Huck straightened, and his shoulders looked too broad for the chair. “John Govern? As in Abigail Caine, Robert Caine, and John Govern, owners of the Deep Green Growers Company?” Huck lost the agreeable look and went full-on investigator.
Laurel factored this newest information into the equation. “You own a marijuana growing and developing company?”
The pastor sighed. “Yes, I do. Well, I’m one-third owner.” He shrugged. “Cannabis is legal in Washington, and we believe in working on the land. I have no ethical dilemma about owning the company and making money. I do a lot of good with my income, and I’m not going to apologize for it.”
“Do your parishioners know about your other endeavors?” Laurel asked.
Red bloomed into his face. “No, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t advertise the fact.”
Perhaps the pastor did feel an ethical dilemma after all. But not enough to stay out of the growing business. Laurel turned around. “Tell us about Abigail Caine.”
Pastor John’s eyes blazed. “She’s brilliant and an excellent business partner. We dated briefly, but our fundamental views were too different for us to continue. Although I pray nightly that she will let God into her heart.”
They’d dated? Interesting. “She doesn’t believe in a higher being?” Laurel asked.
Pastor John shook his head. “No.”
Huck kept his focus on the pastor. “She believes in you, Pastor. Enough that she didn’t inform us that you were the third partner in the pot farm.”
Laurel played off Huck’s statement. “Your voice rose a little when you spoke of her. Did her denial of God anger you?” Was the pastor angry at blondes in general? She ran through what little she knew about the man. Yes, they definitely needed more information about him.
Pastor John frowned. “No, it saddened me. Horribly. As I said, I hope she finds God. I believe it will happen.”
“Humph,” Huck said, crossing his arms.
Laurel gave him a look and partially turned. Her elbow caught on a picture and she moved to center it on the wall.
Then she leaned in. Several older photographs showed a younger Pastor Zeke with what appeared to be groups of students. Laurel ducked her head. “Wait a minute.” She looked closer and then snatched the picture off the wall, taking it to the pastor and pointing at a pretty girl wearing a thick coat and knit hat. “Her face—she looks familiar.”
Huck leaned over. “Shit.”
Pastor John blinked. “Oh. Yes. That’s Abigail Caine. I thought you knew.”
“Knew what? That she was a member of the church?” Huck asked, his voice pitched low.
“No,” Pastor John said. “That Abigail Caine is Pastor Zeke Caine’s daughter.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Laurel dropped back into her chair. “Pastor Zeke Caine?” Abigail was becoming more intriguing by the second.
“Yes,” Pastor John said. “I’m sorry. I thought you knew all of this already.”
“Obviously not.” A chill swept along Laurel’s arms. “What about Robert Caine? Your other partner in the growing operation?”
“Robert is also a wonderful business partner.” Pastor John clasped his hands together on his desk. “Robert and Abigail are night and day—half-siblings. Pastor Zeke isn’t Robert’s biological father. His mother was married before she met Pastor Zeke, and I believe Robert was already four or so years old at the time of her second marriage.”
“So Pastor Zeke Caine adopted Robert?” Laurel asked.
Pastor John nodded. “Yes. Robert and his family are members of the congregation. Robert has a leadership role, and his wife, Jasmine, is in charge of scheduling the married women’s bible studies. They’re a kind couple, but I don’t believe Robert is close to Abigail. As I said, she’s still finding her way.” He sat up. “That reminds me. Lisa Scotford and Jasmine Caine were friends, I believe. They worked closely together here at the church.”
It looked like Laurel’s afternoon would entail interviewing both Robert and Jasmine. Her mind spun.
Huck looked at Pastor John. “Were Abigail and her father close?”
“No. Absolutely not,” Pastor John said. “I think she was very angry that he lost her to the state after her mother died. At least, that’s the impression I’ve gotten from her. She’s very tight lipped about the situation.”
“Could you expand on that issue?” Laurel asked. “Tell me more about Abigail and her feelings.”
