my understanding scrying mirrors are always passed from mother to daughter, usually to the eldest. Isn’t your sister, Mrs. Jessalyn Bodine, the sheriff’s wife, two years older than you? Why is it in your possession?”
37
* * *
A deep musical voice said from behind them, “Why yes, we are exactly twenty-one months apart and yes, I’m the elder.” They turned to see a tall, dark-haired woman walk gracefully down the five steps into the great room. She was striking, probably a knockout in her younger years. She was taller than her sister, with the same brilliant dark green eyes and glossy black hair, and no sign of gray. Rather than her sister’s chignon, she wore her hair like a younger woman, in a ponytail, but it looked right on her. She wore boots, tight jeans, and a fitted white top, and carried a light green jacket over her arm. She gave a little wave to her sister. “Hello, Cyn, sorry I’m late. I did hurry when I heard from Booker this bunch might be coming to hassle you, but wouldn’t you know—that idiot Glynis Lars hit the back of Wallace’s hay truck and it overturned and blocked the road just outside of town. No need to ask, yes, she was drunk as a skunk, as usual. Poor old Wallace was sputtering at her, since he doesn’t curse.” She turned to look at each of them, her eyes resting a moment longer on Sherlock.
“My name is Jessalyn Bodine and I’m Sheriff Booker Bodine’s wife. I know you’re all FBI agents except for you.” She studied Carson, said finally, “Cyn, she reminds me a bit of Camilla, despite the difference in coloring. What do you think?”
“A bit, I suppose. She’s so much older than Camilla was when she left.” Cyndia Bodine was quiet a moment, then made introductions, waved her sister to a chair beside her, but Jessalyn didn’t take it. She continued to stand, her arms crossed. She said, “Agent Savich, I heard you ask about the scrying mirror. I gave it to my sister since she has more use for it than I. I find it interesting an FBI agent would know about such an esoteric tradition.”
Savich said easily, “More use than you would have, Mrs. Bodine? Can you tell me why?”
Jessalyn laughed. “I suppose you may have heard around town the Bodines are blessed with some special gifts? Alas, neither Rafer nor my poor Booker, nor our two children, I might add, were blessed with much of anything. I married Booker anyway, even knowing he would get fat, like his father did. He entertains me, you see. I didn’t want him to sell the hardware stores to become sheriff, but he wanted it so badly, wanted to leave his own mark, also like his father did.” She shrugged. “I let him have his way.”
Griffin stared at this woman. “How did you know he would get fat?”
“He loves his beer and buffalo wings, loved them even when he was young and fit and handsome as Rafer.” She nodded toward Griffin and Carson. “Booker should have known no one would lie about being an FBI agent. Of course, once he realized he was wrong, he behaved himself. He’s adaptable, always a positive virtue in a husband. A pity. Usually, he’s faster on his feet.”
“You’re admitting he removed the duct tape and Rafer’s computer from his house?”
A dark eyebrow went up, accompanied by a look of astonishment. “What did you say, Agent Hammersmith? Why would he do something so ridiculous?”
Cyndia said, “Jess, you told me you married Booker because you liked his name and you could drink him under the table.”
Jessalyn laughed. “I still do and I still can. It’s like you knew Quint would stay skinny as a snake and make buckets of money. I gather all of you very serious people have been here for some time. Cyndia and I have errands to do. Are we all finished?”
Cyndia Bodine rose to stand beside her sister.
Savich rose as well. “Actually, Mrs. Bodine, we would like your permission to look around your house and property.”
She raised a perfectly arched brow, laughed. “Tell me you’re joking, Agent Savich? No? For myself, I really don’t care if you wish to spend your time grubbing about my house, we have nothing to hide, but Quint would not be pleased. I’m sure he would demand a warrant, for which you have absolutely no grounds. I must say I find it incredible that you accuse my son of