Twin Targets by Marta Perry Read Free Book Online

that this is anything more than an unfortunate death.” He pulled into one of the remaining spaces.
    “Ruby was active in this church. She’d found a place here. It’s natural that they’d mourn her passing.”
    She nodded, her lips pressed together. Trying to suppress emotion? He wasn’t sure. He climbed out and shrugged into his jacket, rounding the truck to join her. Together they walked across the cleared lot toward the red double doors of the sanctuary. The church Ruby had attended sat a little distance from the rest of the town, giving him a clear view of the surroundings. He didn’t see a hint of danger, unless someone was hiding behind one of the gravestones in the church’s adjoining cemetery or among the mourners. Not likely since they probably all knew each other. A navy blue canopy had been erected among the weathered stones, with a few folding chairs underneath it, facing the dark rectangle that was the grave. His gut tightened. Jade sucked in a breath, and he put a supporting hand under her elbow. Maybe he should have tried harder to dissuade her from coming, but he could understand her need to be here. She had to say goodbye. He pushed back a wave of sympathy. He couldn’t let himself react emotionally. He had to stay alert for even the slightest thing out of place. Hurrying her up the single step to the doors, he pulled the right-hand one open and ushered her inside.
    The organ played softly. The black-robed minister was in the act of stepping next to the bier when the door closed behind them with a bit more noise than he’d expected. Heads swiveled toward them, and the gasps from the congregants was loud enough to be heard over the organ music. Then even that stopped as the organist looked their way.
    He tightened his grip on Jade’s arm. This was exactly the reaction he’d hoped to avoid.
    “Ruby?” Someone said the name on a rising note. The pastor touched the white covering of the coffin, as if for reassurance. Then he strode quickly down the aisle toward them, holding out his hand.
    “You must be Ruby’s sister,” he said, smoothly enough that Micah wondered whether he had known about Jade.
    “I’m Harry Davison, Ruby’s pastor. I’m so sorry to have to meet you under these circumstances.”
    A rustle went through the congregation, but Micah sensed relief in it. So Ruby had a sister. Funny they hadn’t known about that. That’s what they’d be thinking, no doubt.
    “I’m Jade Summers. I’m sorry if we’re late.” Her soft voice probably carried to the eagerly attentive people seated nearby.
    Micah winced. He should have warned her not to announce her identity.
    “Not at all, not at all.” Pastor Davison was small, slight and balding, but he had a deep, resonant voice that must hold his congregation’s rapt attention. “I’m sure you had a long trip.” He turned to Micah, holding out his hand with an inquiring look.
    “Micah McGraw.” No reason to tell the pastor anything else about himself. He shook hands, wanting the amenities over with. He couldn’t really relax until he’d gotten Jade safely home, but he’d feel a bit easier when she wasn’t standing here like a target.
    “Come and sit down front.” The pastor waved them down the aisle.
    Micah attempted to guide Jade to a seat near the door, but she was already hurrying down the aisle in the pastor’s wake. He had no choice but to follow her. Finally they were settled, unfortunately in the very front pew. How was he supposed to keep an eye on the crowd from here? He leaned close to Jade, earning a startled look from her.
    Too bad. She made less of a target with his arm draped across the pew behind her and his shoulder pressing hers.
    The organist played again. The service began. The familiar promises from scripture echoed in his heart and threatened to distract him.
    Forgive me, Father. I can’t give myself up to worship when Jade’s life is in my hands. I failed Ruby. I can’t fail Jade.
    Jade’s fingers