Em didn’t take the bait. “Make sure you don’t drink and drive.”

“Oh, I’m perfectly sober. In fact, it sounds like Jack shouldn’t be alone. I’ll go on up and check in on him.”

“No need, Miss Boudreau. The police have this covered.”

Hadley scowled. “Well, I think Jack could use some company.”

“Chief Cooper thinks so, too, which is why I’m going up there right now. I hope not to see any trespassers. Have a good night.”

She left the Opera House and walked across the green, past O’Rourke’s, which was already jumping, and down the street to her own little place. She needed to feed Sarge. Might as well bring Super-Pup, too, if she had to hang out at Jack’s.

Sarge twirled in circles of joy when she came through the door, Squeaky Chicken clutched in his mouth. “Hi, handsome! Are you happy to see me? You are?” Indeed, Sarge was whimpering and crooning with joy. Em ruffled his sides with both hands and let him lick her face for a few minutes. “Who’s a good boy? Huh? You are, buddy! Come on—out you go!”

While Sarge did his business in the backyard, Em took a look around.

It didn’t glow with femininity the way Hadley’s apartment did, that was for sure. But it was a happy space. There were a few pictures on the mantel; one of her and Angela, another of Levi pinning on her badge the day she’d graduated from the academy. Her and Nana one summer day long ago, both of them laughing, Em’s two front teeth missing. The furniture was comfortable and sturdy (rather like herself). Lots of books in the built-in shelves. A beautiful Tiffany lamp that she’d splurged on at Presque Antiques on the green.

This house was where she’d spent the happiest times of her life, aside from those years with Kevin. This was more home than the place where she’d grown up, which was someone else’s now, anyway. But it still gave her a pang, the ease with which her parents had sent their only child away for the bulk of every summer. They’d kept Angela close by their sides; even after the divorce, they were unable to split up because they might not see her as much.

Well. They had done Emmaline a favor. She’d been better off here.

“Come on, Sarge,” she said, as her dog raced in through the doggy door. “We have guard duty tonight.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

JACK FOUND THAT cooking had taken on greater importance since the accident, as it gave his mind something to think about. A science podcast was playing on his computer; another tool to keep his brain occupied.

Oddly enough, he wasn’t really concerned about the possum in his truck. A teenager, he figured, probably one of Josh Deiner’s friends. And if so, Jack sort of deserved it, didn’t he?

His phone buzzed with an incoming text. Hadley. Great.

Heard about “incident” 2day. U ok???? Xoxox

Was it so hard to spell out the words? Text-style spelling would make Stephen Hawking seem idiotic. He opted not to answer.

That was a mistake. His phone buzzed again, vibrating on the counter.

Pls let me know ur ok.

Jack sighed.

U want 2 come over 4 dinner???

She had fast thumbs, he’d give her that.

I can come 2 c u if easier. :)

And now a smiley face, for the love of God.

Give me a call, ok???

No, thanks, he wouldn’t.

Miss u!!!

Worried about u!!!

It was the emotional equivalent of nails on a chalkboard.

And now the phone was ringing. Three guesses as to who it was. He didn’t bother picking up, but he did text her back. I’m fine. Nothing to worry about.

He thought about turning off his cell, but he didn’t have a landline. And his grandfather had been looking a little gray lately. Jack had asked Jeremy Lyon to drop in on Pops, as the old man wouldn’t go to the doctor without a gun to his head.

He added sausage to the garlic and onions he was sautéing. This would be a good dinner. Then again, food hadn’t tasted like much these days. Oh, and there was Mrs. Johnson’s chocolate cake for dessert. He picked up his phone and called her.

“Just wanted to thank you again for my cake,” he said.

“Oh, Jackie, don’t be silly! You know I love you best,” Mrs. J. cooed.

“I do know that, and I lord it over my sisters whenever possible. And Dad.” He smiled. “What are you guys doing tonight?”

“That’s none of your business, Jack darling.”

He shuddered. “You’re right. Thanks again, Mrs. J.”

Maybe he should get a dog. Lazarus wasn’t much in the company department. As if determined to prove him wrong, the cat rubbed against Jack’s ankle in a rare show of affection, then hissed and ran under the couch.

A knock came at the door, and Jack felt his jaw tighten. He turned off the stove and went to the door. If that was Hadley, he just might call the police.

It wasn’t Hadley. It was the police, still in uniform. And the police officer’s puppy, holding a stuffed animal in his mouth.

Jack felt himself smiling. “Hey,” he said, opening the door. “How are you?”

“This is police business,” she said, already blushing. “Levi made me come.”

“I owe him one,” Jack said. “Come in. I’m making dinner. You can stay.”

“No, we’re just, um, checking.”

“For what? For dead possums?”

“Basically. Mind if I walk around your property?”

“Not at all. I’ll come with you.” He grabbed his jacket. “Hey, buddy,” Jack said, bending down to pet the puppy, who wriggled in ecstasy, then whipped his toy—a chicken—back and forth. Lazarus darted out and ran under a bush, the better to spy on the dog. Jack stood up, catching the smell of Emmaline’s shampoo.

Nice.

She had beautiful eyes. Cat-shaped and blue. Her mouth... He remembered that mouth. Hell, yeah. That was a good mouth. Perfect for kissing. Perfect for—

He realized he was staring and cleared his throat. “So what are you looking for?”

“Signs of a trespasser.” She jammed her hands in her jacket pockets. “You shouldn’t have wiped down the truck, by the way. Next time a crime is committed against you, please let the professionals do their jobs.”

“Save it,” he said. “Levi already lectured me.”

“Is your driveway the only way up here?” she asked, starting off toward the stone wall that bordered the woods.

“No. You can drive up from the other side of the ridge and go through the Ellis property.”

“Think you’d wake up if someone drove up your driveway?”

“Oh, yeah. It’s gravel.”

“Then I bet Possum Person came through the back way.”

“Sounds about right.”

The snow had melted during a brief warm spell, but the temperature had dropped back to the twenties last night. Their breath fogged in the sharp, clean air. Sarge snuffled behind them, off his leash, and Lazarus brought up the rear.

“How have you been?” Jack asked.

“Fine,” she said. “Do you have any ideas who might leave a dead possum in your truck?”

“A couple of Josh’s friends, maybe.”

She nodded. “That’s my best guess, too.”