“It’s not . . . ,” she said. “I haven’t . . . Never mind.”

What did she almost say? It was after midnight, and brain fog had set in. “How do you plan to add credibility to a suicide?”

“Plant the seeds of ongoing depression with Pastor Emory, Amy-Jo, and Edie.” She drew in a deep breath. “I hate the ruse when those three have given me instant friendship and support. One of the regular bakery customers is a drug dealer.” She shook her head. “I can smell them coming, and I didn’t need Amy-Jo to tell me his profession. I’ll talk to him where she can see. My death will look like an overdose, and it will play into the threats I’ve received. I’ll leave a note and request cremation.”

I just figured out my role. “You want me to find your body?”

“Yes, and help with a few key issues.”

“I can make it happen through the FBI,” I said.

The sheriff cleared his throat. “This is beginnin’ to sound like a movie where I can’t predict the endin’.”

“The good guys win.” I chuckled while pouring water into the coffee maker.

“Hope so. Hey, we need to think through a potential hidin’ place for the money.”

Shelby shrugged. “I’ll work on wording it for the suicide note. I have to make it seem like a depressed person’s trying to right past wrongs. Perhaps I could reveal that everything to find the stolen money is in my Bible, and I’ll take it with me.”

I liked the idea and said so. “The sheriff and I could make it known that we’re looking for the money trail, but we can’t find your Bible.”

“Randy Hughes will be all over this. Count on him to spread the word, just to prove he was right about Shelby.” The sheriff drew in a long breath. “If he’s guilty, he’ll be facing a few years behind bars.”

“What does he have against me other than the obvious?” Shelby said. “I expected rejection, but he’s downright hostile.”

“His behavior has more to do with him than you.” The sheriff swung his gaze to me and back to her. “Randy is on a one-man crusade to protect his sister and those around him. I fired him this mornin’ for omittin’ information on your crime report and lyin’ about Edie havin’ a problem at her place and accusin’ you. Just one of the many times his actions failed to adequately represent his badge. I’ve given him too many chances.”

The timing of his firing coincided with my run-in with him in the parking lot. Randy’s attitude was like a loaded gun in a bar full of temper-infused drunks. If he didn’t learn to manage it, he wouldn’t survive.

Shelby stood and poured coffee for us. Such a wisp of a woman, but she wasn’t emotionally frail. “Has he been in counseling?”

“Refused. His ex-wife begged him to get help until she feared for her and the boys’ safety. Another thing.” The sheriff paused. “Both of you need to be careful. His thinking is off, and if he gets to drinkin’, you’ll be in his sights.”