“Did you report it to CPS?”
“No.” She looked down at her feet. “But I should have.” She glanced back up at JP. “Is that what this is about? Did someone report them?”
“I can’t really discuss that, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t say anything to other church members until we’ve had a chance to investigate.”
“I won’t.”
“By the way,” JP said, “do you know if there is anyone else I could talk to who might have known about the wedding before it happened?”
“No, unless Mary Margaret told them. I have to wonder if she even knew before it happened.”
“What about Lucy Jennings or her parents?”
She opened her mouth in surprise. “Do you know them?”
“I met them at church this morning. I went there to see what it was like, and to see if I could get some information. I don’t remember seeing you there.”
“I didn’t attend. I haven’t been back since the wedding announcement.” She raised her voice. “Don’t get me wrong; it’s a good church with a lot of good people. I believe in the tenets of the church. And I know that according to the Bible, girls were married very young, but things were different then. I still don’t think it’s right today, and I have some soul searching to do.”
“Do you know where I can find the Jennings?”
“Of course. Lucy works at the Starbucks in Fashion Valley, but they’re always so busy, I doubt you’d be able to talk to her at work. Mr. Jennings works for some big construction company, not sure which one. Mrs. Jennings doesn’t work outside the home, but she does a lot of volunteer work for the church. She’s on the editing staff for the blog.” She hesitated.
“Is she the one who stopped your blog entry?”
“Yes, and the one Sharon Droppo wrote after mine. I don’t think Mrs. Jennings agreed with the marriage, but she’d never say anything against the pastor, so I can’t be sure. I think she didn’t approve of our posts because she didn’t want any church scandal. She’s very protective of the church.”
Chapter 20
The Fowler Case
JP sat outside the principal’s office, a scene he had played only a few times in his youth. More often than not, it was his brother, Gene, who would be there. JP ruminated on the many times he had seen his brother sitting outside the office. On more than one, occasion it was because Gene got in a fight protecting JP. How things had changed.
A man with gray hair, mustache, and beard approached. “I’m Donald McGill,” he said, extending his hand.
Looking up at him, he seemed so big and intimidating. JP’s childhood feelings welled up. Once he stood up and shook his hand, the principal shrank to his five-foot-nine inches.
“Nice to meet you,” JP said.
McGill led him to his office. Once inside, he said, “I understand you’re a private investigator. Does this have something to do with one of my students?”
JP took a seat where the principal had gestured. “No. It’s about a couple of members of the Square With God Church. I understand you attend that church as well.”
“I do,” he said guardedly.
“I work for an attorney who is representing Mary Margaret Fowler.”
McGill sighed.
JP was sure the principal understood that CPS was involved, but he couldn’t explain any more. “Did you report it?”
“I’m ashamed to say I did not.” He rubbed his forehead. “I should have. As a principal, I’m a mandated reporter. I know that applies, even though it wasn’t related to my job. I’m just glad someone did.”
“Do you have any idea who might have?”
He shook his head. “Most people don’t want to get involved, defy the pastor, or bring any scandal to the church. It’s hard enough these days with all the political and religious division in our country.”
“But you don’t approve of the marriage?”
“She’s just a child.”
“Did you know about the wedding before it took place?”
“Of course not. I most certainly would have reported it if I thought I could stop it.”
“Do you know if anyone besides the family knew it was going to take place?”
“I don’t think so. Most of the congregation seemed surprised by the announcement. A murmur went through the church when Pastor Fowler told us, but only for a few seconds because it was met with the pastor’s disapproval. He didn’t say anything, but his facial expression was very clear.”
“Was there any indication that Mary Margaret and Lester were…” JP paused, searching for the correct word. None of them seemed appropriate. “…an item?”
“No. I don’t recall ever seeing them together. Mary Margaret is a very sweet, reserved girl. Lester is a good friend of the Fowlers, and he spends a lot of time with them, so I’m sure Mary Margaret knows him better than we have witnessed at church. They were sitting together the Sunday when the announcement was made, but I can’t imagine her wanting to be married to Lester Gibbs.”
“So, you saw them together that Sunday?”
“Yes, but it was very awkward. A couple of people congratulated them, but most didn’t seem to know what to do. Normally, the members hang around and chat with each other for a bit, but that day they seemed to be avoiding the couple and kind of hurried away. Most people were gone before Pastor Fowler came out.”
“You hung around?”
“I had the same plan, but my wife was in the restroom, so I was waiting for her. I can tell you this much: Mary Margaret was not smiling and appeared uncomfortable when Lester put his arm around her.” He rubbed his forehead again, and then his beard in a nervous gesture. “I didn’t report it because I assumed it was a legal marriage, but I’m guessing now that it was not, because you’re here asking me these questions.”
JP felt like a priest hearing the principal’s confession. The principal obviously felt guilty for not reporting it. “I can’t really go into any details about the case, except to tell you that we’re doing what we can to figure it all out. If you learn anything new, please let me know.” JP laid his card on the desk and left.
JP still had a few hours before his meeting with Sabre at the Cunningham’s house. He stopped at Starbucks to see Lucy Jennings. It was midafternoon on a Monday, and the customers were few. She smiled when he walked in.
“Hello,” Lucy said. “You’re the new guy at church, right?”
“Yes, we met yesterday.”
“What can I get you?”
“Actually, I had a couple of questions. Do you have a minute?”
“Sure,” she said. “Mark, please take over. I’ll only be a few minutes.” She came out from behind the counter and led JP outside to one of the tables in the mall’s food court.
“What can I do for you?”
Since everyone else he had talked to seemed open to his questions, he decided to come clean about who he was. “Lucy, I’m an investigator for an attorney who is representing Mary Margaret Fowler.”
The pleasant look left her face and she sat up straighter, but she didn’t comment.
“I need some information about the marriage of Lester and Mary Margaret.”
“I don’t know anything about that.”
“But you do know they had a wedding ceremony, right?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t attend the wedding?”
“No.”
“Do you have an opinion about it?” JP was hoping he could get her to say something more than yes or no.
“It’s not my place to have an opinion about it.”
“Says who?”
“My mother.” She bit at her lower lip. “They were married in the eyes of God. I hope they’ll be happy.” She stood up. “I have to get back to work.”
JP left the mall and drove to see Lester Gibbs. He knew from the social worker’s report that Lester had moved back to his mother’s house in Tierrasanta. He wasn’t sure Lester would talk to him, but it was worth a try.
Lester�
�s mother, a trim, fit woman, answered the door dressed in workout clothes and explained that she had just returned from the gym.
“My name is JP Torn. I work for an attorney who is representing Mary Margaret Fowler.”
She didn’t seem concerned, only interested. “I’m Audrey Wirth. Come on in. Lester will be home any minute.” They stepped into the living room, and she introduced him to her husband. He said hello, and then continued watching his television show.
“Come into the kitchen. I was just having a protein shake. I’ll fix you one if you’d like.”
“No, but thanks.”
Audrey picked up a glass of green liquid and sat down at the counter. “Have a seat. Can I help you with anything before my son gets home?”
“Maybe you can. How well do you know Mary Margaret?”
“I’ve never met her. We don’t attend the same church Lester does.”
“Have you met her father, the pastor?”
She shook her head. “No, I’ve never met anyone from his church.”
“I take it you weren’t at the wedding?”
“I wasn’t invited.”
“Do you approve of his marriage?” JP asked.
Before she could answer, Lester walked in. He was a large man with a full head of wavy hair and leftover pockmarks from his teenage years. “She doesn’t need to approve,” he said. “I’m old enough to make my own choices.”
“You certainly are,” JP said. He hoped he didn’t sound as sarcastic as his thoughts.
“Who are you, anyway?” Lester asked.
“My name is JP. I work for Attorney Sabre Brown who is representing Mary Margaret.”
“So what do you want?”
“Child Protective Services is concerned about your relationship with Mary Margaret. I want to hear your side of it.”
“Then you should be asking me, not my mother.”
“You’re right. I was actually just killing time until you got here.”
“I think this is my cue to leave,” Lester’s mother said.
“It was nice to meet you, ma’am,” JP said and then turned to Lester. “I apologize if I overstepped. I really want to hear what you have to say.” JP hoped he could convince him that he was really interested in his side of the story, even though he didn’t really believe there were two sides to it.
“What is there to say? We’re two people in love who chose to get married.”
“Do you think Mary Margaret was old enough to make that choice?”
“She’s very mature for her age. Besides, her parents are in agreement. Why should the government care? They have no business getting involved in our personal lives.”
“Mary Margaret’s attorney just wants to make sure she is protected.”
“She’s my wife,” he said sternly. “I’ll be the one to protect her.”
“I’m sure you will. I can tell you love her very much.” JP decided to play the gender card. “You know how women are. They want to protect their own. Ms. Brown will talk to Mary Margaret and make sure she feels the same way about you.”
Lester flung his arm in the air. “I know how this works. They’ll put words in her mouth and keep at her until she says exactly what they want to hear. She wanted to marry me. She practically begged me.”
“Why don’t you tell me exactly what happened? If you can make me understand, then maybe I can convince my boss.” Lester gave him a skeptical look. “Start with how long you two have been dating.” JP almost choked on the word.
“We haven’t spent a lot of time alone. Mostly we do things with her parents, like barbeques and movie nights, stuff like that. I spend a lot of time at the pastor’s house.”
“But you have had some time alone?”
“Yes, sometimes her parents would leave, and we’d be home alone. Or sometimes I would take her with me when I went to Home Depot or something.”
“When did she tell you she wanted to get married?”
“She told me more than once.”
“How long ago was the first time?”
“A couple of months ago.”
“Women. Go figure,” JP said. “Did she come right out and ask you to marry her?”
“Not in so many words. We were kissing, and it got kind of hot and heavy. I’m a man, you know, I have urges—urges God gave me. I wanted to do more, but she said we couldn’t because we weren’t married. I knew right then what she wanted, and I told her I would marry her.”
JP felt his face getting hot with rage and his fist clench. He looked down, hoping Lester wouldn’t see it. He told himself to relax and breathe. “Did that satisfy her? The promise to marry?”
“Not really. She still kept getting me excited and then trying to stop me.”
“I know how hard it is to stop when women get us going. They think they can just say no, and we can switch it off. You’re a better man than I am if you were able to do that.”
“Right? It’s not easy. Every time I would touch her, she would say it was a sin and we can’t do things outside of marriage. I told her I would take care of that.”
“Is that when you asked her to marry you?”
“I didn’t actually ask her. Mary Margaret didn’t need all that romantic stuff. She just wanted to marry me. She said her mother would never allow it, that we’d have to wait until she was older. But I told her I would take care of it. I know how to get things done. I knew her father would agree with me.”
“Why is that?”
“Pastor Fowler understands these things. He has urges too.”
“What do you mean?” JP asked.
Lester raised an eyebrow. “You know what I mean. Just like you said. Men get out of control sometimes.”
“Has the pastor been ‘out of control’ before?”
Lester must have thought he said too much because he suddenly stopped talking about the pastor. “You need to convince that attorney of yours that we are happily married in the eyes of the church. We just need to get back together, and the government needs to stay out of our business.”
“I’ll see what I can do.”
Chapter 21
The Fowler Case
“How was your visit with Lester?” Sabre asked as she and JP drove to the Cunningham’s.
JP shook his head. “That man is so low he has to step up to go under.”
Sabre smiled. “It went that well, huh?”
“I did all I could to keep from punching that sick son of a . . . No, it wouldn’t be fair to call him that. His mother was actually very nice. She seemed so normal, but who knows?”
“Did you learn anything?”
JP shared the conversation he had with Lester about the marriage. “He also said that Pastor Fowler has ‘urges’. I’m not sure what he meant, but I think it’s worth checking into.”
“Fowler did agree to the marriage. What kind of a father would do that?”
“One who has urges, maybe.”
“Do you think Lester knew something about Fowler that he was able to use to convince Fowler to let him marry his daughter?”
“The thought crossed my mind,” JP said. “Lester told me Mary Margaret said her mother would never allow them to get married. She didn’t say her father or her parents wouldn’t allow it. She said her ‘mother’ wouldn’t.”
“So she had some reason to think her father wouldn’t protect her. That could be for a lot of reasons. She doesn’t seem very close to him, and he’s very strict. See what you can find out and I’ll see what Mary Margaret is willing to share with me.”
They arrived at the Cunningham’s for their respective appointments. After introductions, JP went to Miles’s office, and Sabre met with Penny in her room.
“Penny, I understand that you and Mary Margaret are friends, is that right?”
“We’re BFFs, best friends forever.”
“How long have you been friends?”
“Since kindergarten. We met at church when Pastor Fowler took over. They had just moved here from somewher
e. I don’t remember where. We were in kindergarten together, but then her father home-schooled her after that. We stayed friends. She only lived a block away, so we would see each other most every day after school, until she went to foster care.”
Sabre was glad Penny already knew something about the case. It made it easier to ask questions without violating Mary Margaret’s confidentiality. “What do you know about Mary Margaret being in foster care?”
“My parents told me why she wasn’t at church or living at home.”
“What did they tell you?”
“They said CPS removed her from her home because she was too young to consent to marriage. I already knew they were married because it was announced at church.”
“Did Mary Margaret tell you about the wedding before it took place?”
“No. She didn’t believe she would have to marry that creep.”
“I take it you don’t like Lester.”
Penny stuck her finger in her open mouth, making a gesture of disgust. “He’s a horrible, old man.”
“You said Mary Margaret didn’t think she’d have to marry him. Did she tell you that?”
“Yes.”
“When? Before or after the wedding?”
“Sunday night at church, after it was announced that morning. I hadn’t seen her alone until then. She doesn’t have a cell phone, so I couldn’t call her, but I talked to her at church that night.”
“Tell me exactly what she told you, if you can remember.”
“I asked her if she really got married, and she started to cry and ran to the bathroom. I followed her inside, and she told me her parents made her do it.”
“She didn’t want to get married?”
“No.” She shuddered. “She hated it, but her father said she had to. She said Lester told her father that they were in love.”
“Did she say anything else?”
“We didn’t get to talk very long because someone came in the bathroom and then we had to get back to Bible studies. I went to her house the next day, but her father said she wasn’t there. I didn’t know whether she didn’t want to see me, or her father didn’t want me to see her. I haven’t talked to her since.”
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