Chapter 16

Jo's first thought was that they'd wasted a trip driving out to the geographic center of the contiguous United States, a landmark and tourist attraction. As far as she could tell, Charlie Golden wasn't around.

There wasn't much to see, although it didn't stop tourists from coming in droves to take selfies and claim boasting rights to having made it to the exact spot. It comprised Centerpoint Chapel, Centerpoint Cemetery, a pavilion with a few picnic tables, and a stone monument confirming visitors had reached the spot.

"I don't see any vehicles."

"Me either." Jo pulled into the empty lot. "Charlie could have parked somewhere else."

Laverne met Jo in front of the SUV and the women made their way down the sidewalk to the chapel's entrance.

Centerpoint's chapel was tiny—not much bigger than an oversized storage shed. The exterior consisted of white vinyl siding, and the trim was a light gray. Above the door was a white steeple with a cross.

The bright blue flowered curtains that had been there for as long as Jo could remember were gone, replaced by sunflower patterned pairs, her favorite flower. "I approve."

"Approve of what?" Laverne asked.

"The new curtains. I love the sunflowers."

They approached the entrance, and Jo could see the door was ajar. She pressed lightly on the front, easing it open. "The door is unlocked, which means Charlie is somewhere around here."

Wooden pews lined both sides of the narrow aisle. An oak lectern was front and center.

Jo glanced at the guest registry, noting the chapel had received several visitors recently and two already that day.

Meanwhile, Laverne hovered in the doorway.

"You can come in," Jo said.

"No thanks. I'll pass. I'm not getting a good vibe."

"This isn't the cemetery."

"It's…old and dark. It smells funny, like dirt and wood."

"I think it's awesome," Jo said. "I wonder if the Divine angels ever come here."

"Not if they're smart."

"What a terrible thing to say," Jo chided.

"You have your opinion. I have mine. Golden isn't here."

"But he's around. The door was unlocked, and he's the one with the key." Jo retraced her steps and joined Laverne, who promptly backtracked and stood waiting for her on the stoop.

"Let's head down to the cemetery."

"Mind if I stay here?" Laverne asked.

"Suit yourself." Jo started down the path leading to Centerpoint Cemetery.

"Wait." Laverne hustled after her. "I changed my mind."

"The cemetery isn't scary." Jo linked arms with her. "In fact, I find it peaceful, even serene."

"Because there's no one yapping in your ear."

"Is that what I do?" Jo chuckled. "Yap in your ear?"

Laverne shrugged. "No. Yes. Sometimes."

"Agreed. I guess I'm a yapper," she laughed.

"I didn't mean it as a bad thing."

"It's fine," Jo said. "Your opinion doesn't bother me."

"I wish I thought before I spoke my mind."

"It might come in handy down the road if you decide to pursue a career in mental health."

"Right. Thanks again for the pep talk last night. I thought a lot about what you said."

"You're welcome. I'm here to help."

They reached the entrance. Off in the distance, Jo could see Charlie, weed whacker in hand, trimming near a set of headstones. "I see Charlie."

They circled around, taking a side path which led to a newer section of the cemetery.

Charlie must've noticed them. He shut the trimmer off and waved.

Jo waved back, picking up the pace.

"Hey, Jo."

"Good morning, Charlie." Jo motioned to Laverne. "You remember my resident, Laverne?"

"The one who chases chickens."

"More like the other way around," Laverne said.

"Let me guess. You're here because of Carrie," Charlie said.

"I am. Someone vandalized her work trailer."

A look of surprise flickered in Charlie's eyes. "Vandalized her trailer?"

"They broke in and spray painted the word ‘die' on the inside. Do you know anything about it?"

"Not a clue," he said. "Why didn't she mention it to me?"

"Maybe because you aren't exactly on speaking terms," Jo said. "I'm concerned for Carrie's safety, not to mention the rehabilitation business is my investment, too."

"Carrie has enough to do without opening a rehabilitation center," Charlie grumbled. "She's always busy and never has time for anything else."

Jo stared at him, the pieces falling into place. A new business venture meant Carrie had less time for Charlie. "Meaning Carrie has less time for you," she said softly.

Charlie shrugged. "I want her to be successful and do what she loves. Between you and me, I was getting crowded out. Everything but our relationship came first."

"I'm sorry to hear you feel this way. Does Carrie know?"

"I tried telling her. She was thinking I was jealous of those construction guys. They don't hold a candle to Charlie Golden," he bragged.

"I agree." Jo patted his arm. "There's only one Charlie."

"I drove out to her place last night to pick up my guitar and make sure she was all right. When I got there, she wasn't home."

"She was at my place," Jo said.

Charlie's brows furrowed. "Carrie is staying with you?"

"Because of the vandalism and some other odd occurrences." Jo kept quiet about the tracking devices, not wanting to tip her hand in case Charlie was the one who had placed them on Carrie's van. "She's frightened and understandably so."

A flash of anger crossed his face. "I bet it's one of those construction guys. Carrie is a pretty woman. They were probably flirting with her and she shunned them. I knew she should've been more careful about who she picked."

"You don't like Country Renovations?" Jo asked.

"Not one bit. Barney Quaid hired a guy. Turns out he had a record and was following one of his customer's daughters around."

"I read something about it," Jo said.

"Anyway, I don't trust ‘em. If he hired one bad apple, there could be more."

Jo had to admit he had a valid point. "Other than the construction crew, can you think of anyone else who might vandalize Carrie's work trailer?"

"Nope. She needs to install cameras to keep an eye out."

Again, Jo wasn't sure how much to say or what cards to play, considering Charlie was still on her list of suspects. "I agree. I'm sure Carrie will get back to you about picking up your guitar." Jo turned to go.

Charlie stopped her. "Do you think I should've tried a little harder to get her to understand we needed time for us?"

Jo studied his face. It was clear Charlie still cared about Carrie. "Was the relationship worth it?"

He nodded.

"Then I think you have the answer." Jo patted his arm. "Maybe you need to rethink your relationship and try working things out."

"You're right. I guess I was letting my pride and stubbornness get in the way."

"It happens to the best of us." Jo gave him a thumbs up. "I'm rooting for you, Charlie."

"Thanks, Jo."

During the walk back to the parking lot, Jo mulled over their conversation. Charlie seemed to want to make his relationship with Carrie work. Was she putting him on the back burner? Perhaps she was subconsciously trying to break up and was doing it by becoming too busy.

The couple had always seemed like a perfect match. Two unique people finding love. It was possible Carrie didn't realize Charlie felt like he was no longer important.

It was easy to fall into a pattern where you took your partner, husband or significant other for granted—that they would always be there.

Jo had no idea about the dynamics of their relationship. Perhaps it was a repeat of the previous and Charlie saw the writing on the wall.

She prided herself on being a good judge of character, being able to read people and understand what was really going on. Charlie appeared to want it to work. Case in point—him stopping by the previous night to pick up his guitar. A guitar Carrie said wasn't there, which meant he was making an excuse to see her.

They climbed back into the SUV and drove out of the parking lot.

Laverne was the first to speak. "He's got it bad."

"I believe he's still in love with Carrie," Jo said.

"Remember how I like to analyze people?" Laverne asked.

"Of course." Jo shot her a side glance. "What's your take on Charlie?"

"He's either head over heels in love or has an unhealthy obsession, especially if he's the one who was trying to break into her place."