Day of Reckoning by Valerie Goree

Author:Valerie Goree [Goree, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christian Fiction, inspirational fiction, Clean and Wholesome Novels, Religion and Spirituality
ISBN: 9781522302391
Publisher: Pelican Book Group
Published: 2019-07-19T00:00:00+00:00

30

How could she have told Jay about Gilbert? The revelation haunted Lela. She shouldn’t have divulged even those limited details.

He’d better not pry for more information.

Avoiding eye contact with Jay, Lela nibbled her food but was aware of the actions of the others around Beth’s dining table. The older girls, Danielle and Erin, described their favorite TV programs to Agent Pam. Olivia had settled Sean down for the night, which left several empty chairs, including Chuck’s, of course.

Beth speared food onto her fork in somber silence.

Lela stole a peek at Jay. There was something different about him. Quiet, thoughtful. Had he received good news? Bad news? She couldn’t pinpoint the change exactly.

Halfway through the meal of parmesan-encrusted chicken casserole, she sensed his gaze on her, but she didn’t acknowledge his regard. Unable to eat another bite, Lela excused herself. “Thank you for your hospitality, Beth. I need to work in my room. Good night, everyone.”

“You’re welcome. See you tomorrow.”

Jay scooted back from the table and tossed his napkin on his chair. “Lela, do you have to? I’d like to review all the information we’ve gathered and—”

“There’s nothing else we can do right now. IRO will follow up on all the leads we’ve provided.” Lela quickly averted her gaze.

The spark had left his eyes, and he seemed to wilt. She’d been abrupt, almost rude. After all, he wasn’t prying. Change her mind? No. She had to leave. She softened her voice. “I have another issue I’m researching.” In the arched doorway, she turned and said, “Excuse me,” and exited the room. She couldn’t stand another minute in Jay's company. His scrutiny unnerved her. It was as if he was examining her soul. Besides, she needed to investigate Margie. Any job to divert her attention.

Notebook at hand, Lela delved further into Margie’s background. Why the protests outside barber shops with signs that read, “Short hair leads to brain damage!” Was she mentally ill?

Taking a different tack, Lela researched the places where Margie had lived since her husband’s death. Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, small towns on the coast between Los Angeles and San Diego. What did they have in common? Checking specialty sites gave her the answer. While Margie lived there, a barber in each community had died.

By the time Lela read the last post, her notebook overflowed with details about Margie’s life. The barber deaths and Margie’s presence. Coincidence?

One way to find out. She checked the time. Eight thirty. She dialed Margie’s number.

“Good evening, Mrs. Knox, I’m Lela Ortiz. My mother—”

“Hello, my dear. I’m so glad you called.” Her high-pitched voice could have belonged to a ten-year old. “Can you come over? That…that man is outside my house right now.”

“You see him?” Lela swung her legs off the bed and picked up her keys.

“Yes. He’s standing by a tree across the street.”

“Are you positive?”

An exasperated sigh. “Of course I am, dear. It’s the same man who followed me all week. He’s young, about six feet tall, dark brown hair, which he wears in a ponytail.

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