their furniture and rugs. The Hillman home stood as the regal envy of Kahlerville. Bonnie took a deep breath and noted the chill.
She didn’t dare do this in a place where anyone could overhear their conversation, and she regretted the need to tell Sylvia about Lester’s behavior. Seemed like the poor woman had suffered enough from Lester’s actions. Before Bonnie had a moment to contemplate the mental state of Sylvia Hillman any further, Daisy, who worked as a maid for the Hillmans, answered the door.
“Hello, Daisy. May I speak with Sylvia?”
The young woman invited her inside just as Sylvia walked into the hallway. Surprise registered in the older woman’s eyes.
“My dear Bonnie, Lester told me about Zack. How your heart must be breaking. Please come in.” She turned to the young woman. “Daisy, you can continue in the kitchen.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Daisy neither smiled nor offered another greeting.
Bonnie stepped inside and noted the elegant furnishings. But fine things did not make a person happy. “I apologize for calling unannounced. The devastation at the church has distressed all of us. My brothers and I, along with Brother Travis, feel Lester mistook Zack for the culprit.”
“But Lester’s sure.” Sylvia touched Bonnie’s arm. “My sympathies to all of you in this grave matter. And we shared so much hope for Zack.”
“Thank you.” Bonnie took a deep breath and vowed not to take her anger out on this sweet lady. “We will not give up until we find out who committed the crime.”
“Let’s visit in the parlor. I see you’re very upset, and I want to help. We can pray that the resolution to this will be the end to Zack’s rebellion.”
Bonnie bit back a retort and followed Sylvia into the gold and deep purple parlor. “Everything has been changed since I’ve been here. It’s lovely.” The heavy drapes kept out the sunlight, but a cheery fire warmed the room. A three-tiered crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, and an elegant rug dressed the floor.
She wanted to cry, not tell this woman about her and Lester’s indiscretion.
“Would you like coffee or tea?” Sylvia said.
“No. Sylvia, I have a confession to make.”
The woman tilted her head. Even in the shadows of the elegant parlor, the woman’s face paled.
“All I ask is that you let me finish before we discuss the matter.”
“Certainly.”
Suddenly Bonnie wished she hadn’t gone this far, but it was too late. Best the truth come from her. “After Ben died, you and Lester were some of the first people of Kahlerville to check on me. I appreciated your caring at a time when my loss was almost more than I could bear.” She swallowed hard. Her throat scratched raw. “I remember stating that I had difficulty sleeping. In the course of the conversation, Lester suggested I try a little wine before retiring. He stated the apostle Paul suggested Timothy use a little wine for his health. It seemed like a good idea, so when Lester brought me a bottle, I accepted.”
Sylvia’s face stiffened. She shook her head. “I don’t recall all of that conversation, only the part where you spoke of being unable to sleep.”
“Perhaps you were with the children at the time.” Which was true—some of the time.
“I see.”
“About two months ago, God shook me soundly, and I realized the habit had to stop. I spoke with Lester and told him I no longer needed wine.”
“And what did he say?”
Bonnie’s stomach rolled like storm clouds. “He thought I—I might still need assistance in going to sleep.”
Sylvia wrung her hands in her lap. “Did you collect the wine at the bank?”
“No, Sylvia.”
“Then he delivered it to your home?”
“Yes.”
“Without me?”
“Most times.” Bonnie dampened her lips. “Juanita was always present.”
Sylvia appeared to study her hands, then raised her gaze. “Bonnie, I know my husband better than you may think. He is very attracted to beautiful women.”
“Oh, Sylvia, believe me, nothing ever happened except the exchange of wine.”
“I believe you. You are too fine a woman to allow the charms of a married man to lure you. If it were otherwise, you would not be here today.”
“Thank you,” Bonnie whispered and noted her irritated throat felt worse. “I care for you very much, and although this confession may damage our relationship, I could not go on another day without being perfectly honest with you.”
“I appreciate your honesty, but this is very difficult.” Sylvia blinked and glanced into the red-yellow glow of the fire.
“I think I’d better leave.”
Sylvia continued staring into the fire. “I need to be alone.”
“I