Page 68 of Hidden Hero

“We understand that Jed Harborrow attends your church,” Jeremy continued, his tone casual yet inviting.

“Oh yes,” she replied, her hands fluttering while holding the rag and spray bottle. He started coming not too long ago. He can’t make it every Sunday because I think his job sometimes requires weekend work. But when he can, he’s here.”

“We chatted with him briefly,” Jeremy said, tilting his head as if recalling, “but we forgot to ask—does his mother attend as well?”

She shook her head, her brows furrowing slightly. “No, although I’ve met her. She’s a lovely lady who attends the Baptist Church in Baytown. Buford reached out to Jed when his father passed. Just to be kind, you know. Since then, Jed’s been coming here.”

“It seems like he’s taken over his mother’s job of transporting elderly folks around,” Jeremy observed, his voice light but laced with curiosity.

“Oh yes,” she said earnestly. “But Jed wouldn’t call it a job. To him, it’s a mission—a mission of helping people. Buford is always preaching about how we should serve others.”

Jeremy nodded, his expression thoughtful. He sensed Pete stiffening beside him and almost smirked. His partner always let him take the reins with individuals who wouldn’t respond well to Pete’s gruff demeanor. “Jed mentioned several times that Pastor Grissley encourages helping others quietly, without seeking recognition.”

Her head bobbed enthusiastically, making her hair bounce around her face. “Oh yes. Buford has spent a lot of time mentoring Jed. He’s the one who inspired Jed to take up where his mother left off. Jed usually doesn’t talk about what he does, so I’m surprised he mentioned it to you.”

“Well,” Jeremy said with a soft chuckle, “his mother brought it up.”

Her eyes brightened, and a rosy blush crept up her cheeks. “Of course. How silly of me.” She clutched the rag in her hands nervously. “Buford’s big on church members helping others but keeping it private. It’s just his way.”

“And Jed takes sermon tracts to his work to hand out?”

“Why, yes!” She jerked her head around, then her gaze landed on a table nearby. “Like these,” she declared. Jeremy picked up several and flipped through them.

“Buford likes to type out his sermons, then makes copies that he lets our church members hand out to others. Jed takes some with him to work.” Her chest heaved as a satisfied sigh left her lungs. “He’s such a good man.”

Jeremy leaned back slightly, changing gears. “I noticed your receptionist wasn’t around. You do such a wonderful job tidying up the area. Do you fill in for a lot of roles here?”

She laughed and blushed while tucking a strand of hair into place. “I do what I can. Times are tough, you know. There’s not as much money coming in, and attendance has been down. Buford says it’s a problem everywhere. People aren’t as churchgoing as they used to be.”

“Well, he’s fortunate to have you,” Jeremy said, his voice carrying a note of admiration.

She preened slightly, her smile widening. “I like to stay busy. I answer the phones, greet people, keep track of what’s happening in our members’ lives, and clean the building. Let Buford know when someone needs a visit. Whatever needs doing.”

“So,” Jeremy probed gently, “there’s just not enough money coming in, you say?”

She nodded, her expression turning wistful. “It seems to go down every month, just like attendance. We have our faithful, but they can only give so much.”

“With an independent church like this, who manages the finances? Is that also one of your duties?”

Her hands flew up, flustered. “Oh, goodness no! Buford would never allow me to handle the money. He takes care of all that himself. After each Sunday, one of the elders sits with him to count the offerings. But, well… that doesn’t take very long these days.”

Jeremy’s voice softened. “I’m sure it’s difficult. As I said, Pastor Grissley is fortunate to have someone as dedicated as you.”

Her demeanor shifted, and her eyes darted around. “Is there anything else I can do for you? I haven’t finished cleaning yet, and Buford likes it done before he gets back from visiting the sick and the elderly in our community.”

“No, thank you, ma’am. You’ve been incredibly helpful,” Jeremy assured her, his tone warm and sincere.

Outside, as the detectives returned to their vehicle, Pete shot Jeremy a sidelong glance. “You really know how to lay on the charm, don’t you?”

Jeremy laughed, the sound deep and hearty. “If I’d let you growl at her, we wouldn’t have gotten a thing.”

Pete grunted, a reluctant smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Fair enough. What do you say we check into some finances?”

Grinning, Jeremy nodded. “Let’s get the subpoena.”

30

Cora stood before the full-length mirror on the back of her bedroom door, smoothing her hands over the silky dark blue material of her dress. The draped neckline was modest yet elegant, while the thin belt cinched her waist perfectly, accentuating her figure before the skirt cascaded gracefully to just below her knees. Navy pumps with a playful strap at the ankle added a touch of flirtation, their three-inch heels making the most of her silhouette. She’d taken extra time curling her hair into soft waves and applying her makeup with a subtle hand. As she tilted her head, a faint smile touched her lips. Tonight, she didn’t just feel ready. She felt radiant.

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