Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I am trying not to let my pride run away from me, but it’s hard. I really enjoy helping others and feel like I’m making a difference in my community. Is it so wrong to want a certain someone to admit I’m good at what I do? And don’t even get me started on envy. Sometimes I wish I weren’t burdened with guilt and could lead a simple, stress-free life. I won’t rest until I find the person responsible for the senator’s death. Only then will I feel deserving of any form of pleasure.
“You look great, Charity,” Cece said to her sister, while sitting in the front pew of Our Lady of Glory the next morning for church. Her conservative, navy-blue dress made the ice-blue in Candy’s eyes pop. The dress was actually Cece’s and a bit too big for Candy’s thin frame, but it was a far cry better than the slinky, hot-pink number she’d had on when she arrived to pick Cece up an hour ago.
“I feel ridiculous,” Candy responded, and then sighed heavily. “But a promise is a promise.” She glanced over her shoulder at the back of the packed church, waved, and smirked. “At least it gives us a reprieve from having Jackass breathing down our necks.” The detective scowled, his partner Rocco waved back with a goofy grin, and Candy rolled her eyes.
“Charity,” Cece admonished. “Remember where you are.” Nevertheless, she had to admit she felt a sense of relief in knowing Detective Jackson was too afraid to sit up front with them. As soon as he’d spotted Sister Mary Ethel, he’d frozen in his tracks and backed up to the doorway. Apparently as long as he could still see Cece, then she was safe enough in his eyes.
Candy sobered as she turned back around. “Believe me, I won’t forget today for quite some time. I’d rather be home with Granny, working on another curse for your detective.” Cece was about to correct her sister on the idea of the detective being hers, but Candy cut her off. “Now I know how you felt when you were wearing my clothes.” She squirmed. “Just don’t get any ideas about making this a habit. And quit calling me ‘Charity.’”
Cece held up her fingers, displaying the sign for scout’s honor, but didn’t reveal the crossed fingers of her other hand behind her back. She would do whatever she had to do to get her sister off the pole and onto the right track. Then she’d work on helping the detective.
Cece risked a peek over her shoulder, and her eyes locked onto his. He looked so good in his jeans and fitted sport coat. Not exactly his Sunday best, but the fact that he was here at all was good enough in her eyes. She swallowed hard, remembering the kiss they had shared last night. Maybe she should work on herself first. No telling how far she would have gone if Benny hadn’t interrupted them. She wasn’t about to tell Candy what had happened. Something told her getting involved with the detective would lead to nothing more than a broken heart. Besides, until the senator’s murder was solved, she wasn’t deserving of any form of pleasure.
“Whoa, that’s one hell of a shiner!” Candy snorted, pulling Cece away from her troublesome thoughts.
“Charity, please,” she said, as she turned around and faced front. “Can’t you refrain from cursing for one hour?” Candy just shrugged, and then her words registered in Cece’s brain. “Wait... who has a shiner?”
“Him,” Candy said, pointing at a man to their right.
Cece turned to see whom she was pointing at, and her eyes settled onto Mumfry Walker’s guilty ones. He quickly turned his head, but not before she saw the big black eye he sported. Had Councilwoman Reynolds given that to him last night at Benny’s Brewpub, or did Benny and Walker have it out after hours, or did Walker have more enemies than any of them knew about? He was a mystery that Cece needed to look into. She had a feeling he was the key to unlocking a few more clues.
The rich organ music started, indicating mass was about to begin. Cece loved the glorious sounds that spilled through the pipes and echoed throughout the large church. They’d always filled her soul with such warmth and pleasure. She closed her eyes and took a minute to let the music sing through her body. When she opened her eyes, she glanced at the organ and blinked in surprise. Walker wasn’t the only one bringing questions to her mind. Where was the regular church organist? The person sitting behind the keys was most definitely not Eleanor Meriwether.
It was her mystery man!
“Thank God, that’s over,” Ace said, exiting the church as quickly as possible and jogging down the front steps to the sidewalk by the street.
He stood close enough to keep watch, but far enough away to breathe more easily. The sun was shining brightly in the clear blue sky, and the air blew blessedly crisp and cold. He loved this time of year. The Fall always brought out such vibrant colors. Various shades of reds and yellows and greens colored the landscape in full bloom. Spring was for the birds. Fall was for people like him—always hot and bothered... and not in a good way. He inhaled a deep, cleansing breath and concentrated on relaxing as he watched everyone leave the church.
“Never thought I’d see the chicken dance anywhere but at a wedding,” Rocco said on a chuckle, as he joined him by the curb.
“Bawk bawk. Guilty as charged when it comes to places like this.” Ace loosened his tie and pulled at the collar of his button-down shirt. He never felt like he could get quite enough air whenever he was within a hundred feet of any church, let alone this one.
“Confession’s good for the soul. Try it. Ya might feel better.” Rocco rubbed his hands together.
“Good for your soul, maybe.” Ace arched a brow, eyeing him up and down. “No doubt you’ve worn out the curtain on the door.”
“Amen to that, brother.” Rocco zipped his pleather jacket up higher and slicked back his hair, grinning widely. “Let’s just say the priest and I are on a first-name basis.”
“Whatever gets you through your week, partner.” Ace shook his head, then elbowed Rocco in the arm and jerked his chin toward the front steps.
Mayor Evans and Sloan Sr. stood off to the side of the church, in what looked to be a heated discussion. Just then, Councilwoman Harriet Reynolds came walking down the steps, hesitated, and then approached the men. They instantly calmed and faced her with bright plastic smiles.
Typical politicians.
“What’s that all about?” Rocco asked.
“Not sure. Let’s go see.” Ace led the way, until they drew up beside the three.
“Mornin’, Mayor Evans,” Rocco said, his grin laced with steel, ready to slice through the phoniness. “Nice suit. Must’ve cost a pretty penny.”
Mayor Evans stiffened and for a brief moment a wary look crossed his features, but then he donned his game face once more. “Something I can help you with, Detective?”
“Nah, I’m good. My conscience is clear.” Rocco leaned in a hair and let a serious look replace his grin. “How’s yours?”
A gust of wind billowed around them, stirring up a pile of leaves like a cyclone. The mayor’s face flushed red; his gleaming bald head even turned pink, and he looked ready to pop as a vein throbbed in his neck.
Time for some “good cop,” Ace decided, turning to Sloan Sr. “Sorry for your loss, Mr. Sloan.”
“Thank you, Detective.” Sloan Sr. glanced at the mayor, then at the councilwoman, and then locked his gaze onto Ace’s. “The senator’s mother and I have been through our fair share of hard times over the years, but it’s never easy losing a child.” Genuine sadness flickered across the older man’s features, and he adjusted the brim of his fedora, looking away for a second to compose himself. A fedora and overcoat of the same style as the ones the senator had worn in the confessional. They’d probably been his father’s, as the senator undoubtedly hadn’t wanted anyone to know it was him in the confessional on that fateful day.
Ace donned a consoling expression. “I can only imagine,” he said, thinking about his own father and their tumultuous relationship. He briefly wondered whether his old man would feel the same way if his son died unexpectedly. Ace hadn’t seen him since his parents had divorced and he’d moved away with his mother. When he’d moved back to New Hope, his father was long gone, leaving no forwarding address behind. Fine by Ace. He’d just as soon keep what had happened in the past.
The mayor grunted, and after Rocco cut his eyes to him, he went into a coughing fit.
“Easy there, fella.” Rocco whacked the mayor on the back a bit harder than necessary. “Wouldn’t want you to croak on me. We’re havin’ too much fun, don’t you think?”
Ace gave Rocco a warning look and then diffused the situation once more by asking Sloan Sr., “What brings you back to town so soon? Wasn’t the funeral in D.C. yesterday?”
“The funeral was in the morning, and Mary didn’t want to spend the night. So Allen and Louise and I brought our daughter-in-law and our grandchildren back late last night. Mary wasn’t up to church this morning, so Louise stayed with her and the children.”
“When are you headed out?” Rocco interjected again.
“My wife and I are staying in town for as long as Mary and the kids need us. Is there a problem?” Sloan Sr. glared at Rocco, the ends of his thick, steel-gray hair ruffling in the breeze beneath his hat, looking as frazzled as he seemed to be.
“You tell me,” Rocco responded in a no-nonsense tone as hard and dark as his gelled black hair that didn’t move so much as a millimeter. “You’re the one that was just in a heated argument with the mayor only moments ago. Not to mention Councilwoman Reynolds was your son’s opponent, if I’m not mistaken. Or is she senator yet?”
Ms. Reynolds, who hadn’t said so much as a word so far, didn’t flinch one iota. Her stiff smile never wavered, and her perfectly coifed, blond bob stayed in place, as she’d artfully styled it. She simply stated in a calm tone, “Politicians are not the evil monsters you’re trying so very hard to portray, Detective Antonelli. If you must know, I am speaking with Mayor Evans and Mr. Sloan about organizing a tribute in the senator’s honor. What you deemed a heated argument was nothing more than a passionate discussion about what that tribute should entail. Now if you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I have a pressing engagement back at my office.”
“Let me guess. You have a mess to clean up and are in need of a janitor.” Rocco winked. “I’m right, aren’t I? You can admit it, darlin’. Go ahead.”
The councilwoman paused, showing the first inkling of being flustered, but adjusted the lapels of her suit and smoothly replied, “First, I’m hardly your ‘darling.’ And no, you’re not right. If I did have a mess to clean up, something tells me you’d be a pro at shoveling crap. Good day, Detective Antonelli.” She turned to Ace. “Detective Jackson, I’d request a new partner if I were you. This one smells of trouble. And I do mean ‘smells.’” She turned up her nose and hesitated a second, then walked away in the opposite direction from Mumfry Walker.
Whatever that meant.
“See, that wasn’t so bad, now was it?” Cece smiled at her sister when mass was over.
“I do believe I have the right to remain silent. At least, that’s what Jackass said. Something you might want to try more often.” Candy fluttered her lashes at Cece, with her lips tipping up at the corners.
Cece admired the way the sun streamed in through the stained-glass windows as she counted to ten. “Very funny,” she finally said, and then stood after the church was nearly empty, but she didn’t head for the exit. Instead, she hooked her arm through her sister’s and strolled toward the front.
Candy lost her smile and dug in her heels. “Whoa! Hey, wait a minute. I agreed to go to church with you. I never agreed to talk to the priest. And don’t even think you’re getting me in that confessional. You don’t exactly have the best track record around here.”
“Relax, Charity. I just want to say hello to the new organist,” Cece replied nonchalantly.
Candy narrowed her eyes. Not much got by her. “Why? You’re supposed to be laying low and behaving yourself like the good little nun that you were meant to be. This wouldn’t have anything to do with the investigation, would it? I remember him. That’s Meridoodle’s mystery man.”
“Honestly, Charity, her name is Meriwether. I’m not a nun anymore, and I am laying low. I just want to meet the man. Say hello and welcome him to the church. It’s the polite thing to do. Maybe you should try that more often.”
“Now who’s the one being funny?” Candy glanced past Cece and a catlike grin spread across her features. “Benny, baby. Long time no... well, you know.” She winked. “How’s it hangin’?”
Cece whirled around to see the large man’s rich cocoa skin darken.
Benny cleared his throat and glanced around quickly, looking panicked. His deep voice squeaked for a moment as he replied, “Good to see you, Candy. Although, I have to admit this is the last place I’d expect to run into you.”
“Ditto,” Candy replied with a snicker.
Cece stepped between them and smiled at Benny to put him at ease. “What a lovely surprise, Benny. I see you’re taking my advice.”
“Yes, ma’am. Lots of actions, fewer words. Though it doesn’t seem to make a difference to her.”
“Give it time.”
He nodded, looking grim but determined. “Have a good day, Cece.” He shot Candy a glance, and a bit of the old devilish side of Benny reappeared briefly as he said to her, “I’ll pray for you.” Then he winked at Cece and left the church with a slight spring to his step.
“Did you hear that? He wants to pray for me? That’s a good one.” Candy snorted.
“Well, I have to say you deserved that,” Cece chastised. “What were you thinking?”
“Thinking I would take your advice. Be welcoming.” She shrugged. “What was he talking about, anyway?”
“That’s confidential.” Cece folded her hands in front of her. “Now quit changing the subject. That’s not what I meant when I said you should try being welcoming, and you know it.”
“Oh, so now you’re a mind reader too?” Candy’s face grew pinched and angry. “Please, dear sister, oh wise and powerful one. What am I thinking right now?”
“Something tells me I don’t really want to know.” Cece sighed.
“See now? You do have a gift.” Candy crossed her arms and scowled. “Quit trying to tell me what to do. You can’t fix everyone. Last I checked, I was a grown woman. Not to mention, you’re the one who’s been getting into more trouble than me these days.”
“I’m not trying to fix you. I just want to help. Same as you wanting to help me.”
“It’s not the same thing.”
“Yes, it is,” Cece said gently.
“Well, have you looked in the mirror lately? Honey, you need my help if you want to survive in today’s world.”
“Same as you need my help in other ways to survive in today’s world. Can we agree on that at least?”
“Fine.” Candy blew out a breath and then held up her hand as she added, “But I’m still not going to confession. I have to draw the line somewhere.”
Cece smiled. “Deal. I’m not sure Father Flannigan can handle all your secrets at once anyway.”
Candy didn’t respond, simply grinning back, but this time her smile was genuine.
“Hurry. The organist is starting to leave,” Cece blurted a little too desperately, causing her sister to nail her with another suspicious look. Cece quickly led the way to the altar, intercepting the man before he could head out the side door. “Excuse me, sir.”
The man stopped and turned around, a surprised expression crossing his round, cherubic features. “Can I help you?”
“I just wanted to compliment you on the exemplary job you did at the organ today—and to introduce myself. My name is Sis—I mean Cecelia Monroe. I used to be part of the sisterhood that visits this church quite often. Now I’m simply Cece. Welcome to our church.” She donned a kind expression and held out her hand.
He shook her hand with a fascinating expression on his face. “Interesting. I don’t think I’ve ever met a nun before.”
“Former. I never actually took my final vows.” She frowned. “I’m confused. You’re a church organist and obviously Catholic if you’re playing for Our Lady of Glory, yet you’ve never met a nun?”
“I’m newly Catholic,” he said without missing a beat. “And I meant that I’ve never really gotten to know a nun outside of the church.”
“You still haven’t,” Candy chimed in. “You don’t really know my sister, and we’re not outside of the church. What else you got, there, chief? Cuz I’m not really buyin’ what you’re sellin’.”
“Pardon me?” The man looked taken aback. “I’m not selling anything, but I’m also failing miserably at conversing, apparently.”
“Your words, not mine.” Candy turned around and headed to the pews, calling over her shoulder, “I’ll be waiting for you in the back, Cece. My feet are killing me.”
“Forgive my sister. It’s been a long morning, and you could say she’s newly Catholic as well. Or she will be if I have any say.” Cece shook her head. “I truly apologize, Mister...?”
“I’m the one who needs forgiveness. My manners are severely lacking,” he responded kindly. “The name’s Trundle. Wilbur Trundle. And thank you so much for taking the time to introduce yourself. I really appreciate it. It’s hard being the new guy in such a small, close-knit community.”
“I can imagine, but no worries. Everyone’s really friendly here.” Cece glanced at her sister, who was sprawled across a pew in the back, looking bored stiff. “Well, almost everyone, anyway. Speaking of locals. I hope you don’t mind if I ask, but where’s Eleanor?”
His face lost a bit of its sparkle, and he looked a little sad. “I’ve known Eleanor for years. In fact, we studied music together at Berkley. When she called, heartbroken after the senator’s death, she said she needed to take a leave of absence to grieve. She and the senator were very close, what with her volunteering for his campaign and all. Naturally, I came at once. I’m a composer, so I work from home in Boston, which means I can basically work from anywhere. Filling in for Eleanor for a couple weeks was the least I could do after all she’s done for me over the years. Besides, I find it inspirational to work in such a quaint little town.”
“Oh, dear me. Poor Eleanor. I hope she’s feeling better soon. Did she leave town?”
“Oh, no. She’s still here. Her sister came in to stay with her for a while.”
“Well, that’s good.”
“I guess I’d better be going,” he said. “But thanks again for being so nice.”
“Anytime. And please let me know if you need anything.”
“Will do.” He smiled at Cece and then walked out the side door.
“Will do what?” Detective Jackson asked, making Cece jump. She whirled around as he and Detective Antonelli came to a stop behind her, followed closely by a gloating Candy.
“Let me know if he needs anything,” Cece replied. “He’s new in town, and I’m just being friendly, Detective. Is that a crime?”
“Hmmm,” was all he said, his sea-green eyes heavy-lidded and closed halfway. Cece couldn’t help but notice the small dots of perspiration breaking on his forehead. Maybe he was thinking of their kiss too. And while in church, Heaven forbid! That had to be doing a number on him.
“I think it would be a crime if you were any other way, Sister,” Detective Antonelli purred.
“Oh, for the love of God,” Candy snapped. “Close your mouth, Rockstar. You’re blinding me with the wattage of your smile. What do you do, moonlight for a toothpaste commercial?”
“Just thorough hygiene and good genes, darlin’. That’s not a bad idea, though, but only if you’ll be my leading lady under the moonlight.”
“Never gonna happen.”
“You keep saying that, but you’re still here.”
Candy snorted. “Not by choice.”
“See? Somethin’ else we have in common.”
Candy grimaced. “Show’s over, Cece. Time for the curtain call cuz I can’t pretend anymore.”
“I got a curtain, sugar. A candy apple–red shower curtain, and you can call me—”
“A bullshitter,” Ace interjected, clapping a hand on Rocco’s shoulder and giving it a hard squeeze. “Get a clue, Romeo. The lady’s had enough.”
Rocco winced, then shot Ace a frown.
Candy studied Detective Jackson with a glimmer of surprise and a hint of respect, then grumbled, “At least half of your duo has a brain,” as she headed out of the church with her shoes dangling from her hands and her bare feet slapping the floor. “I’m leaving in five, Cece.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Rocco hurried after her, ignoring the clue and Ace’s warning.
The man was determined; Cece would give him that. A whiff of manly aftershave drifted past her nose, making her acutely aware that she and Ace were finally alone. This was the first time they’d been alone since the infamous kiss the night before. She tried not to let it affect her as she felt his eyes burning hotly into her.
“Sorry about my pain-in-the-ass partner,” he finally said.
Cece looked up at him and raised an eyebrow.
He flushed slightly. “Pardon my language.” He shifted his stance and asked, “Mind if we take this outside?”
“Not at all.” She relented and walked beside him toward the entrance of the church.
Ace didn’t say a word until they’d cleared the doorway. Then he gulped in some fresh air and visibly relaxed. Meanwhile, Candy glared from the car window and tapped her watch at Cece while Rocco kept trying to get her to roll down the window and talk to him.
“We have about four minutes left, Detective. I suggest you make them count.” Cece adjusted her bun and then tightened her cardigan sweater against the chill.
He glanced at his partner, shook his head, and then said, “Right. About last night—”
She held up her hand as she stared up at his impressive height, remembering what it had felt like to crawl up the length of him and plaster her body to his. “Please, Detective. With all the craziness happening around us, let’s just chalk it up to the heat of the moment. We’re not exactly suited for one another. I’m sure it won’t happen again.” She swallowed hard, willing herself to make it so.
He looked vastly relieved, yet a little perturbed. “That’s probably a good idea,” he said, sounding frustrated. “And you’re right. We definitely don’t belong together. Besides, neither one of us can afford a distraction right now, especially with some crazy assassin out there taking potshots at you. You do realize that incident in the barn was only two days ago, I hope. Are you ready to stop dragging me through a series of misadventures and crazy encounters? Are you ready to come to your senses and let me put you someplace safe? Are you ready to quit being so damned stubborn? You’re not Sister Mary Sleuth, you know.” With every question, he’d leaned in a little further until she was forced to arch her back and strain her neck just to look up at him.
Her jaw had dropped open and her hands had found their way to her hips by the time he finished. She stepped back a bit and then let him have it. “For your information, Detective, I don’t recall asking you to accompany me anywhere. And I most certainly never dragged you. Like I could, even if I’d wanted to, which I absolutely do not. I am fully aware of the danger I am in, but I am also aware of my obligations to the senator as well as the citizens of New Hope.” She closed her eyes and unclenched her hands, refusing to let him get the best of her. Then she opened her eyes and continued in a calmer tone. “I know you are just doing your job, but I’d appreciate it if you would stop interfering with mine.”
“Your job?” He barked out a laugh, crossing his muscular arms over his chest and wearing a condescending expression. “Is that what you call it? I call it a foolish, misguided guilt trip that’s going to get your holy little fanny killed.”
“Ooooh! You are impossible!” She re-clenched her fists and said something she never thought she’d say to anyone. “I really thought there was hope for you, but I’m beginning to think you’re utterly hopeless.”
“Careful, Sister.” He poked her in the shoulder. “That doesn’t sound very virtuous.”
She pursed her lips and clamped her teeth tightly together, refusing to sink any further to his level, then spun on her heel and marched over to her sister’s car.
“Hey, wait! Where do you think you’re going?” he hollered after her.
“On another misadventure to encounter someone crazy and get myself killed,” she snapped back, then slid into the car and slammed the door shut.