Missing Pieces(67)

“I’m not able to share that just yet,” Gilmore said.

“Is Hal in danger? I mean, could whoever killed Julia have killed the person you found?” Jack asked.

“I don’t have any reason to believe Hal’s safety is at risk. We turned the remains and other items over to a forensic specialist who will try and figure out when and how the person died. Hopefully she’ll be able to identify who it was.”

“What other items?” Jack asked.

“Looks like some clothing. We’re still hoping to find some form of identification.”

“Do the remains belong to a man or a woman?” Sarah asked. “Do you think it has anything to do with what happened to Julia?”

“That question certainly comes to mind, but we just don’t know. We didn’t want to get too close and disturb the remains. We don’t know if it’s male or female. We’ll leave that to the experts,” the sheriff said.

Sarah had been watching him carefully. Though he portrayed himself as a reluctant interloper delivering more bad news to the family, she also knew that the timing was calculated. Gilmore wanted to share the news of the body on the property when they were at their most vulnerable and he could gauge their reactions.

She also knew Gilmore was being less than forthcoming. He most likely knew exactly what was inside that cistern along with bones.

“This couldn’t wait?” Celia spoke up. “You had to come to the funeral home? This time should be about the family and remembering Julia.”

Jack slid Celia a grateful look.

“Just trying to do my job, Celia. We’ll try to be respectful of your privacy the next day or so, but we will need to talk with each one of you.”

Sarah wasn’t ready to let the coincidence of Julia’s murder and the discovery in the cistern go just yet. “What made you think to look in the cistern?” she asked. “It’s a long way from where Julia fell.”

“I don’t have any more information to share with you at this time.” Gilmore looked levelly at Sarah. “But if you think you might know something that might be helpful, you know how to get ahold of me.”

Gilmore rose and stood next to Hal. “Hal, I’m so sorry about all this. Celia is right, you should be able to lay Julia to rest in peace, but we haven’t had a murder in Penny Gate in twenty-five years. Now in the past week we have Julia’s murder and possibly another.”

Jack’s face was difficult to read, but Sarah thought she caught a wisp of something. Worry, guilt?

“When can I go home?” Hal asked. He looked up beseechingly at Gilmore. “I really just want to go home.”

Gilmore looked down at Hal for a long moment and then spoke. “That’s not possible right now. The property is a crime scene and will remain so at least until tomorrow. Stay away until I give you the okay to return. Again, sorry to bother you folks tonight,” Gilmore said, “but I wanted you to hear the current updates directly from me.”

In turn, Gilmore shook everyone’s hand, including Sarah’s. The look he gave her was implacable, but still she felt he was trying to communicate something to her through the tight grip he had on her hand. Be careful, it seemed to say. Or maybe she was projecting her own fears.

“What the hell is going on?” Dean asked once the sheriff and his deputies had left. “A body?” Dean turned to his father. “Do you have any idea who could have been buried there?”

Hal shook his head numbly.

“We should get you back to the house,” Celia said with concern. “Hal, you have to get some rest.”

Sarah was struck by Jack’s gentle ministrations as he helped his uncle to his feet. “Try not to think about what’s happening back at the house right now,” he told him. “Look at all the people who came tonight. I think the whole town showed up.”

As a group they moved outside and all Sarah could think about were the remains found at Hal’s farm. She had so many questions, but the sheriff had cut her off, not willing or able to give them any details.

“Sarah,” a voice said from behind them, and Sarah and Jack turned to see Margaret sitting on a bench, brightened by a streetlamp just outside the funeral home.

“I told Margaret I’d help her take the desserts she made to the church for the funeral tomorrow,” Sarah explained.

“I really appreciate Sarah’s help with this,” Margaret said. “My mom was going to, but her back’s been bothering her.”

“Can I help?” Jack offered.

“No, I can do it,” Sarah said. “You should go with Hal. He seems really shaken up.”

“Okay, see you back at Dean’s.” Jack leaned in to kiss Sarah, but she turned her face and his lips landed near her ear. He tried to mask his hurt at her rebuff with a smile directed at Margaret. “Thanks for helping with the funeral dinner. I know it’s a big job.”

“Glad to do it,” Margaret assured him.

Sarah watched as her husband climbed into the truck next to Hal. He didn’t even glance back at her.

“What was that all about?” Margaret asked, seeing the strained interaction between Sarah and Jack.

“It’s a long story.” Sarah dropped down onto the bench, the cold from the wrought iron seeping through her dress. “And besides, all hell just broke loose. Did you know they found a dead body at Hal’s?”