Page 652 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Tuesday’s eyes widened.

“I’d like to do something to help them.”

The older woman looked pleased. “Like I always said, the good Lord expects us to be his helping hands.” She paused and her hawk-eyes studied Sydney. “Will you be at church tomorrow?”

Sydney met her gaze. “I can’t make you any guarantees, but I promise I’ll give it some thought.”

A thousand scenariosran through Sydney’s mind, and a hard knot formed in the pit of her stomach. Perspiration broke out on her upper lip and nose, and she could feel her hands becoming wet and clammy as they drove up the mountain.

“Sydney, wait until you meet this ol’ dude. He knows everything there is to know about football, or at least Alabama football.” Kendall laughed.

His voice sounded like it was coming from far away. She looked out the window. Only a few more minutes before they arrived. Kendall recounted his and Walter’s experiences and relationship. She didn’t hear a word he said but managed to nod at the appropriate times. Her mind raced to think of ways to sidetrack him from going to Walter’s house. Why hadn’t she thought about a possible connection between Walter and Kendall? She could remember her dad telling her mom funny stories about Walter’s obsession with football. It only made sense that he would know the head football coach for the local high school team.

Sydney finally managed to say, “Kendall, he sounds like a great guy, but I thought we were going to meet some of the other coaches and their wives for dinner.”

“Honey, we are meeting them for dinner, but first I need Walter to look over some plays that I’m thinking about using in Friday night’s game.” Kendall reached and patted Sydney’s knee. “You really don’t mind, do you?” And then he gave her that boyish smile that she couldn’t resist. She was also surprised that he’d called herhoney.

“No, of course not,” she said, praying all the while that Maurene would not give her secret away if she answered the door. She was also counting on Walter to remember her wish to remain anonymous. She valued her relationship with Kendall and eventually intended to tell him everything, but not now. He would never understand.

They approached Walter’s drive and parked. Sydney noticed that the light in the foyer was the only one on. Please don’t be home,she prayed.

Kendall smiled. “You’re going to love Walter.”

She got out of the car and smoothed the yellow cashmere sweater that had belonged to Judith. Somehow wearing Judith’s clothes always bolstered her courage, allowing her to borrow a little of Judith’s strength and determination.She needed all the courage she could muster tonight.

Kendall rang the doorbell and then turned and gave her an appraising look. “You look beautiful tonight.” Before Sydney could answer, he said, “Oh, I’ll be right back.” He turned and bounced down the steps. “I forgot my play folder.”

Maurene opened the door. “Come on in.” She swayed toward Sydney and gestured with one hand while holding up an empty martini glass with the other. Maurene blinked several times, trying to focus on Sydney’s face. “Oh, you’re that sawmill girl. Go on in. Walter’s here …” She motioned. “Somewhere.”

For the first time, and she hoped the only time in her life, Sydney was grateful to see someone drunk. Walter entered the foyer. His eyes flickered over his wife and then settled on the martini glass. “Maurene, don’t you think you’ve had enough?”

“Don’t you try to tell me when I’ve had enough!” Maurene walked out of the foyer, almost tripping on her long silk robe.

“I’m sorry, dear. Maurene isn’t feeling well tonight, but what a nice surprise to see you. What brings you to this neck of the woods?” Walter smiled and took hold of Sydney’s hands.

“Walter,” she said just as Kendall reappeared.

Kendall smiled. “Oh, I see you two have met. He turned to Walter. “Isn’t she a beauty?”

“Yes, she is,” Walter locked eyes with Sydney. “When Kendall told me he was dating a beautiful woman, I thought he was exaggerating.”

Sydney’s eyes pleaded with Walter’s.Please, please. Don’t act like you know me.

“What is your name?” Walter asked.

“Sydney Lassiter.” She sighed and she and Kendall followed Walter into the den. The fire in the fireplace was the only light in the room. It was obvious that Walter had not been expecting company. He walked over and flipped on the light. An empty glass sat on the coffee table.

Walter picked up the glass and walked to the bar to pour another drink. “Can I get y’all something?”

“No thank you,” Sydney and Kendall answered in unison.

“Well Sydney, tell me a little about yourself.”

Kendall opened his notebook and spread several sheets on the coffee table. “We can’t stay long, Walter. I just wanted to get your opinion on some plays for Friday night.”

Sydney smiled. “Well, I’m from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, and I’m here working for the sawmill on a safety consulting contract.”

“That sounds like an interesting job for a young lady.” Walter took a drink from his glass and then set it on the table.Kendall shifted on the sofa.