by Ingrid Thoft
She was silent.
“Are you there?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“So say something.”
“I need to see you and Scotty. I’ll meet you wherever you want, but it has to happen by the end of the day.”
“What is this about?”
She was silent again.
“Your lack of ranting is freaking me out,” Matthew said.
“As it should.”
“Do you want me to include Dad?”
“No! Just you two.”
“Fine. Let me talk to Scotty, and I’ll call you back,” he said, disconnecting the call.
Fina unwrapped another Reese’s and popped it in her mouth. After five minutes, she was starting to get antsy for a callback, but decided to distract herself by putting away the candy and turning on the TV. There was a shark show on one of the nature channels, which seemed appropriate. A great white was tearing into a defenseless seal when the phone rang. Matthew’s assistant was calling to let her know that her brothers would see her at seven p.m. at Scotty’s house.
Rather than spend the next couple of hours ruminating, Fina endeavored to keep busy. She saw that Evan had sent her an e-mail with an attachment of minutes from more neighborhood association meetings. There were two sets of notes, and Fina perused them, trying not to drop flakes of chocolate or peanut butter on the screen.
The first set didn’t offer much of value, just confirmed Fina’s suspicion that she should never move to the suburbs and join the neighborhood association. Either the boredom would kill her or she’d be arrested for killing a neighbor who wanted to endlessly debate whether her birdbath violated neighborhood rules.
The second set started out in the same vein, but toward the bottom of the second page, an item caught her eye. There was a brief mention of Ronnie’s proposed pool, including a timeline for the actual construction work.
Fina took a drink and searched her memory. The last thing she remembered about the pool was that Ronnie was seeking a property-line variance to which Nadine objected. Fina flipped through the older minutes, which confirmed that fortunes had changed markedly when it came to Ronnie McCaffrey’s pool. In earlier meetings, Nadine had voiced concerns about the plans, even suggesting that she would officially oppose his application for a variance. But in the most recent notes, Ronnie discussed the pool as if it were a done deal.
Fina pulled up the website for the city’s Inspectional Services Department and clicked through until she found a list of variance applications. They were designated by address and case number, and each listing specified the status of the request. Some were listed as “applications,” others were “revised applications,” and the third category was “decisions.” Fina scrolled down, found Ronnie’s address, and clicked on the “decision” listing.
She scanned the page, her eyes settling on the “GRANTED” verdict at the bottom of the page. Her phone rang before she could process what it meant. “Covenant” lit up her screen.
“Fina Ludlow,” she answered.
“This is Betty, Pastor Greg’s secretary. He needs to meet with you as soon as possible.”
“Okay.”
“Can you be here in an hour?”
“Sure. What’s this about?”
“He didn’t tell me the specifics, just that he has some good news.”
“I could use some good news.”
“Well, then. Your prayers have been answered.”
Good news from the pastor. She hoped it wasn’t his version of good news, like that the Lord was coming.
That didn’t really qualify in her book.
• • •
At Covenant Rising, Fina took a gander into the parish hall and saw a familiar figure. She walked down and sat in the pew behind him.
Lucas turned to face her. His face was pale, but his eyes were a spiderweb of red.
“Wow. Rough day?” Fina asked.
“I’m in the middle of prayer if you don’t mind.”
“Far be it from me to get between you and your Lord, but we do have something to discuss.” She got up and joined him in his pew.
He sighed. “What is it?”
“Did you really think your letters were going to dissuade me?”
Lucas didn’t look at her, but she could tell by the tremor that coursed through his shoulders that she’d hit a nerve.
“I don’t—”
“Seriously? Just don’t. I’ve had a rough day, too.”
They sat in silence for a moment.
“What I’m still not sure about,” Fina ventured, “is who exactly you’re protecting, or from what.”
Lucas tugged on the hem of his shirt.
“My guess,” she continued, “is that you’re protecting the church. I think you’re a true believer.”
He looked askance at her. “Of course I’m a believer.”
“But lots of people believe, Lucas, and they don’t commit criminal acts to protect their faith or further their cause.”
“I didn’t do anything of the sort. I didn’t do anything criminal.”
Fina stared at him. “Of course you did. You threatened me.”
“I wasn’t really going to hurt you.”
“I know, but you can’t go around threatening people,” she said, hoping that if there were a God, he wouldn’t strike her down on the spot. “I think you’d do just about anything to protect Pastor Greg and the church. The question is, would you kill to protect them?”
Lucas’s head swiveled toward her. “Absolutely not.”
“No? Why not? Because it would violate the Ten Commandments? So does lying, and you’ve done plenty of that.”
He grasped his hands together tightly. “I was wrong to send you those notes, but I’m already being punished for it.”
Fina peered at him. “What kind of punishment? And mental angst doesn’t count.”
Lucas swallowed. “Pastor Greg asked me to step down from the leadership committee.”
Fina raised an eyebrow. “Not because of me. I haven’t told anyone that you’re responsible for the letters.”
“I didn’t mean that I was being punished specifically for the letters. I meant that I’m being punished in general for my sins.”
“Which sins are we talking about?”
“I told Pastor Greg information about another congregant, and now I’m the one paying the price,” he said quietly, as if he wanted her to know, but didn’t want God to hear.
Fina nodded. “Gabby.”
He nodded.
“You told Pastor Greg that she was telling people you had the antifreeze.”
He shifted his feet. He was wearing sturdy-looking shoes with scuffed toes. “That’s part of it.”
Fina could see the struggle. He wanted to speak ill of the dutiful wife, but he didn’t want to get into more trouble.
“Did you also mention her affair to Pastor Greg?” she asked.
Lucas swallowed. “How do you know about that?”
“I’m a private investigator. I find stuff out. I know that you sent the letters, and I know that Gabby is getting it on with a young congregant.”
Lucas sat up straighter. “I thought the pastor should know.”
Fina shook her head. “Never get in the middle of a marriage, Lucas, not unless someone is paying you to be there. The messenger is always killed.”
“I was trying to do the right thing.”
She tilted her head side to side as if evaluating two options. “Maybe, or maybe you were just fed up with Gabby and wanted to make life difficult for her. Kind of backfired.”
“What are you going to do?” he asked.
“About what?”
“The letters.”
“If I find out that you killed Nadine, I’ll turn the letters over to the polic
e.”
“I didn’t kill her.”
Fina looked at the threatening depictions of the Ten Commandments that decorated the walls. Using fear as a motivator was not foolproof. Sometimes it came back to bite you on the ass. “If that’s true, then I don’t think anyone else needs to see them.”
“Really?”
“Really, as long as you stay out of my way and promise you won’t do something like this to anyone ever again.”
He nodded. “I promise.”
“I mean it, Lucas. Those letters would have frightened the average person. As it is, they caused a lot of wasted time and energy.”
“I won’t do anything like that again. Ever.”
“Good.” She stood and waited for him to speak. He was silent. “This is the moment that you thank me, Lucas.”
“Thank you,” he said, dipping his head.
“You’re welcome.”
She strode up the aisle and headed to the pastor’s office.
She was primed for good news.
• • •
Betty pointed toward Greg’s inner office, where Fina found him sitting behind his desk. His appearance was a sharp contrast to Lucas’s. Pastor Greg looked energetic, and he gave her a wide smile.
“Ahh, Fina. Thanks for coming in.”
“My pleasure.” She took a seat in front of his desk. “Betty said that you had some good news.”
“I do.” He freed a folder from the bottom of a stack and opened it. “That child you were asking about? I made some calls, and it turns out he is available for sponsorship.”
Fina smiled. “Wow. That’s great.”
“I know you felt a special connection with him, and as it turns out, he’s currently without sponsorship.”
“Hard to believe. He’s such a cute kid.”
Greg nodded. “I know, but the Lord works in mysterious ways. He knew that this child was the key to your involvement.”
To my money, Fina thought.
“Can I see the materials?” she asked, nodding toward the folder.
“Of course.”
Fina looked through the papers, which included an enlarged version of the same photo of the boy from the website and a fact sheet, which gave his particulars. She doubted the biography had any truth to it, but someone had made an effort to craft a believable backstory for little Azekel.
“It says his father was killed by a land mine,” Fina said, reading the bio, “and his mother died in childbirth.”
“Unbelievable what some of God’s children have to bear,” Greg said, his smile morphing into an expression of sympathy.
“That’s for sure. So I assume you need a check from me?”
“I don’t need the check, Fina. Azekel does.”
She fought the urge to smack him across the face with the folder. “Of course. I don’t have my checkbook with me, but I’ll take care of it the moment I get home.”
“Credit cards work also.”
She frowned. “I only use credit cards in emergencies.”
“Of course.”
“Can I keep this?” Fina held the folder in her hand.
“It’s all yours.”
She’d almost made her escape when he spoke again.
“I assume that you’re going to share the news of your sponsorship with Chloe Renard? She’ll want to move ahead with her own generous donation now that you’ve had a change of heart.”
“Don’t worry, Pastor Greg. I’m going to tell her everything.”
“That’s wonderful. God is good, Fina. God is good!”
“Amen.”
Fina put the folder in her bag and returned to her car.
True, some things were falling apart, but others were finally coming together, which felt like a miracle.
• • •
The lights were on at Scotty’s house when Fina arrived a couple of hours later. She rang the bell and found the door unlocked, which added to her irritation.
“What do you people have against locking your door?” she hollered, stepping into the front hall.
“What?” Scotty yelled from another room.
Fina found him in his office, sitting behind his desk. Matthew was on the couch, his tie peeking out from his jacket pocket.
“I said, ‘What do you people have against locking your door?’ You should lock your door. Anyone could just waltz in and help themselves.”
“I think our neighborhood is a little safer than yours.”
She dropped onto the couch next to Matthew. “Fine. Suit yourself.”
“So what’s the emergency?” Scotty asked.
“Are Patty and the kids here?”
“No. Ryan had a soccer game, and then she’s taking them out to dinner.”
“Good.” Fina picked up a plastic Skylanders figure and fiddled with it. Her brothers looked at her expectantly. “You know how there was that contract to beat me up?” she finally began.
“Yes,” Matthew said. “Although he didn’t have much success.”
“Except he did get a few punches in,” Fina said, “and he did it right here in your backyard.” She looked at Scotty.
“What?” He sat forward in his chair.
“I didn’t tell you that part because I thought it might freak you out, the idea that someone was willing to attack me where your children live.”
“It does freak me out.”
“Then you better brace yourself for the next part.”
Her brothers exchanged glances.
“Will we need a drink?” Matthew asked.
“It’s a safe bet,” Fina said.
He went to a small bar at the side of the room and picked up three glasses with one hand. With the other, he grabbed a bottle of scotch around the neck and brought everything back to the coffee table.
“What’s the next part?” Scotty asked once he had a glass firmly in hand.
“I found out who ordered the contract.”
“And?”
Fina threw back her head and swallowed her drink in one motion. She coughed as the liquid burned a trail down her throat into her gut.
“Rand,” she squeezed out. “Rand hired the guy to put me in the hospital.”
Matthew sat back and stared at the wall, and Scotty froze, his drink midway to his mouth. Fina reached for the bottle and poured herself another finger.
“Wait,” Matthew said, turning to Fina. “What?”
“I said that our brother paid some lowlife to beat me up and put me in the hospital. And this lowlife followed me here,” she looked at Scotty, “to your home, to do it.”
The two men were silent. Matthew downed his drink, but Scotty just stared at his. Fina’s eyes volleyed between them, waiting for a response.
“Really?” Fina asked when none was forthcoming. “Nothing?”
Scotty finally mustered up the will to speak. “You have proof of this?”
“The guy who did it IDed Rand.” Fina took a deep breath. It felt good to share the burden.
“Jesus Christ.” Scotty shook his head. “I can’t believe he would hire someone to hurt you.”
“No?” Fina said. “I can.”
Matthew rubbed his eyes with his palms before raising his gaze. “I can, too,” he said. “I don’t want to admit it, but when I consider the other things he’s done, it’s not that farfetched.”
“Does Dad know?” Scotty asked.
Fina shook her head. “I wanted to tell you guys first so we present a united front.”
“Have you told Cristian?” Matthew asked.
“Not yet.”
“You could have Rand arrested,” he said.
“Yes. I could have him arrested,” Fina replied.
Scotty was shaking his head. “You’re talking about a trial, a possible conv
iction, and jail time, and the publicity. That’s not the way to go. You’ve got to gather all the dirt you have and give it to Dad,” he said in a rush. “Now.”
Fina took a pull from her drink. “There are a couple more leads I need to chase down.”
“Fina! This is serious!”
“No shit, Sherlock! I’m working as fast as I can.”
“Calm down, you guys,” Matthew implored. “We’ll figure something out. What about the dirt on Dad?”
“What dirt on Dad?” Scotty asked, glancing between the two of them.
“I think Rand has something on Dad, but I don’t know what.”
“We better figure it out,” Matthew said.
“I’m doing the best I can,” Fina said.
“If Rand is blackmailing Dad, whatever he has on him must be bad,” Scotty said.
Fina stared at him. “Yeah, that’s my point.”
Anger and hurt roiled her stomach, and she barely trusted herself to speak. “You guys can keep thinking about it.” She pushed herself up off the couch. “I’m tired. It’s exhausting trying to stay one step ahead of your evil sibling.”
“Fina, sit down,” Matthew urged. “We know that Rand is nuts, and we’re not going to let him do anything to you.”
“Uh-huh.”
She walked out the front door and pulled it closed behind her.
As if on autopilot, Fina started the car and drove for a few minutes before pulling over and putting the car in park.
She sat, sniffling, tears rolling down her cheeks.
THIRTY-ONE
Fina didn’t cry for long. She went home to her computer and vowed to relegate Rand to the deep recesses of her mind for the time being.
She gazed at the calendar on her wall and tried to make sense of the dates of Nadine’s illness and the people who had access to her at those times. The problem was, lots of people had access. At the church, Nadine crossed paths with Lucas, Greg, and Gabby with regular frequency, and Fina had seen firsthand that coffee and snacks were the lifeblood of the Covenant Rising meeting and event circuit. Christa, Evan, and Ronnie also saw Nadine on a regular basis.
There was something niggling at her—some conversation that she couldn’t recall—but Fina had solved enough cases to respect her instincts. If there was something her subconscious wanted her to know, she needed to pay attention, and in time, it would be revealed. At the moment, though, the sense of a critical piece of information being just out of reach was maddening. Fina would just have to keep at it, reviewing what she had and revisiting things she’d dismissed early on.