Chapter 54
FIFTY-FOUR
Mystic Church
“You know you don’t have to do this, Tilly,” Derrick said. “You aren’t a detective and it could be dangerous.” He squeezed her hand. “I care about you and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Tilly sighed. “Derrick, I appreciate your concern, but like I said earlier, I can handle this. I’ve attended AA meetings and understand how the program operates.”
Derrick raised a brow. He was still learning things about Tilly. “You belong to AA?”
“No, but I had a college roommate who’d been drinking since she was thirteen. She almost died the year she lived with me but finally agreed to attend a rehab center. When she was released, I supported her by attending AA meetings with her for a while.”
Derrick’s admiration for her rose even more. “You were a good friend, Tilly.”
Emotions filled Tilly’s eyes. “I tried to be, but she relapsed, then dropped out of college. After that she moved in with some loser.” Sadness tinged her voice.
“I kept reaching out, but eventually she cut me off. With my estrangement from my family after my sister disappeared, I understand how Minnie must have felt when her family didn’t support her. ”
Derrick gave her an understanding look. Hopefully learning the truth about what happened to her sister was helping her heal.
“All right, but please be careful,” he said, resigned.
“If you sense someone is dangerous, steer clear, and whatever you do, don’t go outside alone.
I’ll be across the street at the coffee shop waiting.
Text me when the meeting ends, or if you feel like something is wrong and need to leave early.
I’ll be waiting either way and watching the building for anyone who looks suspicious. ”
A small smile twinkled in Tilly’s eyes. “Don’t worry, Derrick. I’ll be fine.”
“You’d better be,” he said with a tender look. “I’ve gotten kind of fond of you.”
Tilly kissed his cheek. “Same.”
Derrick scanned the parking lot and exterior of the small brick church for anyone lurking around as she opened the door and climbed out. Tonight, she’d dressed in jeans, a slightly stained dark green T-shirt and sneakers to fit the part of a single mother in distress.
Still, as she entered the building, Derrick watched a man with dark hair wearing a UGA hat and baggy jeans follow her inside, his head tucked down as if he didn’t want to be seen. Derrick’s stomach twisted with anxiety.
It was going to be a long damn hour.