with this wonderful family and would be with Stella tonight while Jarilyn was mourning the loss of Reggie.

“I’m glad we had this conversation, Mrs. Fletcher.” She gave Kendall’s mom a hug.

“We’d better get back to the kitchen before Emma comes looking for us.” Mrs. Fletcher stood and brushed away a tear.

Hazel’s curtainsopened and closed when Sydney drove into the driveway. In a few seconds she was hollering out her door and waving one arm at Sydney while bending down and picking up Dixie with the other.

“Sydney!”

Sydney got out of the jeep and walked over to greet Hazel. “Hi, Hazel. Did you have a good Thanksgiving?” Sydney thought back to the first time she sawHazel peeking out. It had been so annoying back then. It was amazing the difference a few months had made. Now she looked forward to coming home and being greeted by Hazel.

“Oh yes, I did, Sydney. Did you?” Hazel said, ushering Sydney onto the porch.

Sydney smiled and reached to stroke Dixie. “It was wonderful. I spent the day with Kendall and his family and afterwards, I—” Sydney stopped, realizing that she’d almost told Hazel she’d spent Thanksgiving evening with her grandmother.

Hazel looked past Sydney to the street. She whispered. “Not out here. Let’s go inside.”

Sydney looked back, trying to see what had caught Hazel’s attention.

“The eyes are watching. Let’s get away from the eyes.”

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