“It will get better, and the pain won’t feel like it’s breaking your heart. But you have to keep busy and be around those who support you.” Susannah withdrew her hand, resuming the topic of Linda’s past. “You said you’re in a condo. If you don’t mind my asking, are you renting, or did you buy?”
The ice cubes in Linda’s glass clinked. She took a long drink. “I bought a unit, in a building not very far from here. The Marquette Building—have you heard of it? I’m on the tenth floor with a view overlooking the Arch and the river.”
Susannah nodded appreciatively. “Very nice. You must have come out pretty well financially.” She wiped her mouth using her napkin.
Linda’s smile was tinged with melancholy. “I always wonder if I could have done something differently to salvage the marriage.” She threw Susannah a crucial tidbit of personal data. “I was able to pay for my condo and car in cash, still leaving me very comfortable financially. But I want to make a difference. I’m researching causes and organizations, several of which I was involved with in Illinois. I’d welcome any suggestions you might have.”
Susannah put her fork down slowly, her face beaming. “The Good Lord must have brought us together for a special reason. Our Growing in Christ Campaign launched recently. Have you received our materials?”
“Oh, yes! You mentioned it last week. I took a donor package.”
Susannah raised her glass, deliberately eyeballing Linda. “Wonderful! You asked for suggestions of places to contribute your money, and of course, I am somewhat biased. As we work to raise funds, one of the things Ray and I are stressing to potential donors is that they are not only celebrating the work of Jesus Christ, but also creating a legacy that will live on indefinitely.”
Linda finished her salad, smearing off the remainder of her lipstick with the napkin. “I’d like to hear more of these special opportunities.”
“Everyone who donates will have their name inscribed on a plaque, so future generations will know who built this church, tying into the idea of a legacy. For those with the financial means, and this may be exactly what you’re looking for, there is the chance to purchase one of twelve custom-made stained-glassed windows depicting key scenes in Christ’s life. There will also be the option to purchase pews as an individual, family, or group. This is your church, and we want you to have every opportunity to be a part of it.”
Susannah was a master manipulator, making her would-be victims feel how special they were. Linda speculated on Ray’s involvement. “This is impressive. Let me review the materials, and I’ll get back to you in a few days. This could be exactly what I’m looking for.”
They finished lunch, which Linda insisted on buying. “It’s been so helpful talking to you,” she lied.
They parted, with Susannah giving her a hug. “It is so nice to visit and make new friends. Call me if you have any questions on the campaign. I’d be happy to meet again.”
Linda bobbed her head in agreement.
She walked a full block before saying a word, looking behind her to make certain she wasn’t being followed. “That was noteworthy,” she finally said aloud.
Malachi’s voice occupied her head. “Let’s meet in the parking garage at eight when it starts getting dark to review.”
48
LATER THAT EVENING ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE
Linda spotted Malachi beyond the garish yellow light of the garage that illuminated the fringes of a dark corner.
She checked her surroundings, meeting him in the shadows. “Susannah didn’t waste any time asking for a donation.” Linda removed the slick four-color brochure from her bag.
“Ah, the Growing in Christ Campaign,” Malachi acknowledged. He accepted the brochure, casually flipping the pages.
“Right. Susannah’s peddling these as custom-made at fifty thousand each. I don’t believe her for a second. She and possibly Ray are running a scam. Susannah will want a decision soon. I realize I’m asking a lot, but I need the money ASAP to make the purchase and collect her DNA all at once.”
“When can you meet for lunch again?”
“Susannah wants to see my condo. Fantastic opportunity to invite them for dessert and coffee, as a friendly get-to-know-you gesture. Obtain both their DNA by next week, if the money can be approved.”
“I’ll start the paperwork tomorrow.”
The sound of screeching tires startled them both. A car careened up the ramp, heading directly toward Linda and Malachi. Linda felt him grabbing her around the waist, pulling her deeper into the darkness.
She felt Malachi’s rapid breath at the back of her neck, muscular arms holding her close. Taking the corner at high speed, the car slammed into a cement pillar.
Without thinking, they sprinted to the smashed car, black smoke curling from under the hood. Malachi reached the vehicle first, and with force, pried the door open, where the bloody driver slumped over the steering wheel.
Dialing 911, Linda spoke urgently, “A car has crashed in the Commons parking garage.”
“Driver’s unresponsive,” Malachi called out.
She rattled off pertinent details. “ETA less than a minute.”
As witnesses, they would have to provide statements to police. Malachi silently revealed his badge to officers on the scene. Firefighters sprayed foam to put out any fire, while the victim was taken away by ambulance.
Nearly an hour passed before they returned to their conversation. “It’s as if this case is drenched in death,” Linda remarked glumly.
“Yeah, things have been pretty weird.” Malachi was saddened, too.
“He must have experienced a medical crisis of some kind.”
Malachi’s strong hand grasped hers, drawing Linda into the shadows again. “Let’s wrap this up. I’ll work on the money aspect and what else?”
She motioned toward the brochure inside his coat. “The company supposedly making these windows is American Stained Glass. Let’s find out if they’re working with Susannah or ever heard of her. We should also start investigating Ray Williams. They could be in this together.”
“You got it,” Malachi nodded. “I’ll leave a message on the burner once the money’s in your account.”
They left the garage separately. Close to ten now, the air was heavy with humidity, the night steamy. On her three-block journey, Linda’s mind kept returning to Malachi holding her. It had felt natural, which surprised her. She chided herself. He’s your partner. Don’t see things where nothing exists.
49
SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2003 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI THE ROAD TO CALVARY SET
The confirmation call from Malachi came three days later. He did not, however, have information on the glass company. Every day lost came closer to her six-week deadline. It was nerve-racking to move so quickly, but getting the money was a temporary relief. Linda wondered who else was being suckered for fifty thousand dollars.
Billie and Bob Carlson seemed exactly the type who would want to invest heavily in the building campaign. Prior to the next service, Linda broached the subject as though she were consulting them for advice.
“I’m considering purchasing one of the stained-glass windows,” she confided in a whisper to the couple. “But I want your thoughts, since you’ve been around longer.”
Bob laughed jovially. “We believe buying a window is a terrific investment. We’ve already selected ours.”
Billie fanned her girth with the program. “We’re dipping into our 401(k). But this is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“Billie’s right,” Bob said. He patted his wife on her plump knee. “This will be a part of our legacy.”
Linda concurred. “Thanks, I’ll do that, right after the show.”
“Two minutes to air!”
Linda recognized Buck Neal giving the command as people scurried to find seats and the lights went down.
Paying little attention to Ray’s sermon, Linda kept going over what she would say to Susannah. She wanted to seem excited, b
ut not overly so. From experience she knew someone as calculating as Susannah constantly suspected others.
At the show’s conclusion, Linda made her move, taking Susannah aside. “I wanted you to know I’ve decided on my financial contribution. I’d prefer to discuss this with you and the reverend privately.”
Susannah grasped her forearm excitedly and squeezed it. “That’s wonderful, Linda! Is tonight too soon? We have space available to talk here. Or we could come to your place.”
Linda’s brain was in overdrive. She hadn’t even had to offer an invitation. “Coming over to my place would be lovely. Why don’t we say six-ish? I’ll have dessert and coffee.”
“I can’t wait to see your place. The view sounds fabulous.” Susannah waved Ray over. “Great news. Linda has made a decision regarding her donation. We’ll be going to her condo this evening to present the options.”
Ray clutched Linda’s hand. “That is wonderful. I haven’t been in the Marquette Building since its renovation into condos, but I understand it’s one of the premier addresses in St. Louis.”
Susannah nodded enthusiastically. “I told Linda I’ve been dying to see it!”
Linda felt goose bumps tickle her skin. She was both excited and slightly apprehensive. “Well then, tonight it is.”
“Look closely at the patterns on the china,” Malachi instructed over the burner. “One is a lighter shade of blue than all the others. That’s the coffee cup you want to give Susannah.”
Linda held the flip-phone to her ear and pulled the four place settings from the china cabinet. “Okay, I see which one. I’ll keep her dishes and silverware separate from the rest without being obvious.”
“Repeat the code phrase should anything go wrong.”
“Yep. ‘My sister called.’” Linda lined up the dishes on the counter.
“Phil and I were able to get access to a vacant condo, so we’re in the building. We can be at your apartment in seconds.”
It unnerved her ever so slightly that Malachi kept reminding Linda this in-home meeting had the potential for danger. But she thought that of every meeting with Susannah. Ray’s presence made her feel more at ease. “Listen, I need to get going. They’ll be here in less than a half hour.”
Malachi hung up, and Linda hid the phone.
She stacked the china on the counter rather than setting a formal table, so she would control who got what cup and plate. Linda had purchased a summer centerpiece and napkins for a festive, hospitable décor.
Ray and Susannah arrived promptly at six, and Ray carried a large portfolio under one arm. They settled in the living room.
“Your donation will be instrumental in helping us reach our goal. We’re excited to know what choice you’ve made.”
Linda didn’t want to drag this out. “I have decided to purchase a stained-glass window. How many are left?”
“Four,” Susannah said with mounting excitement.
“You’ll have to forgive me,” Ray said, looking over at Linda. “Susannah is handling finding donors for the windows and pews, as well as getting them ordered and made. We’ve split responsibilities. She has a gift for marketing ideas, in case you haven’t noticed. I let her take the reins and chair the Growing in Christ Campaign giving committee, while I handle all the logistics.”
“I’m not dealing with the land and meeting city codes,” Susannah said cheerfully, shaking her head. “I enjoy overseeing fundraising.”
Linda retained every word. And being in direct contact with the money. “Of course.” She looked at the couple with a hint of inquisitiveness. “This is a huge undertaking, and I can imagine you need to spread things out. What else does the committee do?”
“We’re also responsible for the land and making sure we meet other city requirements,” Ray said, spreading his hands out. “Our building and three acres of land were donated by Mr. Karl Wilcox. He and several parishioners with city hall connections assist us with building permits, code specifications, and such.”
Linda played ignorant. “Where are we in terms of raising money? It sounds as if we still have a ways to go until we can break ground.” She put on a face of mock unease. “Of course, it’s not any of my business.”
Ray grinned at Linda. “Yes, it is your business! You’re a member of this church.”
“Absolutely. Without the contributions of members like you, we wouldn’t be where we are!” Susannah once again pontificated on how the gifts of people like Linda were making this endeavor possible. The captain wasn’t buying.
Ray came forward on the sofa, folding his large hands across his knees. “You know we have to have half the money in place—in this case just over a million. Right now, we have donations totaling four hundred fifty thousand.”
Linda coughed. “Let’s get started. What are my choices for a window, seeing as there are now only four remaining?”
“You have several options. Some donors don’t care what scene their window portrays. These are larger, detailed photos than in the brochure.” Susannah opened the portfolio. “We also have a prototype, although it’s not to scale.”
The glass window gleamed under the bright lights of the room. Linda had to admit it was stunning.
For the next fifteen minutes, Susannah and Ray pointed out Jesus’s baptism, his walking on water, miracle at Cana, driving the moneychangers from the Temple, and other scenes for windows. Linda knew these stories from an education in Catholic schools, and she was getting antsy to finalize the deal. She decided to do just that.
“This is all very overwhelming with so many choices,” Linda said, interrupting the spiel. “I’ll tell you what. I trust your judgment implicitly, so why don’t you choose the scene depicted in my window?”
“We appreciate your faith in us,” Ray replied. He turned on the sofa toward his wife. “I think we should check with these other folks and make certain they want us to choose. After all, this is a large investment.”
From the corner of her eye, Linda saw Susannah’s eyes narrow at her husband’s statement. Ever the manipulator, in the next sentence, Susannah was cheerfully agreeing with him. “Certainly, we’ll double-check with donors on their selection. As Ray said, fifty thousand dollars is no small amount of money.”
Linda rose from the overstuffed chair and retrieved her purse from the open-concept kitchen, switching on the coffee maker. “Well, other members definitely trust you. What I wish to do tonight before indulging in some apple cobbler and coffee is to finalize my contribution.” She rummaged through her purse for a checkbook. “I’ll give you the check tonight, but if I decide in the upcoming weeks that I do want a voice in the selection process, can I still make the change, and how long would I have?”
Ray’s response was emphatic. “You certainly will have that option! It will be months before these windows are complete, right, sweetheart? And you won’t have to pay the full amount up front. I’m sure some folks will want to pay in installments.”
Linda wasn’t paying much attention to Ray, but to the scowl creasing his wife’s forehead. She does not look pleased.
“Susannah,” Ray said. “Linda asked us a question. There will be several weeks for her to decide if she wants to choose her window and a down payment will be fine.”
Linda looked at the reverend’s sincere face. Ray doesn’t seem to have any fraudulent intent; he appears to believe this campaign is legit.
Susannah shook her head, as if she were bringing herself out of a trance. “I am so very sorry. Yes, of course you can ask for input. Paying all at once means a nice tax break.”
Linda rose and handed her check to Susannah.
“Let me help you,” Susannah said, trying to follow her.
“You and Ray are my guests. Think of this as my inaugural hosting of friends.” Linda eyed the coffee cups and poured. She felt almost giddy as Susannah’s red lipstick made a perfect imprint when she took her first sip. Apple cobbler and ice cream were served.
It didn’t appear as though Ray and Sus
annah had discussed Linda in any depth beyond her divorce and subsequent move. When the reverend began inquiring about her family, she deftly turned the conversation toward the story of how Ray and Susannah met.
At around eight-thirty, well after Linda had hoped they would have departed, Ray and Susannah started saying their good-byes.
Ray stood, waiting for his wife. “Well, I think we should bid Linda good night and be on our way. Thank you for your hospitality and a most generous donation.”
“This was such a lovely evening,” Susannah cooed. She clasped Linda’s hand and spoke of her deep generosity again. She asked Ray to say a prayer before they departed.
The three of them held hands as Ray blessed the evening and their blossoming friendship, and Linda didn’t remember what all. She could barely touch Susannah’s flesh without squirming because she was confident Susannah Williams was their killer.
Linda cared about one single thing. We’ve got her DNA.
“I hate leaving you with all these dirty dishes,” Susannah said. “Let me help you clean up. Please.”
“Next time,” Linda promised, holding a firm open palm against Susannah’s chest. She ushered the couple out into the hall. “See you Sunday.”
The door closed behind her, and she crumbled against it exhausted. Linda exhaled, imagining a balloon deflating. “We’ve got her.”
“Roger that,” Malachi’s deep voice crackled in her earpiece.
50
MONDAY, JULY 14, 2003 ST. CHARLES, MISSOURI RUTH PERKINS’S HOME
Emma arrived promptly at noon for lunch with her mother. At least we’re speaking again, Emma thought with a sigh of relief. She parked and immediately saw that the drapes were still drawn. Her mother always liked lots of light coming into her house. She rang the bell and waited. Minutes passed, and her mother didn’t appear. Emma noticed her hands quivering.
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