Page 55 of Feared

“They must have a lead, don’t they?” “What’s going on?” “What’s your comment?”

Mary waved them into silence. “Folks, we don’t know any more than you do. We met with the detectives and we hope they will find whoever killed our friend and associate, John Foxman. You can see for yourself the toll this is taking on us. We pray that the police will bring the killer to justice.”

“Ms. Carrier, any comment?” “Any comment?” “Any leads, Ms. Carrier?”

“She has no comment,” Mary answered for Judy, just as the cab arrived and parked at the curb. She flung open the door, stowed Judy inside, and jumped in, closing the door. “Driver, head toward Center City, thanks.”

“Got it, lady,” the driver called over his shoulder, hitting the gas, and the cab lurched into traffic heading toward the expressway.

Mary turned to Judy, who was still distraught, her eyes bloodshot and her skin mottled with emotion. “Honey, I’m so sorry. I didn’t see that coming.”

“You couldn’t have.” Judy sniffled, wiping her cheeks, leaving pinkish streaks. “I can’t believe he bought aring. He was going topropose, Mary. I was this close,this closeto everything I ever wanted…” Judy started to cry again, and Mary gave her a hug, rubbing her back.

“I know, honey, and I’m so sorry.”

“He was going to propose… all that time we were fighting.” Judy sobbed. “He was going to… propose.”

“We’ll get through this somehow.” Mary kept rubbing her back, sensing that the revelation of the engagement ring hadstruck Judy like a blow, a double whammy after the shock of John’s death.

Judy’s phone started ringing in her pocket, and she let go of Mary, her eyes brimming with tears. “That’s probably Bennie.” Judy took her phone out of her pocket. “Oh, it’s William’s group home. I better get it.” She took the call, sniffling quickly. “Hello, this is Judy Carrier… Of course, yes, hi, Mike… Oh, my… Hold on, let me put you on speaker so my friend can hear.” Judy pressed the button. “Mike, yes, so can you explain what’s happening?”

“Sure, Judy. This is Mike Shanahan, the supervisor at Glenn Meade. You remember, we’ve met a few times, when you and John came to see William.”

“Of course, Mike.” Judy gave a final sniffle.

“You have my deepest condolences over the loss of John. He was so young, and this is a terrible tragedy.”

“Thank you. I’ve been trying to call William but there hasn’t been any answer. Are the Hodges there? You know, William and John’s aunt and uncle? Susan and Mel Hodge?”

“No, that’s what I’m calling about. We have a problem. You see, when John was murdered, the police notified the Hodges. They called me and told me the bad news and said they wanted to tell William themselves. They were going to fly out this weekend and were due to arrive today. Unfortunately, Susan Hodge fell on the escalator at Minneapolis airport and may have broken her ankle. Mel is with her. They’re at a hospital in Minneapolis now.”

“Oh no.” Judy frowned.

“So they won’t be able to fly in to see William today. Since you know him pretty well, maybe you should be the one to tell him that John passed. I can do it, but it might be better coming from you.”

“So he doesn’t know… anything?” Judy grimaced, wiping her eyes.

“No, and he’s expecting John and you today for your Sunday visit. You know, you guys usually come in the afternoon.”

“Right, of course.” Judy sighed heavily. “I think he should hear it from me, too.”

“That’s why I called you. William had your number. John had given it to him.”

“Okay.” Judy bucked up. “I’ll tell him today.”

“Thanks.” Mike sounded relieved, even to Mary. “What time will you be here?”

“Around three.”

“Okay. See you then. Good-bye.”

“Good-bye.” Judy hung up, her watery gaze connecting with Mary. “You heard it. I have to go out there. It’s in Devon.”

“I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.”

“It’s okay. John would want William to hear it from me. He never liked Shanahan, and it’s the right thing to do.” Judy straightened up, and Mary could see a change in her demeanor, like a renewed sense of purpose.

“I’ll go with you.”