Obsession by Debra Webb Read Free Book Online Page A

“That’s why he couldn’t be here tonight. He’s had all he can take.” A big breath crossed her lips. “He’s weak.”
    “That’s a shame.” Jess put her hand on the other woman’s arm. “This must be even more difficult for you to do alone.”
    Lorraine looked at her, her numb expression suddenly animated with fervor. “I’m not alone. I have my Lord with me. I trust Him completely. Whatever he has in store for my daughter will be.”
    “Of course.” Jess moistened her lips, worked to keep any sign of judgment off her face and out of her voice. “Perhaps He’ll help your husband with his guilt as well. The Bible does tell us to put our burdens on Him.” The concept had never worked once for Jess. She’d learned the hard way that relying on anyone other than herself was a mistake. 
    Lorraine shook her head, the gesture adamant this time. “This is his fault,” she said in a near whisper. “His faith wasn’t strong enough. After we lost our home, he stopped trusting his faith. He let our girl down, but worst of all he let His Heavenly Father down and now we’re all being punished.”
    For about two seconds Jess was at a loss as to what to say. Did the woman have no compassion for her husband? She went with an old reliable line. “That happens to the best of us sometimes. We just have to get through it.”
    Lorraine gestured to the crowd. “These people don’t understand that they have no control. If this is His will then all the police in the world won’t be able to stop it.”
    If Reanne had run away, Jess could definitely see why. “Amen.”
    Wells broke the huddle with Harper and headed down the line of white linen-draped tables that ended with the one crowned with the punch bowl.
    Jess patted Lorraine Parsons on the shoulder. She summoned the expected words. “I’ll keep y’all in my prayers.”
    She hurried away to prevent the detective’s interception in front of Parsons.
    “The York family left immediately after the service,” Wells told her. “Mrs. York lost it and her husband felt it best to get her home.” She glanced past Jess’s shoulder. “You talked to Mrs. Parsons.”
    Jess wrapped an arm around the detective’s and ushered her into the crowd. “I need someone watching the Parsons’ home. Right now. Can you get that done without going through Chief Patterson?”
    “I can but,” Wells took a visual of the crowd, no doubt searching for the chief from Tuscaloosa, “there’ll be hell to pay when he finds out. He goes to church with the Parsons.” Wells turned those oval-shaped green eyes on Jess. “You haven’t been gone so long that you’ve forgotten what we’re dealing with here, have you?”
    Jess turned her attention to the man in question. Patterson was one of the good old boys. “No need to worry, detective. I know exactly what you mean.” She gave Wells a nod. “I’m giving you a direct order. The fallout will be on me.”
    Wells didn’t question whether Jess had the authority to give such an order she pulled out her cell and made the call.
    Jess left her to it and drifted into the crowd. Like a sponge, she intended to soak up every conversation within earshot. And to absorb every visual detail in the room—particularly the one playing out near the side exit. Burnett and Mr. Denton looked deep in conversation and like the one she’d observed between Wells and Harper. Jess doubted it had a hell of a lot to do with official police business.
     
    ~*~
     
    10:35 p.m.
    Burnett parked his SUV in front of the lavish entry of his parents’ home and shut off the engine. Jess stared at the dark house and absently wondered if Dan senior and Katherine, dear, queen Katherine, had any idea that their only son had lent out their home. More importantly, to whom he had lent their home. 
    “I should come in with you and check the security system.”
    Jess snapped to attention and snatched up her bag. “You gave me the code, I can handle it. I have a security