The Way of the Guilty Part 21

But Cooper fell asleep on her bed to the sound of the tub filling with water.

For the first time in over a year, Cooper missed church. It wasn't intentional-she merely slept through it. After Nathan tucked her in the night before, fed her crabby kittens, and tiptoed down the stairs to a.s.sure the Lee family that both of their daughters were tired, but otherwise physically sound, he drove home.

Cooper woke around noon and swam to the surface of consciousness only because Moses was chewing on her earlobe. Specifically, the feline was tugging at Cooper's small, silver hoop with his teeth while simultaneously digging into the flesh of her cheek with his front legs.

Gently batting him away, Cooper opened her eyes and looked at the clock. Confused, she checked the time against her watch. At that moment, Miriam pounced on her foot and sank her teeth into the skin of her big toe.

"Okay, I'm up!" Grabbing the kittens, she kissed each of them on their pink noses and got up to feed them breakfast. "I'm starving, too!"

Her head was deep in the refrigerator when someone knocked on the door.

"It's just me!" Maggie called out. "I almost used the phone, but then I thought, now that's right silly. I can make my way through a few inches of snow to bring my own child somethin' to eat." She placed two grocery bags on the counter.

Cooper smiled as she observed her mother's church outfit. Maggie wore a peach pants suit, a string of pearls, and a pair of black, knee-high rubber boots. "You look so pretty, Mama, right down to your boots. And here I am, still in my jammies. If you'd come up here ten minutes ago you'd have found me dead asleep."

Maggie shuddered. "Don't you use words like that today, sugar. Your mama simply can't take it." She dabbed her eyes, sniffed, and then enfolded Cooper into a warm embrace. "Your daddy snuck in here 'round ten this mornin'. I made him come up, just to see if you needed anythin'. He said you were gettin' what you needed most and I guess he was right."

"What did you carry up here?" Cooper pointed at the bags. "It's only me." She watched with interest as her mother spooned three-cheese macaroni onto a plate and then added a small mound of peas. "You make a dent in this while I brew coffee."

Cooper dug into the macaroni and sighed with pleasure as she chewed the b.u.t.ter-soft, creamy noodles topped with a crisp cheese crust. "Just what the doctor ordered. What's in the other bag?"

"Cookies," Maggie answered as she dumped measured tablespoons of coffee into Cooper's machine. "Three dozen Magnolia's Marvels Comfort Cookies."

"Yum. I haven't had those in ages. I think the last time you made them was after Drew broke up with me." Cooper speared peas with her fork, thinking of how wonderful it felt to not experience even the slightest pang of sadness when she thought of her ex. Now that she had Nathan, Drew had become a distant memory. "But three dozen? I won't fit into my jeans!"

Shredding a piece of chicken breast for Moses and Miriam, Maggie laughed. "They're not all all for you! Your friends are comin' over after church. I begged them to get here in time for a meal, but they insisted it'd only be a brief visit." She touched Cooper on the cheek. "They just need to see you with their own eyes and listen to your story, I suppose. We were so grateful to Nathan for fillin' us in last night. Otherwise, we'd have been pacin' the boards until dawn." for you! Your friends are comin' over after church. I begged them to get here in time for a meal, but they insisted it'd only be a brief visit." She touched Cooper on the cheek. "They just need to see you with their own eyes and listen to your story, I suppose. We were so grateful to Nathan for fillin' us in last night. Otherwise, we'd have been pacin' the boards until dawn."

Cooper's food stuck in her throat. "I'm sorry. I never meant for you to worry."

Maggie sat down at the table and took her daughter's hands in her own. "When you love somebody and they've made a narrow escape from a real danger, you wanna hold them so bad it hurts." She smiled through her tears. "So you hug those folks hard when they get here, because they truly love you. You've some fine friends, Cooper, and a real keeper in Nathan Dexter."

Nodding, Cooper said, "I know that now. I promise, Mama. I'll never make the mistake of forgetting that again."

"Good." Satisfied, Maggie patted her hand and stood, smoothing the wrinkles from her pants. "I'll see you for supper." She hesitated at the door. "And Grammy wants me to tell you that no matter what nonsense you got up to yesterday, you still have to take Columbus out for his walk."

She left to the sound of Cooper's laughter.

20.

"Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace."

Psalm 37:37 (NIV) A few weeks later, the members of Sunrise Bible Study met at LifeWay to peruse the large selection of studies. It was Nathan's turn to choose and each member tried to influence his decision.

"Let's do Experiencing G.o.d Experiencing G.o.d," Savannah gently suggested. She tapped on the bookshelf where the study was shelved with her cane. "I've heard it's simply life-changing. This is where the clerk said you could find a copy."

"We haven't done an Elizabeth George study yet," Trish piped up, patting her striking houndstooth turban. "I think we should alternate between male and female authors."

Bryant pretended to jab her in the ribs. "I've got the perfect study right here. It's called The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict." He sighed. "I need to teach Jane's kids a little conflict resolution. I'm not used to all the noise and the violence that defines sibling rivalry. I'm glad I'm an only child."

Jake came forward with his choice. "I vote for G.o.d's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions. G.o.d's Answers to Life's Difficult Questions. Kinda sums it all up, don't it? I mean, doesn't it." He glanced at Savannah with a smile. Sensing that he was looking at her, Savannah smiled back. Kinda sums it all up, don't it? I mean, doesn't it." He glanced at Savannah with a smile. Sensing that he was looking at her, Savannah smiled back.

"How about Christians and Their Money Christians and Their Money?" Quinton thrust his choice on top of Jake's. "It covers how to get out of debt, how to invest, how to decide what portion of your income should go to charity. Doesn't that sound fascinating?"

"To a money man like yourself!" Jake exclaimed and placed his workbook back on the top of the pile in Nathan's arms. "I'm a plumber with a mortgage. I'll always have debt, and it's easy to decide what to give away, 'cause there ain't-isn't-much left over at the end of the month to dither about."

"Well, Cooper?" Nathan grinned at her with his eyes. "Have you got anything to add to this debate?"

She shook her head. "It's your turn to choose. I'm sure whatever you pick will be great."

Jake rolled his eyes. "Then side with me, woman, if you don't have an opinion."

"No!" Trish countered. "She'll vote for the female author, I just know it. We girls need to stick together."

Nathan halted the argument before it could get off the ground. "Okay, okay! I've made up my mind. Now, let's go out for pancakes!"

"Good!" Bryant slapped his hands together. "I'm ready for a short stack smothered in boysenberry syrup."

Later, after the seven friends had been seated at IHOP's biggest table, Bryant held out a folded copy of the morning's paper. "I see the trial against the Ivanovich siblings is well under way." He looked at Cooper with apprehension. "Will you have to testify?"

She nodded. "Yes. Even though Rich Johnson heard most of what Alek said that day in the dealers.h.i.+p's file room, I'm a more objective witness. Both of us telling the same story should influence the jury."

"What about your sister?" Savannah asked.

"Luckily, Ashley was out of the room and missed many of the key statements as well as Edward being shot. Due to health reasons, Lincoln doesn't want her to appear in court, so they hired a lawyer and Ashley's testimony will be a written statement instead."

Trish seemed stunned by this announcement. "Wouldn't she want to do anything in her power to ensure those two are found guilty?"

"Believe me," Cooper answered, "she'd like nothing more than to do her part, but she truly needs to avoid unnecessary stress right now. Like I said, it's health-related."

"Oh." Trish's expression became sympathetic. "I hope it's nothing serious."

Touching her friend's hand, Cooper replied, "Nothing that can't be treated by rest and a careful awareness of her body's limits. Thank you for being concerned."

Trish smiled and shrugged. "I almost wore a wig to meet you today, but every time I pick up the one with the long, red hair, I picture Jake as Barbarella! If Ashley gets down, just send our two desperate housewives over to her place."

"You're more das.h.i.+ng in a turban, Trish," Savannah said. "I can't see you clearly, but I can tell that you're wearing bright colors and sharp patterns. I can spot you more easily in a room."

The waitress arrived with a carafe of coffee and topped off everyone's cups. "Speaking of finding," Quinton said once she'd left. "Did anyone track down those two women the prosecution needed for the trial? Maria and Nina?"

Nathan spoke up. "Unfortunately, no. Discovering their whereabouts is complicated because Maria's used several fake names since she's been in the States. Nina went by her real name, but she used a falsified employment history to get her job at the DMV, so she's also hard to track." He poured a sugar packet into his coffee. "From what I read in the paper last week, the Mexican authorities are partic.i.p.ating in the search, but finding two women in a big country within a month's time can't be easy."

"And Edward? How's he doin'?" Jake asked, his glance keen as two waitresses appeared with their food.

"He's back on his feet." Cooper answered. "At least that's what Investigator McNamara told me. I haven't talked to Edward since that day." She thanked the waitress who'd handed her a plate filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns. "I've tried to call him, but his cell phone number doesn't work anymore. I think he's lying low until he testifies on Monday. I'm supposed to go in then, too, so maybe we'll get a chance to talk."

Bryant raised the newspaper again. "According to this reporter, the prosecution's got a really strong case. From what I hear around the station, the informants Edward dug up combined with the paperwork trail you you found have given the good guys the extra evidence they needed to seal the deal." found have given the good guys the extra evidence they needed to seal the deal."

"Let's pray that comes to pa.s.s," Savannah said with feeling. The Sunrise members bowed their heads as she spoke grace and then devoted their full attention to their meal.

After a few minutes of hearty chewing and the pa.s.sing of salt, pepper, and various flavors of pancake syrup, Quinton laid down his fork and leaned forward. "Not to keep dwelling on the case," he whispered. "But how was the heroin brought into this country?"

As Cooper's mouth was full, Nathan answered. "Hidden compartments built into used cars. The cars came from the Ivanovich dealers.h.i.+p in Kiev and were sold here dirt cheap for their parts. Some government agency seized the last incoming s.h.i.+pment and found the drugs. I can't remember which one because so many of them have been involved with this case. The DEA, INS, local law enforcement-it's a potpourri of guys with guns and badges. Anyway, it was a timely bust for the prosecution."

"I'll say!" Jake exclaimed as he carved into a stack of fluffy pancakes covered in whipped cream and strawberries. "I just wish we coulda been more help to you."

"You are always with me, no matter what I do," Cooper a.s.sured him gently. "Remember, this whole thing started in my sister's garage and the criminals were operating out of my brother-in-law's dealers.h.i.+p. For some reason, I was meant to handle this challenge more on my own." She shot Nathan a quick smile. "I think I had to go through this ordeal in order to understand what's most important in my life. Now I can check that off my list and get back to normal."

Bryant grunted. "And what's normal?"

Cooper slung her arm around Trish. "Trish kicking cancer's b.u.t.t, my sister listening to her doctor's counsel, this court case concluding with a long jail sentence for Alek and Albion, peace in the eastern part of the city, and us starting a new study."

"Oh, that's all, huh?" Jake laughed. "No peace on earth and goodwill toward men?"

"Hey, I'm always praying for that," Cooper said and threw a sugar packet at Jake.

"Amen!" Savannah shouted and several of the other diners turned and smiled.

After a long run in the country, in which the sharp, March air seemed to infuse Cooper's lungs with a sense of renewed vigor and health, she prepared to feast on yet another large meal. Lincoln, Ashley, and Nathan were joining the Lees for supper. The next day, Cooper would have to appear in court.

"I'd like a few minutes in the limelight before Cooper Lee becomes a household name in this city," Ashley had informed her over the phone the day before. "And you're sure sure you haven't let the cat out of the bag to Mama?" you haven't let the cat out of the bag to Mama?"

"I haven't told a soul!" Cooper had protested. "Not even Nathan. And you're not allowed allowed to get worked up, remember? You're supposed to spend the next seven and a half months in a state of calm." to get worked up, remember? You're supposed to spend the next seven and a half months in a state of calm."

Ashley had issued a heavy sigh. "I hate being a high-risk pregnancy! I don't mind sitting around or eating a balanced diet or the frequent doctor's visits, but I mind the fear. Every day I wake up half expecting that something horrible has happened during the night."

"You're going to be a great mother," Cooper had said by way of comfort. "Just focus on the present. G.o.d will take care of the future."

"Thanks, Coop." Ashley's voice was bright once more. "See you tonight!"

After hanging up, Cooper had dressed in layers and gone out for a run. She'd then changed into jeans and a warm, wool sweater and parka in order to escort Grammy and Columbus out to the field so the hawk could grab himself a late-day snack.

"This is his favorite time to hunt," Grammy said. "Day's meltin' into evening and all the critters are scramblin' to get on home. Not all all of them are gonna make it back safe, though, hee hee." of them are gonna make it back safe, though, hee hee."

Cooper drew her grandmother against her. It was always a shock to encounter Grammy's fragility-her thin frame constructed of light bones, her sharp shoulder blades, and her tiny hands. For a moment, the sun lit her white hair, infusing it with gold, and Cooper caught a glimpse of the young woman who still lived inside her grandmother's aged face.

"I love you, Grammy." Cooper squeezed the pet.i.te body and caught a whiff of baby powder and lavender.

"Nearly dyin' makes you awful sentimental, granddaughter." Grammy scowled, though her cheeks were flushed with pleasure. "Try to keep your nose out of these kinda messes or you're gonna start to sound like one of those Chicken Soup Chicken Soup books." books."

Just then, the sound of a car on the gravel driveway alerted the two women that Ashley and Lincoln had arrived. Cooper and Grammy waited patiently for Columbus to devour the rodent he'd captured during his outing, and then turned back to the house.

Another set of tires rolling over the layer of gray-blue rocks announced Nathan, and by the time Cooper had returned Columbus to his cage and helped Grammy out of her coat, everyone had a.s.sembled in the kitchen.

Ashley was beaming. Cooper had never seen her sister look so beautiful. Her skin was radiant, her hair was a bright blonde halo, and her blue eyes sparkled like a pair of Caribbean lagoons. She carried a light blue gift bag stuffed with tissue paper in her right hand.

"What's in the bag?" Grammy asked as she got settled at the large farm table. "Is it somebody's birthday?"

Cooper looked from face to face and willed the next few moments to move slowly. Her parents were standing side by side, their shoulders barely touching as they waited for their youngest daughter to speak. Lincoln had his arm around Ashley's waist and was glowing every bit as much as his wife. Nathan stood in the middle of the two couples wearing a nervous smile.

"I hope not," he spoke to Grammy in a loud whisper. "Because I didn't bring anything."

Grammy responded by pinching his cheek.

"We have an announcement to make!" Ashley declared as though Grammy and Nathan hadn't said a word. She handed Maggie the gift bag. "Open it, Mama."

Maggie complied and, after digging through several reams of white tissue paper, pulled a piece of orange fabric free from the bag. She unfolded the material, revealing the round shape of a pumpkin and holes for a head, a pair of tiny legs, and two little arms. It was a baby's Halloween costume.

"Oh, my stars!" Maggie shouted and immediately started crying. She hugged Ashley and Lincoln over and over again. Earl pumped his son-in-law's hand and then grabbed him in a manly embrace. He then kissed his daughter on both cheeks.

Grammy looked confused, so Cooper leaned over and said, "Ashley's pregnant. I'd say the baby is due right around Halloween."

With a smile that caused a dozen wrinkles to crease her face with joy, Grammy opened her arms. "Come here, my girl! Why didn't you just say so in plain English?"

Ashley bent over and kissed Grammy, tears glimmering in her eyes. "Are we friends again?" Cooper heard her whisper. "Now that I'm giving you a great-grandchild?"

Grammy held onto Ashley's hand. "I didn't want you to have a baby for me me, you silly child. I wanted you to have one for you you. And your husband." She included Lincoln in her smile. "All I want is to see my family happy. This is the kinda night that makes it worth stayin' alive for, despite my bad hearin', the aches and pains, my sore teeth, my-"

"Stuff and nonsense, Ma!" Earl waved at Grammy. "You're healthy as a horse. If you weren't, could you have eaten that whole bowl of beef stew and and a slice of chocolate chess pie besides?" a slice of chocolate chess pie besides?"

Grammy ignored him and turned to Ashley. "Now tell me everything everything."

As the family rearranged themselves in order to prepare for supper, Nathan, who was still wearing his wool overcoat, went through the hall to hang it up. He brushed Cooper's shoulder as he walked by and she felt a rush of warmth flood through her body.

Earl also stepped into the hall, and Cooper could hear the murmur of the two men's voices.

"Honey?" Maggie met Cooper's eyes from across the room. "Can you fetch me the nice salad tongs from the chest in the dining room?"

Cooper nodded and went into the next room to search for the tongs. She rifled through a few drawers in the server until she heard her father say, "Your time will come, son."

Puzzled, Cooper stepped forward just far enough to be able to see Nathan's reflection in the hall tree's mirror. She saw her father's arm reach out and clap Nathan on the biceps.

"You're right, sir." Cooper saw Nathan's hand close over a square, black box. It was just large enough to hold a pair of earrings, a pin, or a ring.

A ring! Cooper retreated, lest her intake of breath and the pounding of her heart give her away. She did a little dance in the middle of the dining room, all thoughts of searching for the salad tongs forgotten. Cooper retreated, lest her intake of breath and the pounding of her heart give her away. She did a little dance in the middle of the dining room, all thoughts of searching for the salad tongs forgotten.

On the other side of the wall, Nathan sighed, but it was a sigh of contentment. "Yes, my time will come. And I'm not worried. She's worth the wait."

Magnolia's Marvels RASPBERRY TRUFFLE FUDGE.

Ingredients: 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract cup heavy whipping cream cup Chambord Liqueur 2 cups white chocolate chips Directions: Spray an 88-inch pan (for thicker fudge) or a 99-inch pan with non-stick cooking spray and line with wax paper. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 cups chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk. Heat in microwave until chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to overcook. Stir in the vanilla extract. Spread into pan, and cool to room temperature. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cream, liqueur, and 2 cups white chocolate chips. Heat in microwave until the chocolate melts; stir until smooth. Cool to lukewarm, then pour over the fudge layer. Refrigerate until both layers are completely set, about 1-1 hours. Cut into 1-inch squares.