Page 21 of Hidden Hero

Buford nodded slowly, his gaze contemplative. “I don’t encourage my members to watch much television, but occasionally, I’ll tune in to police shows just to understand what tempts the youth these days.” He leaned forward slightly, lowering his voice as if confiding in them. “I know what you’re doing. Investigating connections—it’s just like on those programs.”

Jeremy bit the inside of his cheek to keep from sighing. He nodded instead, letting Buford ramble.

“But in this case,” Buford continued, “I can’t say I ever noticed anything between them. Fred was a faithful Wednesday night mission group member, but Helen never joined. We even offered to send the van for her, just like on Sundays, but she never took us up on it.”

Jeremy seized the opportunity. “How did Fred get to church on Sunday mornings? Did he drive?”

Buford’s face clouded as he thought. “Not recently, no. He used to drive himself, but a couple of months ago, he mentioned his eyesight wasn’t what it used to be. That’s when he started using the van service occasionally.”

He paused, then straightened as if struck by an idea. “Come to think of it, that van service might be their only connection. If Helen was using it too, they could’ve met there. But other than that, I don’t believe they interacted.”

Jeremy nodded, though the pastor’s words stirred little hope. Rising, he extended his hand. “Thank you, Pastor Grissley. You’ve been very helpful.”

Buford gripped Jeremy’s hand firmly, his smile broad and self-assured. “Happy to serve, gentlemen.”

Pete and Jeremy exchanged polite farewells before heading back to their SUV. Once inside, Pete exhaled heavily and slumped against the seat. “I don’t think we learned a damn thing, except maybe that Donna Grissley has the spine of a wet noodle.”

Jeremy smirked faintly, his hands gripping the steering wheel as he stared ahead. “Yeah, that dynamic wasn’t hard to pick up on. And if Fred only started using the van service recently, their paths would’ve barely crossed before Helen died. It’s a stretch to call that a connection, but we’ll add it to the board.”

Pete let out a low groan. “This case is like chasing shadows.”

Jeremy nodded in agreement, his mind already turning over the next steps. Despite the dead ends, he wasn’t ready to let the shadows win.

9

Cora sat hunched over the microscope on the lab counter, stopping occasionally to type notes on her laptop. She leaned back and stretched her back, groaning both in pain and relief.

Janice walked in after sterilizing the autopsy room. “You must be stiff, Cora. We need taller chairs… or lower tables… or…”

“How about hospital massages?” Cora joked.

Janice’s eyes brightened as a smile spread over her face. “Oh my God. Wouldn’t that be amazing?” She squinted her eyes closed and relaxed her shoulders. “I can feel it now. Weekly massages for all of us who have to lean over tables.” Her eyes popped open, and she rushed, “Honestly, you do that more than anyone! Probably more than anyone in the hospital!”

“I’m not sure about that. The surgeons must work bent over live patients while watching the clock to ensure everything is done properly and concisely.”

“Yes, but you spend so much time running tests and looking at evidence besides the arduous task of the autopsies, which are at least two hours and sometimes twice that long!”

Cora laughed at Janice’s indignant defense. “While I appreciate you looking out for me, I think it’s a moot point since hospital massages aren’t being offered.”

Janice sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Yeah, you’re right.” She glanced at the clock. “It’s almost time for my shift to end. I noticed there are no autopsies on the board for tomorrow. Maybe it will stay that way.”

“It would be nice not to get called in,” Cora muttered, itching to get back to her analysis. “I’ll say goodbye. I want to finish what I’m doing before I leave. I’ll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend.”

Janice waved, and as soon as she left, Cora returned to her microscope. She had run several tests, but some numbers didn’t add up. A headache was blooming, and she decided that the tests could wait. No one was waiting on the results… just her natural curiosity. She pulled off her lab coat and hung it on the back of the door to her small office. Waving goodbye to the evening staff who would handle any bodies that might come in that night, she hoped she could make it all weekend without getting called into the hospital or a death in the community that might be deemed a crime scene.

The drive home felt lighter than usual, her thoughts drifting to the two cats eagerly awaiting her return. A grin tugged at her lips. She’d never had anything—or anyone—waiting for her at home before. The novelty of it filled her with a giddy anticipation she relished more than she cared to admit.

Pushing open the front door, she called out, “Max? Mia?” The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the refrigerator. She tossed her purse onto the kitchen counter and entered the living room. Her heart swelled at the sight of Max and Mia curled up together on the sofa.

“Hi, guys,” she gushed, dropping to her knees beside the couch.

Wide eyes greeted her, wary and ready to bolt, but the tension melted when her fingers scratched their heads. A symphony of purrs filled the room, their velvety fur warm beneath her touch. They stood, leaning into her hands, demanding more attention. She laughed softly. “Come on, let’s get dinner.”

Standing, she glanced back to see if they’d follow, and sure enough, the soft patter of paws trailed her into the kitchen. Kneeling, she gathered their dishes, grinning as they swirled around her legs in eager figure eights. She’d left some dry food out for them during the day, but their enthusiasm made it clear they were ready for the good stuff. Opening a can of soft food, she scooped it into their dishes and set them down. They dove in with gusto.

Leaning her hip against the counter, she snapped a few pictures on her phone. Their fluffy tails swished, their whiskers twitching in delight as they devoured their meal. Finding the cutest shots, she sent them to her parents.

Her mother’s reply was instant.What cute grand-kitties!

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