Body of Evidence by Lenora Worth Page B

make that happen in a movie. Not always the case in real life.”
    â€œYour attitude is lacking,” Becky said with a kick of her bright green fuzzy ankle boots. The boots matched her green-and-blue-striped flannel pajamas. “You have to believe in love, Jennifer.”
    Jennifer pulled her plush blue turtle-embossed robe close then stared at her friend. “I try. In fact, I kind of had a lightbulb moment tonight before you got here. I think I’ve been staying away from church and my faith because…I’m angry at my dad for dying. Is that too weird?”
    Becky’s green eyes brightened. “Not so weird. It’s easy to blame God when we lose a loved one. But youdo need to forgive your daddy. The man didn’t plan to die, you know.”
    â€œBut he did plan that trip even though he knew it could be very dangerous. My mother even begged him not to go. She still loved him.”
    â€œThat was his life, Jen. He loved his work.”
    Jennifer started picking up their dishes. “And that’s the point. He loved his work more than anything else. Even me.”
    Becky followed her into the kitchen. “He loved you. You know that. He took you with him on some of his trips.”
    Jennifer stood at the window, staring out into the shadows of the night. “He did teach me everything about animals and yes, I love my work here as much as he loved his. But…I don’t know if I’d put work ahead of family.”
    Becky came to stand beside her. “But aren’t you doing that very thing? You rarely leave this place. And now you have a handsome Ranger willing to help you stay safe, but from what you’ve told me, you haven’t so much as batted an eye at the man.”
    Jennifer hadn’t told her friend about the kiss. That was too new and unexpected and confusing to share, even with her best friend. “I just met Anderson a few days ago. That’s probably why he hasn’t proposed yet,” she said with dripping sarcasm and a tart smile.
    â€œI don’t need him to propose. I just need you to have some fun,” Becky retorted. “Last time you came to see me in San Antonio, I had to practically arm wrestle you to get there. You don’t return calls. You stopped going to church. You’re shutting everyone out. Maybe it’s thegrief, or maybe you just don’t want any of us around anymore.”
    Hurt and humiliated by her friend’s blunt words, Jennifer took a deep breath. “I’m sorry but I’ve been trying to get everything back in order here—and now this vandalism thing is in the way. Once I get this place renovated and have some breathing room, I’ll get back into the swing of things.”
    â€œAnd what if that never happens?” Becky asked, a hand on Jennifer’s arm. “What if you can’t make it work?”
    â€œI will, somehow. Don’t tell me you’ve given up on me, too, Becky.”
    Becky put a hand around her shoulder. “I haven’t given up on you, no, ma’am. But I do worry that you’re in over your head here. What if you run out of money? What then?”
    â€œI’m on a strict budget. I hope to bring in money when things get back on track. I have to.”
    â€œYour father wouldn’t want you to work yourself to death on this place. You could easily go to work at the zoo in Austin. Didn’t they offer you a job?”
    Tempering her anger, Jennifer pulled away. “I don’t want to work at the Austin Zoo, Bec. I want to work here. And I’m sorry you think I’ve been neglecting you.”
    â€œIt’s not me I’m worried about,” Becky replied. “It’s you. I mean, the only reason I was able to see you tonight is because you needed someone here with you while that security man looks around.”
    Jennifer whirled to stare at her friend. “You think I’m using you?”
    â€œOf course not. I was