Page 136 of Deeper Than the Dead

Bent’s expression told her how sick the idea made him as well. “That’s something else Beatrice regrets. She said your mother wouldn’t talk to them anymore after what they did. She kept their secret, but she wouldn’t have anything to do with them.”

Vera realized then that her mother had shared this with her father, which explained the seemingly incriminating things he had said the other day.

Vera forced the painful thoughts away. “Did Brooks tell you that, when he visited me this morning, he basically confessed to killing Rimmey?”

“In a roundabout way,” Bent confirmed. “He said they fought but that the guy was alive when he left him.”

Vera rolled her eyes. The move sparked a pain in her head. “I guess a jury will have to decide that one.”

“Maybe not,” Bent countered. “Like the Higdons, he wants a deal. He says he knows who killed Sheree and he’ll give up the name for the right options.”

Vera’s heart almost stumbled. “Did he give any clue who that person was?”

“He says it was Rimmey and that he can prove it—as I said, if the right deal is offered.”

Vera rode out the wave of shock. “You believe him?”

Bent shrugged. “It makes sense.”

Not exactly an answer, but Vera would take it.

“Looks like you solved a major part of your case, Sheriff.” God, she was tired.

“Yeah.” He grinned. “Your favorite reporter is begging for an exclusive.”

Vera’s gaze narrowed on him. “Do it and I will never speak to you again.”

He held up his hands. “Don’t worry. I already told her no.”

“Good.” Vera put her hand on his, where it rested on the bed rail. “Thank you.”

He chuckled. “For what? You did all the work. I should be thanking you.”

“Thank you for being here.” Vera blinked to hold back the emotion rising in her eyes. Along with the exhaustion, her emotions were getting the better of her. “This would have been hard—maybe impossible—without you.”

He reached out, traced her cheek, with its rug burn from that nasty shag carpet. “I’m here to stay, Vee. I’m not going anywhere.”

Vera smiled. “I’m glad.”

She wanted to say more, but the door opened, and her sisters arrived with balloons and flowers. Luna was all smiles and wanting to celebrate, while Eve looked uncomfortable. So different, her sisters. But she loved them both so much.

Vera watched as they prodded Bent for the lowdown on all that happened. She closed her eyes and let the exhaustion tugging at her have its way.

It was all good now ... nothing else to worry about.

Mostly.

44

Tuesday, August 13

Boyett Farm

Good Hollow Road, Fayetteville, 5:30 p.m.

Vera scanned the documents on the table before her one last time. “Your offer is an intriguing one,” she confirmed to the man on the other end of the conference call.

“As I said,” Special Agent in Charge Ernie Cusack’s voice floated from the speaker of her cell phone, “we’re fully aware of the issues that happened in Memphis. We’re aware, and we understand. We feel the events that occurred there have no bearing on your ability. The post in Tullahoma is available, and we would very much like to have you fill it.”

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