Page 77 of Wasted

“You knew Mr. Briscoe better than anyone, I would guess.” Victoria’s eyebrows dipped in an earnest expression. “You must have had an inkling as to what happened, perhaps the nature of what Mr. Glenn had done.”

Judy nodded. “I got the sense it was a betrayal of some kind. It was personal for Mr. Briscoe. Very personal. He wasn’t only angry with Mr. Glenn, he was disappointed. Maybe a little hurt.”

“Do you know of anything they were involved in together?” Cillian lowered the glass to the table. “Something that would have put Glenn in a position to betray Thomas?”

Judy looked at him for a few beats before she responded. “Well, Thomas was a major supporter of the museum. Financially, I mean. And he donated many of the best pieces from his art collection to the museum so they could be enjoyed by others.” She directed her gaze to Victoria with a smile. “You know how generous he was that way. He always thought his money should be used for good, not just for himself.”

Victoria returned the smile. “Yes, I know. It was one of the many things I admired about him.”

“It’s why he liked you, too. After your appointments, he’d often say to me, ‘that Victoria has a good heart and a sharp mind.’” Judy’s eyes glistened with moisture. “Your visits were the highlight of his life this last year.”

A slight sniff drew Cillian’s attention to Victoria.

No tears moistened her cheeks, but she rubbed her lips together like she was trying to hold back emotion. “Thank you for telling me that. Seeing him was always the best part of my day, too.”

Judy nodded as a tear escaped. She brushed it away with the backs of her fingers. “Would you look at me, getting all blubbery. Mr. Briscoe wouldn’t believe it.” She mustered a watery smile. “I’d better let you two youngsters go before I make more of a fool of myself.” She pushed out her chair and got to her feet.

Cillian and Victoria stood, too, and Victoria rounded the table to Judy.

She put her hand on the older woman’s arm. “Loving someone is never foolish. I know if Thomas were here, he would be grateful you cared enough to shed your tears for him.”

“You, too, sweet thing.” Judy patted Victoria’s wrist. “He was right to trust you. You’re one of the few good ones, these days.”

“I thank the Lord for that. I wouldn’t be anything good without His work in my life.” Leave it to Victoria to insert a mini sermon into the conversation. Wasn’t enough she’d already been to church today, insisting she and Cillian had to wait until she was done with that before they could visit the housekeeper.

But Judy didn’t seem to mind. She just nodded and smiled. “I know what you mean.”

The two women shared a look that seemed secretive or conspiratorial. Like they knew something Cillian didn’t.

He cleared his throat. “We’ll get out of your way now, Mrs. Kline. Thanks for talking to us without any warning. We’ll see ourselves out.” He stepped behind Victoria to her other side and put his hand lightly on her back as he spoke.

She threw him a glance, her eyes widened.

He hadn’t actually meant to take advantage or consciously thought about touching her. He’d done it without thinking. Naturally, like he’d been doing it for years. Like they were a couple.

He dropped his hand away as he let her walk in front of him through the kitchen, the hallway, and out the door into the sunny winter day.

Victoria paused on the front step and turned toward Judy, so he did the same. “Thank you so much for your time. You’ve been very helpful, and you’re so kind to invite me into your home despite…the situation.”

“Oh, my dear.” The older woman gave Victoria a firm stare. “Mr. Briscoe would be angrier than a hornet’s nest if he knew they suspected you of having anything to do with his death. I don’t know what the police are doing these days. Such a waste of taxpayers’ money. You are as honest and trustworthy as the winter is cold. Anyone can see that just to look at you.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Kline.” Victoria barely fit in her response before Judy continued.

“And I have to say,” the woman’s expression lightened as she lifted her gaze to Cillian, “you two make a darling couple.”

He grinned. The woman had terrific instincts.

Judy returned her focus to Victoria. “Mr. Briscoe would have been glad to meet your handsome young man.”

“Oh, he’s not?—”

Pop-pop-pop.

The explosive sound that cut off Victoria’s words instantly retrieved Cillian’s childhood memories of a rough neighborhood.

Gunshots.

Chapter