Page 67 of Hidden Hero

Jed nodded, his smile drooping. “I consider it a privilege to have known them. When you help the elderly, you know your time with them is limited. I consider it an honor to help them toward the end of their lives.”

“And recently, Hank Snodgrass is on this list.”

“My mother told me he just passed away.”

Jeremy’s eyes sharpened. “We noticed you spent several minutes in Ms. Weldon’s house when you brought her home. When you’re in the homes, do you ever handle their medications?”

For the first time, Jed’s composure cracked. His gaze fell to the table, his hands tightening slightly. After a moment, he looked up, his voice quieter. “No, Detectives. I don’t touch their medications.”

Jeremy didn’t react, but the slight twitch in Jed’s cheek didn’t escape his notice. He exchanged a glance with Pete, silently acknowledging that Jed had something to hide.

“Who knows that you transport the elderly around? Is there someone who might know who you’re taking and when?”

“No! I don’t brag about it. This isn’t an activity that I promote.” He shook his head almost violently. “There is too much evil in the world, and I do this because I can help. God doesn’t want us to brag about helping others!”

Pete leaned forward, his gaze sharp. “Do you go to a particular church, Mr. Harborrow?”

Jed’s head now nodded more slowly. “Yes. Well, when I can. My shift work has me at the docks on some Sundays.”

“And when you can, what church do you attend?”

“The Praise House of God.”

Jeremy’s brow lifted slightly. “Pastor Grissley’s church.”

At that, Jed smiled. “Yes. I see you’re acquainted with Pastor Grissley. Such a good man. His sermons always inspire me to do better. To help others. He gives me sermon pamphlets to hand out at work.” Jed’s brow then furrowed. “At first, my manager didn’t want me handing anything out, but as long as I do it on my break, it’s okay. Pastor Grissley makes sure I have sermon pamphlets to hand out.”

After a few more questions, they thanked Jed and sent him on his way. Jeremy walked into their offices and sat down across from Pete. “What do you think?”

Pete growled, scrubbing his hand over his face, “Could be someone from the church who knows Jed’s schedule. Maybe his mom’s before that. They get into the house while they’re gone and take the pills.”

“That wouldn’t account for the medications not being found in the victims’ bodies.”

“Shit, that’s right.” He tapped his pen on the desk. “He’s lying about not being around their medication.” Before Jeremy could speak, Pete growled again. “Nope. That still wouldn’t account for the medication not being in their bodies.”

“The victims stopped taking their medications several weeks before death, according to the autopsy reports.” Jeremy leaned back in his chair. “They would have noticed not having any medication.”

“Someone convinced them to stop taking it. But why? Jed’s the only one who is the common denominator.”

Jeremy grimaced. “He and Pastor Grissley. We need to look back at him again.”

Pete scoffed. “Agreed. Feel like taking a drive?”

Jeremy smirked. “Let’s go.”

It didn’t take long for them to walk into the church again. With no receptionist or secretary, they weren’t surprised to find Donna ushering them inside. She forced a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Her hands twitched nervously as she clutched the rag in one hand and the dusting spray in the other.

“We’re sorry to interrupt your work,” Jeremy stated with his patent smile.

“Oh, um… I’m so sorry. Buford hates for me to meet anyone while cleaning, but when I saw you outside the door, I sort of panicked. You know how it is… like on TV when the cops show up.” Her eyes widened. “Oh, um… not that I watch much TV, you understand. Um… and not police shows. I guess… um… someone must have told me about them.” She swallowed nervously. “Um… maybe you won’t have to tell him I said anything about TV.”

She stared up at him with such worry that Jeremy felt sorry for her. It appeared Buford controlled everything she did. He was grateful she wasn’t a quick thinker, or she might lock her thoughts tighter instead of blurting out what she thought. “There’s no reason to mention that at all, Ms. Grissley.”

Her shoulders immediately slumped, and a rush of air left her lungs. “Oh, thank you, Detective. I… well… I’m just so dumb when it comes to what I should and shouldn’t say. Buford is always telling me that.”

“Well, ma’am,” Jeremy said with a warm smile, his voice soothing, “let’s not worry about Pastor Grissley right now. As far as I’m concerned, this conversation can stay just between us.”

Her posture eased, and the hint of tension in her face melted away. A soft smile brightened her features. “Oh, that would be nice. What can I do for you, Detectives?”

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