Hard Silence Read Online Free PDF Page B

murderers is up for parole and my mother wants to let him have it just because he didn’t pull the trigger. Jeff looked over the man’s shoulder and saw several concerned stares. A few of the conversations ended so they could hear his answer. His students didn’t pay this much attention to what he said.
    The last time he’d been in Fiddler he’d testified against the woman who had killed a beloved resident and had almost killed Maggie Harper. He might not know all the congregants’ names, but they knew him and they were worried his scowl meant more trouble.
    Loosening his jaw, he took a deep breath and faked a smile. “I’m on sabbatical to re-write classroom material,” he said, speaking loud enough to be heard by the back rows. He knew word would travel fast. “Everything is fine. Maybe we could do some fishing while I’m out here.”
    “I’d like that, thanks.” Glen clapped him on the shoulder before he moved away.
    The group at the front of the church greeted him like the old friend he was becoming. He slid into Gray and Maggie Harper’s pew, taking the seat in the middle and his place in the conversations swirling around him.
    Late arrivals claimed his attention. Abby stumbled to a stop and stared down at him before perching on the edge of the pew, nodding even though her mouth was set in a grim line.
    “Hello, neighbor.” Jeff didn’t bother hiding his smile. It was perverse, but he enjoyed that look on her face—the color in her cheeks, the snap and crackle in her eyes—like she wanted to tell him off but the words were too big for her to say. It’s what kept him opening doors for her, what had kept him at the farm too long yesterday, and part of what kept him here, sitting in her usual spot. The other reason was something he’d never admit aloud.
    Abby dressed for church and the change was always incredible. Today was no exception. Velvet-brown eyes and high cheekbones were framed by hair that reminded him of coffee, chocolate, and chestnuts. Bright blue earrings winked between strands, and her long, simple dress matched them.
    “Move in, Ab,” Lex teased from behind her. As she slid closer, her fingers worried the edge of the printed order of worship. Jeff got the first hint of her perfume.
    A younger man reached over the pew and grabbed Jeff’s hand, pumping like he was priming a well. “Carter Garrett. I work with Abby.”
    Jeff muttered a greeting while he focused on the smell. Gardenias, with just enough fruity notes to banish thoughts of his grandmother and prom corsages. Abby looked past him to Maggie, her irritated expression melting into a small smile, her eyes twinkling. Her wave was really just a lift of her hand, but the thin bracelet around her wrist sparkled in the light.
    The choir filled the loft, and she faced forward, forcing him to do the same.
    He knew from past visits that she’d follow along in the hymnal, but not sing. She’d read the liturgy, but not respond. She’d shake his hand and smile when they passed the peace to their neighbors. It was all a prelude to the prayer.
    His mother would have scolded him for not paying attention, but watching Abby pray fascinated him. Her knuckles whitened in her lap and her shoulders tensed with the effort, as if she could will God to grant her silent request.
    And she was especially silent today. Someone had stolen all her words before she’d arrived. Where had she gone this morning? Who had she seen? The two best suspects were the men who had arrived with her.
    Carter Garrett poked a finger in Abby’s back until she swatted him away without looking. That was a sibling sort of torment. Jeff knew from experience.
    On Abby’s other side, Lex sat at an angle, his body acting as a barrier to isolate him on the end of the pew. There didn’t seem to be an attraction there, either.
    What the hell? Sorry, God. But why do I care who’s attracted to her?
    “Amen,” Reverend Ferguson intoned.
    Rather than get caught staring, Jeff