Liz scrambled to organize her thoughts. “That’s up to her and Mr. Pollard,” she said. “He’s out of the office for the rest of the day.”

  “Let us know as soon as possible.”

  “Can you tell me the reason why the charges against Connor are going to be dropped?”

  “That occurs when the evidence points clearly in another direction.”

  “Can you tell me anything more specific?”

  The detective stood and cleared his throat. “I’d better be going. But the truth will come out eventually, either through criminal discovery if you represent Mrs. Thompson, or in the newspaper if you don’t.”

  Liz walked Norman to the reception area, then quickly returned to her office to check her cell phone. Still nothing from Connor. Without any confidence that it would elicit a response, she sent another text:

  Detective Norman came to my office. He believes all charges against you will be dropped!! Call me!! Now!!

  The message didn’t confirm delivery. Frantic, Liz couldn’t stay at work any longer. She drove to Connor’s house. Both of his vehicles were parked out front. She ran up the sidewalk, rang the doorbell, and pounded the door. Her heart was beating out of her chest. The door opened. It was Connor. He was wearing a jacket, hiking boots, and a ball cap. Liz didn’t know whether to scream at him or embrace him.

  “Where have you been and why didn’t you call or text me?!” she demanded.

  Connor stared at her wide-eyed. “I was going to. I got a late start and didn’t have service with Reg’s phone when I was in the woods. The battery died while I was on the hike. I didn’t have the right charger, and on the way home stopped by the store to get one. I just plugged it in. I’m sorry you were worried.”

  “Worried?!” Liz responded and then burst into tears.

  Connor reached out to put his hand on her shoulder. She turned away. It took her several seconds to speak.

  “Detective Norman just left my office,” she managed. “They’ve arrested Tyson Nash in Atlanta.”

  “Good.”

  “Norman believes all charges against you are going to be dropped. And they’re taking Elena in for questioning.”

  Connor’s face registered shock. He held out his hand again. This time Liz took it, and he led her into the living room. They sat down on the couch, and Liz told him about the meeting with Detective Norman. Liz stopped as her tears returned.

  “A lawyer is not supposed to get emotionally involved in a case,” she said. “Looks like I failed miserably.”

  Connor put his right arm around her shoulders. Liz leaned against him.

  “Enough of this,” Liz said, sniffling. “I guess that’s all the pressure being released.”

  “For both of us.”

  Liz looked up at him. Connor leaned over and kissed her wet cheek, then kissed her lips. They parted after a few moments.

  “Will you do that again?” Liz asked. “I wasn’t expecting it and really want to enjoy it.”

  Connor smiled and moved closer to her.

  Chapter 40

  The following day’s edition of the Bryson newspaper set a record for number of copies sold. Liz was in her office when Becky excitedly brought her a copy.

  “This is so wonderful,” Becky exclaimed.

  Articles about the case covered the first page. There was no factual information beyond what Detective Norman had told Liz, but her favorite line was: “Both the GBI and the District Attorney’s Office confirmed that all charges against local minister Connor Grantham have been dismissed. He is no longer a person of interest in the investigation.” Liz was reading the articles a second time when Harold came into her office. He, too, had a copy of the newspaper.

  “Have you heard anything from Elena Thompson?” he asked.

  “No texts, no emails, no calls.”

  “That’s because she hired a lawyer in Atlanta named Kit Cook to represent her. I just got off the phone with the sheriff. He let me know.”

  “What do you know about Ms. Cook?”

  “She’s one of the top criminal defense lawyers in the state. Very aggressive. Very smart.”

  “Did the sheriff tell you anything else about the investigation?”

  “Maybe,” Harold responded with a slight smile. “Are you interested?”

  “Don’t tease me.”

  “Okay. It seems Detective Norman figured out the same thing about the date on the surveillance video of Connor outside the lodge at Burnt Pine Tree that Reg Bullock suspected. Without involving the GBI, he had the video analyzed and the results came back that it had been altered. In the meantime, the GBI independently ordered Connor’s arrest, in part because of a call from Elena to Agent Flannery informing him that Connor gave Matt some fentanyl on the day of the hunt and did the same to her. She claimed there was a stash of street-manufactured fentanyl at Connor’s house.”

  Liz’s mouth dropped open.

  Harold continued. “While the GBI was waiting for issuance of a search warrant, Norman initiated video surveillance of Connor’s house and captured images of a break-in. The intruder was wearing the same type of toboggan hat as the man in the video Connor took with his cell phone on the day Matt died.”

  “Tyson Nash.”

  “Seems so. Anyway, the sheriff believes Elena is now going to try to link Nash as the hit man to Winston Boone or Matt’s ex-wife, not her.”

  “Which is the story she tried to sell to me the other day at the coffee shop.”

  “Once that happens, it’s going to come down to whether Nash or Elena caves in and offers to testify against the other in return for some kind of plea bargain that won’t result in a life sentence or worse.”

  “Elena will try to get out of it.”

  “Possibly. She’s so unpredictable. But she’s no longer going to be a client of this firm. Send her a withdrawal letter and refund any of the retainer that remains.”

  “Gladly.” Liz hesitated. “How much of this can I tell Connor?”

  “None of it. But you can reassure him that what the newspaper printed today about him is as solid as the stone tablets for the Ten Commandments.”

  “I may not use that analogy.”

  “You should. I think it fits.”

  * * *

  Connor called Reg. “I know I’m still suspended from my duties, but do I have to stay away from the church?” he asked.

  “What do you have in mind? It’s going to be a few days before the board can get together and decide next steps.”

  “Talk to Michelle and stare at the mountains through the windows in the office.”

  “I can’t see any harm in that. But it’s too soon to predict how the board is going to vote on your reinstatement as pastor. There are some folks who think it’s time to move on because of the baggage on your record that’s unacceptable. Personally, I think that’s garbage. The criminal charges were dismissed because you’re innocent. You’re the same man you were before this mess started.”

  “Not true,” Connor replied.

  “What do you mean?”

  “This has profoundly affected my relationship with God. I’m not sure what it’s going to be like, but if I return to Rock Community Church, the congregation is getting a new pastor.”

  “That makes me curious enough to give you a second chance.”

  “Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Connor answered.

  “Hey, I’ve prayed more over the past few weeks than in most years.”

  “Prayer is one of the subjects that is going to receive a lot more attention if I return to the pulpit.”

  “Head on over to the church,” Reg said. “If someone sees you and complains, I’ll deal with it.”

  * * *

  When Connor walked into the office suite, Michelle was sitting with her back to him and facing her computer monitor.

  “Excuse me,” he said. “I don’t have an appointment but need to see a pastor with expertise in emotional and spiritual recovery from false accusations.”

  Michelle spun around in her chair. “Connor!”

  “Yes, it’s me.”

  Tears appeared in Michelle’s eyes. She didn’t try to wipe them away as they rolled down her cheeks.

  “I’ve been sick with worry. And when I heard the news that you’d been cleared—” She stopped as more tears flowed.

  “I’m still suspended from my duties, so I’m here as a visitor.”

  “If they don’t beg you to come back, there is going to be a revolt!”

  “Don’t lead a rebellion. I’m trusting the Lord to sort it out. That’s what Sarah Hamilton is praying.”

  Michelle grabbed a handful of tissues from a box on her desk and blew her nose. “This has been so hard,” she said, shaking her head. “And I don’t even have the right to say that because you’re the one who’s suffered. But it made me realize how much I appreciate and respect you. You have so much integrity.”

  “Thank you, thank you,” Connor said with smile. “Hopefully, we’ll know something soon about my status at the church.”

  “I may not lead a revolt, but the members of the board are going to hear from a lot of people who have very strong positive feelings about bringing you back.”

  “Let the voice of the people be heard.”

  Connor was silent for a moment. “Do you remember the afternoon I went into the sanctuary and encountered the glory of the Lord?” he asked.

  “Yes.”

  “The same thing, only better, happened the night I spent in jail.”

  Michelle’s eyes widened. “That’s like something from the Bible.”

  “And I believe one of the things I’m supposed to do is encourage people to expect God to meet with them just as powerfully. It will be different for each of us but uniquely personal and wonderful.”

  “I have chill bumps.” Michelle rubbed her arms. “That’s always a sign for me that something spiritual is going on.”

  * * *

  As soon as Liz arrived home, she saw Bev Devon hurrying from the house toward her. Liz waited for her.

  “Have you talked to Connor?” Bev asked in an anxious voice.

  “Yes.”

  “How is he doing?”

  “Amazingly well considering what he’s been through.”

  “Oh, I’m so relieved.” Bev sighed. “When Sam and I heard that he’d been put in jail and charged with murder, we didn’t know what to think or feel. Actually, that was more me than Sam. He told me Connor hadn’t done anything wrong, and the truth would come out. Then he fixed himself a bowl of ice cream.”

  “I could use a bowl of ice cream right now.”

  “Come over and have one,” Bev said brightly. “Sam makes me buy all kinds of flavors. Sometimes our freezer looks like we should open an ice cream parlor.”

  An hour later, and after sampling three different flavors of ice cream, Liz returned to her apartment. Sitting in the living room, she realized that a great weight had lifted from her shoulders. And it wasn’t just the fact that Connor was cleared of wrongdoing. It was related to the firm’s representation of Elena Thompson. Involvement with Elena had caused an invisible burden to rest on Liz’s soul. She’d been carrying it so long that she’d gotten used to the feeling. Now that it was gone, she could live free of the oppressive load.

  “I’m glad that’s over,” she said out loud, and then realized her words were a prayer. “Amen.”

  Chapter 41

  Six months later

  It was a warm, early spring Tuesday. Liz was eating lunch outside at Manuel’s Taqueria.

  “And I’d like to order four tamales to go,” she said to the restaurant owner.

  “Great.” Manuel nodded. “There’s nothing wrong with eating tamales, rice, and beans twice a day. A lot of people do it.”

  “They’re for my boyfriend’s supper.” Liz smiled.

  “Do you have an air fryer?” Manuel asked.

  “Yes.”

  “Use that, not the microwave. And don’t overcook them. They’re a forgiving dish, but you can abuse them.”

  “I would never want to abuse one of your tamales.”

  Liz returned to the office. As soon as she passed Jessica’s door, the assistant called out. “Come in here. I have big news.”

  “What is it?”

  “Tyson Nash has reached a plea bargain with the district attorney and is going to testify against Elena Thompson. He agreed to a thirty-five-year sentence. The case against her is going to trial in a couple of months.”

  “I’ll stay away from the courthouse when that happens.”

  “Do you think Connor Grantham will be called to testify?”

  Harold and Liz had discussed that likelihood with Connor.

  “Yes, their efforts to frame him are a big part of the conspiracy to cover up the murder once it couldn’t be labeled an accident.”

  “How do you think Connor will handle it?”

  “Harold and I told him the best approach will be to tell what happened to him and not try to explain it. I’m sure the DA will prep him.”

  * * *

  That evening, Connor and Liz were eating dinner together.

  “Are you sure you don’t want one of these tamales?” he asked.

  “I had my daily quota at lunch. This salad is perfect for me,” Liz said. “You should sprinkle more hot sauce on the tamales. That will bring out the full flavor.”

  “My mouth can’t tolerate the heat like yours does. I’m not a fire-breathing preacher.”

  Connor took a long drink of water.

  “Have you finished your sermon for Sunday?” Liz asked.

  “Almost.”

  “What are you going to talk about?”

  “My mother’s death. It’s time for me to take the next step from grief toward healing. Everyone who’ll be sitting in the sanctuary has suffered a loss and needs to know the God of comfort. I invited my father.”

  “Really?” Liz asked in surprise. “What did he say?”

  “That he’ll try to make it. I’m not sure if it’s a maybe or an indirect turndown. But I had to ask him. He likes you, and I mentioned that we could eat lunch together.”

  “I hope he shows up. If so, my goal is to make him laugh.”

  Connor cut into his final tamale. “Would you like to go on a hike this Saturday?” he asked.

  “Where?”

  “Can it be a surprise?”

  “Is it going to be strenuous?”

  “Nothing you can’t handle. And there’s no rain in the forecast.”

  * * *

  Saturday morning Connor packed up the Jeep. On the way to Liz’s apartment, he passed the road that led to the Hamilton home. Lyle, Josh, and Connor had gone skeet shooting three times. Josh was a natural and loved it. Lyle had regained partial feeling in his legs, and his treating neurosurgeon held out hope that he might eventually walk with assistance. The doctor’s explanation was that the nerves in Lyle’s back weren’t as badly damaged as first thought. Connor leaned toward a creative miracle.

  Sarah was in the midst of cancer treatment with the resulting hair loss and all the other side effects of chemo and radiation. But the more battered her body, the more radiant her spirit. Connor held her in awe. Her prayer that she’d live to see Josh married had turned into a promise from the Lord, a new concept to Connor. Whenever Sarah came to mind, Connor stopped what he was doing and prayed for her. He did so today.

  Arriving at Liz’s apartment, he knocked on the door. It was a cool morning but would warm up considerably as the day wore on. Connor was wearing hiking shorts and a short-sleeved shirt. Liz had on a jacket and long pants.

  “Aren’t you going to get cold?” she asked when she saw him.

  “Not at the pace we’re going to walk. You know how quickly the body heats up on a hike.”

  “Just a minute while I change,” she said, disappearing.

  Connor waited in the kitchen. He saw what she’d prepared for their lunch. There were a variety of cold cuts and cheeses. The food for the day was going to be a mixture of charcuterie board and high-end deli. He sampled a piece of smoked salmon.

  “Don’t touch that,” Liz commanded. “It has to be paired with the right cheese.”

  Connor popped it into his mouth. “Delicious,” he said. “All I ate at the house was a bagel.”

  Liz had changed into clothes similar to what Connor had on. Her hair was in a ponytail.

  “New shoes?” Connor asked.

  “Yeah, they’re supposed to be better on rock.”

  “How do you know we’re going to be scrambling over rocks?”

  “Just in case.”

  They took off. Liz propped her feet on the dash of the vehicle. The topic of Elena and the trial was taboo when they were on a personal outing. They turned onto a gravel road that after a mile transitioned to dirt followed by dirt plus ruts. Liz grabbed the handle near the passenger door as the Jeep lurched from side to side.

  “Why are these roads always so rough?” she asked.

  “So only the determined can reap the reward that awaits.”

  They stopped at a place where the road was so narrow the vehicle couldn’t squeeze through and got out.

  “I’m thinking about getting a puppy,” Connor said as he slung the daypack onto his shoulders. “One that will enjoy being in the woods.”

  “What kind?”

  “German wirehaired pointer.”

  “That’s specific.”

  “I had one in the past. I recently found a breeder in Virginia. Do you like dogs?”

  “Who doesn’t love a puppy? Can we take him to the beach?”

  “Yes.”

  Instead of starting off down the path, Connor leaned against the Jeep. Liz glanced over at him.

  “Is something bothering you?” he asked.

  “It’s hard to hide anything from you,” Liz said with a deep sigh. “Yes. I know we agreed not to bring up the subject on days like this, but I’ve been thinking about Elena, which makes me both sad and angry. I no longer feel responsible for her, and what she did was horrible. But she’s still a person, and I know she’s in torment.”

  “Today you’re on the sad side of your feelings?”

  “Yeah, I guess so.”