Lie Down in Green Pastures by Debbie Viguié Read Free Book Online Page B

random incidents, and fate weren't.
    She went to her jewelry box and selected a simple gold cross necklace. God understands those things even if I don't, she thought, trying to comfort herself. At last she was finished getting ready.
    Moment of truth. Are you going or not?
    She grabbed her purse and headed out the front door, trying to ignore the shaking of her hands as she locked it behind her. It was a short drive to the cemetery. By the looks of things a couple of funerals were scheduled for the day. She followed the small signs to the parking area for the Tanner funeral.
    They were having a graveside service and she followed several others across the grass to where chairs had been arranged near a casket. She hung back, not wanting to take a chair as they were already filling up fast. That way she could leave quickly and quietly if she needed.
    Just looking at the mourners was enough to make her chest tighten and she found a nearby tree she could brace herself against for support. You're okay, she told herself over and over again. She took several deep breaths, trying to remind herself why she was there.
    She tried to see the faces of the people as they passed by, but not their expressions. Grief, sorrow, confusion, anger, she didn't need to see the emotions to know that they were there.
    Joseph and Geanie walked past and Geanie gave her a little wave, which Cindy returned. Dave and his wife showed up close after them.
    As the funeral began Cindy looked around. Most were sitting or clustered around those who were. There were a few, like herself, who chose to be scattered farther away.
    Finally her gaze fell on Paul and a chill raced up her spine.Something told her that the detective wouldn't be there if they still believed Dr. Tanner's death was an accident.
    She began to ease her way slowly over to him, the heels of her black pumps sinking into the earth with each step. She noticed that, like she had been, he was surveying everyone and everything around them. With a grimace Paul dipped his head toward her to acknowledge that he saw her.
    When she reached his side she stood quietly, waiting for the service to conclude. Once it did, though, she intended to find out what exactly was going on. It was a relief to stand there with him because it let her focus on her purpose and not on the sounds of crying that reached her ears or the words of the pastor memorializing the deceased.
    When the service was finally over she turned to Paul. "It was murder, wasn't it?" she asked, careful to keep her voice low.
    "We don't know anything of the sort," Paul said, his voice frosty. "I'm here to pay my respects. And, if you must know, I'm here to talk with Joseph about a different matter."
    "A related matter?" she guessed.
    "No," he said, but the flicker of his eyes gave him away.
    "So, something is going on," she said triumphantly.
    "Miss Preston, leave well enough alone, for your own safety and my sanity."
    "But I can help," she protested.
    "No, you can't. Look, if you're really that bored and need something to occupy your time, might I suggest a hobby. Or a boyfriend."
    "I'm not bored," she said, allowing her anger to show."I helped out a lot the last two times something like this happened."
    "What you did was nearly get yourself killed. What you're doing now is interfering with a police investigation."
    She took a step back. Before she could think of any way to respond, Joseph and Geanie walked up.
    "Hey," Geanie said, giving her a quick hug.
    "Hi, Cindy. Detective, everything okay?" Joseph asked.
    "I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
    "Sure."
    "Can we step over here a ways?"
    Paul and Joseph moved away from the gravesite and the exiting mourners and Cindy and Geanie followed. When they stopped walking Paul glared at Cindy. Joseph, following his gaze, said, "We can speak freely in front of them."
    "You're on the board for Green Pastures, correct?"
    "Yes."
    "And land developer Max Diamond is trying to buy the camp,