Page 606 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

”Sydney sighed. “No, I’m not sure of anything anymore.”

“Well, how did it go? Don’t spare any details.”

She smiled. She could just picture Ginger, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, lounging on her sofa. Ginger and Mark had recently moved to a trendy apartment in downtown Ft. Worth known as The Firestone. A major renovation project was under way in the downtown district of Ft. Worth. The intent was torevamp the area, making it a viable part of the city again. Old abandoned buildings were being turned into quaint shops, and classical apartment homes were cropping up.

Sydney started at the beginning and told Ginger about the visit to Stella’s house, leaving out the unlocked front door.

“Wow,” Ginger said. “You’ve had an eventful week.” There was a pause. “Do you really think you could be in any sort of danger? No one except your grandmother knows who you are.”

There was one other person who knew Sydney’s true identity, but she didn’t mention this to Ginger. She looked toward the door. “Don’t worry. This place is just like Mayberry. I’m perfectly safe.”

“Even so, you be careful.” Then, characteristic of Ginger, she suddenly switched gears. “How was church Sunday?”

Sydney hesitated. “I haven’t had a chance to go yet. Her voice trailed off as she braced herself for what was sure to come.“

Syd, you know how easy it is to get out of the habit of going. It’s so important.”

Sydney rolled her eyes. She knew that Ginger meant well, but going to church was at the bottom of her priority list at the moment. “I know I need to go. I plan to. I just haven’t had time. Besides, I’m not even sure where the nearest chapel is.”

“That’s okay. I’ve already looked it up for you. Grab a pen and write down this address.”

A dry chuckle escaped Sydney’s lips. She reached for a scrap sheet of paper and a pen and took down the address.

“Promise me you’ll go this week?”

Sydney was used to Ginger’s bullying and wasn’t going to be that easily swayed. “I’ll think about it.”

Ginger groaned. “You’re impossible.”

Sydney laughed. “I sure do wish you were here to keep me in line.”

“Someone needs to.”

“Well, Gin, it’s getting late. I need to get some rest.”“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem a little edgy.”

Sydney forced a laugh. “No need to worry. I’m fine, really. Goodnight.”

Even as she spoke the words, an uneasy feeling settled like concrete in the pit of her stomach. She looked toward the door. Had someone been in her house tonight? She brushed the thought aside and chastised herself for being so ridiculous. Still, she unclasped the chain from her neck and took the key and unlocked the drawer of her secretary. She felt a sense of relief when her fingers clutched the journal. She pulled it out and held it to her chest. Tonight she would sleep with it under her pillow. It was the conversation with Stella that had unsettled her. “Too many ghosts,” she said aloud. What she needed was a good night’s rest and some sunshine. She frowned. The rain had been relentless. She went to the window and looked through the blinds to see if the rain had stopped. No such luck. Had someone been in her house tonight? Was he out there, watching? The thought sent prickles over her. She looked at the empty street and then next-door at her neighbor’s open window. The lace curtain moved. Quickly, she closed the blinds and headed for the comfort of her bed.

10

“… JOY COMETH IN THE MORNING.” —PSALMS 30:5

Sydney hadn’t planned on dating Kendall. It just sort of happened. Kind of like the time she and Ginger went shopping. Ginger saw a brown sweater hanging on the rack.

“Try it on Syd.”

Sydney wrinkled her nose. “That? You want me to try on that?” She walked away from the sweater to look at something else. “I don’t think so.”

Ginger wasn’t going to give up so easily. “It’s perfect for you.”

“Brown’s not one of my better colors.”

Ginger groaned. “Just try it on.”

“Okay!”

Sydney tried on the sweater. To her amazement and Ginger’s delight, it looked great.

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