Read Online Designed to Death (A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery) by Christina Freeburn - Free Book Online Page B

stuff, but I refuse to allow even Hazel to spread a rumor that I murdered Belinda. I’m not going to jail just so I can be polite and behave in a socially acceptable manner toward a grieving mother.”
    “No one’s going to jail.” Jasper once again tried leading Hazel away.
    “Don’t you go lying to me, girlie.” Hazel snapped her fingers very close to my face.
    I gritted my teeth and clenched the hem of my jacket before I reacted in a stupid way and gave Jasper a reason to haul me off to jail.
    “I didn’t say you murdered her but you did kill her.” Hazel clarified. “You told her to go out there in the middle of the night to meet you. Why your grandmothers couldn’t meet me at a more reasonable hour, I’ll never know. I told Belinda I’d get it for her. If Hope or Cheryl had met me, and you didn’t tell Belinda—”
    Now she wanted to bad mouth my grandmothers. It. Was. On. “You’re a liar.”
    “Come on, Faith. Let’s go home.” Steve grabbed hold of my hand.
    Frowning, Karen jotted down notes.
    Jasper stepped into the spot of the floor separating me and Hazel. “Now I’m going to officially say to break this up. I know you’re upset Hazel, but Belinda died from a slip and fall. It’s not Faith or her grandmothers’ fault. I can’t let you go around accusing people of a crime.”
    “But she asked...”
    “No, I didn’t,” I said. “The police can check my phone records or you can check Belinda’s phone. I didn’t call her tonight.”
    “I will.” Her voice wobbled and she allowed Jasper to take her home.
    “You know she just needed someone to lash out at,” Steve said.
    “Lashing out I’d accept, being accused of killing someone I won’t.”
    “What in the world is Hazel going to do now that Belinda’s gone?” Karen dropped her phone and notebook into her purse.
    A deep ache settled in my chest and tears pooled in my eyes. The fight left me as quickly as it entered. The world was cruel sometimes. No rhyme or reason. No warning. Tears slipped down my cheeks as I watched Jasper lead Hazel to his squad car. I felt a strong arm go around my shoulders. This time, I accepted Steve’s comfort, burrowing into his side and resting my head on his shoulder.
    How would Hazel get over her daughter’s death? Belinda was her life. Her purpose. I stuck my hand into my coat pocket and reached for my cell phone. Should I call my grandmothers? Having lost their only children also, they might have the understanding arms and tears the grieving mother needed.
    SEVEN

    I turned on the Keurig and peered into the tote I filled with investigating supplies. Phone, notebook, pen, magnifying glass, my small camera, and a change of clothes suitable for church. Everything I needed. A heavy day stretched out before me. I had to get to Scrap This and find out what Belinda had been up to.
    I hated thinking ill of the dead, but I could not think of any other reason for Belinda to be at the store except for creating mischief. After I took a quick look around the store, I would need to change and get to church. I could just call my grandmothers and let them know I wasn’t going, but that required too much of an explanation.
    The coffee stopped brewing and I transferred the hot liquid from the ceramic mug into my stainless steel travel cup. I needed to find a smaller size that fit into my machine. One day I’d burn myself pouring from one cup into the other. Or else spill it all over the floor and defeat my purpose of leaving quickly.
    I got into my car as the sun peeked over the mountains. As long as nothing unexpected happened, I would be able to accomplish my mission and get to the church service on time. Only a clueless person walked into church late when Gussie was opening with a solo. And if one did, you did it once and never again.
    Slowly, I backed out of my driveway and crept down the street, throwing a quick glance at my grandmothers’ house. All was quiet and still. I knew I’d have to explain one