Chapter Nine
“WYATT SAID THAT GERALD always wanted to meet at the office,” said Beatrice. “And very early. Apparently, Gerald was a man who liked to follow strict routines. He’d get any church-related or personal-related business out of the way first, before he started in on work.”
Meadow rang the doorbell, and the door was immediately answered by Laura Carpenter. She was a tall, slender woman in her 50s—a good deal younger than Gerald. Although her eyes were sad, there was a surprising lack of expression in her face. A moment later, Beatrice realized that Laura had likely had some work done—Botox can have the effect of not just minimizing wrinkles, but minimizing emotions, too.
Laura pulled both of them toward her for a hug. “Aren’t you both so sweet? I’m lucky to have folks who care a
