Beyond the Grave by Judy Clemens

Author:Judy Clemens [Clemens, Judy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781464209895
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press, Inc.
Published: 2018-08-07T22:19:32+00:00

Chapter Twenty-one

Despite Casey’s fears, the service ended up being your typical Christian hour. Hymns, prayers, scripture, a sermon. A few things caught her attention—in good ways and bad—but mostly she let her mind wander, as well as her eyes.

Flower Pants and her friend were there, far enough forward that FP couldn’t flirt with Vern. The crabby cappuccino woman sat on the outside aisle halfway up, along with her daughter Annie and the man Casey supposed was—or wasn’t—her husband. Officer Whistler filled out the row across the aisle from Nell’s grandpa, beside Officer Austin, his hair slicked back and his cheeks rosy. Roger, freed from Vern’s cash register, snuck in during the first hymn and sat beside Dottie, which pleased Casey. Other than those few Casey could name—or at least nickname—many of Vern’s other customers were scattered throughout the room. Even Lance Victor was there, sandwiched by his parents. He spent most of the service with his eyes cast down and his neck and face red, as if assuming everyone in the church was judging him. Casey wasn’t sure how many of the congregants even cared about what he had done, but she hoped the theme of the morning—loving your neighbor—made an impression on him. She doubted it would.

Nell sat close, her boot against Casey’s sneaker, her shoulder brushing Casey’s. Casey didn’t mind. Having the trust—or admiration—of a child was something you couldn’t force. It felt…nice.

Neither Vern nor Dottie stood up during sharing time to confess their sins from forty-five years ago. Casey watched the people seated around them for any sign they were waiting for some kind of reckoning, but no one turned around or made awkward eye contact, or even seemed to be thinking about the people in Casey’s row.

Before she knew it the final hymn was being sung. Casey stood with the rest of the congregation, but as soon as the music began, Vern and Dottie gathered their things and made to leave.

“We’re heading home,” Vern whispered. “You coming?”

Casey had no desire to stick around. “Be right there.” She leaned down to Nell. “I guess we’re going. Thanks for inviting me, and sitting beside me.”

Nell frowned. “But it’s not over. And there’s Sunday School.”

“I think Mr. And Mrs. Daily need to get home so he can open the store in time for everyone who needs it. I should help him.”

“But you’re not supposed to work on Sunday.”

“But what would somebody do who needs to get gas, or forgot to buy hamburger buns for lunch? I’ll see you soon. I promise.”

“All right. Bye.” She shifted her boot away from Casey and turned toward her grandpa. Casey hoped she hadn’t irreparably damaged their new friendship. Nell looked back over her shoulder and shot Casey a grin.

Casey grinned back and excused herself as she scooted past Roger. He blinked up at her and she hesitated for a moment, wondering if he was going to be all right on his own. But then, he had gotten there on his own, so he should be able to do the reverse.

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