Twisted Threads Read Online Free PDF

bad in those days, and I managed to keep you away from most of it. But ever since Lauren found that body, those TV folks have been all over the place. They want us to be crying or screaming or doing something else dramatic for them.” She shook her head. “Harrumph. We’re civilized folks. We’re not putting on that kind of show here in Haven Harbor.”
    I’d never before credited Gram with press savvy. “Got it. Low heels on, hat pulled down, and look down or straight ahead.”
    She patted my arm. “Good girl. And keep your knees together in that short skirt. No reason our problems need to be carrion to be feasted on by those media maggots.”
    I wasn’t sure whether to giggle or salute. I put on the hat.
    The drive to the church went exactly as Gram planned: out the door, into the car, help from Sergeant Lambert to get through the hordes, and then a swift push on the gas pedal to get us up the hill to the side of the church, where the current minister greeted us with an open door and ushered us into his office, safe from prying eyes. I had the distinct feeling that he found aiding and abetting pseudo-celebrities pretty exciting.
    “Miss Curtis?” He put out his hand. “Reverend McCully. I’m sorry we meet under such sad circumstances. May I offer you a cup of tea or coffee while you wait?”
    “No, thank you,” I said. “But I appreciate your help this morning.” He wasn’t as old as the ministers I remembered. He was about my height, about ten years younger than Gram, and not bad-looking. I wondered if he was married. I’d never dated a minister.
    “No trouble—no trouble at all.” He turned to Gram. “Charlotte, it’s all going to be very simple, just as you wanted. No coffin or urn.”
    I suddenly realized: a body. Of course. Somewhere there was whatever was left of Mama. I hadn’t considered that fact before. If the morning’s events had seemed a bit surreal before, now they were very real.
    Gram nodded. This wasn’t new to her. She and the reverend had arranged the service.
    “The picture of Jenny and the flowers you ordered are at the front of the church. A few other people sent flowers, too.” He handed her a list. She glanced at it, nodded, and tucked it in her pocketbook. “I’ll say a prayer and give a short statement, then we’ll sing the hymns you requested. After that, I’ll ask if anyone else wants to speak.” He turned to me. “Perhaps you’d like to say a few words, Miss Curtis?”
    I didn’t remember the last time I’d been to anyone’s funeral. I hadn’t thought of speaking, and hadn’t prepared any words. I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so.”
    “Well, if you should change your mind, there’ll be an opportunity. Under these circumstances, with the police present, it will be a short service.”
    “The police are here?” I blurted. “Inside the church?”
    “Ethan Trask said he’d come, and I suspect one or more of the local force will be here, too,” Gram said quietly. “It’s part of the investigation. Just in case—”
    “In case anyone jumps up and says they shot Mama?” I said. I looked from one of them to the other. “I thought most of the town figured Joe Greene shot her.”
    Neither Gram nor Reverend McCully said anything. Then the reverend volunteered, “Miss Curtis, you’ve been away for years. I know this is difficult for you. And, of course, you’re right. But the police want to confirm that Joe Greene is the guilty party, and, if possible, find a reason for what he did. Some here in town take issue with that. They find it difficult to believe their old friend was guilty of murder. He was well liked, you know. Very well liked. Chamber of Commerce president. Active in the church.” He hesitated. “And there’s no proof.”
    “No proof? They found Mama’s body in a freezer in his storage unit.”
    “True enough,” agreed the reverend as he put on a long black robe, which had been hanging behind his office door. “But Joe’s