Sandpiper Way (Cedar Cove #8)(60)

“Something on his mind?” Peggy questioned.

“It has to do with Martha Evans’s missing jewelry. Roy and the sheriff have been discussing it.”

Emily came out from behind the register and moved closer to the two women. She occupied herself with a display of pattern books because she didn’t want to look as if she was intentionally listening in on their conversation. In truth, however, she was curious to hear what they had to say.

“According to Troy, Martha’s daughters are terribly upset,” Corrie said. “They’ve come to him several times. Their mother hadn’t insured the jewelry properly and her policy has a low loss limit.”

“I imagine those pieces have a sentimental value, too.”

Emily swallowed, feeling guilty about eavesdropping on their private conversation…and yet, she felt she had no choice. She needed all the information she could get.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn’t help overhearing you. I’ve been praying the jewelry will turn up,” Emily said. It was all rather embarrassing because Troy was well aware that Dave was the one who’d found Martha’s body.

“I think everyone must be,” Corrie commented. “The latest has to do with her husband’s gold watch.”

Emily’s skin prickled.

“Martha’s oldest daughter…I’ve forgotten her name. Roy said she was in to see the sheriff just yesterday. She says she’d forgotten all about it. She wanted to add it to the list of what’s missing.”

Emily returned to the front of the store. Her legs were shaky, like they might go out from under her. Dave claimed Martha had given him the gold watch. He’d actually been wearing it! No thief in his right mind would flaunt such a thing. There had to be some mistake.

Thinking over their conversation, Emily remembered Dave telling her that he’d been reluctant to accept such a valuable gift. He’d told Emily that Martha had the watch entered into her will so there’d be no question about it later.

“Mack’s completely moved into his apartment,” Corrie said, changing the subject.

“That’s good news,” Peggy murmured as she lifted a bolt of fabric from the rack. “I understand Will Jefferson’s living above the gallery now.”

“That’s what Mack said, too.”

“I’m so glad we still have an art gallery.”

The rest of the conversation flew past Emily.

The two women each purchased several yards of fabric and then drifted out of the store, discussing where to have lunch.

Emily found herself reeling. The gold watch was said to be missing and now listed as one of the items that had been stolen? That had to be a misunderstanding. Well, it was one that could easily be resolved. Emily would see to it herself.

On her lunch break she drove to Allan Harris’s office, which was empty except for a well-dressed young man at the front desk. He looked up when Emily walked in.

“What can I do for you?” he asked.

“I’m Emily Flemming,” she said.

“Hello.” It was clear he hadn’t made the connection between her and Dave.

“Pastor Flemming’s my husband.”

“Oh, yes, of course.” Instantly Geoff was on his feet, extending his hand. “I’m Geoff Duncan.”

“Hello, Geoff.”

“When I spoke with Pastor Dave a little while ago, he agreed to give my fiancée and me premarital counseling.”

Emily nodded, unsure how to bring up the subject of the missing gold watch. She was convinced this was all a mix-up and once she showed Sheriff Davis a copy of the will, everything would be sorted out.

“Dave enjoys working with couples,” Emily said.

“Do you need an appointment?” Geoff asked. “Unfortunately, Mr. Harris is currently in court and isn’t expected back until late this afternoon. I can schedule you in then, if you’d like.”

“Not a real appointment.” They were already in a financial bind, so Emily didn’t want to complicate their problems by adding attorney’s fees, especially for a matter as simple as this. “I just need some information.”

“Then perhaps I can help,” he offered.

“I…I need to see something.” It seemed terribly bold and perhaps unethical to ask for a copy of someone else’s last will and testament.

Geoff stared at her blankly.

“Something my husband mentioned,” she added.

“And what would that be?” Geoff’s questioning eyes searched hers.

Emily hadn’t come this far to leave without answers. Taking a deep breath, she plunged ahead. “I need to see a copy of Martha Evans’s will.”

Geoff’s eyes narrowed and he slowly shook his head.

“Is it wrong of me to ask for something like that?”

He clasped his hands in front of him. “I’m afraid I can’t do that.”

“Oh, drat,” Emily said, feeling like a fool.

“Is it important?” Geoff asked.

“Yes!” she cried. He must know she’d never make a request like this if it wasn’t. Emily considered it her responsibility to uphold her husband’s good name in the community. Olivia Griffin had seen the watch; she wouldn’t be shy about pointing the finger at Dave. And the earrings…Would they turn up on the list of stolen jewelry, too?