Satan’s Lambs by Lynn Hightower Read Free Book Online Page A

times had she heard the lines, heard the fears, massaged the knots out of tense shoulders?
    Back then she had been that other person, the one with a career plan, a life, all that trust and energy. Hayes had put an end to everything. Sorry, but true, no going back, the old Lena had died, and Rick never liked the new one.
    â€œWhat you thinking, Lena? You got that look.”
    â€œJust maybe I shouldn’t eat your pickles anymore.”
    He lunged across the seat, scattering cardboard hamburger boxes and french fries.
    â€œEat ’em.” He put his arms around her. “Come stay with me till this stuff with Jeff blows over.”
    â€œWouldn’t be room with Judith there.”
    â€œHmmm. Hell, Lena, she probably won’t care. God, you smell so good.”
    â€œI smell like hamburgers.”
    â€œNo, it’s you, the way I remember.”
    â€œMy natural musk.”
    â€œDon’t talk dirty, Lena, my pants are tight enough already.”

8
    Mendez met her at the black iron cemetery gate, right at closing time. Newcomb had told the custodian to stay and wait. Lena recognized the navy blue Mazda before it turned in the drive. Mendez had his lights on. It was just on five o’clock, but the sky was dark and heavy.
    Lena was sitting on the hood of the Cutlass, and she saw Mendez smile, as if the sight of her, cross-legged on the car, amused him. He rolled down a window.
    â€œCar trouble?”
    Lena shook her head, though car trouble was something of a constant with the Cutlass. “I’m waiting for you.”
    â€œHow far is it?”
    â€œCouple miles.”
    â€œHop in.”
    She dusted off her jeans and got in.
    â€œGetting cold again,” she said, closing the window. She reached for the seat belt, then didn’t use it, on the off chance that Mendez might be annoyed. “Bear left here, then take the first right. It’ll meander awhile, then I’ll tell you when to stop.”
    She glanced at Mendez. His tie was neatly knotted still, here at the end of the day. Though for Joel, it probably wasn’t the end of the day.
    Lena had the urge to say something irritating.
    The inside of the car was immaculate, unlike her own. There was a tape player, and a handful of tapes stacked in a compartment behind the emergency brake. Lena sorted through them. Classical. She curled her lip.
    â€œWe getting close?” Mendez asked.
    â€œHmm? Whoa. Passed it, sorry. Back up to that cottonwood tree.”
    The reverse gear made a whirring noise as Mendez backed the car down the narrow lane. He parked by the side of the road. Lena got out, slammed the door shut, then hesitated.
    The wind was picking up and the cottonwood swayed, limbs creaking. Mendez moved quickly, and Lena lengthened her stride to keep up.
    The headstones still lay on their sides, but the inverted crosses had blown over. The wind whipped the grass and made the painted letters hard to read.
    Lena held her hair back with one hand, trying to keep it out of her face. She watched Mendez take it all in. His black hair streamed backward; his pants and sport coat billowed. He didn’t frown or smile.
    â€œThe king of stoic,” Lena muttered.
    â€œPardon?”
    â€œI said did you ever see anything like this before?”
    â€œMany times.”
    Lena let her hair go and jammed her hands in her pockets. “He knocked over the lamb.”
    Mendez looked at her, then put a hand on her shoulder. She almost pulled away—reflex—but this time she didn’t. Turning the lamb over on a baby’s grave was a violation. For once, they agreed.
    â€œThese are the only graves that were messed with,” Lena said. “Whitney’s and Kevin’s.”
    â€œIt’s Hayes, Lena. You don’t have to convince me. Anything else?”
    â€œJust the song on the answering machine. I’ve got the tape.”
    â€œThis is the one your sister sang?”
    Lena nodded.
    â€œI