Lots of people filed in at the last minute. Edie and her kids sat in front of me, a boy who looked like his mother and a smaller girl with huge dark eyes. Odd that Edie hadn’t chosen to sit in Shelby’s company. Randy Hughes must have missed the invite because he wasn’t there. Then again, he didn’t impress me as the churchgoing type. Had no clue about his ex-wife and teenage sons.

Amy-Jo scooted in next to Shelby. I had no clue of Amy-Jo’s last name, and she didn’t come across as the churchgoing type either. I swallowed a chuckle. Today her ensemble resembled a peacock . . . head to toe.

Pastor Emory, a broad-shouldered man in his late forties, welcomed everyone and thanked them for their care and concern while his family suffered from the flu. He gave announcements and congratulated a couple on forty-eight years of marriage. At the sound of a guitar and drums, I startled. The contemporary service and the pastor in jeans and red tennis shoes reminded me of my parents’ church.

An older man in the front pew stood. “Pastor, the newspaper said we have an ex-con in our community. Shelby Pearce murdered a family member and is living among decent people. How are we to handle such an atrocity? How are we to defend ourselves?”

I glanced at Shelby, and she attempted to stand, but Amy-Jo pulled her down onto the hard bench. The older man must not have seen her sitting among them. Before meeting her, I’d have sided with the man. I expected criticism, but in church, where sinners were supposed to find forgiveness and support? No wonder I kept God at a distance.

Pity for Shelby washed over me, which was odd. How could I have compassion for a woman who’d murdered a family member?

“I read the newspaper article.” Pastor Emory sighed. “While I’m not disputing the circumstances, whoever wrote the piece chose to be anonymous.” He scanned the crowd. “Jesus would want us to give Ms. Pearce an opportunity to regain her dignity, to feel welcome.”

“She’s not.” The man turned to face the crowd. “A good person lies in the ground.”

“I suggest an open mind and heart. Be loving and discerning. If you have any other concerns about the matter, please contact me personally.”

Shelby rose to her feet, although Amy-Jo attempted to yank her back down again. Edie gasped in front of me. Her son wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

“Pastor Emory,” Shelby said. “I’d like a word, please.”

He nodded and gestured for her to step to the pulpit. The older man resumed his perch on the front row.

“No thank you. Here is fine.” Her back was the only part visible to me, but she trembled. “My name is Shelby Pearce. I chose Valleysburg to begin my life over after recommendations from the prison chaplain who is familiar with the area. My purpose is not to cause problems with anyone, young or old. I found Jesus Christ in prison. He accepted me, my past, my present, and my future. He is leading my life as my Lord and Savior. I ask the citizens of this town to give me a chance to show I’m sincere.” Shelby sat.