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NIGHTTALES

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ForNow,Forever

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Megan’sMateCourtingCatherineAManforAmandaFortheLoveofLilah

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ALSOAVAILABLE...

TheOfficialNoraRobertsCompanion

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G.P.PUTNAM’SSONSPublishersSince1838PublishedbythePenguinGroupPenguinGroup(USA)LLC375HudsonStreetNewYork,NewYork10014

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Version_1

ForJoAnne,theamazingforeverfriend

ContentsOtherTitlesbyNoraRobertsTitlePageCopyrightDedication

PARTI|THEFALSEChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5

Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19

PARTII|THEROOTSChapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29

PARTIII|THEREALChapter30

Epilogue

nthebighouse—andShelbywouldalwaysthinkofitasthebig

house—shesatinherhusband’sbigleatherchairathisbig,importantdesk.Thecolorofthechairwas

espresso.Notbrown.Richardhadbeenveryexactaboutthatsortofthing.Thedeskitself,sosleekandshiny,wasAfricanzebrawood,andcustom-madeforhiminItaly.

Whenshe’dsaid—justajoke—thatshedidn’tknowtheyhadzebrasinItaly,he’dgivenherthatlook.Thelookthattoldherdespitethebighouse,thefancyclothesandthefatdiamondonthefourthfingerofherlefthand,she’d

alwaysbeShelbyAnnePomeroy,twostepsoutofthebumpkintowninTennesseewhereshewasbornandraised.

He’dhavelaughedonce,shethoughtnow,he’dhaveknownshewasjokingandlaughedasifshewerethesparkleinhislife.ButohGod,she’ddulledinhiseyes,andsofast,too.

Themanshe’dmetnearlyfiveyearsbeforeonastarry

summernighthadsweptheroffherfeet,awayfromeverythingshe’dknown,intoworldsshe’dbarelyimagined.

He’dtreatedherlikeaprincess,shownherplacesshe’donlyreadaboutinbooksorseeninmovies.Andhe’dlovedheronce—hadn’the?Itwasimportanttorememberthat.He’dlovedher,wantedher,givenherallanywomancouldaskfor.

Provided.Thatwasawordhe’doftenused.He’dprovidedforher.

Maybehe’dbeenupsetwhenshegotpregnant,maybeshe’dbeenafraid—justforaminute—ofthelookinhiseyeswhenshetoldhim.Buthe’dmarriedher,hadn’the?WhiskedherofftoLasVegasliketheywerehavingtheadventureofalifetime.

They’dbeenhappythen.Itwasimportanttoremember

thatnow,too.Shehadtorememberthat,toholdtightthememoriesofthegoodtimes.

Awomanwidowedattwenty-fourneededmemories.

Awomanwholearnedshe’dbeenlivingalie,wasnotonlybrokebutinterrible,breathtakingdebt,neededremindersofthegoodtimes.

Thelawyersandaccountantsandtaxpeople

explaineditalltoher,buttheymightaswellhavebeenspeakingGreekwhentheywentonaboutleveragingandhedgefundsandforeclosures.Thebighouse,onethathadintimidatedhersinceshe’dwalkedinthedoor,wasn’thers—ornotenoughherstomatter—butthemortgagecompany’s.Thecars,leasednotbought,andwiththepaymentsoverdue,nothers,either.

Thefurniture?Boughtoncredit,andthosepaymentsoverdue.

Andthetaxes.Shecouldn’tbeartothinkaboutthetaxes.Itterrifiedhertothinkofthem.

InthetwomonthsandeightdayssinceRichard’sdeath,itseemedallshedidwasthinkaboutmattershe’dtoldhernottoworryabout,mattersthatweren’therconcern.Matters,whenhe’d

giveherthatlook,thatwerenoneofherbusiness.

Nowitwasallherconcern,andallherbusiness,becausesheowedcreditors,amortgagecompanyandtheUnitedStatesgovernmentsomuchmoneyitparalyzedher.

Shecouldn’taffordtobeparalyzed.Shehadachild,shehadadaughter.Calliewasallthatmatterednow.Shewasonlythree,Shelbythought,andwantedtolay

herheaddownonthatslick,shinydeskandweep.

“Butyouwon’t.You’rewhatshe’sgotnow,soyou’lldowhateverhastobedone.”

Sheopenedoneoftheboxes,theonemarked“PersonalPapers.”Thelawyersandtaxpeoplehadtakeneverything,gonethrougheverything,copiedeverything,shesupposed.

Nowshewouldgothrougheverything,andseewhat

couldbesalvaged.ForCallie.Sheneededtofindenough,

somewhere,toprovideforherchildaftershe’dpaidoffallthedebt.She’dgetwork,ofcourse,butitwouldn’tbeenough.

Shedidn’tcareaboutthemoney,shethoughtasshebegangoingthroughreceiptsforsuitsandshoesandrestaurantsandhotels.Forprivateplanes.She’dlearnedshedidn’tcareaboutthe

moneyafterthefirstwhirlwindyear,afterCallie.

AfterCallieallshe’dwantedwasahome.

Shestopped,lookedaroundRichard’soffice.Theharshcolorsofthemodernarthe’dpreferred,thestarkwhitewallshesaidbestshowedoffthatart,andthedarkwoodsandleathers.

Thiswouldn’tbehome,andhadn’tbeen.Wouldneverbe,shethought,ifshelived

hereeightyyearsinsteadofthescantthreemonthssincethey’dmovedin.

He’dboughtitwithoutconsultingher,furnisheditwithoutaskingwhatshe’dlike.Asurprise,he’dsaid,throwingopenthedoorstothismonsterhouseinVillanova,thisechoingbuildinginwhathe’dclaimedwasthebestofthePhiladelphiasuburbs.

Andshe’dpretendedto

loveit,hadn’tshe?Gratefulforasettledplace,howevermuchthehardcolorsandtoweringceilingsintimidated.Calliewouldhaveahome,gotogoodschools,playinasafeneighborhood.

Makefriends.She’dmakefriends,too—thathadbeenherhope.

Buttherehadn’tbeentime.Justastherewasn’taten-

million-dollarlifeinsurancepolicy.He’dliedaboutthat,

too.LiedaboutthecollegefundforCallie.

Why?Sheputthatquestion

aside.She’dneverknowtheanswer,sowhyaskwhy?

Shecouldtakehissuitsandshoesandtiesandhissportsequipment,thegolfclubsandskis.Takeallthosetoconsignmentshops.Takewhatshecouldgetthere.

Takewhatevertheydidn’trepossessandsellit.On

damneBayifshehadto.OrCraigslist.Orapawnshop,itdidn’tmatter.

Plentyinherownclosettosell.Andjewelry,too.

Shelookedatthediamond,theringhe’dslippedonherfingerwhentheygottoVegas.Theweddingring,she’dkeep,butthediamond,she’dsell.Therewasplentyofherowntosell.

ForCallie.Shewentthroughfiles,

onebyone.They’dtakenallthecomputers,andthoseshedidn’thavebackyet.Buttheactualpaperwastangible.

Sheopenedhismedicalfile.

He’dtakengoodcareofhimself,shethought—whichremindedhertocancelthemembershipsatthecountryclub,atthefitnesscenter.Thathadgoneoutofhermind.He’dbeenahealthyman,onewhokepthisbody

intune,whonevermissedacheckup.

Sheneededtotossoutallthosevitaminsandsupplementshe’dtakendaily,shedecidedassheturnedoveranotherpaper.

Noreasontokeepthose,noreasontokeeptheserecords,either.ThehealthymanhaddrownedintheAtlantic,justafewmilesofftheSouthCarolinacoast,attheageofthirty-three.

Sheshouldjustshredallthis.Richardhadbeenbigonshreddingandhadhisownmachinerightthereintheoffice.Creditorsdidn’tneedtoseetheresultsofhislastroutinebloodworkortheconfirmationofhisflushotfromtwoyearsago,paperworkfromtheemergencyroomfromwhenhe’ddislocatedhisfingerplayingbasketball.

ForGod’ssake,thathad

beenthreeyearsago.Foramanwho’dshredenoughpaperworktomakeamountainrange,he’dsurebeenpossessiveabouthismedicalreceipts.

Shesighed,notinganother,datedalmostfouryearsago.Shestartedtotossitaside,stoppedandfrowned.Shedidn’tknowthisdoctor.Ofcourse,they’dbeenlivinginthatbighigh-riseinHoustonthen,andwhocouldkeep

trackofdoctorsthewaythey’dmovedeveryyear—sometimeslessthanthat.ButthisdoctorwasinNewYorkCity.

“Thatcan’tberight,”shemurmured.“WhywouldRichardgotoadoctorinNewYorkfora...”

Everythingwentcold.Hermind,herheart,herbelly.Herfingerstrembledassheliftedthepaper,broughtitcloserasifthewordswould

changewiththedistance.Buttheystayedthesame.RichardAndrewFoxworth

hadelectivesurgery,performedbyDr.DipokHaryanaatMountSinaiMedicalCenter,onJuly12,2011.Avasectomy.

He’dhadavasectomy,withouttellingher.Calliebarelytwomonthsoldandhe’dfixeditsotherecouldbenomorechildren.He’dpretendedtowantmorewhen

she’dbeguntalkingaboutanother.He’dagreedtogetchecked,asshegotchecked,when,afterayearoftrying,shehadn’tconceived.

Shecouldhearhimnow.You’vejustgottorelax,

Shelby,forGod’ssake.Ifyou’reworriedandtenseaboutit,it’llneverhappen.

“No,it’llneverhappen,becauseyoufixeditsoitcouldn’t.Youliedtome,evenaboutthat.Liedwhen

myheartbrokeeverymonth.“Howcouldyou?How

couldyou?”Shepushedawayfromthe

desk,pressedherfingerstohereyes.July,mid-July,andCallieabouteightweeksold.Abusinesstrip,he’dsaid,that’sright,sherememberedverywell.ToNewYork—hadn’tliedaboutthewhere.

Shehadn’twantedtotakethebabytothecity—he’dknownshewouldn’t.He’d

madeallthearrangements.Anothersurpriseforher.He’dsentherbacktoTennesseeonaprivateplane,herandherbaby.

Soshecouldspendsometimewithherfamily,he’dsaid.Showoffthebaby,lethermotherandgrandmotherspoilherandspoilCallieforacoupleofweeks.

She’dbeensohappy,sograteful,shethoughtnow.Andallthewhilehe’djust

beengettingheroutofthewaysohecouldmakecertainhedidn’tfatheranotherchild.

Shewalkedbacktothedesk,pickedupthephotoshe’dhadframedforhim.OneofherandCallie,takenbyherbrotherClayonthatverytrip.Athank-yougifthe’dseemedtovalueashe’dkeptitonhisdesk—whereverthey’dbeen—eversince.

“Anotherlie.Justanotherlie.Youneverlovedus.You

couldn’thaveliedandliedandliedifyou’dlovedus.”

Ontherageofbetrayalshenearlysmashedtheframeonthedesk.Onlythefaceofherbabystoppedher.Shesetitdownagain,ascarefullyasshemightpricelessandfragileporcelain.

Thensheloweredtothefloor—shecouldn’tsitbehindthatdesk,notnow.Shesatonthefloorwithharshcolorsagainsthardwhitewalls,

rocking,weeping.Weepingnotbecausethemanshe’dlovedwasdead,butbecauseheneverexisted.

•••

THEREWASNOTIMETOSLEEP.Thoughshedislikedcoffee,shemadeherselfanoversizedmugfromRichard’sItalianmachine—andhititwithadoubleshotofespresso.

Headachyfromthecrying

jag,wireduponcaffeine,shecombedthrougheverypaperinthebox,makingpiles.

Hotelandrestaurantreceiptswhenviewedwithnewlyopenedeyestoldherhehadn’tjustlied,buthadcheated.

Roomservicechargestoohighforamanalone.AddareceiptforasilverbanglefromTiffany’s—whichhe’dnevergiventoher—fromthesametrip,anotherfive

thousandatLaPerla—thelingeriehepreferredshewear—fromanothertrip,areceiptforaweekendspentinabed-and-breakfastinVermontwhenhe’dsaidhewasgoingtofinalizeadealinChicago,anditbegantosolidify.

Whyhadhekeptallthis,allthisproofofhisliesandinfidelity?Because,sherealized,she’dtrustedhim.

Noteventhat,shethought,accepting.She’dsuspectedan

affair,andhe’dlikelyknownshehad.Hekeptitbecausehe’dthoughthertooobedienttopokethroughhispersonalrecords.

Andshehadbeen.Theotherliveshe’dlived,

he’dlockedaway.Shehadn’tknownwheretofindthekey,wouldneverhavequestionedhim—andhe’dknownit.

Howmanyotherwomen?shewondered.Diditmatter?Onewastoomany,andany

ofthemwouldhavebeenmoresophisticated,moreexperiencedandknowledgeablethanthegirlfromthelittlemountaintowninTennesseehe’dknockedupwhenshewasnineteen,dazzledandfoolish.

Whyhadhemarriedher?Maybehe’dlovedher,at

leastalittle.Wantedher.Butshehadn’tbeenenough,notenoughtokeephimhappy,keephimtrue.

Anddidthatmatter,really?Hewasdead.

Yes,shethought.Yes,itmattered.

He’dmadeafoolofher,leftherhumiliated.Leftherwithafinancialburdenthatcouldhoundherforyearsandjeopardizetheirdaughter’sfuture.

Itdamnwellmattered.Shespentanotherhour

goingsystematicallythroughtheoffice.Thesafehad

alreadybeencleared.She’dknownaboutit,thoughshehadn’thadthecombination.She’dgiventhelawyerspermissiontohaveitopened.

They’dtakenmostofthelegaldocuments,buttherewasfivethousandincash.Shetookitout,setitaside.Callie’sbirthcertificate,theirpassports.

SheopenedRichard’s,studiedhisphoto.

Sohandsome.Smoothand

polished,likeamoviestar,withhisrichbrownhairandtawnyeyes.She’dsowishedCalliehadinheritedhisdimples.She’dbeensocharmedbythosedamndimples.

Shesetthepassportsaside.Howeverunlikelyitwasshe’dusehersorCallie’s,she’dpackthemup.She’ddestroyRichard’s.Or—maybeaskthelawyersifthat’swhatsheshoulddo.

Shefoundnothinghiddenaway,butshe’dgothrougheverythingagainbeforesheshreddedorfileditallawayagaininpackingboxes.

Hypedoncoffeeandgrief,shewalkedthroughthehouse,crossedthebigtwo-storyfoyer,tookthecurvingstairsup,thethicksockssheworesoundlessonthehardwood.

ShecheckedonCalliefirst,wentintothepretty

room,leaneddowntokissherdaughter’scheekbeforetuckingtheblanketsaroundherlittlegirl’sfavoredbutt-in-the-airsleepingposition.

Leavingthedooropen,shewalkeddownthehalltothemastersuite.

Shehatedtheroom,shethoughtnow.Hatedthegraywalls,theblackleatherheadboard,thesharplinesoftheblackfurniture.

Shehateditmorenow,

knowingshe’dmadelovewithhiminthatbedafterhe’dmadelovewithotherwomen,inotherbeds.

Asherbellytwistedsherealizedsheneededtogotothedoctorherself.Sheneededtobesurehehadn’tpassedanythingontoher.Don’tthinknow,shetoldherself.Justmaketheappointmenttomorrow,anddon’tthinknow.

Shewenttohiscloset—

onenearlyasbigasthewholeofthebedroomshe’dhadbackinRendezvousRidge,backhome.

Someofthesuitshadbarelybeenworn,shethought.Armani,Versace,Cucinelli.RichardhadleanedtowardItaliandesignersforsuits.Andshoes,shethought,takingapairofblackFerragamoloafersofftheshoeshelf,turningthemovertostudythesoles.

Barelyscuffed.Movingthrough,she

openedacupboard,tookoutsuitbags.

She’dtakeasmanyasshecouldmanagetotheconsignmentshopinthemorning.

“Shouldhavedoneitalready,”shemuttered.

Butfirstthere’dbeenshockandgrief,thenthelawyers,theaccountants,thegovernmentagent.

Shewentthroughthepocketsofagraypinstripetobecertaintheywereempty,transferredittothebag.Fiveabag,shecalculated.Fourbagsforthesuits,thenanotherfive—maybesix—forjacketsandcoats.Thenshirts,casualpants.

Themindlessworkkepthercalm;thegradualclearingofspacelightenedherheart,alittle.

Shehesitatedwhenshegot

tothedarkbronzeleatherjacket.He’dfavoredit,hadlookedsogoodintheaviatorstyleandtherichcolor.Itwas,sheknew,oneofthefewgiftsshe’dgivenhimthathe’dreallyliked.

Shestrokedoneofthesleeves,butterysoft,supple,andnearlygaveintothesentimenttosetitaside,keepit,atleastforawhile.

Thenshethoughtofthedoctor’sreceiptanddug

ruthlesslythroughthepockets.

Empty,ofcourse,he’dbeencarefultoemptyhispocketseverynight,tossanyloosechangeintheglassdishonhisdresser.Phoneinthecharger,keysinthedishbythefrontdoororhunginthecabinetinhisoffice.Neverleftanythinginpocketstoweighthemdown,spoiltheline,beforgotten.

Butasshegavethe

pocketsasqueeze—ahabitshe’dpickedupfromhermotheronwashingday—shefeltsomething.Shecheckedthepocketagain,founditempty.Pushedherfingersinagain,turnedthepocketinsideout.

Alittleholeinthelining,shenoted.Yes,hehadfavoredthejacket.

Shecarriedthejacketbackintothebedroom,gothermanicurescissorsoutofher

kit.Carefully,shewidenedthehole,tellingherselfshe’dstitchituplater,beforeshebaggeditforsale.

Slippingherfingersintheopening,shedrewoutakey.

Notadoorkey,shethought,turningitinthelight.Notacarkey.Abankbox.

Butwhatbank?Andwhatwasinit?Whyhaveabankboxwhenhehadasaferightinhisoffice?

Sheshouldprobablytell

thelawyers,shethought.Butshewasn’tgoingto.Forallsheknew,hehadaledgerintherelistingallthewomenhe’dsleptwithinthepastfiveyears,andshe’dhadenoughhumiliation.

She’dfindthebank,andthebox,andseeforherself.

Theycouldtakethehouse,thefurniture,thecars—thestocks,bonds,moneythathadn’tbeennearlywhatRichardhadtoldher.They

couldtaketheart,thejewelry,thechinchillajackethe’dgivenherfortheirfirst—andlast—ChristmasinPennsylvania.

Butshe’dholdontowhatwasleftofherpride.

•••

SHEWOKEFROMSHIVERY,disturbingdreamstotheinsistenttuggingonherhand.

“Mama,Mama,Mama.

Wakeup!”“What?”Shedidn’teven

openhereyes,justreacheddown,pulledherlittlegirlontothebedwithher.Snuggledrightin.

“Morningtime.”Calliesangit.“Fifi’shungry.”

“Mm.”Fifi,Callie’sdesperatelybelovedstuffeddog,alwayswokehungry.“Okay.”Butshesnuggledanotherminute.

Atsomepointshe’d

stretchedout,fullyclothed,ontopofthebed,pulledtheblackcashmerethrowoverherselfanddroppedoff.She’dneverconvinceCallie—orFifi—tocuddleupforanotherhour,butshecouldstallforafewminutes.

“Yourhairsmellssogood,”Shelbymurmured.

“Callie’shair.Mama’shair.”

Shelbysmiledatthetugonhers.“Justthesame.”

Thedeepgoldenredhadpasseddownfromhermother’sside.FromtheMacNeeside.Ashadthenearlyunmanageablecurls,which—asRichardpreferredthesleekandsmooth—she’dhadblownoutandstraightenedeveryweek.

“Callie’seyes.Mama’seyes.”

CalliepulledShelby’seyeopenwithherfingers—thesamedeepblueeyesthatread

almostpurpleinsomelights.“Justthesame,”Shelby

began,thenwincedwhenCalliepokedathereye.

“Red.”“Ibet.WhatdoesFifiwant

forbreakfast?”Fivemoreminutes,Calliethought.Justfive.

“Fifiwants...candy!”Theuttergleeinher

daughter’svoicehadShelbyopeningherbloodshotblueeyes.“Isthatso,Fifi?”

Shelbyturnedtheplush,cheerfulfaceonthepinkpoodleinherdirection.“Notachance.”

SherolledCallieover,tickledherribsand,despitetheheadache,reveledinthejoyfulsqueals.

“Breakfastitis.”ShescoopedCallieup.“Thenwe’vegotplacestogo,mylittlefairyqueen,andpeopletosee.”

“Marta?IsMarta

coming?”“No,baby.”Shethoughtof

thenannyRichardhadinsistedon.“RememberhowItoldyouMartacan’tcomeanymore?”

“LikeDaddy,”CalliesaidasShelbycarriedherdownstairs.

“Notexactly.ButI’mgoingtofixusafabulousbreakfast.Youknowwhat’salmostasgoodascandyforbreakfast?”

“Cake!”Shelbylaughed.“Close.

Pancakes.Puppydogpancakes.”

Withagiggle,CallielaidherheadonShelby’sshoulder.“IloveMama.”

“IloveCallie,”Shelbyreplied,andpromisedherselfshe’ddowhatevershehadtodotogiveCallieagood,securelife.

•••

AFTERBREAKFAST,shehelpedherdaughterdress,bundledthembothup.She’denjoyedthesnowatChristmas,hadbarelynoticeditinJanuary,afterRichard’saccident.

ButnowitwasMarch,andshewasthoroughlysickofit,andthebitterairthatshowednosignofthawing.ButitwaswarmenoughinthegaragetosettleCallieintohercarseat,tohaulalltheheavygarmentbagsintothesleek-linedSUV

sheprobablywouldn’thavemuchlonger.

She’dneedtofindenoughmoneytobuyasecondhandcar.Agood,safe,child-friendlycar.Aminivan,shethought,asshebackedoutofthegarage.

Shedrovecarefully.Theroadsherehadbeenwellplowed,butwinterdiditsdamagehoweverexclusivetheneighborhood,andtherewerepotholes.

Shedidn’tknowanyonehere.Thewinterhadbeensoharsh,socold,hercircumstancessooverwhelming,she’dstayedinmorethangoingout.AndCalliecaughtthatnastycold.Thecold,Shelbyremembered,thathadkeptthemhomewhenRichardtookthetriptoSouthCarolina.Thetripthatwassupposedtobeafamilywinterbreak.

Theywould’vebeenwithhimontheboat,andhearingherdaughterchatteringtoFifi,itdidn’tbearthinkingabout.Insteadsheconcentratedonnegotiatingtraffic,andfindingtheconsignmentshop.

ShetransferredCallietoherstrollerand,cursingthebitingwind,draggedthetopthreebagsoutofthecar.Asshefoughttoopentheshopdoor,keepthebagsfrom

slidingandblockCalliefromtheworstofthewind,awomanpulledopenthedoor.

“Oh,wow!Letmegiveyouahand.”

“Thankyou.They’realittleheavysoIshould—”

“I’vegotthem.Macey!Treasuretrove.”

Anotherwoman—thisoneverypregnant—steppedoutfromabackroom.“Goodmorning.Well,hello,cutie,”shesaidtoCallie.

“Yougotababyinyourtummy.”

“Yes,Ido.”Layingahandoverit,MaceysmiledatShelby.“WelcometoSecondChances.Doyouhavesomethingsforustoconsider?”

“Ido.”AquickglancearoundshowedShelbyracksandshelvesofclothesandaccessories.Andaverytinyareadedicatedtomen’sclothes.

Herhopessank.

“Ihaven’thadachancetocomeinbefore,soIwasn’tsurewhatyou...MostofwhatIbroughtinaresuits.Men’ssuitsandshirtsandjackets.”

“Wedon’tgetnearlyenoughmenswear.”Thewomanwho’dletherintappedthegarmentbagsshe’dlaidonawidecounter.“Isitallrighttotakealook?”

“Yes,please.”“You’renotfromaround

here,”Maceycommented.“Oh,no.Iguessnot.”“Areyouvisiting?”“We—Iliveherein

Villanovarightnow,justsinceDecember,but—”

“Ohmygoodness!Thesearegorgeoussuits.Pristineconditionsofar,Macey.”

“Size,Cheryl?”“Forty-twoRegular.And

theremustbetwentyofthem.”

“Twenty-two,”Shelby

said,andlinkedherfingerstogether.“Ihavemoreinthecar.”

“More?”bothwomensaidtogether.

“Shoes—men’ssizeten.Andcoatsandjackets,and...Myhusband—”

“Daddy’sclothes!”CallieannouncedwhenCherylhunganothersuitonaholdingrack.“Don’ttouchDaddy’sclotheswithstickyhands.”

“That’sright,baby.Ah,

yousee,”Shelbybegan,lookingfortherightwaytoexplain.Calliesolveditforher.

“Mydaddywenttoheaven.”

“I’msosorry.”Onehandonherbelly,Maceyreachedout,touchedCallie’sarm.

“Heaven’spretty,”Callietoldthem.“Angelslivethere.”

“That’sabsolutelyright.”MaceyglancedatCheryl,

nodded.“Whydon’tyougoout,gettherest?”shetoldShelby.“Youcanleave—What’syourname,cutie?”

“CallieRoseFoxworth.ThisisFifi.”

“Hello,Fifi.We’llwatchCallieandFifiwhileyoubringtherestin.”

“Ifyou’resure...”Shehesitated,thenaskedherselfwhytwowomen—oneofthemaboutsevenmonthsalong—wouldrunoffwith

Callieinthetimeittookhertogettothecarandback.“I’llonlybeaminute.Callie,youbegood.Mama’sjustgettingsomethingoutofthecar.”

•••

THEYWERENICE,Shelbythoughtlaterasshedroveofftotrylocalbanks.Peoplewereusuallyniceifyougavethemthechancetobe.

They’dtakeneverything,andsheknewthey’dtakenmorethanmaybetheymighthavebutCalliehadcharmedthem.

“You’remyluckycharm,CallieRose.”

Calliegrinnedaroundthestrawofherjuicebox,butkepthereyesgluedtothebackseatDVDscreenandhertenmillionthviewingofShrek.

ixbankslater,Shelbydecidedtheluckmayhaverunoutforthe

day.Andherbabyneededlunchandanap.

OnceshehadCalliefed,washedandtuckedin—and

thetucking-inpartalwaystooktwiceaslongasshehoped—shegeareduptofacetheansweringmachineandthevoicemailonhercellphone.

She’dworkedoutpaymentplanswiththecreditcardcompanies,andfeltthey’dbeenasdecentasshecouldexpect.She’ddonethesamewiththeIRS.Themortgagelenderhadagreedtoashortsale,andoneofthemessages

wasfromtherealtorwantingtosetupthefirstshowings.

Shecould’veusedanapherself,buttherewasalotshecouldgetdoneinthehour—ifGodwaskind—Callieslept.

Becauseitmadethemostsense,sheusedRichard’soffice.She’dclosedupmostoftheroomsinthebighouse,cuttheheatbackwherevershecould.Shewishedforafire,glancedattheblackand

silvergasinsertundertheblackmarblemantel.Theonethingshe’denjoyedintheoverwhelminghousewasbeingabletohaveafire—thewarmthandcheerofit—attheflickofaswitch.

Butthatflickcostmoney,andshewouldn’tspenditjusttohavegasflameswhenthesweaterandthicksockskeptherwarmenough.Shegotoutthelistshe’dmade—whathadtobedone—calledthe

realtorback,agreedtotheopenhouseonSaturdayandSunday.

She’dtakeCallieoffsomewhere,getthembothoutandleavethatbusinesstotherealtor.Meanwhile,shedugoutthenameofthecompanythelawyershadgivenherthatmightbuythefurnituresoshecouldavoidrepossession.

Ifshecouldn’tsellitinaswoop,oratleastagoodchunkofit,she’dtrydoing

piecesonline—ifsheeverhadaccesstoacomputeragain.

Ifshecouldn’tgetenough,she’dhavetofacethehumiliationofhavingitrepossessed.

Shedidn’tthinktheneighborhoodrantoyardsales,anditwastoodamncoldanyway.

Thenshereturnedthecallsfromhermother,hergrandmother,hersister-in-

law—andaskedthemtotelltheauntsandcousinswho’dalsocalledthatshewasfine,Calliewasfine.Shewasjustrealbusygettingeverythinginorder.

Shecouldn’ttellthem,notallofit,notyet.Theyknewsome,ofcourse,andsomewasallshecouldsharerightthatminute.Talkingaboutitmadeherangryandweepy,andshehadtoomuchtodo.

Tokeepbusy,shewentup

tothebedroom,sortedthroughherjewelry.Herengagementring,thediamondearringsRichardhadgivenherforhertwenty-firstbirthday.Theemeraldpendanthe’dgivenherwhenCalliewasborn.Otherpieces,othergifts.Hiswatches—sixofthem—andhisarmyofcufflinks.

Shemadeacarefullist,asshehadwiththeclothesshe’dtakentotheconsignment

shop.Shebaggedthejewelrywiththeirappraisalsandinsuranceinformation,thenusedherphonetosearchforajewelrystore,aslocalasshecouldmanage,thatboughtaswellassold.

Withtheboxesshe’dpickedupwhilethey’dbeenout,shebeganpackingupwhatsheconsideredhers,andimportanttoher.Photographs,giftstoherfromfamily.Therealtorhad

advisedherto“depersonalize”thehouse,soShelbywoulddojustthat.

WhenCalliewokefromhernap,Shelbykeptherentertainedbygivingherlittletasks.Asshepacked,shecleaned.Nomorehousekeepingstafftoscrubandpolishtheendlessmilesoftile,ofhardwood,ofchrome,ofglass.

Shemadedinner,atewhatshecould.Shedealtwithbath

time,storytime,bedtime,thenpackedmore,hauledboxestothegarage.Exhausted,shetreatedherselftoahotbathinthesoakingtubwithitssoothingjets,thencrawledintobedwithherpad,intendingtowriteoutthenextday’sagenda.

Andfellasleepwiththelightson.

•••

THENEXTMORNINGsheheadedoutagain,withCallieandFifiandShrek,andRichard’sleatherattachécaseholdingherjewelryanditspaperwork,hiswatchesandcufflinks.Shetriedthreemorebanks,wideningherarea,then,remindingherselfthatshehadnoroomforpride,parkedinfrontofthejewelrystore.

Shedealtwithathree-year-oldcrankyathavingher

movieinterruptedagain,andbribedCallieintosubmissionwiththepromiseofanewDVD.

Tellingherselfitwasbusiness,justdollarsandcents,shepushedCallieintotheshop.

Everythingshone,andseemedashushedasachurchbetweenservices.Shewantedtoturnaroundandgo,justgo,butmadeherselfmoveforwardtothewoman

wearingasharpblacksuitandtastefulgoldearrings.

“Excuseme,I’dliketotalktosomeoneaboutsellingsomejewelry.”

“Youcanspeaktoanyonehere.Sellingjewelryiswhatwedo.”

“No,ma’am,ImeantosayI’mselling.I’dliketosellsomepieces.Itsaysyoubuyjewelry,too.”

“Ofcourse.”Thewoman’seyewasassharpasthesuit,

andcarvedShelbydown,toptotoe.

Maybeshewasn’tlookingherbest,Shelbythought.Maybeshehadn’tbeenabletocamouflagethedarkcirclesunderhereyes,butiftherewasonethinghergrannyhadtaughther,itwasthatwhenacustomercameintoyourplace,youtreatedthemwithrespect.

Shelbystiffenedaspinethatwantedtobuckle,kept

hereyesdirect.“IstheresomeoneIshouldspeakto,orwouldyouratherItakemybusinesssomewhereelse?”

“Doyouhavetheoriginalreceiptsforthepiecesyou’reinterestedinselling?”

“No,Idon’t,notforall,assomeweregifts.ButIhavetheappraisalsandtheinsurancepapers.DoIlooklikeathief,onehaulingherdaughteraroundfancyjewelrystorestryingtosell

stolenmerchandise?”Shefeltascenerisingup

inher,adamreadytoburstandfloodhotandwildovereverythinginitspath.Perhapstheclerksenseditasshesteppedback.

“Onemoment,please.”“Mama,Iwannago

home.”“Oh,baby,sodoI.We

will.We’llgohomesoon.”“MayIhelpyou?”Themanwhosteppedup

lookedlikesomebody’sdignifiedgrandfather,thesortinaHollywoodmovieaboutrichpeoplewho’dbeenrichforever.

“Yes,sir,Ihopeso.Itsaysyoubuyjewelry,andIhavesomejewelryIneedtosell.”

“Ofcourse.Whydon’twegooverhere?Youcansitdown,andI’lltakealook.”

“Thankyou.”Shestruggledtokeepthat

spinestraightasshecrossed

theshoptoanornatedesk.Hepulledoutachairforher,andthegesturemadeherwanttoblubberlikeafool.

“Ihavesomepiecesmy—myhusbandgaveme.Ihavetheappraisalsandallthat,thepaperwork.”Shefumbledopentheattaché,tookoutpouchesandjewelryboxes,themanilaenvelopeholdingtheappraisals.“I—He—We—”Shebrokeoff,closedhereyes,drewacoupleof

breaths.“I’msorry,I’veneverdonethis.”

“It’sperfectlyallright,Mrs....?”

“Foxworth.I’mShelbyFoxworth.”

“WilsonBrown.”Hetookherofferedhand,shookitgently.“Whydon’tyoushowmewhatyouhave,Mrs.Foxworth?”

Shedecidedtogowiththebiggeststraightoff,andopenedthepouchthatheld

herengagementring.Hesetitonavelvetcloth,

andashetookoutajeweler’sloupe,sheopenedtheenvelope.

“Itsayshereit’sthreeandahalfcarats,emeraldcut,aDgrade—that’ssupposedtobegood,fromwhatIread.Andwithsixsidestonesinaplatinumsetting.Isthatright?”

Helookedupfromtheloupe.“Mrs.Foxworth,I’m

afraidthisisaman-madediamond.”

“I’msorry?”“It’salabdiamond,asare

thesidestones.”Sheputherhandsunder

thedesksohecouldn’tseethemshake.“Thatmeansit’sfake.”

“Itsimplymeansitwascreatedinalab.It’saveryniceexampleofaman-madediamond.”

Calliebegantowhine.

Shelbyheardthesoundthroughthethrobbinginherhead,automaticallyduginherbag,pulledoutthetoyphone.“YoucallGranny,baby,tellherwhatyou’vebeenupto.Itmeans,”shecontinued,“thisisn’taD-gradediamond,andthisringisn’tworthwhatitsayshereonthispaper?Itisn’tworthahundredandfifty-fivethousanddollars?”

“No,mydear,it’snot.”

Hisvoicewasasgentleasapat,andmadeitworse.“Icangiveyouthenamesofotherappraisers,soyoucanaskforotheropinions.”

“You’renotlyingtome.Iknowyou’renotlyingtome.”ButRichardhad,overandoverandover.Shewouldn’tbreakdown,shetoldherself.Notnow,nothere.“Wouldyoulookattherest,Mr.Brown,tellmeifthey’refake,too?”

“Ofcourse.”Thediamondearrings

werereal,andthatwasall.She’dlikedthembecausetheywerepretty,andtheyweresimple.Juststudsthatdidn’tmakeherfeelawkwardinthewearing.

Butshe’dprizedtheemeraldpendantbecausehe’dgivenittoherthedaytheybroughtCalliehomefromthehospital.Anditwasasfalseashe’dbeen.

“Icangiveyoufivethousandforthediamondstuds,ifyou’dstillliketosellthem.”

“Yes,thankyou.That’dbejustfine.CanyoutellmewhereIshouldtaketherest?Isitbesttogotoapawnshop?Doyouknowofagoodone?Idon’twanttotakeCallieintosomeplacethat’s...youknowwhatImean.Sketchy.Andmaybe,ifyoudon’tmind,youcould

givemeanideawhatit’sallreallyworth.”

Hesatback,studiedher.“Theengagementringisgoodwork,andasIsaid,agoodexampleofalabdiamond.Icouldgiveyoueighthundredforit.”

Shelbystudiedhiminturnasshepulledoffthematchingweddingring.“Howmuchfortheset?”

Shedidn’tbreakdown,andshewalkedoutwith

$15,600—Richard’scufflinksweren’tfake,andhadgivenherwhatshethoughtofasabonus.Fifteenthousandsixhundredwasmorethanshe’dhad.Notenoughtopayoffdebts,butmorethanshe’dhad.

Andhe’dgivenherthenameofanothershopthatwouldlookatRichard’swatches.

ShestretchedherluckwithCallie,triedtwomorebanks,

thengaveitupforanotherday.

CalliepickedaMyLittlePonyDVD,andShelbyboughtherselfalaptopandacoupleofflashdrives.Aninvestment,shejustified.Atoolsheneededtokeepeverythingstraight.

Business,sheremindedherself.Shewouldn’tthinkofthefakejewelryasanotherbetrayal,butassomethingthatgavehersomebreathing

room.Shespentnaptimecreating

aspreadsheet,enteredthejewelry,thepaymentforit.Canceledtheinsurancepolicy—andthatwouldhelpherexpenses.

Theutilitiesonthebighouse,evenwithroomsclosedoff,wereakiller,butthemoneyfromthejewelrywouldhelpthere.

SherememberedthewinecellarRichardhadbeenso

proudof,hauledthelaptopdownandbegantocatalogthebottles.

Somebodywouldbuythem.

Andwhatthehell,she’dsplurgeonabottleforherself,haveaglasswithherdinner.Sheselectedabottleofpinotgrigio—she’dlearnedalittleaboutwinesinthelastfourandahalfyears,andatleastknewwhatsheliked.Shethoughtitwouldgojustfine

withchickenanddumplings—aCalliefavorite.

Bythetimethedaywasdone,shefeltmoreincontrol.EspeciallywhenshefoundfivethousanddollarstuckedintooneofthecashmeresocksinRichard’sdrawer.

Twentythousandnowinthefundforcleaningupthemessandstartingover.

Lyinginbed,shestudiedthekey.

“Wheredoyoufit,and

whatwillIfind?I’mnotgivingup.”

Shecouldmaybehireaprivatedetective.Itwouldlikelytakeagoodchunkofthatcleaning-upfund,butmightbethesensiblethingtodo.

She’dgiveitafewmoredays,trysomebanksclosertothecity.Maybegointothecity.

Thenextdaysheaddedthirty-fivethousandonthe

saleofRichard’scollectionofwatches,andtwothousandthreehundredmoreforhisgolfclubs,skisandtennisracket.ItsoboostedhermoodthatshetookCallieforpizzabetweenbanks.

Maybeshecouldaffordthatdetectivenow—maybethat’swhatshe’ddo.Butsheneededtobuyaminivan,andherresearchtoldherthatpurchasewouldtakeadeepchunkofherfifty-eight

thousand.Plus,itwasonlyrightsheusesomeofthattobumpupthepaymentsonthecreditcards.

She’dworkonsellingthewine,that’swhatshe’ddo,andhirethedetectivethatway.Fornow,she’djustcheckonemorebankonthewayhome.

Ratherthanhauloutthestroller,sheproppedCallieonherhip.

Calliegotthatlookinher

eye—halfstubborn,halfsulky.“Don’twantto,Mama.”

“Meeither,butthisisthelastone.Thenwe’regoingtogohomeandplaydress-upteaparty.Youandme,baby.”

“Iwannabetheprincess.”“Asyouwish,Your

Highness.”Shecarriedhernow

gigglingdaughterintothebank.

Shelbyknewtheroutine

now,walkedtotheshortestlinetowaitherturn.

Shecouldn’tkeephaulingCalliearoundthisway,everyday,disruptingroutine,inandoutofthecar.Hell,shefeltprettydamnstubbornandsulkyherself,andshewasn’tthreeandahalfyearsold.

She’dmakethisthelastoneafterall.Theverylastaltogether,andstartseriouslyresearchingprivateinvestigators.

Thefurniturewouldsell,andthewinewouldsell.Itwastimeforoptimisminsteadofconstantworry.

SheshiftedCallieonherhip,approachedtheteller,whoglancedatheroverthetopsofred-framedcheaters.

“CanIhelpyou?”“Yes,ma’am.Ineedto

speakwithamanager.I’mMrs.RichardFoxworth,andIhaveapowerofattorneyhere.Ilostmyhusbandlast

December.”“I’mverysorry.”“Thankyou.Ibelievehe

hadasafe-depositboxinthisbank.Ihavethekeyhere,andthepowerofattorney.”

Muchquickerthanfumblingaround,she’dlearned,tellingboredbankpeopleshe’dfoundthekey,didn’tknowwhatitwentto.

“Mrs.Babbington’sinheroffice,andshouldbeabletohelpyou.Straightacross,to

theleft.”“Thanks.”Shewent

across,foundtheoffice,knockedontheopenglassdoor.“Ibegyourpardon,ma’am.TheysaidIshouldspeaktoyouaboutgettingintomyhusband’ssafe-depositbox.”

Shewalkedstraightin—somethingelseshe’dlearned—satwithCallieonherlap.

“Ihavethepowerofattorneyhere,andthekey.

I’mMrs.RichardFoxworth.”“Letmecheckonthis.

Youhavesuchprettyredhair,”shesaidtoCallie.

“Mama’s.”CalliereacheduptograbahankofShelby’s.

“Yes,justlikeyourmother’s.You’renotlistedonMr.Foxworth’sbox.”

“I—I’msorry?”“I’mafraidwedon’thave

asignaturecardforyou.”“Hehasaboxhere?”“Yes.EvenwiththePOA,

itwouldbebestifMr.Foxworthcameinpersonally.Hecouldaddyouon.”

“He—hecan’t.Hewas—”“Daddyhadtogoto

heaven.”“Oh.”Babbington’sface

radiatedsympathy.“I’mverysorry.”

“Angelssinginheaven.Mama,Fifiwantstogohomenow.”

“Soon,baby.He—Richard—Therewasan

accident.Hewasinaboat,andtherewasasquall.InDecember.Decembertwenty-eighth.Ihavethedocumentation.Theydon’tissueadeathcertificatewhentheycan’tfind...”

“Iunderstand.Ineedtoseeyourpaperwork,Mrs.Foxworth.AndsomephotoID.”

“Ibroughtmymarriagelicense,too.Justsoyou’dhaveeverything.Andthe

policereportonwhenithappened.Andtheselettersfromthelawyers.”Shelbyhandeditallover,heldherbreath.

“Youcouldgetacourtorderforaccess.”

“IsthatwhatIshoulddo?IcouldaskRichard’slawyers—well,mylawyersnow,Iguess,todothat.”

“Givemeamomenthere.”Babbingtonreadoverthe

paperworkwhileCallie

shiftedrestlesslyinShelby’slap.“Iwantmyteaparty,Mama.Yousaid.Iwantmyteaparty.”

“That’swhatwe’lldo,soonaswe’redonehere.We’llhaveaprincessteaparty.Youshouldthinkaboutwhatdollsyou’regoingtoinvite.”

Calliebegantolistthemoff,andShelbyrealizedthenervesofwaitinggaveherasuddenandurgentneedto

pee.“ThePOA’sinorder,asis

therestofyourdocumentation.I’llshowyoutothebox.”

“Now?”“Ifyou’drathercomeback

anothertime—”“No,no,Iappreciateitso

much.”Somuchthatshefeltbreathlessandalittlegiddy.“I’veneverdonethisbefore.Idon’tknowwhatIshoulddo.”

“I’llwalkyouthroughit.I’llneedyoursignature.Justletmeprintthisout.Itsoundslikeyou’llhavealotofguestsatyourteaparty,”shesaidtoCallieassheworked.“Ihaveagranddaughteraboutyourage.Shelovesteaparties.”

“Shecancome.”“Ibetshe’dloveto,but

shelivesinRichmond,Virginia,andthat’sprettyfaraway.Ifyou’dsignthis,Mrs.

Foxworth.”Shecouldbarelyreadit

thewayherthoughtswereracingaroundinherhead.

Babbingtonusedaswipecardandapasscode,accessedakindofvaultwherethewallswerefilledwithnumbereddrawers.Number512.

“I’mgoingtostepout,giveyousomeprivacy.Ifyouneedanyhelp,justletmeknow.”

“Thankyouverymuch.AmIallowedtotakewhat’sinit?”

“You’reauthorized.Takeyourtime,”sheadded,anddrewacurtaintoblockofftheroom.

“Well,Ihavetosayholy...s-h-i-t.”ShesetthebigbagsheusedforCallie’sthingsandherown,andRichard’sattaché,onatable,then,clutchingherdaughter,steppedtothebox.

“Tootight,Mama!”“Sorry,sorry.God,I’m

nervous.It’sprobablyjustabunchofpapershedidn’twantinthehouse.It’sprobablynothing.Itmayevenbeempty.”

Soopenit,forGod’ssake,sheorderedherself.

Withanunsteadyhand,sheslidthekeyintothelock,turnedit.Evenjumpedalittlewhenitclickedopen.

“Herewego.Doesn’t

matterifit’sempty.TheimportantthingisIfoundit.Onmyown.Ididitmyself.I’vegottosetyoudownaminute,baby.Youstayrighthere,youstayrightherewithme.”

ShesetCallieonthefloor,pulledoutthebox,putitonthetable.

Thensimplystared.“OhGod.Holyshit.”“Shit,Mama!”“Don’tsaythat.I

shouldn’thavesaidthat.”Shehadtobraceahandonthetable.

Itwasn’tempty.Andthefirstthingthatcaughthereyewasastackofbandedmoney.Hundred-dollarbills.

“Tenthousandeach,andohGod,Callie,there’ssomanyofthem.”

Nowherhandsweren’tjustunsteady,butshookasshecountedthestacks.“There’stwenty-fiveofthem.

There’stwohundredandfiftythousanddollars,cashmoneyinhere.”

Feelinglikeathief,sheflickedananxiouslookatthecurtain,thenshovedthemoneyintotheattaché.

“Ihavetoaskthelawyerswhattodo.”

Aboutthemoney,shethought,butwhatabouttherest?

Whataboutthethreedriver’slicenseswith

Richard’sphoto?Andsomeoneelse’sname.Andthepassports.

Andthe.32semiautomatic.

Shestartedtoreachforthegun,pulledherhandback.Shewantedtoleaveit,couldn’tsaywhyshedidn’twanttotouchit.Butshemadeherselfliftit,removethemagazine.

She’dgrownupintheTennesseemountains,with

brothers—onewhowasnowacop.Sheknewhowtohandleagun.Butshewasn’tcarryingaloadedgunwithCalliearound.

Sheplaceditandthetwoextramagsintheattaché.Shetookthepassports,thelicenses.DiscoveredSocialSecuritycardsunderthesamethreenames,AmericanExpresscards,Visas.Allunderthosenames.

Wasanyofitreal?

Hadanyofiteverbeenreal?

“Mama.Let’sgo,let’sgo.”Callietuggedonherpants.

“Inasecond.”“Now!Mama,now!”“Inasecond.”Thetone,

sharpandfirm,mighthavehadCallie’slipquivering,butsometimesachildhadtoberemindedthatshedidn’truntheshow.

Andamamahadto

rememberthatathree-year-oldhadarighttogettiredofbeinghauledallovercreationandbackeverydamnday.

Shebent,kissedthetopofCallie’shead.“I’malmostdone,Ijusthavetoputthisbacknow.”

Calliewasreal,Shelbythought.That’swhatmattered.Therest?She’dfigureitout,orshewouldn’t.ButCalliewasreal,andover$200,000wouldbuyadecent

minivan,payoffsomeofthedebt,maybesqueezeoutenoughforadownpaymentonalittlehouseonceshegotsteadywork.

MaybeRichardhadn’tmeantto,andshedidn’tknowwhatitallmeant,buthe’dprovidedforhisdaughter’sfutureafterall.Andhe’dgivenherroomtobreathe,soshe’dthinkabouttherestlater.

ShehauledCallieup,

shoulderedthebag,grippedtheattachéasifherlifedependedonit.

“Okay,babygirl.Let’sgohaveateaparty.”

heopenedupalltherooms,turnedtheheatbackup,even

switchedonthefireplaces—allsevenofthem.

Sheboughtfreshflowers,bakedcookies.

Thetimespentonherlaptopresearchingthebestwaytosellahouse,andfast,hadsuggestedcookies,flowers.Andastherealtorhaddecreed,depersonalizing.

Keepitallneutral.Asfarasshewas

concerned,theplacewasasneutralastheycame.Shedidn’tfindthebighousewelcoming,butthensheneverhad.Maybewithsofterfurnishings,warmercolors—

itmighthavefeltlikeahome.Butthatwasher

sensibility,andhersdidn’tmatter.

Thesoonersheunloadedthedamnplace,thesoonerthatsectionofthecrushingdebtliftedoffhershoulders.

Therealtorarrivedarmedwithflowersandcookies,soShelbyfiguredshecouldhavesavedhertimeandmoneythere.She’dbroughtwhatshecalledastaging

teamwithher,andtheyswarmedaroundchangingtheplacementoffurniture,displayingmoreflowers,lightingcandles.Shelbyhadpickedupadozenscentedcandles,butdecidedshe’dkeepthattoherself,justreturnthemorkeepthem,dependingonwhatseemedbestwhenthiswasallsaidanddone.

“Theplaceisimmaculate.”TherealtorbeamedatShelby,

gaveheracongratulatorypatontheshoulder.“Yourcleaningcrewdidaterrificjob.”

Shelbythoughtofhermidnightscrubbingsandpolishings,andonlysmiled.“Iwantittoshowwell.”

“Believeme,itdoes.Shortsalescanbetricky,andwillputsomepotentialbuyersoff,butI’mconfidentwe’regoingtogetoffers,goodones,andquickly.”

“Ihopeyou’reright.Iwantedtosay,I’vegotsomeonecominginMondaymorningtoseeaboutthefurniture,butifanyonewhocomesinisinterestedinbuyingit,anyofit,I’mgoingtopriceittosell.”

“That’sexcellent!Therearesomanywonderfulpieces.I’llmakesureweletpeopleknow.”

Shetookalastcriticallookaroundherself,thoughtofthe

gun,thepapers,thecashshe’dlockedinthesafeinRichard’soffice.

Thensheheftedthebigbagshehabituallycarried.

“CallieandIaregoingtogetoutoftheway.Ihaveerrandstorun.”

Andaminivantobuy.

•••

HERDADDYMIGHTNOThaveapprovedthatshedidn’tbuy

American,butthefive-year-oldToyotashe’dfoundthroughCarMaxgothighratingsonsafetyandreliability.Andthepricewasright.

Thepricegotbetterwhenshemadeherselfhaggle—offeringcash.Realcash.

Herhandswantedtoshakeasshecounteditout—halfnow,therestwhenshepickedthecarupthenextafternoon—butsheboredownhard.

Maybeshehadtopulloverthreeblocksaway,restherforeheadonthewheel.She’dneverinherlifespentsomuchmoneyinoneplace.Neverinherlifeboughtacar.

Nowsheletherselfshake,butitwasn’tfromnerves,no,notnow.Itwasfromstunningdelight.

ShelbyAnnePomeroy—becausethat’swhoshewasdownintoit,whateverthelegalpaperssaid—hadjust

boughta2010Toyotaminivaninhappycherryred.Byherself.Onherown.

Andhadshavedathousanddollarsoffthedealbecauseshehadn’tbeenafraidtoaskforit.

“We’regoingtobefine,Callie,”shesaid,thoughherdaughterwasdeepinherShrekzone.“We’regoingtobejustfine.”

Sheusedhercell,calledtheleasingcompanyand

arrangedforthemtopickuptheSUV.Andbearingdownagain,madeherselfaskforaridetopickuptheminivan.

Mightaswelldealwiththeinsurancewhileshewasatit,andCalliewasinherzone.She’djustconsidertheSUVheroffice,temporarily.

Onceshearrangedforthecarinsurancetobetransferred,shecheckedtheonlinesitewhereshe’dlistedthewineforsale.

“Ohmygoodness,Callie,we’vegotbids!”

Delighted,fascinated,shescrolledthrough,addinginherhead,andfoundoverathousanddollarsalreadybid.

“I’mgoingtoputanothertwelvebottlesuptonight,that’sjustwhatI’mgoingtodo.”

Sinceitseemedherluckwasrunninghot,shegearedherselfupforthedriveintoPhiladelphia.Evenwiththe

GPSshemadethreewrongturns,hadherbellyknottedbythetraffic.Butshefoundthefurshop,hauledthenever-wornchinchillaandherdaughterinside.

Tohersurprise,noonelookedatherlikeshewaspathetic,ormadeherfeelsmallforreturningthecoat.Andthatcarvedawayamajorchunkfromacreditcard,knockingtheprincipaldowntonot-quite-as-scary,and

loweredthepainfulinterestrate.

She’dsatfrozenfortoolong,Shelbyadmitted,andtreatedherlittlegirltoaHappyMeal.Way,waytoolong.She’dbrokentheicenow,anddamnit,sheintendedtomakeaflood.

Shewaiteduntilshewasoutofthecityagain,gassedupthecar—cursedthecoldandthepriceofgas—thendroveaimlesslyforawhileas

Calliehadfallenasleep.Twiceshedrovebyher

ownhouse—orthelender’shouse—andkeptgoingwhenshecountedthecarsoutinfront.Thatwasgood,ofcoursethatwasgood,anyonewhocametolookatthehousecouldbetheonetobuyit.ButGod,shejustwantedtotakeCallieback,settlein,workonheraccountingspreadsheet.

Shestalledlongenoughso

justtherealtorwaited.“Sorry,givemeone

minute,”Shelbysaidontherun.“Calliereallyneedstopee.”

Theymadeit—justbarely.Whenshewentbackouttothegreatroom,therealtorsatworkingonhertablet.

“Wehadaverysuccessfulopenhouse.Overfiftypeople,andthistimeofyearthat’sexcellent.Wehadalotofinterest,andtwooffers.”

“Offers.”Stunned,ShelbysetCalliedown.

“Lowoffers,andIdon’tthinkthelender’sgoingtoaccept,butit’sagoodstart.Andwehaveafamilyoffourveryinterested.Ihaveagoodfeelingaboutthem.They’regoingtotalkitoverandgetbacktome.”

“That’sterrific.”“Ialsohaveanofferon

yourmasterbedroomsuite.Oneofthelookersbrought

hersister,andwhilethesisterisn’tinthemarketforahouse,sheisforfurniture.Theoffer’salittlelow,inmyopinion,andshe’dwantitrightaway.Mondayatthelatest.”

“Sold.”Therealtorlaughed,then

blinkedinsurprisewhensherealizedShelbymeantit.“Shelby,Ihaven’teventoldyouheroffer.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.Ihate

thatfurniture.Ihateeverystickoffurnitureinthishouse.ExceptforCallie’sroom,”sheamended,pushingatherhairasherdaughterpulledoutthebasketoftoysShelbykeptinoneofthebasekitchencabinets.“It’stheonlyonewhereIpickedeverythingoutmyself.Shecancomehaulitawaytonight,forallIcare.Thereareplentyofotherplacestosleepinhere.”

“Canwesitdown?”“I’msorry,ofcourse.I’m

sorry,Ms.Tinesdale,I’malittlewoundup,isall.”

“ItoldyoutocallmeDonna.”

“Donna.Doyouwantsomecoffeeorsomething?I’veforgotteneverybitofmymanners.”

“Justsit.You’redealingwithalot.Frankly,Idon’tknowhowyou’redealingwithitall.Iwanttohelpyou.

That’smyjob.Theofferforthefurnitureistoolow.Letmemakeacounteroffer.There’snothingwrongwithabargain,Shelby,butIdon’tlikefeelingyou’regettingtakenadvantageof.Eventhoughit’suglyfurniture.”

“Oh!”SomethinginsideShelbyjustlitup.Likevindication.“Doyouthinkso,too?Really?”

“Justabouteverypieceofit,exceptCallie’sroom.”

Shelbyletoutalaughthattohershockturnedtoweepinginafingersnap.

“I’msorry.God,I’msorry.”

“Mama.”Calliecrawledintoherlap.“Don’tcry.Mama,don’tcry.”

“I’mallright.”SheclutchedCallie,rocked.“I’mokay.I’mjusttired.”

“Mamaneedsanap.”“I’mokay.I’mokay,baby.

Don’tworry.”

“I’mgoingtopouryouaglassofwine,”Donnaannounced,anddugtissuesfromherpocket.“Yousit.Isawabottleinthefridge.”

“It’skindofearly.”“Nottodayitisn’t.Now

tellme,”shecontinuedasshewenttogetaglass.“Whatelsedoyouwanttosell?Theart?”

“OhmyGod,yes.”Worntothebone,sheletCalliepatatissueoverherface.“It’son

mylisttoseeabout.Idon’tunderstandpaintingslikeallthese.”

“Rugs?Lamps?”“I’vepackedupeverything

Iwantoutofhere,exceptforCallie’sroomandmyclothes,andafewthingsIneedtokeeparoundwhilewe’relivinghere.Idon’twantanyofit,Mrs.—Donna.Eventhedishesaren’tmine.”

“There’squiteawinecollectiondownstairs.”

“I’veputtwenty-fourbottlesonline,thissiteIfound.Peoplearealreadybidding.I’mgoingtoputanotherdozenontonight.”

Donnaangledherhead,gaveShelbywhatShelbythoughtofasanappraisal.“Aren’tyouclever?”

“IfIwasclever,Iwouldn’tbeinthisfix.Thankyou,”sheaddedwhenDonnagaveherthewine.

“Idon’tthinkthat’strue,

butlet’sstartwhereweare.Canyougivemethenameofthecompanyyouhavecominginaboutthefurniture?”

“It’sDolbyandSons,outofPhiladelphia.”

“Good.That’sgood,andexactlywhoI’drecommend.”Sippingwine,Donnamadenotesonhertablet,spokebriskly.“I’llmakeacounteroffer,butthisbuyerisgoingtohavetocomeupto

realityifshe’sseriousaboutthemasterbedroomfurniture.Otherwise,ChadDolby—that’stheoldestson,andhe’sprobablytheonewho’llcomeintogiveyouaprice—willmakeafairoffer.Iknowsomeonewhowouldgiveyouanotherpriceonyourdishes,glassware,barware.AndtherearetwoartdealersI’drecommendforpurchasingyourart.”

“Idon’tknowhowto

thankyou.”“It’smyjob,”Donna

remindedher.“Andit’sapleasure.Ihaveadaughterjustacoupleyearsyoungerthanyou.I’dhopesomeonewouldhelpheroutifsheeverfoundherselfin...thiskindoffix.Inoticedyou’dcleanedoutyourhusband’scloset.”

“Idid.Mama’sfine,baby.”ShekissedCallie’shair.“Yougoaheadandplay

now.ItookmostofitintoSecondChances,”shetoldDonnawhenCallieslidoffherlap.

“Perfect.MaceyandCherylareverygoodatwhattheydo,andtheirstoregetsalotoftraffic.”

“Doyouknoweveryone?”“That’spartofthejob.

Howaboutthebooks?”“Ipackedupmybooks,

theonesIlike.Richardboughttheonesleftinthe

library.Hejustboughtthem—whatwasit?—inalot.”

“Andwe’llsellthemthesameway.”Donnanodded,tappedonhertablet.“I’mgoingtoaddthattomynotes.Andifit’swhatyouwant,I’mgoingtoputsomeofthecontactsIhaveintouchwithyou.Youcansetupappointments.”

“Thatwouldbewonderful.Iwouldappreciatethatsomuch.ItfeelslikeI’vebeen

stumblingaround,tryingtofigureoutwhattodowithwhatforsolongnow.”

“FromwhatI’mseeing,you’vefigureditoutverywell.”

“Thankyou,butithelpssomuchtohaveadviceanddirection.You’resonice.Idon’tknowwhyyoumademesonervous.”

NowDonnalaughed.“Icanhavethateffect.ShouldIgivethecontactsyourcell

numberorthelandline?”“Maybeyoucouldgive

themboth.Itrytokeepmycellphonewithme,inapocket,butsometimesIforget.”

“Done.Thesearebusinesspeople,andthey’relookingtomakeaprofit.Buttheywon’tlowballyou.Ifyouthinkofanythingelse,youjustletmeknow.”Shesmiled.“Ireallydoknoweverybody.And,Shelby,I’m

goingtogetyouanofferonthishouse,agoodone.It’sabeautifulspaceinaprimelocation,andtherightbuyer’soutthere.I’llfindtherightbuyer.”

“Ibelieveyouwill.”Andbecauseshedid,

Shelbysleptbetterthatnightthanshehadinweeks.

•••

THEENTIRENEXTWEEKher

headneverstoppedspinning.ShemadethedealwithDolbyandSons,shippedoffwinewonthroughtheonlineauctionhouse,pickedupaverynicecheckfromtheconsignmentshopforsomeofRichard’sclothes—andhauledinthreegarmentbagsfromherowncloset.

Sheacceptedtheofferforthedishesandglassware,packeditallup—andboughtasetoffourcolorfulplastic

plates,bowls,cups.They’dmakedo.Thoughitmighthavebeen

moresensibletoekeoutpayments,shepaidoffoneofthecreditcardsinfull.

Onedown,shethought,eleventogo.

Theart—notoriginals,asRichardhadclaimed—wasn’tworthasmuchasshe’dhoped.Butthequantitymadeupforsomeofthat.

Everydayshefeltlighter.

Eventhestormthatblewinfourteeninchesofsnowdidn’tthrowheroff.ShebundledCallieuplikeanEskimo,andtogethertheybuilttheirfirstsnowman.

Nothingtowritehomeabout,shethought,butshedidjustthat,snappingpictureswithherphonetosendbacktoTennessee.

AndtheadventureworeherlittlegirloutsoCallieandFifiweretuckedinbyseven.

ThatgaveShelbyalong,solideveningwithherspreadsheet,herbillsandherto-dolist.

Shouldsheusethismoneyheretopayoffoneofthesmallercreditcards,justgetitgone?Orshouldsheapplythatmoneytooneofthebigones,cuttheinterestpaymentdown?

Asmuchasshewantedtosaytwodown,tentogo,itmademoresensetocutdown

theinterest.Carefullyshemadethe

paymentonline,thewayshe’dtaughtherself,loggeditontoherspreadsheet.

Fourhundredandeighty-sixthousand,fourhundreddollarsdown.Onlytwomillion,onehundredandeighty-fourtogo.

Notcountingthenextbillthatcameinfromthelawyers,theaccountants.Butatthemoment,hell,that

seemedlikechickenfeed.Thephonerang,and

seeingDonna’snameonthedisplay,shesnatcheditup.

Maybe.“Hello.”“Hi,Shelby,it’sDonna.I

knowit’salittlelate,butIwantedtoletyouknowwegotagoodofferonthehouse.”

“Oh!That’ssuchgoodnews.”

“Ithinkthelender’sgoing

toapprovethis.Youknowitcantakeweeks,evenmonths,butI’mgoingtodoeverythingIcantopushitthrough.It’sthefamilyItoldyouabout,fromthefirstopenhouse.Theyreallylovethehouse,andthelocationisjustwhattheywanted.Andonemorething—shehatesthefurniture.”

Shelbyletoutalaugh,liftingherfacetotheceiling,cuttingloose.“Shereally

does?”“Absolutelyhatesit.She

toldmeshehadtolookpastit,pretenditwasn’tthere,toreallyseethehouse,thelayout.He’snervousabouttheshort-saleaspect,butshewantsit,andhe’swillingtogothatroute.AndIthinkifthelendercounters,askingforclosertotheiraskingprice,thisbuyerwillcomeup.”

“OhmyGod,Donna.”

“Idon’twanttogetaheadofourselves,butyoushouldcelebrate,atleastalittle.”

“Ifeellikestrippingnakedanddancingalloverthisdamnhouse.”

“Whateverworks.”“Maybejustthedancing

part.Thankyou.Thankyousomuch.”

“Fingerscrossed,Shelby.I’llcontactthelenderfirstthinginthemorning.Youhaveagoodnight.”

“You,too.Thanksagain.Byenow.”

Shedidn’tstripnaked,butshedidbringupthesatelliteradio.ShehitwithAdele,dancedaroundtheoffice,pickedupthelyrics,lethervoiceloose.

She’dhadambitionsonce,aspirations,dreams.She’dbeasinger—astar.Hervoicewasagift,andshe’dtendedit,usedit,appreciatedit.

She’dmetRichardthrough

hervoice,whenhecameintothelittleclubinMemphiswhereshewasleadsingerwithabandtheycalledHorizon.

Nineteenyearsold,shethoughtnow.Notoldenoughtobuyalegalbeerintheclub,thoughTy,theirdrummerwho’dbeenalittlebitinlovewithher,usedtosneakherabottleofCoronawhenhecould.

God,itfeltgoodtosing

again,todance.Otherthanlullabies,shehadn’tusedhersingingvoiceinmonths.SherolledthroughAdele,straightintoTaylorSwift,thenfumbledwiththeremotetomutethevolumewhenherphonerangagain.

Stillsmiling,stilldancing,sheanswered.

“Hello.”“I’mlookingforDavid

Matherson.”“I’msorry,you’vegotthe

wrongnumber.”“DavidMatherson,”he

repeated,andrattledoffthephonenumber.

“Yes,that’sthisnumberbut...”Somethinglodgedinherthroat.Shehadtoclearit,gripthereceivertight.“Noonebythatnameliveshere.I’msorry.”

Shehungupbeforehecouldsayanythingelse,thenhurriedtothesafe,carefullyenteredthecombination.

Shetookthemanilaenvelopetothedesk,andwithstiffandshakyfingers,openedit.

Intheenvelopeshekepttheidentificationshe’dfoundinthebankbox,theoneswithRichard’sfacesmilingout.

AndonesetofidentificationwasinthenameofDavidAllenMatherson.

Shedidn’tfeellikesinginganymore,ordancing.Forreasonsshecouldn’texplain,

shewascompelledtocheckallthedoors,checkthealarmsystem.

Despitethewasteofelectricity,sheleftalightburninginthefoyer,leftthesecond-floorhalllighton.Ratherthangotoherownbed,sheslidinwithCallie.

Andlayawakealongtimeprayingthephonedidn’tringagain.

•••

THEFURNITURECOMPANYsentacrewwhopackeduptwoguestrooms,thefoyer,andthediningroom,whereShelbyhadn’thadamealsinceRichard’saccident.Aftersomehaggling,she’dagreedtosellthemasterbedroomsuitetotheprivatebuyer.

Shewipedoutthetimepayment,paidoffasecondcreditcard.

Twodown,tentogo.

Thehousefeltevenbiggerandlessfriendlywithsomuchofthefurnituregone.Shehadanaggingitchatthebaseofherspinetogetgoneherself,butthereweredetailsyet,andtheywereherresponsibility.

Shehadanappointmentatone-thirtywiththebookbuyer—madeatthattimesoshe’dhaveCalliedownforhernap.Shetiedherhairback,putonthepretty

aquamarinedangleshergrandparentshadgivenherforChristmas.Addedsomebronzer,someblushbecauseshelookedtoopale.Shechangedthethicksocksshelikedtoweararoundthehouseforgoodblackheels.

Hergrandmotherclaimedheelsmightpinchthetoessome,buttheyboostedawoman’sconfidence.

Shejumpedwhenthedoorbellrang.Thebookman

wasasolidfifteenminutesearly,timeshe’dcountedontoputcoffeeandcookiesoutinthelibrary.

Sherusheddown,hopinghedidn’tringagain.Calliesleptlightatnaptime.

Sheopenedthedoortoamanyoungerandbetterlookingthanshe’dexpected—whichwenttoshow,shesupposed,aboutassumptions.

“Mr.Lauderdale,you’retimely.”

“Ms.Foxworth.”Smoothly,heheldoutahandtoclasphers.

“Comeinoutofthecold.I’llnevergetusedtonorthernwinters.”

“Youhaven’tbeeninthearealong.”

“No,justlongenoughtogothroughawinter.Letmetakeyourcoat.”

“Iappreciatethat.”Hehadastrong-looking

stockybuild,asquare-jawed

face,coolhazeleyes.Nothing,shethought,likethethin,older,bespectacledbookwormofherimagination.

“Donna—Ms.Tinesdale—saidyoumightbeinterestedinthebooksIhave.”Shehungthesturdypeacoatinthefoyercloset.“Whydon’tItakeyourightintothelibrarysoyoucanhavealook?”

“Youhaveanimpressivehome.”

“It’sbig,anyway,”shesaidassheledhimback,pastasittingroomwithagrandpianonobodyplayed,aloungeareawithapooltableshestillhadtosell,andtothelibrary.

Itwould’vebeenherfavoriteroom,nexttoCallie’s,ifshecouldhavemadeitcozier,warmer.Butfornowshehadthefiregoing,hadtakendowntheheavydrapes—alsointheto-

sellpile—sothewintersun,whattherewasofit,couldleakthroughthewindows.

Thefurniturehere,theleathersofainwhatshethoughtofaslemon-pieyellowandthedarkbrownchairs,thetoo-shinytableswouldallbegonebytheendoftheweek.

Shehopedthecasesfullofleather-boundbooksnoonehadeverreadwouldbegone,too.

“LikeItoldyouonthephone,I’llbemovingbeforemuchlonger,soI’minclinedtosellthebooks.I’vealreadypackeduptheonesIwantmyself,butthese—well,totellyouthetruth,myhusbandboughtthembecausehethoughttheylookedgoodintheroom.”

“Theylookimpressive,likethehouse.”

“Iguesstheydo.I’mmoreinterestedinwhat’sinabook

thanhowitlooksinacabinet,Iguess.Ifyou’dliketotakealookatthem,Icanmakecoffee.”

Hewanderedover,tookoutabookatrandom.“Faust.”

“Ireadhowalotofpeoplebuybooksthisway,bythefoot?Todecorate.”

Shewantedtoclutchherhandstogether,hadtoorderherselftorelax.Sheshouldbeusedtothisbynow,she

thought,itshouldn’tstillmakehernervous.

“IguessIthinkit’dbenicer—moreappealingtotheeye,tomyeye,”shecorrected,“iftheyweren’tallthesame.Thebindings,theheight.AndIguessIhavetosay,Iwouldn’tbeonetocurlupinfrontofthefireandreadFaust.”

“You’renotaloneinthat.”Heslippedthebookbackinplaceandturnedthosecool

eyesonher.“Ms.Foxworth,I’mnotLauderdale.Myname’sTedPrivet.”

“Oh,didMr.Lauderdalesendyoutotakealook?”

“I’mnotabookdealer,I’maprivateinvestigator.Ispoketoyouonthephoneacouplenightsago.IaskedaboutDavidMatherson.”

Shetookastepback.Heelsornot,shecouldandwouldoutrunhim.Gethimoutside,awayfromCallie.

“AndItoldyou,youhadthewrongnumber.Youneedtogonow.I’mexpectingsomeoneanyminute.”

“Ionlyneedaminute.”Withasmile,heliftedhishandsasiftoshowherhewasharmless.“I’mjustdoingmyjob,Ms.Foxworth.ItrackedDavidMathersontothisarea,andmyinformation...I’vegotaphoto.”Hereachedintohisinsidejacketpocket,holding

hisotherhandoutandupinagestureofpeace.“Ifyou’djusttakealook.Doyouknowthisman?”

Herhearthammered.She’dletastrangerintothehouse.She’dgottencareless,havingsomanypeoplegoinginandout,andshe’dlethimin.Withherbabysleepingupstairs.

“Youletmethinkyouweresomeoneelse.”Sheputawhipinhervoice,hopeit

stung.“Isthathowyoudoyourjob?”

“Yeah,actually.Someofthetime.”

“Idon’tmuchlikeyouoryourjob.”Shesnatchedthephotooutofhishand.Staredatit.

She’dknownitwouldbeRichard,butseeinghim—themovie-starsmile,thebrowneyeswithhintsofgold—hithard.Hishairwasdarker,andheworeatrimgoateeshe

thoughtmadehimlookolder,justliketheidentificationfromthebankbox.ButitwasRichard.

Themaninthephotohadbeenherhusband.Herhusbandhadbeenaliar.

Whatwasshe?“Thisisapictureofmy

latehusband,Richard.”“Sevenmonthsago,this

man—goingbythenameofDavidMatherson—swindledawomaninAtlantaoutof

fiftythousanddollars.”“Idon’tknowwhatyou’re

talkingabout.Idon’tknowanyDavidMatherson.MyhusbandwasRichardFoxworth.”

“Twomonthsbeforethat,DavidMathersonswindledasmallgroupofinvestorsinJacksonville,Florida,outoftwicethat.Icouldgoback,goon,includingamajorburglaryinMiamiaboutfiveyearsago.Twenty-eight

millioninrarestampsandjewelry.”

Theswindling,afterwhatshe’dlearnedinthepastweeks,didn’tshockher.Butthethievery,andtheamountofit,hadherstomachtwisting,herheadgoinglight.

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.Iwantyoutogo.”

Whilehetuckedthephotoaway,hekepthiseyesonhers.“Mathersonwasmost

recentlybasedoutofAtlanta,whereheranrealestatescams.YoulivedinAtlantabeforecominghere,didn’tyou?”

“Richardwasafinancialconsultant.Andhe’sdead.Doyouunderstand?HediedrightafterChristmas,sohecan’tansweryourquestions.Idon’tknowtheanswerstothem.You’vegotnobusinesscominginherethisway,lyingyourwayinandscaring

me.”Onceagain,hehelduphis

hands—butsomethinginhiseyestoldShelbyhewasn’tharmlessatall.

“I’mnottryingtoscareyou.”

“Well,youhave.ImarriedRichardFoxworthinLasVegas,Nevada,onOctober18,2010.Ididn’tmarryanyonenamedDavidMatherson.Idon’tknowanyonebythatname.”

Hismouthtwistedintoasneer.“Youweremarriedfouryears,butyouclaimyoudon’tknowhowyourhusbandreallymadehisliving?Whathereallydid?Whohereallywas?”

“Ifyou’retryingtotellmeI’mafool,getinline.Madehisliving?Whatliving?”Overcome,shethrewoutherarms.“Thishouse?IfIcan’tgetitsoldandfast,they’llforeclose.Youwanttoclaim

Richardswindledpeople,stolefrompeople?Almostthirtymilliondollars?Well,ifit’strue,whoeverhiredyoutofindhimcangetinline,too.I’mdiggingoutfromthethreemilliondollarsindebtheleftmeholding.Youneedtogo,yougotellyourclienthe’sgotthewrongman.Orifhedoesn’t,thatman’sdead.There’snothingIcandoaboutit.Ifhewantstocomeaftermeforthemoney,well,

likeIsaid,there’saline,andit’slong.”

“Lady,youwantmetobelieveyoulivedwithhimforfouryearsbutyouneverheardofMatherson?Youdon’tknowanything?”

Angerswallowedfear.She’dhadenough.Justenough,andthattemperlitheruplikeaflashfire.“Idon’tgiveagooddamnwhatyoubelieve,Mr.Privet.Notonesingledamn.Andifyou

pushedyourwayinhereexpectingI’djustpullabunchofdamnstampsandjewelryoutofmypocket,orhundredsofthousandsincashtosendyouonyourway,Ibelieveyou’reastupidmanaswellasarudeone.Getout.”

“I’mjustlookingforinformationabout—”

“Idon’thaveanyinformation.Idon’tknowanythingaboutanyofthis.

WhatIknowisI’mstuckhereinthisplaceIdon’tknow,withthishouseIdon’twant,becauseI...”

“Because?”“Idon’tknowanymore.”

Eventhetemperfadednow.Shewasjusttired.“Ican’ttellyouwhatIdon’tknow.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,youcantalktoMichaelSpearsorJessicaBroadway.Spears,Cannon,FifeandHanover.They’rethePhiladelphia

lawyershandlingthismessI’min.Now,you’regoing,orI’mcallingthepolice.”

“I’mgoing,”hesaid,followingherasshestrodeoutandwentdirectlytotheclosetforhiscoat.

Hetookoutabusinesscard,helditouttoher.“Youcancontactmeifyourememberanything.”

“Ican’trememberwhatIdon’tknow.”Butshetookthecard.“IfitwasRichardwho

tookyourclient’smoney,I’msorryforit.Pleasedon’tcomebackhere.Iwon’tletyouinasecondtime.”

“Itcouldbethecopsatthedoornexttime,”hetoldher.“Youkeepthatinmind.Andkeepthatcard.”

“Theydon’tthrowyouinjailforbeingstupid.That’smyonlycrime.”

Shepulledopenthedoor,letoutalittleyipatthemanreachingforthedoorbell.

“Ah,Mrs.Foxworth?Istartledyou.I’mMartinLauderdale.”

Hewasolder,witheyesoffadedbluebehindwire-rimmedglassesandatrimbeardofmoresaltthanpepper.

“Thankyouforcoming,Mr.Lauderdale.Goodbye,Mr.Privet.”

“Keepthatcard,”Privettoldher,andskirtingaroundLauderdale,walkeddownthe

clearedfrontwalktoagraycompact.

Sheknewcars—afterall,hergranddaddywasamechanic,andshetookcarefulnoteofthisone.AHondaCivic,ingray,Floridalicenseplates.

Ifshesawitintheneighborhoodagain,she’dcallthepolice.

“Letmetakeyourcoat,”shesaidtoLauderdale.

•••

BYTHEENDOFTHEWEEKthelibraryandthemasterbedroomstoodempty.Shesoldthepooltable,thepiano,Richard’sworkoutequipmentandcountlessoddsandendsthroughCraigslist.

Shehadoneofthetenremainingcreditcardsdownsoclosetopayoffshecouldtasteit.

Shestrippedtheremaining

artfromthewalls,soldthataswell,andthefancycoffeemaker,thefancybarblender.

•••

ANDWHENSHEWOKEUPonthemorningofwhatshouldhavebeenthefirstdayofspringtosixinchesofsnowandstillfalling,shewantedtocrawlbackintothePrincessFionasleepingbagcurrently

servingasherbed.Shewaslivinginadamn

near-emptyhouse.Worse,herbabygirlwaslivinginadamnnear-emptyhouse,withnofriends,withnoonetotalktoorplaywithbuthermother.

Fourandahalfyearsbefore,onasimmeringOctobereveningoutWest,sheboughtaprettybluedress—Richardhadlikedherinblue—spentanhourblowing

outherhairbecausehelikeditsmooth,andwalkeddowntheaisleofthesillylittlechapelcarryingasinglewhiterose.

She’dthoughtitthehappiestdayofherlife,butithadn’tbeenherlifeatall.Justanillusion,andworse,justalie.

Andeverydayafterthat,she’ddoneherverybesttobeagoodwife,tolearntocookthewayRichardliked,to

packupandmovewhenRichardhadthewhim,todressthewayheliked.TomakesureCalliewaswashedandfedanddressedprettywhenhecamehome.

Allthat’sdone,shethought.

“Allthat’sdone,”shemurmured.“Sowhyarewestillhere?”

Shewentintoherolddressingarea,whereshe’dstartedsomehalfhearted

packingintheLouisVuittonluggageRichardhadboughtherinNewYorktoreplacetheduffelbagshe’dstuffedwithclotheswhenshe’drunoffwithhim.

Shepackedinearnestnow,thenbreakingahard-and-fastrule,shesetCallieupwithShrekandcerealinthekitchenwhileshepackedherdaughter’sthings.Followingoneofhermother’shard-and-fastrules—nevercall

anybodybutthepolice,thefiredepartmentoraplumberbeforenineinthemorning—shewaiteduntilnineonthedottocallDonna.

“Hi,Shelby,howareyou?”

“It’ssnowingagain.”“It’sthewinterthatwon’t

die.They’resayingwe’llgetabouteightinches,butit’ssupposedtogouptoaboutfiftybySaturday.Let’shopethisisthelastgasp.”

“I’mnotcountingonit.Donna,there’snotmuchleftinthehouseherebutmeandCallie.IwanttotaketheTVinthekitchen,theunder-the-counterone,homeformygrandmother.She’djustlovethat.Andthebigflat-screen—anyofthem.There’snineinthishouse,Icounted.Ijustwanttotakeonehomeformydaddy.Idon’tknowifmaybethebuyerswanttheothers?Iknowthedeal’snotfinal,but

wecouldmakethesaleoftheTVscontingentonit.Honestly,Idon’tcarewhattheywanttopaymeforthem.”

“Icanproposethattothem,ofcourse.Letthemmakeyouanoffer.”

“Thatwouldbejustfine.Iftheydon’twantthem,oronlywantsomeofthem,I’lltakecareofit.”

Somehow,shethought,rubbingatherachingtemple.

“But...whenIgetoffthephonewithyou,I’mcallingamovingcompany.Ican’tgetCallie’sfurnitureinthevan,notwiththeboxesI’mtaking,andthesuitcasesandhertoys.And,Donna,I’mgoingtoaskyouforanawfulbigfavor.”

“Ofcourse,whatcanIdo?”

“Ineedyoutoputoneofthoselockboxthingsonthehouse,andforustodo

whateverthepaperworkisthat’scomingifthisgoesthrough,bymailore-mailorwhateveritis.Ineedtogohome,Donna.”

Sayingit,justsayingit,easedtheknotsinhershoulders.

“IneedtotakeCalliehome.Shehasn’thadachancewithallthat’sgoingontomakeasinglefriendherage.Thishouseisempty.Ithinkitalwayswas,butnow

youcan’tpretenditisn’t.Ican’tstayhereanymore.IfIcangeteverythingarranged,we’releavingtomorrow.Saturdayatthelatest.”

“That’snofavorandnoproblem.I’lltakecareofthehouse,don’tworryaboutthat.You’regoingtodriveallthatway,alone?”

“IhaveCallie.I’mgoingtocancelthislandline,butI’llhavemycellifyouneedtoreachme.Andmylaptop,so

I’llhavee-mail.Ifthesaledoesn’tgothrough,you’lljustshowittosomebodyelse.ButIhopeitdoes,Ihopethosepeoplewhowantitgetit,andmakeahomeoutofit.Butwehavetogo.”

“Willyoushootmeane-mailwhenyougetthere?I’mgoingtoworryaboutyoualittle.”

“Iwill,andwe’llbefine.IwishI’dknownhowniceyouaresooner.Thatsounded

stupid.”“Itdidn’t,”Donnasaid

withalaugh.“Iwishthesameaboutyou.Don’tworryaboutanythinghere.Ifyouneedsomethingdoneafteryou’rehome,youjustletmeknow.You’vegotafriendinPhiladelphia,Shelby.”

“You’vegotoneinTennessee.”

Aftershehungup,Shelbytookadeepbreath.Andshemadealist,acarefulone,of

everythingthatneededdoing.Onceshe’dcrossedthelastthingoff,shewasgoinghome.

ShewastakingCalliebacktoRendezvousRidge.

ttookmostoftheday,andsomecreativebribery,tokeepCallie

frominterruptingher.Accountstobeclosed,otherstobetransferred,thechangeofaddress,theforwarding.

ThecostofthemovingcompanytobreakdownCallie’sfurniture,shipitandsetitupagainmadeherwince.AndsheconsideredrentingaU-Haulanddoingitherself.

Butshe’dneedhelpgettingthebedanddresserdownstairsandintoatraileranyway.

Sosheswallowedhardandwentforit.

Itpaidoff,toherwayof

thinking,asthenextday,foratwenty-dollartip,themoverstookthebigTVoffthewallinthelivingroom,wrappeditandcarteditouttothevanforher.

Donna,asgoodasherword,hadthelockboxinstalled.

Shepackedwhatwasleft,stowedwhatevershemightneedontheroadinabigtote.

MaybeitwasfoolishtoleavesolateonaFriday.

Smarter,moresensibletogetafreshstartinthemorning.

Butshewasn’tspendinganothernightinahousethathadneverbeenhers.

Shewalkedthrough,bottomtotop,topbacktobottom,thenstoodinthetwo-storyfoyer.

Shecouldseenow,withthestarkart,thetoosleekfurnishingsremoved,howitmightbe.Warmercolors,softertones,maybesomebig

oldpiece,somethingwithcharacter,alittlebitofcurveintheentrancewaytoholdflowers,candles.

Amixofoldandnew,shethought,aimingforcasualelegancewithtouchesoffun.

Antiquemirrors—yes,she’dgroupoldmirrors,differentshapes,alongthatwall,jumblebookswithfamilyphotosandprettylittlewhatnotsonthoseshelves.And...

Nothersnow,sheremindedherself.Nolongerherspace,nolongerherproblem.

“I’mnotgoingtosayIhatethisplace.Thatdoesn’tseemfairtowhoevermovesinafterme.It’slikeputtingahexonit.SoI’mjustgoingtosayItookcareofitbestIcouldwhileIcould.”

Sheleftthekeysonthekitchencounterwithathank-younoteforDonna,then

reachedforCallie’shand.“Comeon,babygirl,we’re

goingonourtrip.”“We’regonnaseeGranny

andGrandpaandGammaandGranddaddy.”

“Youbetweare,andeverybodyelse,too.”

ShewalkedouttothegaragewithCalliewheelingherlittleCinderella—heroncefavoriteprincess,currentlyusurpedbyFiona—overnightbagbehindher.

“Let’sgetyouandFifistrappedin.”

AsshesecuredCallieinthecarseat,CalliepattedShelby’scheek.Hersignalfor:Lookatme,andpayattention.

“Whatisit,baby?”“We’regonnabethere

soon?”Uh-oh.Tornbetween

amusementandresignation,ShelbypattedCallie’scheekinturn.IftheversionsofAre

wethereyet?beganbeforetheypulledoutofthegarage,theywereinforaverylongtrip.

“It’sallthewaytoTennessee,remember?That’sgoingtotakesometime,soit’snotgoingtoberealsoon.But...”Shewidenedhereyestodemonstratetheexcitementtocome.“We’regoingtogettostaythenightinamotel.Likeadventurers.”

“’Venturers.”

“That’sright.Youandme,CallieRose.Fingersonnoses,”sheadded,andCalliegiggled,putherfingerstohernosesoShelbycouldclosethesidedoorofthevan.

Shebackedoutofthegarage,satforamomentuntilthedoorcameallthewaydownagain.

“Andthat’sthat,”shesaid.Shedroveawaywithouta

backwardglance.

•••

TRAFFICWASAMISERYbutshewasn’tgoingtocareaboutthat.Itwouldtakeaslongasittook.

TosaveShrekforwhenrealboredomhit,shekeptCallieentertainedwithsongs,onesherlittlegirlknew,andfreshonesshe’dstoreduptoavoidtheendlessrepetitionandsaveherownsanity.

Itmostlyworked.

CrossingthestatelineintoMarylandfeltlikeavictory.Shewantedtokeepgoing,justkeepgoing,butatthethree-hourmarkmadeherselfgetoffthehighway.TheHappyMealputagrinonCallie’sface,andfoodinhertummy.

Anothertwohours,Shelbythought,thenshe’dbeoverhalfwaythere.They’dstopforthenight.Shealreadyhadthemotelpickedout,the

routeintheGPS.Whenshestoppedin

Virginia,shesawshe’dmadetherightchoice.Calliehadhadenough,andwasgettinghercrankyon.Theadventureofjumpingonamotelroombedchangedthemood.

Freshpajamas,Fifiandabedtimestorydidthetrick.Thoughshedoubtedfireworkswouldwakeherlittlegirlnow,Shelbywentintothebathroomtocall

home.“Mama.We’vestoppedfor

thenight,likeIsaidwewould.”

“Whereareyou,exactlywherenow?”

“AttheBestWesternaroundWytheville,Virginia.”

“Isitclean?”“Itis,Mama.Icheckedout

theratingonlinebeforeIheadedhere.”

“Yougotthesecuritylockon?”AdaMaedemanded.

“It’son,Mama.”“Youputachairunderthe

doorknob,justforextra.”“Okay.”“How’sthatsweetangel?”“She’ssoundasleep.She

wassogoodonthedrive.”“Ican’twaittogetmy

handsonher.Andonyou,sweetiepie.Iwishyou’dtoldusyouwerestartingouttodaybeforeyoudid.ClayJuniorwould’vecomeupthere,drivenyoudown.”

Shewastheonlygirl,Shelbyremindedherself,andthebabyofthree.Hermotherwouldfret.

“I’mfine,Mama,Ipromise.We’refine,andalreadyhalfwaythere.Clay’sgotworkandfamilyofhisown.”

“You’rehisfamily,too.”“Ican’twaittoseehim.

Seeallofyou.”Thefaces,thevoices,the

hills,thegreen.Itmadeher

wanttocryalittle,sosheworkedtobumpupthecheerinhervoice.

“I’mgoingtotrytogetontheroadbyeight,butitmaybealittlelater.ButIshouldbetherebytwoo’clockatthelatest.I’llcallyousoyouknowforsure.Mama,Iwanttothankyouagainforlettingusstay.”

“Idon’twanttohearthatfromyou.Myownchild,andherchild.Thisishome.You

comehome,ShelbyAnne.”“Tomorrow.TellDaddy

we’reallsafeforthenight.”“Staythatway.Andyou

getsomerest.Yousoundtired.”

“Iamalittle.’Night,Mama.”

Thoughitwasbarelyeight,shecrawledintobed,andwasasleepinminuteslikeherlittlegirl.

•••

SHEWOKEINTHEDARK,shockedoutofadreamsherememberedinbitsandpieces.Astormatsea,drowningwavesswampingaboat—arollingwhitedotinathrashingseaofblack.Andshe’dbeenatthewheel,fightingsohardtorideitoutwhilewaveslashed,lightningflashed.AndCallie,somewhereCalliecriedandcalledforher.

ThenRichard?Yes,yes,

Richardinoneofhisfinesuitspullingherawayfromthecontrolsbecauseshedidn’tknowhowtohandleaboat.Shedidn’tknowhowtodoanything.

Thenfalling,falling,fallingintothatdrowningsea.

Cold,shaken,shesatupinthestrangedarkroom,tryingtogetherbreathback.

BecauseitwasRichardwho’dfallenintothewater,nother.ItwasRichardwho’d

drowned.Callieslept,hercutelittle

butthikedintheair.Warmandsafe.

Shesliddown,layforawhilestrokingCallie’sbacktocomfortherself.Butsleepwasdone,soshegaveitup,walkedquietlyintothebathroom.Shestooddebating.

DidsheleavethedooropensoifCalliewokeinastrangeplaceshe’dknow

wherehermamawas?Ordidsheclosethedoorsothelightandthesoundoftheshowerdidn’twakeherbaby,whichtheywereallbutguaranteedtodo?

Shecompromised,leftthedooropenacrack.

Shedidn’tthinkamotelshowerhadeverfeltsogood,warmingawaythelastchillsfromthedream,washingawaythedraggingdregsoffatigue.

She’dbroughtherownshampoo,showergel.She’dbeenspoiledongoodproductslongbeforeRichard.Butthenshe’dbeenraisedonthem,ashergrandmotherranRendezvousRidge’sbestsalon.

Anddayspanow,Calliethought.TherewasjustnostoppingGranny.

Shecouldn’twaittoseeher,toseeeveryone.Tojustbehome,breathethe

mountainair,seethegreens,theblues,hearthevoicesthatdidn’tmakeherssoundsomehowwrong.

Shewrappedherhairinatowel,knowingitwouldtakeforevertodry,anddidwhathermotherhadtaughtherwhenshe’dbeenhardlyolderthanCallie.

Sheslickedonlotioneverywhere.Itfeltgood,thatskintoskin,evenifitwasjustherownhands.Ithad

beensolongsinceanyonehadtouchedher.

Shedressed,peekedouttocheckonCallie,andleftthedooropenjustalittlewiderasshestartedonhermakeup.Shewasn’tgoinghomepaleandheavy-eyed.

Shecouldn’tdoanythingaboutgoinghomebony,butherappetitewouldcomebackonceshegotthere,settledin,pushedsomeoftheweightsofftheheavyendofthescale.

Andtheoutfitwasnice—blackleggings,thegrass-greenshirtthatmadeherthinkofspring.Sheaddedearrings,aspritzofperfume,becauseaccordingtoAdaMaePomeroy,awomanwasn’tfullydressedwithoutthem.

Decidingshe’ddoneherbest,shewentbackintothebedroom,packedupeverythingbutCallie’soutfitforthehomecoming.Apretty

bluedresswithwhiteflowersandawhitesweater.Thenturningononeofthebedsidelights,sheclimbedontothebedtonuzzleherdaughterawake.

“CallieRose.WhereismyCallieRose?IsshestillinDreamlandridingpinkponies?”

“I’mhere,Mama!”Warmandsoftasababyrabbit,sheturnedintoShelby’sarms.“We’reona’venture.”

“Youbetweare.”Shecuddledforamomentbecausethosemomentswereprecious.

“Ididn’twetthebed.”“Iknow.You’resuchabig

girl.Let’sgopeenow,andgetdressed.”

EvenwithfussingCallie’shairintoabraidtiedwithabluebowtomatchthedress,cleaningherupagainafterabreakfastofwaffles,gassingupthevan,theywereonthe

roadbyseven-thirty.Anearlystart,Shelby

thought.She’dtakeitasagoodsignofthingstocome.

Shestoppedatten,anotherpeebreak,fueledhersystemwithaCoke,filledCallie’ssippycupandtextedhermother.Gotgoingearly.Traffic’s

notbad.Shouldbetherebytwelve-thirty.Loveyou!

Whenshepulledbackontothehighway,thegray

compactslippedoutthreecarsbehindher.Andkeptpace.

Sotheyoungwidowwasheadinghomeinhersecondhandminivan.Everyactionshedidreasonable,normal,ordinary.

Butsheknewsomething,Privetthought.Andhe’dfindoutjustwhatthatwas.

•••

WHENSHECAUGHTSIGHTofthemountains,thegreatgreenriseofthem,Shelby’sheartjumpedtoherthroatuntilhereyesstung.She’dthoughtsheknewhowmuchshewantedthis,neededthis,butitwasmore.

Itwaseverythingsafeandreal.

“Look,Callie.Lookoutthere.There’shomeoutthere.There’stheSmokies.”

“Gamma’sinthe

’mokies.”“Ssssssmokies,”Shelby

saidwithagrinningglanceintherearview.

“Sssssssmokies.GammaandGrannyandGrandpaandGranddaddy,andUncaClayandAuntGillyandUncaForrest.”

Sherattledofffamilynames,andtoShelby’ssurprisegotmostofthem,downtothedogsandcats.

Maybe,Shelbythought,

shewasn’ttheonlyonewhowantedandneededthis.

Bynoonshewaswinding,windingupthroughthegreenwithherwindowhalfdownsoshecouldsmellthemountains.Thepine,theriversandstreams.Heretherewasnosnow.Insteadwildflowerssprouted—littlestars,dropsofcolor—andthehousesandcabinsshepassedhaddaffodilsspringingyellowasfreshbutter.Here

clothesflappedonlinessothesheetswouldcarrythatscentintobedrooms.Hawkscircledaboveintheblue.

“I’mhungry.Mama,Fifi’shungry.Arewethere?Arewethere,Mama?”

“Almost,baby.”“Canwebetherenow?”“Almost.YouandFifican

havesomethingtoeatatGamma’s.”

“Wewantcookies.”“Maybe.”

ShecrossedwhatthelocalscalledBilly’sCreek,namedfortheboywho’ddrownedinitbeforeherfatherwasborn,andthedirtroadthatleddowntothehollerandtosomeramshacklehousesanddouble-wideswherehuntingdogsbayedintheirpensandtheshotgunsstayedloadedandhandy.

AndthesignforMountainSpringCampground,where

herbrotherForresthadworkedonelong-agosummer,andwherehe’dgoneskinny-dipping—andalittlemore—withEmmaKateAddison,afactShelbyknewasEmmaKatehadbeenherclosestfriend,diapersthroughhighschool.

Nowtheturnforthehotel/resortbuiltwhenshewasaboutten.HerbrotherClayworkedthere,takingtouristsoutforwhite-water

rafting.He’dmethiswifethereassheworkedasadessertchefforthehotel.NowGillywaspregnantwiththeirsecondchild.

Butbeforethewivesandthechildren,beforejobsandcareers,they’druntamehere.

She’dknownthetrailsandthestreams,theswimmingholesandtheplaceswheretheblackbearlumberedalong.She’dwalkedwithherbrothers,withEmmaKate,on

hotsummerdaysintotowntobuyCokesatthegeneralstore,ortohergrandmother’ssalontobegforspendingmoney.

She’dknownplacestositandlookoutatforever.Howthewhippoorwillsoundedwhenduskfellincloudsofsoft,softgrayafterthesundiedredbehindthepeaks.

She’dknowitagain,shethought.Allofit.Andmoreimportant,herdaughter

wouldknowit.She’dknowthegiddyfeelingofwarmgrassunderherfeet,orcoldcreekwaterlappingherankles.

“Please,Mama,please!Canwebethere?”

“We’rereallyclosenow.Seethathousethere?Iknewagirlwholivedthere.HernamewasLorilee,andhermama,MizMaybeline,workedforGranny.Shestilldoes,andIthinkGrannytold

meLorileeworksforher,too.Andsee,justupahead,thatforkintheroad?”

“Youeatwithafork.”“That’sright.”Almostas

impatientasherdaughter,Shelbylaughed.“Butitalsomeansasplitintheroad—whereyoucangoonewayortheother?Ifwewenttotheright—thehandyoucolorwith?Ifwewentthatway,we’dbeinRendezvousRidgeinaspit.Butwegoleft...”

Herownexcitementrising,Shelbytooktheleftfork—alittlefasterthanmaybesheshould.“Andwe’reheadinghome.”

“Gamma’shouse.”“That’sright.”Afewhouses,someof

themnewsinceshe’dleft,scatteredaround—andtheroadstillwindingandrising.

EmmaKate’shouse,withabigtruckinthedrivethathadTheFix-ItGuyspainted

ontheside.Andthereitwas.Home.Carsandtrucks

everywhere,shenoted.Packedinthedrive,rangedonthesideoftheroad.Kidsrunningaroundthefrontyardanddogswiththem.Andthespringflowersherparentstendedlikebabiesalreadyashowatthehemoftheprettytwo-storyhouse.Thecedarshakesgleamedinthesun,andthepinkdogwoodher

motherprizedbloomedasprettyasEastermorning.

Abannerhungbetweenthefront-porchposts.

WELCOMEHOME,SHELBYANDCALLIE

Shemighthavelaidherheadonthesteeringwheelandweptinsheergratitude,butCalliebouncedinhercar

seat.“Out!Out!Hurry,Mama.”Shesawanothersign

proppedonasawhorserightinfrontofthehouse.

RESERVEDFORSHELBY

Assheletoutalaugh,twooftheboysspottedhervan,ranovercheering.

“We’llmoveit,Shelby!”

HeruncleGrady’sboys,wholookedtohavesprungupanothersixinchessinceshe’dseenthematChristmas.

“Somebodyhavingaparty?”shecalledout.

“It’sforyou.Hey,Callie,hey.”Theolderofthetwo—Macon—tappedonCallie’swindow.

“Whozat,Mama?Who?”“That’syourcousin

Macon.”“CousinMacon!”Callie

wavedbothhands.“Hi,hi!”Sheeasedthevanoffthe

road,andwithintenserelief,turnedofftheignition.“We’rehere,Callie.Atlast.”

“Out,out,out.”“I’mworkingonit.”Beforeshecouldget

aroundthevan,kidsswarmingher,toopenthesidedoor,hermothercamerunning.

Nearlysixfeet,AdaMaehadlonglegstocoverthe

groundfromhousetovan.Heryellowsundressbillowedaroundthoselegs,setoffhercrownofredhair.

BeforeShelbycouldtakeabreathshewascaughtinabearhugandsurroundedbythescentofL’AirduTemps,hermother’ssignatureperfume.

“Hereyouare!Here’smygirls!MyGod,ShelbyAnne,you’reskinnyasasnake.We’regoingtofixthat.For

goodness’sake,youkidsgiveussomeroomhere.Lookatyou,justlook!”ShecuppedShelby’sface,tilteditup.“Everything’sgoingtobejustfine,”shesaidwhenShelby’seyesteared.“Don’tyougorunningyourmascara.It’sallfinenow.Howdoyougetthisdooropen?”

Shelbypulledthehandlesothesidedoorslidopen.

“Gamma!Gamma!”Calliereachedout,armsstretched.

“Out,out!”“I’mgoingtogetyouout

ofthere.Howthehelldoyougetheroutofthere?Oh,justlookatyou!”AdaMaecoveredCallie’sfacewithkissesasShelbyreleasedtheharness,theseatbelt.“You’reprettyasasunbeaminMay.Andwhataprettydress,too.Oh,giveyourGammaabighug.”

Inheryellowsling-backheels,AdaMaeturnedcircles

intheroadwhileCallieclungtoherlikeaburr.

“We’reallovertheplace.”TearssliddownAdaMae’scheeksasshecircled.

“Don’tcry,Gamma.”“That’sjustjoyspilling

out,andgoodthingI’vegotwaterproofmascara.We’reouthere,inthehouse,outthebackyardwherethey’vegotthebiggrillgoingalready.We’vegotfoodtofeedthearmyweare,andsome

champagne,too,tocelebrate.”

WithCallieonherhip,AdaMaepulledShelbyinforathree-generationhug.“Welcomehome,baby.”

“Thankyou,Mama,morethanIcansay.”

“Let’sgetyouinside,getyousomesweettea.Themovingvanwasherenottwohoursago.”

“Already?”“Cartedeverythingright

uptoCallie’sroom.We’vegotitallmadeupsosweetandpretty.Yourroom’srightnexttoyourmama’s,”shesaidastheywalkedtothehouse.“IputyouinClay’soldroom,Shelby,asit’sbiggerthantheoneyouhad.It’sbeenfreshpainted,andwegotanewmattress.Theoldwaswornout.Callie’sinForrest’soldroom,soyouknowyou’llsharethatbathbetweenthem.Wegotsome

nicenewtowelsinthereforyou.Gotthemfromyourgranny’sspa,sothey’renice.”

Shelbywould’vesaidsheshouldn’thavegonetosomuchtrouble,butifAdaMaewasn’tfussing,shewasn’tbreathing.

“Gillybakedacake,allfancy.She’saboutreadytopop,butthatgirlcanbakelikeBettyCrocker.”

HerbrotherClaycameout.

He’dgottenhisparents’height,andtheirfather’scoloringwithhisdarkhairandeyes.Grinning,hepluckedShelbyoffherfeet,spunherlikeatop.

“Abouttimeyougothere,”hemurmuredinherear.

“SoonasIcould.”“Giveherover,”he

orderedhismother,andsnatchedCallie.“Heythere,sunshine.Rememberme?”

“UncaClay.”

“Girlsalwaysrememberthehandsomeones.Let’sgofindsometrouble.”

“Ifanybodycan,”AdaMaesaid,andwrappedanarmaroundShelby’swaist.“Youneedacolddrinkandachair.”

“IfeellikeI’vebeensittingfordays,butI’dtakethecolddrink.”

Familyspreadaroundthehousesothereweremorehugsandwelcomes,moreyet

whentheyreachedthekitchen.Gilly—andshedidlookreadytopop—stoodwithaboyjustayearyoungerthanCallieonherhip.

“I’vegothim.”Claytransferredhisson,Jackson,tohisotherhip.“Gotmeasetnow.”Hetookoffrunningoutthebackdoor,lettingoutawarhoopthathadbothkidssquealing.

“Borntobeadaddy.And

agoodthing,”AdaMaeadded,givingGilly’sbellyagentlepat.“Yougetoffyourfeetnow.”

“I’mfeelingfine.Evenbetternow.”ShewrappedherarmsaroundShelby,swayedwiththehug.“It’ssogoodtoseeyou.We’vegotpitchersofteaoutside,andplentyofbeer.Andfourbottlesofchampagne—yourmamahasdecreedit’sfortheladiesonly,asnoneofthemenhere

canappreciateit.”“Soundsaboutright.I’ll

startwiththetea.”Shelbyhadn’tcaughtherbreath,notyet,butdecidedshe’dcatchitlater.“Gilly,youjustlookwonderful.”

HairassunnyasClay’swasdark,slickedbackinaprettytailtoleaveherface—roundwithpregnancy—unframed.Eyesofcornflowerbluesparkled.

“Reallywonderful.Are

youdoinggood?”“I’mdoinggreat.Five

weeksandtwodaystogo.”Shelbymadeherway

outside,ontothewidebackporch,lookingoverthebigbackyardwithitsvegetablepatchalreadysprouting,kidsclamberingoveraswingset,agrillsmoking,picnictableslineduplikesoldierswithballoonstiedtochairs.

Herfatherstoodatthegrill—thegeneral—inoneofhis

sillyaprons.Thisonesuggestedyoukisshisgrits.

Shewasinhisarmsinseconds.Shewouldn’tbreakdown,shetoldherself.Shejustwouldn’tspoilit.“Hey,Daddy.”

“Hey,Shelby.”Hebentfromhissixfeet,

twoinches,kissedthetopofherhead.Handsomeandfit,amarathonrunnerforpleasure,acountrydoctorbytrade,heheldherclose.

“You’retoothin.”“Mamasaidshe’dfix

that.”“Thenshewill.”Hedrew

herback.“Thedoctorsaysfood,drink,plentyofsleepandpampering.That’llbetwentydollars.”

“Putitonmybill.”“That’swhattheyallsay.

Go,getthatdrink.I’vegotribstofinish.”

Asshesteppedback,shewascaughtinaround-the-

backbearhug.Sherecognizedthewonderfulprickleofwhiskers,wriggledaroundandhugged.“Grandpa.”

“IwasjustsayingtoVitheotherday,‘Vi,something’smissingaroundhere.Can’tquiteputmyfingeronit.’NowIgotit.Itwasyou.”

Shereachedup,rubbedherpalmoverthestone-graywhiskers,lookedupintohismerryblueeyes.“I’mglad

youfoundme.”Shelaidherheadagainsthisbarrelofachest.“Itlookslikeacarnivalhere.Everythingfulloffunandcolor.”

“It’stimeyoucamebacktothecarnival.Youfixingtostay?”

“Jack,”Claytonmuttered.“I’vebeenorderednotto

askquestions.”Thosemerryeyescouldturnpugnaciousinafingersnap—anddid.“ButI’mdamnedifIwon’taskmy

owngranddaughterifshe’sfixingtostayhomethistime.”

“It’sallright,Daddy,andyeah,I’mfixingtostay.”

“Good.NowVi’sgivingmethehardeye’causeI’mkeepingyoufromher.Atyoursix,”hesaid,andturnedheraround.

Thereshewas,ViolaMacNeeDonahue,inabrightbluedress,herTitanhairinasassycurlingwedge,big

moviestarsunglassestippeddownhernose,andhereyesboldandblueoverthem.

Shedidn’tlooklikeanyone’sgranny,Shelbythought,butcalledouttoherassheflewoverthelawn.

“Granny.”Violadroppedherhands

fromherhips,threwoutherarms.

“Aboutdamntime,butIguessyousavedthebestforlast.”

“Granny.You’resobeautiful.”

“Aren’tyouluckytolookjustlikeme?OrlikeIdidsomefortyyearsback.It’stheMacNeeblood,andgoodskincare.Thatlittleangelofyourshasthesame.”

Shelbyturnedherhead,smiledasshesawCalliewithcousins,rollingonthegrasswithacoupleofyoungdogs.“She’smyheartandsoul.”

“Iknowit.”

“Ishould’ve—”“Should’vesareawaste.

We’regoingtotakealittlewalk,”shesaidwhenShelby’seyesfilled.“Takealookatyourdaddy’svegetablepatch.BesttomatoesintheRidge.Youputtheworryasidenow.Justputitaside.”

“There’stoomuchofit,Granny.MorethanIcansayrightnow.”

“Worrydoesn’tgetthings

done,itjustgivesawomanlinesinherface.Soyouputtheworryaside.Whatneedsdoingwillgetdone.You’renotalonenow,Shelby.”

“I...forgotwhatitfeelslikenottobe,soallthisseemslikeadream.”

“Thisiswhat’srealandalwayshasbeen.Comehere,darling,holdonawhile.”ShedrewShelbyclose,rubbedherback.“You’rehomenow.”

Shelbylookedoutatthemountains,smokedwithclouds,sostrong,soenduring,sotrue.

Shewashomenow.

omebodybroughtouthergrandfather’sbanjo,andinshort

orderheruncleGrady’swife,Rosalee,hadafiddle,herbrotherClayhisguitar.Theywantedbluegrass,themusic

ofthemountains.Thosehighbrightnotes,thecloseharmonyofstringspluckedandsawedstirredmemoriesinher,litalightinsideher.Akindofbirth.

Herewereherbeginnings,inthemusicandthemountains,inthegreenandthegatherings.

Family,friends,neighborsswarmedthepicnictables.Shewatchedhercousinsdancingonthelawn,her

motherinheryellowheelsswinginglittleJacksontotherhythm.Andthere,herfatherwithCallieinhislaphavingwhatappearedtobeaveryseriousconversationwhiletheyatepotatosaladandbarbecuedribs.

Hergrandmother’slaughcarriedoverthemusicasViolasatcross-leggedonthelawn,sippingchampagneandgrinningupatGilly.

Hermother’syounger

sisterWynonnakeptahawkeyeonheryoungestgirl,whoseemedjoinedatthehipwithaskinnyguyintorn-upjeansherauntreferredtoas“thatHallisterboy.”

AshercousinLarkwassixteenandascurvyasamountainroad,Shelbyfiguredthehawkeyewaswarranted.

Peoplekeptpushingfoodonher,sosheatebecauseshefelthermother’sownhawk

eyeonher.ShedrankchampagneeventhoughitmadeherthinkofRichard.

Andshesangbecausehergrandfatheraskedherto.“Cotton-EyedJoe”and“SaltyDog,”“LonesomeRoadBlues”and“LostJohn.”Thelyricscamebacktoherlikeyesterday,andthesimplefunofit,singingoutintheyard,lettingthemusicrisetowardthebigsunstruckbluebowlofthesky,soothedher

batteredheart.She’dletthisgo,she

thought,letallofitgoforamanshe’dneverreallyknownandalifesheknewhadbeenfalsefromthefirsttothelast.

Wasn’titamiraclethatwhatwasrealandtruewasherewaitingforher?

Whenshecouldgetaway,sheslippedintothehouse,wanderedupstairs.Herheartjustfloodedwhenshestepped

intoCallie’sroom.Petal-pinkwallsandfussy

whitecurtainsframingthewindowthatlookedoutonthebackyard,andthemountainsbeyondit.Alltheprettywhitefurniture,andthebedwithitspink-and-whitecanopyallsetup.They’devenarrangedsomeofthedollsandtoysandbooksonthewhitebookcase,tuckedsomeofthestuffedanimalsonthebed.

Maybetheroomwashalfthesizeoftheoneinthebighouse,butitlookedjustexactlyright.ShemovedthroughtheJackandJillbathroom—sparkling,ashermotherwouldhaveitnootherway—andintowhathadbeenherbrother’sroom.Whatwasherroomnow.

Heroldironbedwhereshe’dsleptanddreamedthroughchildhoodfacedthewindow,justasithadinthe

roomdownthehall.Asshe’dlikeditbestsoshecouldwaketothemountains.Asimplewhiteduvetcovereditnow,butAdaMaebeingAdaMaehadsetpillowsinlace-edgedshamsagainsttheironheadboard,andmoreinshadesofgreenandbluemoundedwiththem.Athrow—bluesandgreensagain—crochetedbyhergreat-grandmother,layfoldedatthefoot.

Thewallswereawarmsmokygreen,likethemountains.Twowatercolors—hercousinJesslyn’swork—gracedthem.Softdreamycolors,aspringmeadow,agreeningforestatdawn.Avaseofwhitetulips—herfavorite—satonherolddresser,alongwiththepictureinitssilverframeofherholdingCallieateightweeks.

They’dbroughthersuitcasesup.Shehadn’t

asked—hadn’thadto.Theboxes,well,theywereprobablyalreadystackedinthegaragewaitingforhertofigureoutwhattodowiththethingsshe’dfeltobligedtokeepfromalifethatnolongerseemedherown.

Overcome,shesatonthesideofthebed.Shecouldhearthemusic,thevoicesthroughthewindow.That’showshefelt,justastepapart,behindtheglass,sittingina

roomofherchildhood,wonderingwhattodowithwhatshe’dcarriedwithher.Allshehadtodowasopenthewindowandshe’dbeapartinsteadofapart.

But...Rightnow,today,

everyonesaidwelcomehome,andleftalltherestunsaid.Butthequestionsmurmuringunderthewelcomewouldcome.Partofwhatshecarriedwithher

wereanswersandstillmorequestions.

Howmuchshouldshetell,andhowshouldshetellit?

Whatgoodwoulditdototellanyonethatherhusbandhadbeenaliar,andacheat—andshefearedhemight’vebeenworse.Shefeareddowndeepinherboneshe’dbeenaswindlerandathief.Andyetwhateverhe’dbeen—evenifitturnedouttobeworse—hewasstillthefatherofher

child.Dead,hecouldn’tdefend

orexplainanyofit.Andsittingherebrooding

aboutitwasn’tsolvingathing.Shewaswastingthatwelcome,thatsunstruckday,therisingmusic.Soshe’dgodownagain,she’dhavesomecake—thoughshealreadyfeltalittlequeasy.Evenassheorderedherselftogetup,godown,sheheardfootstepscomingdownthehall.

Shegottoherfeet,putaneasysmileonherface.

Forrest,herbrother,theonlyonewhohadn’tbeentheretowelcomeher,steppedintothedoorway.

Hedidn’thaveClay’sheight,skimmedjustshyofsixfeet,andwithamorecompactbuild.Abrawler’sbuild,theirgrannyclaimed(withsomepride),andhe’ddonehisshare.Hehadhisdaddy’sdarkhair,buthis

eyes,likehers,wereboldandblue.Theyheldhersnow.Coolly,shethought,andfullofthequestionsnooneasked.

Yet.“Hey.”Shetriedtoboost

uphersmile.“Mamasaidyouhadtoworktoday.”Asadeputy—herbrotherthecop—ajobthatseemedtosuithimlikehisskin.

“That’sright.”Hehadsharpcheekbones,

liketheirfather,andhis

mother’seyes.Andrightnowhesportedafaintpurplebruiseonhisjaw.

“Beenfighting?”Helookedblankfora

moment,thenflickedhisfingersoverhisjaw.“Intheline.ArloKattery—you’drememberhim—gotalittle...rambunctiouslastnightdownatShady’sBar.They’relookingforyououtside.Ifiguredyou’dbeuphere.”

“BackafewstepsfromwhereIstarted.”

Heleanedonthejamb,doinghiscoolstudyofherface.“Lookslike.”

“Damnit,Forrest.Damnit.”Nooneinthefamilycouldtwistherup,wringheroutandsmoothherdownagainlikeForrest.“Whenareyougoingtostopbeingmadatme?It’sbeenfouryears.Almostfive.Youcan’tstaymadatmeforever.”

“I’mnotmadatyou.Was,butI’mmoreintotheannoyedstagenow.”

“Whenareyougoingtostopbeingannoyedwithme?”

“Can’tsay.”“YouwantmetosayIwas

wrong,thatImadeaterriblemistake,runningoffwithRichardlikeIdid?”

Heseemedtoconsiderit.“That’dbeastart.”

“Well,Ican’t.Ican’tsay

thatbecause—”Shepointedtothepictureonthedresser.“ThatmakesCallieamistake,andshe’snot.She’sagiftandaglory,andthebestthingthateverhappenedtome.”

“Youranoffwithanasshole,Shelby.”

Everymuscleinherbodywenthotandtight.“Ididn’tthinkhewasanassholeatthetimeorIwouldn’thaverunoffwithhim.Whatmakesyousorighteous,Deputy

Pomeroy?”“Notrighteous,justright.

It’sanannoyancetomethatmysistertookoffwithanasshole,andI’vebarelyseenherortheniecewholooksjustlikeherinyears.”

“IcamewhenIcould.IbroughtCalliewhenIcould.IdidthebestIknewhow.YouwantmetosayRichardwasanasshole?ThereIcanobligeyou,asitturnsouthewas.Ihadthebadjudgment

tomarryanasshole.Isthatbetter?”

“Some.”Hekepthisgazelevelonhers.“Didheeverhityou?”

“No.God,no.”Stunned,sheliftedherhands.“Henevertouchedmethatway.Iswear.”

“Youdidn’tcomebackforfunerals,forbirths,forweddings.Clay’s,youmadeClay’s,butbarely.How’dhekeepyouaway?”

“It’scomplicated,Forrest.”“Simplifyit.”“Hesaidno.”Temper

begantosimmerandburninsideher.“Isthatsimpleenough?”

Hestirredhimselftolifthisshoulders,letthemfall.“Youdidn’talwaystakenoforananswersoeasy.”

“Ifyouthinkitwaseasy,you’rewrong.”

“Ineedtoknowwhyyoulookedsotired,sothin,so

beatenwhenyoucamehomeforwhatseemedliketenminutesatChristmas.”

“MaybebecauseI’dcometorealizeI’dmarriedanasshole,andonewhodidn’tevenlikemeverymuch.”

Temperhammeredagainstguiltwithguiltslappingagainstfatigue.

“BecauseI’dcometorealizebeforeIfoundmyselfawidowandmychildwithoutafatherthatIdidn’t

lovehim,notevenalittle.Anddidn’tlikehimmuch,either.”

Tearscloggedherthroat,threateningtoburstthroughthedamshe’dsolaboriouslybuilttoholdthemback.

“Butyoudidn’tcomehome?”

“No,Ididn’tcomehome.MaybeImarriedanassholebecauseIwasanassholemyself.MaybeIcouldn’tfigureouthowtopullmyself

andCallieoutofthemuddymessI’dmade.Canyouleaveitatthatfornow?Canthatbeenoughfornow?IfIhavetotalkaboutalltherestofitnow,IthinkI’llbreakintopieces.”

Hewalkedover,satbesideher.“MaybeI’llmoveannoyeddowntomildlyirked.”

Tearsswamandspilled;shecouldn’thelpit.“Mildlyirked’sprogress.”Sheturned,

pressedherfacetothesideofhisshoulder.“Imissedyousomuch.Missedyoulikeanarmoralegorhalfmyheart.”

“Iknow.”Hedrapedanarmaroundher.“Imissedyouthesame.It’swhyit’stakenclosetofiveyearstogetdowntomildlyirked.Igotquestions.”

“Youalwayshavequestions.”

“Likewhyyoudrove

downfromPhiladelphiainaminivanthat’solderthanCallie,andwithacoupleofsuitcasesandabunchofpackingboxesandwhatlookslikeabig-assflat-screenTV.”

“That’sforDaddy.”“Huh.Show-off.Igot

morequestionsyet,butI’llwaitonthem.I’mhungryandIwantabeer—Iwantacoupleofbeers.AndifIdon’tgetyoudownthereshortly,Mama’sboundto

comelooking,thenshe’llskinmyassformakingyoucry.”

“Ineedsometimetosettlemyselfbeforethequestionsstart.Ineedtobreatheforawhile.”

“Thisisagoodplaceforit.Comeon,let’sgetdownthere.”

“Okay.”Shegotupwithhim.“I’mgoingtobemildlyirkedwithyouforbeingmildlyirkedwithme.”

“That’sfair.”

“YoucanworksomeofthatoffgettingClaytohelpyoubringinthatTV,andthenhelpfigureoutwhereitneedstogo.”

“Itneedstogoinmyapartment,butI’lljustcomeoverhereandwatchit,andeatallDaddy’sfood.”

“That’sfair,too,”shedecided.

“I’mworkingonfair.”Hekeptanarmdrapedaroundhershoulders.“Youknow

EmmaKate’sback.”“What?Sheis?ButI

thoughtshewasupinBaltimore.”

“Shewasupuntilaboutsixmonthsago.Iguessmorelikesevennow.Herdaddyhadthataccidentlastyear,felloffClydeBarrow’sroof,bustedhimselfupprettygood.”

“Iknowaboutthat.Ithoughthewasdoingokay.”

“Well,shecamebackto

takecareofhim—youknowhowhermamais.”

“Helplessasababyduckwithnofeet.”

“That’sthetruth.Shestayedacouplemonths.Hewasinandoutofthehospital,inphysicaltherapy,andherbeinganurse,shecouldhelpmorethanmost.Theguyshe’shookedupwith,hecamedownoffandon.Niceguy.Shorteningitup,thetimeoffandbudgetcutscost

herherjobattheBaltimorehospital—ormadeithardforhertokeepon.Sheandherguy,theymovedondownasshegotanoffertoworkattheclinicintheRidge.”

“Daddy.”“Yeah.Hesaysshe’sa

damngoodnurse.Matt—that’sherguy—hemovedondownwithher,startedabusinesswithhispartner.Griff’soutofBaltimore,too.Construction-typebusiness.

They’reTheFix-ItGuys.”“Isawatruckwiththat

nameonitatEmmaKate’shouse.”

“MattandGriffaredoinganewkitchenforMizBitsy.WhatIhearisshechangeshermindeveryfiveminutesonwhatshewants,soit’stakingawhile.EmmaKateandMattgottheapartmentacrossfrommine,andGriff’sgottheoldTripplehornplaceoutonFivePossumRoad.”

“Thatplacewasfallingdownwhenwewereten,”sheremembered.

Andshe’dlovedit.“He’sfixingitup.Likely

takehimtherestofhislife,buthe’sgotitgoing.”

“You’restockfullofnews,Forrest.”

“That’sonlybecauseyouhaven’tbeenaroundtohearit.YoushouldgoseeEmmaKate.”

“Iwishshe’dcometoday.”

“She’sworking,andshe’slikelystillintheannoyedstagewhereyou’reconcerned.Youmighthavetoworksometobringthatdown.”

“It’shardknowinghowmanypeopleIhurt.”

“Thendon’tdoitagain.Ifyoudecidetoleave,saygoodbyeproper.”

Shelookedoutthebackdoor,sawClayrunningaroundwithhissononhis

shoulders,andhergrandmotherpushingCallieontheswings.

“I’mnotgoinganywhere.I’vealreadybeengonetoolong.”

•••

SHESLEPTINHERchildhoodbedonanewmattress,andthoughthenightwascool,keptthewindowopenacracksothenightaircouldwaftin.

Shewoketoaquietrain,snuggledrightinwithasmileonherfaceasthesoundofitpatteredsopeacefully.She’dgetupinjustaminute,shetoldherself,checkonCallie,fixherbabysomebreakfast.

She’ddealwiththeunpacking,andalltheotherchoresthatneededdoing.Injustfivemoreminutes.

Whenshewokeagain,therainhadsoftenedtoamistydrizzle,adripandplopfrom

leavesandgutters.Arounditsheheardthebirdssinging.Shecouldn’trememberthelasttimeshe’dwokentothesongofbirds.

Rollingover,sheglancedattheprettyglassclockonthebedsidetable,thenshotuplikeanarrowfromabow.

Shescrambledup,dashedthroughthebathandintoCallie’sroomtofindthebedempty.

Whatkindofamotherwas

she,sleepingtillafternineo’clockandnothavingacluewhereherdaughtermightbe?Barefoot,alittlepanicked,sheraceddownstairs.Afireburnedinthelivingroomhearth.Calliesatonthefloor,theoldmuttClancycurledbesideher.

StuffedanimalssatinalinewhileCalliebusilypokedandproddedatthepinkelephantlyingtrunkuponakitchentowel.

“He’sverysick,Gamma.”“Oh,Icanseethat,baby.”

Curledinachair,sippingcoffee,AdaMaesmiled.“He’slookingpeaked,nodoubtaboutit.It’sluckyyou’resuchagooddoctor.”

“He’sgoingtobeallbettersoon.Buthehastobebrave’causeheneedsashot.”Gently,sherolledhimover,andusedoneofherfatcrayonsasasyringe.“Nowwekissit,kissthehurt.

Kissesmakehurtsfeelbetter.”

“Kissesmakeeverythingfeelbetter.Morning,Shelby.”

“I’msosorry,Mama.Ioverslept.”

“It’sbarelynineonarainymorning,”AdaMaebeganasCallieleapedup,rantoShelby.

“We’replayinghospital,andallmyanimalsaresick.I’mgoingtomakethembetter.Comehelp,Mama.”

“Yourmamaneedsherbreakfast.”

“Oh,I’mfine,I’lljust—”“Breakfastisimportant,

isn’tit,Callie?”“Uh-huh.Gammamade

mebreakfastafterGranddaddyhadtogohelpthesickperson.Ihadslambledeggsandtoastwithjelly.”

“Scrambledeggs.”SheliftedCallieforakiss.“Andyou’realldressedsonice.

Whattimedidshegetup?”“Aboutseven.Anddon’t

start.Whywouldyoudenymeacouplehourswithmyonlygranddaughter?Havewehadfun,CallieRose?”

“Lotsandlotsandlotsoffun.IgaveClancyadogcookie.Hesatlikeagoodboy,andheshookmyhand,too.AndGranddaddygavemeapiggybackrideallthewaydownstairsbecauseIwasquietanddidn’twakeyouup.

Hehadtogohelpthesickpeople.SoI’mhelpingthesickanimals.”

“Whydon’tyoubringyouranimalsinthekitchenwhileIfixyourmamasomebreakfast?She’sgoingtoeatitalluplikeyoudid.”

“Idon’twantyoutohavetofeelyouneedto—Yes’m,”shefinished,warnedbythenarrowedstare.

“YoucanhaveaCokesinceyouneverdidlearnto

becivilizedanddrinkcoffee.Callie,youcanbringallthesickanimalsandfixthemuprightoverthere.You’regoingtohaveeggswithhamandcheese—getsomeproteininthere.I’vegotthewholeday.Itookoffworkuntilmiddleoftheweek.I’vegotaconnectionwiththeboss.”

“HowwillGrannyruntheplacewithoutyou?”

“Oh,she’llmanage.GetyourCoke,sitdownthere

whileIgetthisgoing.She’sfine,Shelby,”AdaMaeaddedinanundertone.“She’sbusyandshe’shappy.AndyourdaddyandIenjoyedhercompanythismorning.Now,Idon’thavetoaskhowyouslept.Youlookbetteralready.”

“Islepttenhours.”“Newmattress.”AdaMae

choppedsomeham.“Andtherain.Makesyouwanttosleepallday.Haven’tbeen

sleepingwell,haveyou?”“Notespecially.”“Oreatingmuch.”“It’sbeenhardtoworkup

anappetite.”“Alittlepamperingmight

makethateasier.”SheglancedoveratCallie.“I’mgoingtotellyouyou’vedoneagoodjobwiththatgirl.Ofcourse,someofit’sjustdisposition,butshe’swell-manneredwithoutbeingallprimaboutit—somethingthat

justmakesmybackitchinachild—andshe’shappy.”

“Shewakesupeverydayraringtogo.”

“Shewantedyoufirstthing,butallIhadtodowastakehertoyourbedroomdoor,showheryouweretheresleeping,andshewasfine.That’sagoodthing,Shelby.Achildwhoclingsusuallysaysmoreaboutthemotherclinging.AndIexpectit’sbeenhardnottocling,on

bothsidesthesepastmonths,whenit’sjustbeenthetwoofyou.”

“IneversawanykidsheragearoundtheneighborhoodupNorth.Butthenitwassoawfulcold,anditseemeditwassnowingeveryfiveminutes.Still,Iwasgoingtolookforagoodpreschool,justsoshecouldsocialize,but...Ijustdidn’tafter—youknow.Ididn’tknowifitwastherightthingforher

after.AndyouandDaddycameforawhile,andGrannycame,andthatwasgood.Ithelpedusbothhavingy’allthere.”

“Ihopeitdid.Weallworriedwe’dleftyoualonetoosoon.”AdaMaepouredwhiskedeggsintheskilletoverthehamchunks,gratedcheeseintothemix.“Idon’tknowifIcould’veleftifyouhadn’tsaidyou’dcomehomeassoonasyoucould.”

“Idon’tknowhowI’d’vegotthroughifIhadn’tknownIcouldcomehome.Mama,that’senougheggsfortwopeople.”

“You’lleatwhatyouwant,thenonebitemore.”OverhershouldershesentShelbyanarrowlook.“They’rewrongwhentheysayyoucan’tbetoothin,becauseyouare.We’regoingtoplumpyourmamaup,Callie,andputrosesinhercheeks.”

“Why?”“’Causesheneedsit.”Ada

Maeplatedtheeggs,addedasliceoftoast,passeditoverthecounter.“Andonebitemore.”

“Yes,ma’am.”“Now.”AdaMaebusied

herselftidyingthealreadytidykitchen.“You’vegotahotstonemassagebookedattwoo’clockatMama’s.”

“Ido?”“Coulddowithafacial,

too,butI’lldothatmyselflaterintheweek.AwomandrivescleardownfromPhiladelphiahaulingatoddler’searnedagoodmassage.AndCallieandIhaveplansthisafternoon.”

“Youdo?”“I’mtakingheroverto

Suzannah’s.YouremembermygoodfriendSuzannahLee?Shecouldn’tcomeyesterdayasshehadhersister’sgirl’swedding

shower.That’sScarlet?ScarletLee?YouwenttoschoolwithScarlet.”

“Sure.Scarlet’sengaged?”“GotaMaywedding

planned,toaniceboyshemetincollege.They’regettingmarriedhereasScarlet’speoplearehere,thenmovingclearuptoBoston,wherehe’sgotajobinadvertising.Scarletgotherteachingdegreesothat’swhatshe’llbedoing.”

“Ateacher?”Shelbyhadtolaugh.“AsIremember,Scarlethatedschoollikeitwasspinachsoakedinarsenic.”

“Goestoshow.Whatitgoestoshow,Ican’tsay,butitgoestoshow.Anyway,I’mtakingCallieovertoSuzannah’s,showheroffsome,andSuzannah’sgettinghergranddaughter,Chelsea—she’sthree,likeCallie—that’shersonRobbie’s

daughterwhomarriedTraceyLynnBowran.Idon’tthinkyou’vemetTracey.HerpeoplearefromPigeonForge.She’sanicegirl,apotter.That’soneofherbowlsthere,withthelemonsinit.”

Shelbyglancedattherichbrownbowlwithitsboldblueandgreenswirls.“It’sbeautiful.”

“She’sgotherselfakiln,worksoutofherhouse.They

carrysomeofherpiecesintown,atTheArtfulRidge,andupatthehotelgiftshop,too.We’llbegivingyouandTraceyadayoffasSuzannahandChelseaandCallieandme,we’rehavingusaplaydate.”

“She’lllovethat.”“SowillI.I’mgoingtobe

greedywithherforawhile,soIexpectyoutoindulgeme.I’mtakingheroverabouteleven.They’llget

acquainted,thenwe’llhavelunch.Iftheweatherletsup,we’lltakethemoutawhile.”

“Callieusuallynapsaboutanhourintheafternoon.”

“Thenthey’llhaveanap.Youcanstopfrettingaboutit,asIcanseeyouare.”Withherchinjuttedup,AdaMaefistedahandonherhip.“Imanagedtoraiseyouandtwoboysbesides.IthinkIcanhandleatoddler.”

“Iknowyoucan.It’s

just...shehasn’tbeenoutofmysightin...Ican’tthinkhowlong.Andfrettingbecauseshewillbesaysmoreaboutme.”

“Youwerealwaysabrightgirl.Iwouldn’thaveanyotherkind,”AdaMaeaddedasshecamearoundtheisland,laidherhandsonShelby’sshoulders.“SweetJesus,girl,you’renothingbutknots.IbookedyouwithVonnie—youremember

Vonnie,she’sacousinonyourdaddy’sside.”

Vaguely,Shelbythought,ascousinswerelegioninherfamily.

“VonnieGates,”AdaMaecontinued.“Yourdaddy’scousinJed’smiddlegirl.She’llworktheseoutofyou.”

Shelbyreachedherhandback,laiditoverhermother’s.“Youdon’thavetofeelyouneedtotakecareofme.”

“Isthatwhatyou’dsaytoyourdaughter,underthesecircumstances?”

Shelbysighed.“No.I’dtellheritwasmyjobandmywishtotakecare.”

“Wellthen.Onebitemore,”AdaMaemurmured,kissingthetopofShelby’shead.

Shelbyateonebitemore.“Aftertoday,you’llclear

yourowndishes,butnottoday.Whatdoyouwantto

dothismorning?”“Oh.Ishouldunpack.”“Ididn’tsayshould,”Ada

MaeremindedherassheclearedShelby’splate.“Isaidwant.”

“It’sboth.I’llfeelmoresettledonceIgetthingsputaway.”

“CallieandI’llhelpyouwiththat.When’stherestofyourstuffcoming?”

“I’vegoteverything.Ibroughteverything.”

“Everything.”AdaMaestoppedandstared.“Honey,theyonlytookupacoupleofsuitcases,well,andCallie’sthingssinceyouhadthoseboxesmarked.ClayJuniordidn’tstackmorethanahalfdozenboxes,ifthat,inthegarage.”

“WhatwasIgoingtodowithallthosethings,Mama?EvenwhenIfindahouse—andIhavetofindajobfirst—Icouldn’tuseallthose

things.Didyouknowtherearecompaniesthatcomein,lookthingsoverandbuyfurnitureallatonce,rightoutofthehouse?”

Shesaiditconversationally,lightly,assherose,benttopickupCallie,whowasdancing,holdingherarmsup.“Therealtorhelpedmefindthem.Shewassuchahelptomewiththatsortofthing.Ishouldsendherflowerswhen

thesale’salldone,shouldn’tI?”

Thequestiondidn’tdistracthermotherasShelbyhadhoped.

“Allthatfurniture?Why,Shelby,thereweresevenbedroomsinthathouse,andthatbigoffice,andIdon’tevenknowalltheotherrooms.It’sasclosetoamansionasI’veeverbeeninwithoutpayingforthetour.Andsonew.”Shockand

worryclearonherface,AdaMaerubbedtheheelofherhandbetweenherbreasts.“Oh,Ihopeyougotagoodpriceforallthat.”

“Iworkedwithaveryreputablecompany,Ipromise.They’vebeeninbusinessoverthirtyyears.Ididalotofresearchonlineonthatkindofthing.Iswear,IcouldgetajobasaresearcherwithallI’vedonewithit,ifIdidn’tthinkI’dwanttoshoot

myselfbeforethefirstweekwasdone.

“We’regoingtounpack,Callie.YougonnahelpbeforeyouandGammago?”

“I’llhelp!IlikehelpingMama.”

“Besthelperever.Let’sgetstarted.Mama,doyouknowifClaytookuptheboxthathadCallie’slittlehangers?Ican’tuseregularonesforherthingsyet.”

“Hetookupeverything

thathadhernameonit.I’lljustgooutandlook,besure.”

“Thanks,Mama.Oh,I’llgoout,changethecarseatovertoyourcar.”

“Iwasn’tbornyesterday.”TheedgeinAdaMae’svoicetoldShelbyhermotherwasstillreelingfromtheideaofsellingallthatfurniture.

Shedidn’tknowthehalfofityet.

“YourdaddyandIgotthesameoneyouuse,”AdaMae

added.“It’sallreadyforher.”“Mama.”Shelbystepped

overandwithherfreearmpulledhermotherintoahug.“Callie,youhavethebestGammainthewholeworld.”

“MyGamma.”AndthatdistractedAda

Mae—enough,Calliethoughtassheknewhermotherwouldchewovertheideaofsellingallthefurnitureinanear-to-ten-thousand-square-foothouseinonefellswoop.

•••

ITWASODDnothavingCallieunderfootorplayinginhereyeline,butshe’dbeensoexcitedabouttheplaydate.Anditwastrueenoughshe’dbedonewiththeunpackingandsortinginhalfthetimewithoutCallie“helping.”

Bynoon,witheverythingputaway,thebedsmade,shewonderedwhatinthehelltodowithherself.

Sheglancedatherlaptopwithsomedislike,butmadeherselfbootitup.Nonoticesfromcreditors—sothatwasgoodnews.Nothingyetonthesaleofthehouse,butshewasn’texpectingit.Shedidreadashorte-mailfromtheconsignmentshop,lettingherknowthey’dsoldtwoofRichard’sleatherjackets,hiscashmeretopcoatandtwoofhercocktaildresses.

Sherepliedwithathank-

you,tellingthemyes,itwasfinetowaituntilthefirstofthemonthtosendachecktotheaddressshe’dleftwiththem.

Withunpackingandbusinessdone,sheshowered,dressed.Stilltooearlytogoinforthemassage—andwouldn’tthatbeheaven?Soshe’dtakeawalk.Shecoulduseagoodwalk.

Thethindrizzlepersisted,asteadytrickleofwetoutof

askysoftandgrayassmoke.Butshelikedwalkingintherain.Shepulledonahoodie,short,softleatherboots,andreachedforherbigbag.HerCalliebag.Andrememberingshe’dgivenittohermothertotake,pushedherwalletintothebackpocketofherjeans.

Shefeltsolight,sounencumbered,shedidn’tknowwhattodowithherhands,soslippedthemintothepocketsofthehoodie,

foundthelittlepackofwetwipesshe’dstuffedintherethelasttimeshe’dwornit—whenshehadn’tbeensounencumbered.

Shedrewinadeepbreathofthecool,dampairwhenshesteppedoutside.JuststoodbreathinginwithherfingersaroundCallie’swetwipesandtheemptyafternoonstretchingaheadofher.

Everythingwasgreening

andsproutingandbloomingwiththemistyrainturningthegreen,thecolor,morevibrant.Allthosescents—wetgrass,wetearth,thetendersweetnessofhyacinthsdancingpurpleamongtheyellowofdaffodils—driftedtoherasshewalkedthelong,familiarroad.

ShecouldwalkbytheLeehouse,justtocheck.Itwasgettingontonaptime,andCalliewasn’tahundred

percentonthepottytraininginhersleep.Aboutninety-eight,butshe’dbesoembarrassedifshehadanaccidentbecausehergrandmotherdidn’tthinktotakeherintopeebeforehernap.

Shecouldjustwalkby,justaquickpeekto...

“Stopit.Juststop.She’sfine.Everything’sjustfine.”

She’dlistentohermother’sadvice,taketheday

todowhatshewanted.Awalkintherain,takinghertime,timeenoughtostudythemountainsintheirsmokyblanket,toappreciatethespringflowersandthequiet.

SheglancedoveratEmmaKate’shouse,notedthehandymantruckinthedrive,andthebrightredcarbehindit.Shewonderedhowshe’dapproachEmmaKatenowthattheywerebothbackintheRidge.

Andherfriendgotoutofthecar.

Sheworeahoodie,too,inaboldcandy-pinkCalliewouldhaveloved.She’dchangedherhair,ShelbythoughtasEmmaKatepulledtwomarketbagsoutofthebackseat.She’dhackedoffthelongnut-brownbraidShelbyremembered,woreitallcuteandshaggy,withbangs.

Shestartedtocallout,then

couldthinkofnothingtosayandfeltstupidandawkward.

Assheswungthedoorclosed,EmmaKatespottedher.Hereyebrowsliftedunderthewarmbrownfringeofbangsasshehauledonestrapontohershoulder.

“Well,lookwho’sstandingoutintherainlikeawetcat.”

“It’sjustadrizzle.”“It’sstillwet.”Shestood

hipshotamoment,bags

hangingfromhershoulders,herwidemouthunsmiling,herdeepbrowneyescriticaleventhroughtherain.“Iheardyouwereback.”

“Iheardthesameaboutyou.Ihopeyourdaddy’sdoingokay.”

“Heis.”Feelingmorestupidjust

standingthere,Shelbywalkeduptheshortdriveway.“Ilikeyourhair.”

“Grannytalkedmeintoit.

I’msorryaboutyourhusband.”

“Thanks.”“Where’syourlittlegirl?”“WithMama.Theyhavea

playdatewithMizSuzannah’sgranddaughter.”

“Chelsea.She’sapistol.Yougotadestination,Shelby,orareyoujustoutwanderinginthewet?”

“I’mgoingintoViola’s,butIhaveallthistimeonmyhandswithCallieoffwith

Mama,so...I’mwanderingfirst.”

“Thenyou’dbettercomeinside,sayhellotomymotherorIwon’theartheendofit.I’vegottotakeherthesegroceriesanyway.”

“That’dbenice.Here,letmetakeone.”

“I’vegotit.”Rebuffed,asshewas

meanttofeel,Shelbyhunchedhershouldersastheywalkedtothedoor.“I...

Forrestsaidyou’rewithsomeone,andlivingintown.”

“Iam.MattBaker.We’vebeentogetherabouttwoyearsnow.He’satViola’srightnow,fixingoneofthesinks.”

“Ithoughtthiswashistruck.”

“Theyhavetwo.Thisishispartner’s.GriffinLott.Mama’sredoingthekitchen,anddrivingusallinsane.”

EmmaKateopenedthedoor,glancedbackatShelby.

“You’rethetalkofRendezvousRidge,youknow.ThatprettyPomeroygirlwhomarriedrich,waswidowedyoung,comebackhomeagain.Whatwillshedo?”EmmaKatesmirkedalittle.“Whatwillshedo?”shesaidagain,andwalkedinsidewithhermarketbags.

riffconsideredhimselfapatientman.Hedidn’tfly

offthehandleasarule.Andwhenhedid,allbetswereoff,butittookalotofpushingtogethimoffthe

ground.Butrightatthemomenthe

wasseriouslyconsideringduct-tapingEmmaKate’sprettyadorablemother’smouthclosed.

He’dworkedongettingthebasecabinetsinallmorning,andshe’dbeenpepperinghimwithquestionsallmorning.

Breathingdownhisneck,hangingoverhisback,allbutcrawlinguphisass.

HeknewdamnwellMatthadtakenofftoMizVi’splacetosparehimselftheheadacheofhisgirlfriend’ssweet,chatty—andlet’sfaceit—ditzymother.

Worse,shewasstilldithering—“dithering”wouldbethewordoftheday—aboutthecabinetsevenasheinstalledthem.Andifhehadtotakethemoutbecauseshechangedhermindagain,hemightdoworsethanduct

tape.Hehadbungeecords,and

heknewhowtousethem.“Ohnow,Griffhoney,

maybeIshouldn’thavegonewiththewhite.They’resoplain,aren’tthey?Andwhite’scold,it’sjustacoldcolor,isn’tit?Kitchensoughttobeawarmplace.MaybeIshould’vegonewiththecherrywoodafterall.It’ssohardtoknowbeforeyouseethemrighttherewhere

they’regoing,isn’tit?Howdoyouknowwhatit’sgoingtolooklikeuntilyouseewhatitlookslike?”

“Cleanandfresh,”hesaid,tryingtosoundcheerfulwhenhewantedtogrindhisteeth.“Kitchensshouldbecleanandfresh,andthat’swhatyou’regoingtohave.”

“Doyouthinkso?”Shestood,nearlyathiselbow,twistedherlinkedfingerstogether.“Oh,Idon’tknow.

Henryfinallyjustthrewuphishandsandsaidhedidn’tcareeitherway.Buthe’llcareifitisn’tright.”

“It’sgoingtolookgreat,MizBitsy.”Hefeltlikesomeone,possiblyhimself,wasshootinganailgundeadcenterofhisforehead.

HeandMatthaddealtwithfussyclientsbackinBaltimore.Thecontrolfreaks,thewhiners,thedemandersandtheditherers,butLouisa

“Bitsy”Addisonwastheundisputedqueenoftheditherers.

Shemadethepreviouslyreigningchamps—JohnandRhondaTurner,who’dhadthemtearoutawallintheirrowhouseinBaltimore,builditbackin,thentearitoutasecondtime—seemresolute,steadyasabrickwall—incomparison.

Whatthey’destimatedasathree-weekjob—withathree-

daycontingencybuiltin—wascurrentlyinweekfive.AndGodknewwhenitwouldend.

“Idon’tknow,”shesaidforthemillionthtime,pattingherhandstogetherunderherchin.“White’skindofstark,isn’tit?”

Hesetthecabinet,pulledouthislevel,shovedonehandthroughhismopofdarkblondhair.“Weddinggownsarewhite.”

“Now,that’strue,and...”Heralreadybigbrowneyesgotbigger,andagiddythrillshoneoutofthem.“Weddinggowns?Ohnow,GriffinLott,doyouknowsomethingIdon’t?HasMattpoppedthequestion?”

Heoughttothrowhispartnerunderthebus.Heoughttothrowhimunder,thenbackupanddriveoverhimagain.But...“Iwasjustusinganexample,like...”

Hedidafranticmentalsearch.“Magnolias,forinstance.Or—”SweetJesus,givemeonemore.“Ah,baseballs.”

Crap.“Thehardware’sgoingto

punchitallup,”hecontinued,justalittledesperately.“Andthecountertop.Thatwarmgray’sgoingtogiveyoufriendlyandsophisticatedatthesametime.”

“Maybeit’sthewallcolor

that’swrong.MaybeIshould—”

“Mama,you’renothavingthosewallsrepainted.”EmmaKatemarchedin.

Griffcould’vekissedher,couldhavedroppeddownandkissedherfeet.Thenhelosttrackofhercompletelywhentheredheadsteppedinbehindher.

Heactuallythought,Holyshit—andhopedhehadn’tsaiditoutloud.

Shewasbeautiful.Amandidn’tgettobejustshyofhisthirtiethbirthdaywithoutseeingsomebeautifulwomen,evenifitwasjustonamoviescreen.Butthisone,intheflesh,wasonequickwow.

Massesofcurlinghairthecolorofasunrisealltumblingaroundafacethatlookedlikeithadbeencarvedoutofporcelain—iftheycarvedfromporcelain,howwouldhe

know?Soft,fulllipswithaperfectdipatthetop,andbig,deep,sadblueeyes.

Hisheartactuallyskippedacoupleofbeats,andhisearsbuzzedforaminutesohemissedmostoftheargumentbetweenEmmaKateandhermother.

“Thekitchen’stheheartofahome,EmmaKate.”

“Thewayyoukeepturningandtwistingit,you’reluckytohaveaheartleft.LetGriff

work,Mama,andsayhellotoShelby.”

“Shelby?Shelby!OhmyGod!”

Sheracedacrosstheroom,grabbedtheredheadinawide,swayinghug.Shelby,grabbedShelby,Griffthought.Nicename,Shelby.Currentlyhisfavoritenameever.

Thenitclicked.Shelby—orShelbyAnnePomeroy,asBitsysquealedasshegave

theredheadanothersqueeze.HisfriendForrest’ssister.

MizVi—onwhomhehadamadcrush—MizViola’sgranddaughter.

Youcouldseeifyoustoppedbeingdazzledfortwoseconds,justhowMizVihadlookedasayoungwoman.HowAdaMaemighthavelookedtwenty-someyearsback.

MizVi’sgranddaughter,hethoughtagain.Thewidow.

Nowondershehadsadeyes.

HeimmediatelyfeltguiltyforwantingtowrapherupthewayBitsywas—thenremindedhimselfitwasn’thisfaultherhusbandwasdead.

“Oh,I’mjustsickaboutmissingyourwelcomehomeyesterday,butHenryandIhadtogotohiscousin’sdaughter’swedding,cleartoMemphis.AndIdon’teven

likehiscousin.Justasnootywoman,putsonairsbecauseshemarriedaMemphislawyer.Butitwasabeautifulwedding,withthereceptionatthePeabodyHotel.”

“Mama,giveShelbyachancetobreathe.”

“Oh,I’msorry!I’mjustgoingonandon.I’msoexcitedtoseeyou.Griff,EmmaKateandShelbyherewerejoinedatthehip,Iswear,beforetheywereso

muchasayearoldrightupto...”

ItseemedtooccurtoherjustwhyShelbywashome.

“Oh,honey.Oh,honey,I’msosorry.You’resoyoungtohavesuchatragedyinyourlife.Howareyouholdingup?”

“It’sgoodtobehome.”“Nothinglikehome.And

heremine’salltornup,soIcan’tevenfixyousomethingnice.Andyousothin,too.

Honey,you’reskinnierthanaNewYorkmodel.Youalwaysweretallenoughtobeone.EmmaKate,dowehaveanyCoke?YoualwayswerefondofCoke,weren’tyou,Shelby?”

“Yes,ma’am,butdon’ttroubleaboutit.Iloveyournewcabinets,MizBitsy.They’resocleanandfresh,andjustsoprettyagainstthatblue-grayonthewalls.”

Widowornot,atthat

momentGriffwantedtokissher.Everywhere.

“Why,that’sjustwhatGriffsaid.Hesaidtheywerecleanandfresh.Doyoureallythink—”

“Mama,wehaven’tevenintroducedShelby.Shelby,thisismyboyfriend’spartner,GriffinLott.Griff,Shelby—it’sFoxworth,isn’tit?”

“Yes.”Sheturnedthoseamazingeyesonhim,andyeah,heartscouldskipabeat.

“It’snicetomeetyou.”“Hi.I’mafriendofyour

brother’s.”“Whichone?”“Iguessboth,butmostly

Forrest.AndImightaswelltellyourightoff,I’minlovewithyourgrandmother.I’mworkingonawaytogetherawayfromJacksonsowecanrunofftoTahiti.”

Thatwonderfullyshapedmouthcurved,thosesadeyeslightened,justalittle.“It’s

hardtoblameyou.”“Griff’slivingoutatthe

oldTripplehornplace,”EmmaKateadded.“He’srehabbingit.”

“Soyouworkmiracles?”“AslongasIcanusetools.

Youshouldcomebyandseeitsometime.It’scomingalong.”

Shesmiledathim,butitdidn’treachthosebigsadeyesthistime.“You’vegotyourworkcutoutforyou.I

needtogeton.I’mdueatmygrandmother’splace.”

“Now,Shelby,youcomebackwhenthisisallfinishedandwe’llhaveanicelongtalk.”Bitsyflutteredaroundher.“Iexpecttoseeyouinandoutofherejustlikeyouusedtobe.Youknowyou’resameasfamilyhere.”

“Thankyou,MizBitsy.Itwasnicemeetingyou,”shesaidtoGriffagain,turnedtogo.

“I’llwalkyouout.”EmmaKateshovedthemarketbagsathermother.“There’scoldcutsandmade-upsaladsandplentyofready-to-eatfood.Youdon’thavetoworryaboutcookinguntilyournewstove’sin.I’llberightback.”

EmmaKatesaidnothingonthewaytothedoor.“SayheytoGranny,”shesaidassheopenedit.

“Iwill.”Shelbysteppedout,turned.Bitsy’sopen

welcomemadeEmmaKate’sreserveallthemorepainful.“Ineedyoutoforgiveme.”

“Why?”“Becauseyou’rethebest

friendI’vehadinmylife.”“Thatwasthen.People

change.”Aftershakingbackhershaggyhair,EmmaKatestuckherhandsinthepocketsofherhoodie.“Look,Shelby,you’vehadahardknock,andI’msincerelysorryaboutit,but—”

“Youhavetoforgiveme.”Pridedemandedshewalkaway;lovewouldn’tallowit.“Ididn’tdorightbyourfriendship.Ididn’tdorightbyyou,andI’msorry.I’llalwaysbesorry.Ineedyoutoforgiveme.I’maskingyoutorememberthatfriendshipbeforeIruinedit,andforgiveme.Atleastenoughtotalktome,totellmewhatyou’vebeendoingandhowyouare.Justenoughforthat.”

EmmaKatestudiedherface,herdarkeyesthoughtful.“Tellmeonething.Whydidn’tyoucomebackwhenmygranddaddydied?Helovedyou.Ineededyou.”

“Iwantedto.Icouldn’t.”Withaslowshakeofher

head,EmmaKatesteppedback.“No,that’snotenoughforforgiveness.Youtellmewhyyoucouldn’tdosomethingyouhadtoknow

wasimportant,justsentflowersandacardlikethatwasenough.Tellmethestraighttruthonthatonething.”

“Hesaidno.”TheshameofitwashedoverShelby’sface,burnedinherheart.“Hesaidno,andIdidn’thavethemoneyorthenervetogoagainsthimonit.”

“Youalwayshadnerve.”Shelbyrememberedthe

girlwho’dalwayshadnerve

likesherememberedhercousinVonnie.Vaguely.

“IguessIuseditup.It’stakingallI’vegotlefttostandhereandaskyoutoforgiveme.”

EmmaKatetookalongbreath.“YourememberBootlegger’sBarandGrill?”

“SureIdo.”“Youmeetmethere

tomorrow.Seven-thirtyshouldworkforme.We’lltalksomeofthisout.”

“IneedtoaskMamaifshecanwatchCallie.”

“Ohyeah.”Thechillcameback,cooleranddamperthanthedrizzlingrain.“Thatwouldbeyourdaughter,theoneI’veneverlaideyeson.”

Thattwisted—bothshameandguilt.“IcankeepsayingI’msorry,asmanytimesasyouneedtohearit.”

“I’llbethereatseven-thirty.Comeifyoucanmakeit.”

EmmaKatewentbackinside,thenleanedbackagainstthedoorandletherselfcryjustalittle.

•••

GRIFFSETTHELASTbasecabinetinblessedpeacesinceEmmaKatefellonherswordandtookhermothershopping.Hegavehimselfabreak,swiggingGatoradestraightfromthebottleand

eyeingtheprogress.Hedidn’tdoubtthe

championwafflerwouldloveeverysquareinchoftheremodeledkitchenonceitwasdone.Anditwouldlookcleanandfresh—justliketheredhead.

Somethinggoingonthere,hemused,withBitsygoingonabouthowEmmaKateandShelbyhadbeenfriendspracticallyinthewomb,andEmmaKatestandingthereas

stiffandcoolashe’deverseenher.Andtheredheadsadandawkward.

Girlfight,hesupposed.Hehadasister,soheknewgirlfightscouldbelongandbitter.He’dhavetopokeatEmmaKate.Itwasjustamatteroffindingtherightspot,gettinghertoopenupandspill.

Hewantedtoknow.Andhewonderedhow

longwasareasonablelength

oftimebeforeaguyaskedawidowout.

Heshouldprobablybeashamedofhimselfforwondering,buthejustcouldn’tdrumitup.Hehadn’thadsuchaquickandstrongreactiontoawomanin...ever,hedecided.Andhelikedwomenalot.

HesettheGatoradedownanddecidedsinceMattwastakingalldamndaytofixasink,he’dstartontheupper

cabinets.Plusitwouldn’tbejustthesink,hethought,ashehauledhisstepladderover.There’dbeconversation.NothinggotdoneinRendezvousRidgewithoutconsiderableconversation.

Andicedtea.Andquestions,andlong,lazypauses.

Hewasgettingusedtoit,foundheenjoyedtheslowerpace,anddefinitelyappreciatedthesmall-town

vibe.He’dhadachoicetomake

whenMattdecidedtomovetoTennesseewithEmmaKate.Stayorgo.Findanewpartner,runthebusinesshimself.Ortaketheleapandstartover,moreorless,inanewplacewithnewpeople.

Hedidn’tregrettakingtheleap.

Heheardthefrontdooropen.Thattookgettingusedto,thewaypeopleinthe

Ridgerarelylockedadoor.“Didyouhavetomakeher

anewsink?”Griffcalledout,thensetthedrillonthelastscrewofthefirstupper.

“MissVifoundafewotherthingsformetodo.Hey,you’removingalong.Thislooksgreat.”

Griffgrunted,steppeddowntoeyethecabinet.“Wordofthedayis‘dithering,’whichhasapictureofBitsyAddison

besideitineverydictionaryacrosstheland.”

“Shehasalittletroublestickingtodecisions.”

AndtherewasMatt’sgiftforunderstatement.

“Idon’tknowhowshedecidestogetoutofbedinthemorning.I’dbefurtheralongifyourwomanhadgottenheresoonerandtakenBitsyaway.She’sthinkingthewhite’stoowhite,andmaybeshepickedthewrong

countertop.Orthewrongpaintcolor.Don’taskaboutthebacksplash.”

“Toolatenowtochangehermindonanyofit.”

“Youtrytellingher.”“Yougottaloveher.”“Yeah,youdo.ButChrist,

Matt,can’tweputherinaboxforthenextthreedays?”

Grinning,Matttookoffhislightjacket,tosseditaside.

WhereGriffwaslongandlanky,Mattwastoughand

ripped.HeworehisblackhairneatandtrimwhereGriff’sstrayedpasthiscollarwithahintofcurl.Mattkepthissquare-jawedfaceclean-shavenwhileGriff’snarrow,hollow-cheekedonetendedtowardscruff.

Mattplayedchessandenjoyedwinetastings.

Grifflikedpokerandbeer.They’dbeenascloseas

brothersfornearlyadecade.“Gotyouasub,”Matttold

him.“Yeah,whatkindofsub?”“Thatfire-breatherone

youlike.Theonethatburnsoffthestomachlining.”

“Cool.”“Howaboutwegeta

couplemoreup,takeabreak?Aquickone?WhoknowshowlongEmmaKatecankeepBitsyoutofourhair.”

“Deal.”Astheygottowork,Griff

decidedtostartpoking.

“MizVi’sgranddaughterstoppedby.Theonewhojustmovedback.Thewidow.”

“Yeah?HeardsomebuzzaboutthatwhileIwasintown.What’sshelike?”

“Aheart-stopper.Seriously,”hesaid,whenMattsparedhimalook.“She’sgothairthecolorofhermom’sandMizVi’s.Likethatpainterused.”

“Titian.”“Right.It’slongandcurly.

Andshegottheireyes,too.Thatdarkbluethat’snearlypurple.Shelookslikesomethingpoetswriteabout,rightdowntothesadeyes.”

“Well,herhusbanddied,what,likerightafterChristmas.Happyfreakingholidays.”

Aboutthreemonths,Griffcalculated,andthatwasprobablytoosoontoaskheroutonadate.

“Sowhat’supwithherand

EmmaKate?Checkthelevel.”

“Whatdoyoumean,what’sup?Takeyourendupacouplehairs.Stopthere.Perfect.”

“Bitsywentonaboutwhatgoodfriendstheywere—are—whatever,andthebodylanguagesaidtheopposite.Idon’trememberEmmaKateevertalkingabouther.”

“Don’tknow,”MattsaidasGriffsetthescrews.

“Somethingabouthowsheleftwiththeguyshemarried.”

“Ithastobemorethanthat.”Griffproddedagain,wonderedifhe’dneedhisdrill.Mattneverhungontothemoresubtledetailswhenitcametopeople.“Alotofpeoplemovesomewhereelsewhentheygetmarried.”

“Theylosttouchorsomething.”Mattjustshrugged.“EmmaKate

mentionedheracoupletimes,butdidn’thavemuchtosayabouther.”

Griffcouldonlyshakehishead.“Matt,whatyouknowaboutwomencouldfitinathimble.Whenawomanbringssomethingup,thendoesn’thavemuchtosayaboutit,she’sgotalottosayaboutit.”

“Thenwhydoesn’tshesayit?”

“Becausesheneedsthe

rightopening,therightangle.Forresthasn’tsaidmuch,either,butheknowshowtokeepthingstuckedaway.Ididn’tthinkaboutgivinghimanopeningonitbefore.”

“Beforeyouknewshewasaheart-stopper.”

“There’sthat.”Mattcheckedthelevel

again,allsides,beforetheymovedontothenext.

“Youdon’twanttostartsniffingaroundawidowwith

akidwho’safriend’sbabysister.”

Griffonlysmiledastheylinedupthesecondcabinet.“Youdon’twanttostartsniffingaroundsomesassysoutherngirlwhokeepstellingyoushe’stoobusytostartanythingup.”

“Iworeherdown,didn’tI?”

“Bestthingyoueverdid.Gotit?”

“Gotit.”

Griffletgoofthecabinettoattachittothefirst.“YoushouldaskEmmaKatewhatthedealis.”

“Why?”“Becauseaftershewalked

theredheadout,shehadsadeyes.Beforeshewalkedherout,shewasalittlebitpissed,andafter,shelookedsad.”

“Really?”“Yeah.Soyoushouldask

her.”“WhywouldIaskher

aboutsomethinglikethat?Whystiritup?”

“Matt,jeez.Something’sinthere.It’lljuststayintherebeingpissedorsaduntilit’sstirredupandletout.”

“Likeawasps’nest,”wasMatt’sopinion.“Youwanttoknowsomuch,youaskher.”

“Wuss.”“Aboutthiskindofstuff?

Ohyeah,andnotashamed.”Hecheckedthelevel.“Rightonthemark.Wedogood

work.”“Wefixit.”“Thatwedo.Let’sgetthe

restofthislineup,thenhaveasub.”

“I’mwithyou,brother.”

•••

VIOLASTARTEDOUTdoinghairforfun,doinguphersisters’orherfriends’hairinfancydosliketheysawinmagazines.Shetoldthestory

ofhowthefirsttimeshetookthescissors—andhergranddaddy’sstraightrazor—tohersisterEvalynn’shair,sheescapedahidingbecauseitlookedasfineaswhatMizBrendadownatBrenda’sBeautySalonchargedgoodmoneyfor.

She’dbeentwelve,andfromthatpointon,inchargeofcuttingeverybody’shairinthefamily,andstylingthegirls—hermamaincluded—

forspecialoccasions.Whenshe’dbeencarrying

herfirst,she’dworkedforMizBrenda,andhaddonesomesidebusinessoutofthetinykitcheninthedouble-widewheresheandJacksonhadstartedout.WhenGradyhadbeenborn—withherstillfourmonthsshyofherseventeenthbirthday,sheaddedonmanicures,andworkedexclusivelyoutofthetwo-bedroomhousethey

rentedfromJack’suncleBobby.

BythetimehersecondfollowedcloseonGrady’sheels,shesqueezedincosmetologyschoolwithhermothermindingthebabies.

ViolaMacNeeDonahuehadbeenbornambitious,andwasn’tafraidtogiveherhusbandafewprodsinthesamedirection.

Bythetimeshewastwenty,withthreechildren

andthelossofonethathadbrokenoffapieceofherheartshewouldnevergetback,shehadherownsalon—buyingBrenda’splacewhenBrendaranoffonherownhusbandwithaguitarplayerfromupinMaryville.

Itputthemindebt,butwhileViolawasn’tonetoagreewiththepreachersayinghowGodwouldprovide,shebelievedHe’dlookkindlyonthosewho

workedthemselvessweaty.Shedidjustthat,spending

ofteneighteenhoursadayonherfeetwhileJackworkedjustashardandlongatFester’sGarage.

Shehadafourthchild,workedherselfsteadilyoutofdebt,thendivedrightbackintoitwhenJackstartedhisowncarrepairandtowingservice.JacksonDonahuewasthebestmechanicinthecounty,andhe’dbeen

carryingmostofFester’sbusinessasFesterwasstumblingdrunkbynoonfivedaysoutofseven.

Theymadetheirown,raisedfourchildren,andboughtagoodhouse.

AndwiththenesteggViolatuckedaway,sheboughttheolddrygoods,expanded,andhadthetowntalkingwhensheputinthreefancypedicurechairs.

Businessstayedsteady

enough,butifyouwantedmore,youfiguredouthowtogetit.TouristswanderedthroughtheRidgehereandthere,lookingforquaintorcheap,orpicturesqueinaquietersettingthanGatlinburgorMaryville.

Theycametohikeandfishandcamp,andsometostayintheRendezvousHotelandridethewhitewater.Thoseonvacationtendedtobelooserwiththeirmoney,and

moreapttotakeafewindulgences.

Soshetooktheleap,expandedyetagain.Andyetagain.

ThelocalscalledherplaceVi’s,butthetouristscameintoViola’sHarmonyHouseSalonandDaySpa.

Shelikedthesoundofit.Thelatest—and,Viola

claimed,thelast—expansionaddedonwhatshebilledaRelaxationRoom,whichwas

afancynameforwaitingarea,butfancyitwas.Thoughsheenjoyedbold,richcolors,she’dkeptthetonessoft,addedagas-burningfireplace,bannedallelectronicdevices,andofferedspecialtyteasmadelocal,springwater,deep-cushionedchairsandplushrobeswithherlogoembroideredonthem.

Sincetheexpansion,thislatestandlast,hadbeeninthe

workswhileShelbyhadbeenmovingfromAtlantatoPhiladelphia,Shelbyhadn’tseenitalldone.

Shecouldn’tsayitsurprisedherwhenhergrandmotherledherthroughalockerroom/changingareaandintotheroomthatsmelledlightlyoflavender.

“Granny,thisisamazing.”Shekepthervoicedown

astwowomenshedidn’tknowsatinoatmeal-colored

chairspagingthroughglossymagazines.

“Youtrysomejasminetea.It’smaderighthereintheRidge.AndrelaxsomebeforeVonniecomestogetyou.”

“ThisisasniceasanyofthespasI’vebeento.Nicer.”

Amenitiesincludedshallowdishesofsunflowerseeds,awoodenbowlofsharpgreenapples,clearpitchersofwaterwithinsertsholdingslicesoflemonor

cucumber,andhotpotsforteaclientscoulddrinkoutofprettylittlecups.

“It’syouwho’samazing.”“It’snotenoughtohave

ideasifyoujustletthemsitaround.YoucomeseemewhenVonnie’sdonewithyou.”

“Iwill.Wouldyou...couldyoujustcheckwithMama?IjustwanttobesureCallie’sbehaving.”

“Don’tyouworryabouta

thing.”Easiersaidthandone—or

soShelbythought,untilVonnie,whocouldn’thavebeenmorethanfive-three,hadheronawarmtableinadimroomwithsoftmusicplaying.

“Girl,you’vegotenoughrocksintheseshoulderstobuildathree-storyhouse.Takeadeepbreathformenow.Andanother.That’stheway.Letitgonow.”

Shetried,thenshedidn’thavetotry.Shedrifted.

“How’reyoufeelingnow?”

“What?”“That’sagoodanswer.I

wantyoutotakeyourtimegettingup.I’mgoingtoturnthelightsupalittle,andI’vegotyourrobelyingoveryourlegs.”

“Thankyou,Vonnie.”“I’mgoingtotellMizVi

youcoulduseanothernext

week.It’sgoingtotakeafewtimestogetyousmoothedout,Shelby.”

“Ifeelsmooth.”“That’sgood.Now,don’t

gogettinguptoofast,youhear?I’mgoingoutandgetyousomenicespringwater.Youwanttodrinkalotofwaternow.”

Shedrankthewater,changedbackintoherstreetclothesandmadeherwayouttothesalonarea.

Fourofthesixhairstationswereworking,andtwoofthefourpedicurechairswereoccupied.Shesawtwowomengettingmanicuresandglancedatherownnails.Shehadn’thadhernailsdonesincerightbeforeChristmas.

WhiletheRelaxationRoomstoodasasanctuaryofquiet,thesalonrangwithvoices,thebubbleoffootbaths,thewhirlofdryers.

Fivepeoplecalledouttoher—threebeauticians,twocustomers—soshegotcaughtupinconversations,acknowledgedoffersofsympathyandofwelcomebeforeshefoundhergrandmother.

“Perfecttiming.IjustfinisheddoingDollyWobuck’shighlights,andmynextappointmentcanceled,soI’vegottimetogiveyouafacial.Goputarobeback

on.”“Oh,but—”“Callie’sfine.Sheand

Chelseaarehavingateaparty,withcostumes.AdaMaesaidtheyhookedtogetherliketwolinksinachainandremindedherofyouandEmmaKate.”

“That’sgoodtohear.”Shelbytriednottothinkofthatcoollookintheeyesofherchildhoodfriend.

“She’llhaveyourbaby

homeinacouplehours.That’llgiveyoutimeforafacial,andustimetotalk.”Violatippedherhead,andthelightthroughthefrontwindowtippedgoldinthered.“Vonniedidyousomegood,didn’tshe?”

“She’swonderful.Idon’trememberherbeingsuchalittlething.”

“Takesafterhermama.”“Shemaybelittle,butshe

haswonderfullystronghands.

Shewouldn’tletmetipher,Granny.ShesaidMamahadseentoit,andanyway,we’refamily.”

“Youcantipmebygivingmeanhourofyourtime.Goon,getarobeon.Thefacialroomsareinthesameplace.We’llbeinthefirstone.Get!”

Shedidasshewastold.ShewantedCallietomakefriends,didn’tshe?Tohavesomeonetoplaywith,tobe

with.Itwashealthyandright.Andfoolishtofeelsoanxiousbecauseshewasspendingthedayathergrandmother’ssalon.

“I’vegotjustthethingforyou,”ViolasaidwhenCalliecamein.“It’smyenergizingfacial.It’llgiveyouandyourskinaboost.Justhangthatrobeonthehookthere,liedownhereandwe’lltuckyouup.”

“Thisisnew,too.Notthe

room,butthechair,someofthemachineshere.”

“Ifyouwanttobecompetitive,you’vegottokeepup.”ViolatookoutabibapronandtieditoverhercroppedpantsandboldorangeT-shirt.“I’vegotamachineinthenextroomthatworksonlineswithelectrodepulses.”

“Really?”Shelbyslippedunderthesheetontotheinclinedchair.

“Onlytwoofustrainedtouseitfornow,that’smeandyourmama,butMaybeline—yourememberMaybeline?”

“Ido.Ican’trememberatimeshedidn’tworkforyou.”

“Beensomeyears,andnowhergirl’sworkinghere,too.Lorilee’sgotthesamegoodtouchonnailsashermama.Maybeline’strainingonthenewmachinenow,sowe’llhavethreecanuseit.

Notthatyouhavetoworryaboutlinesforsometimeyet.”Shelaidalightduvetoverthesheet,thenbandedbackShelby’shair.“Butlet’shavealookatthings.Yourskin’salittledehydrated,baby.Stress’lldothat.”

Shestartedoutwithacleanse,herhandssoftasachild’sonShelby’sface.

“Therearethingsagirlcantellhergrannyshemightnotsayrightouttohermama.It’s

thatsafetyzone.AndAdaMae,shelooksatbrightsides,she’sblessedwiththatoutlook.You’vegottrouble,andit’snotgrief.Iknowhowgrieflooks.”

“I’dstoppedlovinghim.”Shecouldsayitoutloud,withhereyesclosedandhergrandmother’shandsonherface.“MaybeIneverreallydidlovehim.Iknownowhedidn’tloveme.It’shardknowingthat,hardknowing

wedidn’thavewhatweshouldhaveandhe’sgone.”

“Youwereyoung.”“Olderthanyouwere.”“Igotawfullucky.So’d

yourgrandpa.”“Iwasagoodwife,

Granny.Icansaythatandknowit’strue.AndCallie—wemadeCallie,sothat’ssomethingspecial.AndIwantedanotherbaby.Iknowmaybeit’swrongwantinganotherwhenthingsaren’t

thewaytheyshouldbe,butIthoughtmaybeit’sjusthowitwouldbe,anditwasallright.Itcouldbegoodiftherewasanotherbabyformetolove.Ihadsuchahungerforanotherbaby,suchayearninginme.”

“Iknowthathungerwell.”“Andhesaidthatwasfine.

Hesaidit’dbegoodforCallietohaveabrotherorsister.Butitdidn’thappen,andithappenedsoeasyandfastthefirsttime.Ihadtests,

andhesaidhehadtests.”“Saidhehad?”Viola

repeatedassheworkedagentleexfoliantintoShelby’sskin.

“I...Ihadtogothroughallhispapers,andhisfilesafter.Thereweresomanythingstogothrough.”

Lawyersandaccountantsandthetaxpeople,thecreditors,thebillsanddebt.

“AndIfoundadoctor’sreceiptorinvoice,whatever.

Richard,hekepteverything.ItwasfromafewweeksafterCalliewasborn,thetimeIbroughtherhome,herfirstvisit,andhesaidhehadabusinesstrip.Hewassogoodaboutuscominghome,hemadeallthearrangements.Privateplaneandalimotogetmetoit.ButhewenttoadoctorinNewYorkandhadavasectomy.”

Viola’shandspaused.“Hegothimselfsnippedandlet

youthinkyouweretryingtomakeababy?”

“I’mnevergoingtobeabletoforgivehimforthat.Outofallofit,it’sthatIcan’tforgive.”

“Hisrighttodecideifhewantedtomakeanotherbaby,butnothisrighttogetfixedandnottellyou.It’saterriblelie.Andamanwhocouldtellthatterriblelie,livewiththatterriblelie,hadsomethingmissinginsidehim.”

“Thereweresomanylies,Granny,andfindingthemafterhe’sdead?”Therewasanemptinessleftthere,Shelbythought,thatcouldneverbefilledagain.“Ifeellikeafool,IfeellikeIlivedwithastranger.AndIdon’tunderstandwhyhemarriedme,whyhelivedwithme.”

Despitewhatchurnedupinsideher,Violakeptherhandsgentle,hervoicecalm.“You’reabeautifulgirl,

ShelbyAnne,andyousaidyouwereagoodwife.Andyou’renottofeellikeafoolbecauseyoutrustedyourhusband.Whatelsedidhelieabout?Werethereotherwomen?”

“Idon’tknowforcertain,andcan’task.ButIhavetosayyes,fromthingsIfound,yes,therewereotherwomen.AndIfindnowIdon’tcare.Ican’tevencarehowmany—hetooksomanytripswithout

us.AndIwenttothedoctorafewweeksago,gottestedincase...Hedidn’tgivemeanything,soifhehadotherwomen,hewascareful.SoIdon’tcareifhehadahundredotherwomen.”

SheworkeduphernervewhileViolaslatheredontheenergizingmask.

“Themoney,Granny.Heliedaboutthemoney.Ineverpaidmuchattentiontoitbecausehesaidthatwashis

business,andminewastorunthehouseandCallie.He—hecouldlashoutlikeawhipoverthatwithoutraisinghisvoiceorhishand.”

“Coldcontemptcanbeasharperbladethanhottemper.”

Comforted,Shelbyopenedhereyes,lookedintohergrandmother’s.“Hecowedme.Ihateadmittingit,andIdon’tevenknowhowithappened.ButIcanlook

backandseeitsoclear.Hedidn’tlikemeaskingquestionsaboutmoney,soIdidn’t.Wehadsomuch—theclothesandthefurnitureandtherestaurantsandthetravel.Buthewascheatingthere,too,andrunningsomesortofscam.I’mstillnotclearonallofit.”

Sheclosedhereyesagain,notinshame—notwithGranny—butinweariness.“Everythingwasoncredit,

andthehouseupNorth,hehadn’tmadeeventhefirstpaymentontheloan,andheboughtitbackinthesummer.Ididn’tknowathingaboutituntilhetoldmeinNovemberweweremoving.Andtherewerethecars,andthecreditcards,andthetimepayments—andsomedebtsinAtlantaheleftbehind.Taxesunpaid.”

“Heleftyouindebt?”“I’vebeensortingitout,

andsettinguppaymentplans

—andIsoldalotoffinthelastfewweeks.There’sanofferonthehouse,andifitgoesthrough,it’lltakealotoff.”

“Howmuchdidheleaveyouowing?”

“Asofrightnow?”Sheopenedhereyes,lookedintohergrandmother’s.“Onemillion,ninehundredandninety-sixthousanddollarsandeighty-ninecents.”

“Well.”Violahadtodraw

inbreath,letitoutslow.“Well.JesusChristinarockingchair,ShelbyAnne,that’saconsiderablesumofmoney.”

“Whenthehousesells,it’llcutitback.Theoffer’sforonepointeightmillion.Ioweahundredandfiftymorethanthatonit,buttheyforgivethatwiththisshort-salebusiness.Anditstartedoutaroundthreemillion.Someoverthatwiththelawyers’

bills,andaccountingbills.”“Youpaidoffamillion

dollarssinceJanuary?”Violashookherhead.“Thatmust’vebeenoneholyhellofayardsale.”

massage,anenergizingfacialandcominghome

tofindherlittlegirlbubblingoverwithhappiness,thosewentalongwaytowardliftingShelby’smood.

Butthebiggestlifthad

beenunburdeningherselftohergrandmother.She’dtoldhereverything—aboutfindingthesafe-depositboxandwhatwasinit,theprivatedetective,thespreadsheetshe’dcreated,andherneedtofindapayingjobassoonasshecould.

Bythetimeshe’dgivenCalliehersupper,herbath,tuckedherinforthenight,shefeltsheknewalltherewastoknowaboutChelsea—

andhadmadeapromisetohaveChelseaoverassoonasshecould.

Shewentbackdown,foundherfatherstretchedoutintheLa-Z-Boyreclinerheloved,watchingabasketballgameonhisnewTV.Andhermothersittingonthesofacrocheting.

“Shegodownallright?”“OutlikealightbeforeI’d

finishedherbedtimestory.Youworeherouttoday,

Mama.”“Itsurewasfun.Thetwo

girlswereliketadpolesswimmingintheirownpond,hardlystillaminute.SuzannahandItalkedabouttakingturns,havingChelseacomehere,thentakingCalliethere.AndI’vegotTracey’snumberforyou,rightinonthekitchenboard.YououghttocallChelsea’smama,honey,makeagoodbridgethere.”

“Iwill.Yougaveherahappyday.CanIaskyouforafavor?”

“Youknowyoucan.”“IranintoEmmaKate

today.”“Iheardaboutthat.”

Fingersstillworkingyarnandneedle,AdaMaeglancedupwithasmile.“It’stheRidge,baby.IfIdon’thearaboutsomethingtenminutesafterithappened,IknowIhavetohaveyourdaddycheckmy

hearing.HattieMunson—youremembershelivesacrossfromBitsy,thoughthey’refeudingaboutsomethinghalfthetime.They’refeudingnowbecauseBitsy’sgettinganewkitchenanddidn’ttakeHattie’sadviceaboutthenewappliances.Hattie’sboyworksforLG,butBitsyboughtMaytag,andHattietookthatasapersonalinsult.Ofcourse,HattieMunsontakesoffenseifshesneezesin

herownkitchenandyoudon’tsayGesundheitfromyours.”

Amusedatthewayhermotherfoundawaytowindthroughastory,andhowherfathercursedattheballplayers,thereferees,thecoaches,Shelbyeasedahiponthearmofthecouch.

“So,theymightbefeuding,butHattiedoesn’tmissanytricksandsawyouandEmmaKateoutside

Bitsy’shouse,andsawyougoonin.How’sthatkitchencoming?Ihaven’tgottenoverthereinmorethanaweek.”

“Theywereputtingcabinetsin.Prettyones.”

“EmmaKate’syoungman—Matt—andGriffin.Cutie-pies,thepairofthem—andtheydofinework.I’mhavingthemdomeamasterbath,anensuite,outofyouroldroom.”

“Now,AdaMae.”Clayton

surfacedfromthegamelongenoughtohearaboutthebathroom.

“I’mdoingit,Clayton,soyou’dbestclimbonboard.Griffsaidhowtheycouldtakeoutthatwall,andIcouldhavemeaspa-likeensuitebathroom.I’vebeenlookingatmagazines,gettingideas.AndGriff,he’sgotwholebooksjustonplumbingfixtures—I’veneverseenthelikeofsomeofthem.He’s

donehimselfanensuitealready.IwentovertotheoldTripplehornplacetoseeit,andit’slikeamagazine,evenifheisstillsleepingonanairmattressonthebedroomfloor.He’sfinishedthekitchenovertherenow,anditjustmakesmegreenwithenvy.”

“Don’tevenstart,AdaMae.”

“Ilikemykitchenjustfine,”shesaidtoClayton,

thengrinnedatShelby,mouthed,Fornow.“IbetyouandEmmaKatepickeduprightwhereyouleftoff.”

Milesfromthat,Shelbythought.“That’sthefavor.Shesaidshe’dliketomeetmetomorrow,atBootlegger’s,aboutseven-thirty,ifIcould.But—”

“Yougorightonanddothat.Oldfriendsarethebricksandmortarofyourlife.Idon’tknowwhatI’ddo

withoutSuzannah.YourdaddyandIwillwatchCallie,gethertobed.We’dloveto.”

“FinallysomethingIcanagreeto.”Claytonlookedoverathisdaughter.“YoutakesometimecatchingupwithEmmaKate.We’llspoilCallie.”

“Thankyou.”Sheleanedover,kissedhermother,gotup,kissedherfather.“I’mgoingonupbecauseadayofpampering’smademesleepy.

Thanksforthat,too,Mama.Andwe’llneedtoeatatsixtomorrownight.I’mcookingdinner.”

“Oh,but—”“I’mdoingit,AdaMae,”

shesaidinthesametonehermotherhadusedtoherfather,andhadClaytonsnickering.

“I’vegottentobeaprettygoodcook,andyou’lljudgeforyourself.I’mgoingtopullmyweightwhileCallieandIarehere,becauseIwasraised

right.’Night.”“Shewasraisedright,”

ClaytonsaidwhenShelbystartedupstairs.“Solet’spatourselvesonthebackthere,andwe’llseewhat’sfordinnertomorrow.”

“Shewasn’tsopaleandtired-lookingtonight.”

“No,shewasn’t.Let’sseehowitgoesforthenextfewdays,andbegladwe’vegotthemhome.”

“Iam,andI’llbegladder

whenshemakesthingsupwithEmmaKate.”

•••

ITWASN’THARDtokeepbusy.Bymid-morning,shehauledoutthestroller.TakingCallieonastrollaroundtown,pickingupwhatshewantedforthechickendinnersheintendedtomakeforherparentswasaneasy—casual—waytowanderaroundthe

Ridgeandseeifanyonewashiring.

Thecloudshadlifted,andtheairhadthebright-edgedsparkleofspringafterashower.SheputCallieinherpinkdenimjacketwithalightcap—andsinceshemightfindherselfapplyingforajob,didhermakeupbeforesettingout.

“ArewegoingtoseeChelsea,Mama?”

“We’rewalkingtotown,

baby.Tothegrocerystore,andIhavetoopenupabankaccount.Maybewe’llstopinandseeGranny.”

“SeeGranny!Chelsea,too.”

“I’llcallChelsea’smamalater,andwe’llsee.”

ShepassedEmmaKate’shouse,notedtheworkmantruckinthedrive—andhadtoresisttheurgetoliftahandinawaveacrossthestreetwheresheimaginedHattie

Munson’seagleeyewastrainedonher.

PeoplelikeMs.Munsondidplentyoftalking,sheknew.TherewaswelcomeintheRidge,buttherewerethose—andmorethanafew—who’denjoygossipingoverthebackfenceandinthegrocerystoreaisle,overlunchatSidandSadie,aboutthepoorPomeroygirlwho’dcomehomeawidowwithachild.Butwhatdidyou

expectwhenshe’drunoffthatwaywithamannobodyknewathingabout?

They’dtalkabouthowshe’dmovednorth,rarelycamehome,droppedoutofcollegeafterherparentshadworkedhardtosendher.

There’dbeplentytogossipabout.Andtheydidn’tknowthehalfofit.

Thesmartthingtodowouldbetokeepherheaddown,befriendlyandget

steadywork.SteadyworkwouldmeansomesortofdaycareforCallie,sothathadtobebalanced.

DaycarewouldbegoodforCallie.Justlookhowshe’dlatchedontothisChelsea.Sheneededtointeractwithotherkids,evenifitmeantmostofanypaycheckcominginwentoutagain.

WhileCallietalkedtoFifi,Shelbytooktheforkinto

town.Shekepthereyespeeledforhousesforsale.Whenshemovedoutonherown,shewantedsomethingcloseby.CloseenoughmaybeCalliecouldwalktohergrandmother’s,ortoGranny’s.Tofriends,totown,justasshehad.

Alittlehouse,twobedrooms,maybewithenoughlandforasmallgarden.She’dmissedgardeninginthecondo,and

hadn’thadachanceinPhiladelphia.

Sheletherminddrift,imaginedthehouseinherhead.Likeacottage,that’salltheyneeded,andshe’dplantflowersandhaveavegetablepatch,someherbs.She’dteachCalliehowtoplantandtendandharvest.

Shecouldhauntyardsalesandfleamarketsforfurniture,forbargainsshecouldrefinishorpaintor

reupholster.Warmcolorsandsink-intochairs.

They’dhaveagoodlifehere,whateverittooktomakeit.

Shetookthemainroad,withshopsandafewoldhousesoneachsideofthewindingstreet.

Shecouldworkinagiftshop,orwaittables,ringupsalesatthedrugstoreorfoodatthemarket.Grannyhadtoldhershecouldcomework

atthesalon,butshedidn’thaveanyrealtalentforhair—oralicense.Whatevershedidtherewouldbemakework,andherfamilywasalreadymakingenoughforher.

Shecouldcheckatthehotelorthelodgejustoutsideoftown.Nottoday,notwithCalliealong,buttheyshouldgoonherlist.

Shelikedthewayitalllooked,fresheningupforspringwithstorefronts

shininginthesunlight,tubsandhangingbasketsofflowersdeckingthebuildingsthatclimbedupordownthehillyroad.Sheenjoyedseeingpeoplestoppingtotalk,afewtouristswanderingalongthesteepsidewalks,hikerswiththeirbigbackpackstakingpicturesofthetownwell,wherelegendhaditstar-crossedlovers,fromfeudingfamilies,wouldmeetatmidnight.

Untilthegirl’sfathershottheboydead,andthegirldiedofabrokenheart.

Theirrendezvous,soitwassaid,gavethetownitsname,andthewell—haunted,ofcourse—endeduponalotofcamerasandcanvases.

Maybeshecouldgetanofficejobsinceshehaddecentcomputerskills.Butthetruthwasshehadnoexperiencethere.Herworkexperiencespreadtohelping

outatthesalon—fillingshampoobottles,sweepingthefloor,workingtheregister—babysitting,workinginthecollegebookstoreacoupleofsemesters.

Andsingingwiththeband.Shewasn’tlikelytoforma

band,andwasbeyondfillingshampoobottles.Soretailmaybe.Ormaybeshecouldlookintoopeningadaycare.ButtheRidgehadone—andthosewhohadfamilyusually

hadamotherorcousinorsisterwho’dwatchtheirkidswhentheyworked.

Retail,shethoughtagain.Retailorwaitressing.Therecouldbeopportunitiesthere,especiallysincesummerwascoming,andsummerbroughtmoretourists,morehikers,morefamilieswhorentedcabinsorstayedatthehotel.

TheArtfulRidge—localartistsmostly.MountainTreasures,giftsandwhatnots.

TheHastyMarket—sellingstaplesandsnacksforanyonewhodidn’twanttogothehalfmiletoHaggertyFoodMarket.Therewasthepharmacy,theicecreamshop,thebarandgrill,thePizzateria,Al’sLiquors.

FartherdownandaroundthecornersatShady’sBar,whichwasjustthat.Andhermamawouldhaveaheartattackifshetookajobthere.

Consideringheroptions,

shestoppedinthesalonfirstsohergrannycouldshowoffCallie.

“I’mgoingtodoyourhair,”ViolatoldCallie.“Crystal,getmeoneofthoseboosterseats,wouldyou?YoucansitrighthereatGranny’sstation,CallieRose.IusedtodoyourGamma’shair,andyourmama’s.NowIgettodoyours.”

“Callie’shair.”CallieliftedherarmstoViola,then

brushedatViola’shair.“Granny’shair.”

“Aboutthesame,isn’tit—thoughminetakessomedoingthesedays.”

“Somedoing,”Callieechoed,andmadeViolalaugh.

“Haveaseatthere,Shelby,Crystaldoesn’thaveanotherheadforahalfhour.Lookatthisbeautifulhair.”

Callie,whocouldsometimesbefussyand

impatientathair-fixingtime,sathappilystaringatherselfinthemirror.

“Iwannabeaprincess,Granny.”

“Youareaprincess,butwe’llgiveyouhairworthyofyourrank.”Shebrushedthroughthecurls,grabbedoneofthebigsilverclipstoholdsomeback,andbegantodoafancyFrenchbraidontheside.

“IheardBonnieJo

Farnsworth—that’sacousinofGilly’ssister’shusband—isgettingadivorcefromherhusband.That’sLesWickett,Shelby,whoranwithForrestsomewhentheywereboys.Theyhaven’tbeenmarriedtwoyears,andhaveababynotsixmonthsold.Hadabigweddingatthehotelcostherdaddytwoarmsandhisleftleg.”

“IrememberLesalittle.I’msorrytohearhe’shaving

troubles.”“Iheardtrouble’sbeen

brewingsincebeforetheycuttheweddingcake.”Crystal,whoownedatumblingmaneofstreakyblondhair,gaveaknowingwiggleofhereyebrows.“ButIprobablyshouldn’tsay.”

“Ofcourseyoushouldsay.”Violatiedoffthefirstbraid,startedonthesecond.“Andinconsiderabledetail.”

“Well,maybeyoudidn’t

knowthatBonnieJousedtogoaroundwithBoydKattery.”

“LorettaKattery’smiddleboy.ThoseKatteryboysareroughcustomers.Forresthadaset-towithArlo—theyoungestofthem—notlongagowhenArlogotskunkdrunkdowntoShady’sandstartedafightoverapoolgame.ArlotookaswingatForrestwhenForrestwentintobreakitup.Youknow

Arlo,Shelby.Bonyboywithstraw-coloredhairandabadattitude.Droveamotorcycle,andtriedtocatchyoureye.”

“IrememberArlo.Hegotsuspendedandsentoffawhileforbeatinguponaboyhalfhissizeoutsideofschool.”

“Boyd’sconsiderablyworse,letmetellyou.”Asshetalked,Crystalreadiedherstationforthenextcustomer.“AndheandBonnieJowerealways

sneakingoff,thentheybrokeupwhenhegotarrestedfor...”

SheglancedatCallie,whowastoobusyadmiringherselfinthemirrortopayattention.

“For,ah,havingcertainillegalsubstancesinhispossession.ThenBonnieJotookupwithLes,andbeforeyoucanclickyourheelsthey’replanningawedding.Youaskme,herdaddywassorelievedshewasmarrying

aniceboyanddonewithBoyd,he’d’vepaiddoublewhatthatweddingcost.ButBoydgotreleasedrightbeforethewedding,andthere’sbeensometalkdowninthehollerheandBonnieJohave,well,takenupagain,andnowthetwoofthemareoffdowntoFlorida,wherehehascousins—sheleftthatbabybehindlikeitwasleftoverpizzaorsomething.Andit’ssaidthecousins

makeupsomeofthesubstanceshewasputawayfor.”

Itwasnearlyasgoodasamassageandfacial,justsittingtherefortwentyminutes,watchinghergrannycreateaprincessdoforhergirlwhileCalliepreenedinthemirror.Andlisteningtogossipthatwasn’tabouther.

Violaloopedthebraidsintoacrown,gatheredthecurlsintoatailshefixedwith

arose-trimmedband.“Pretty.I’mpretty,

Granny!”“Yes,youare.”Violabent

downsotheirfacesreflectedtogether.“Agirlshouldknowwhenshe’spretty.Butthere’sacouplethingsIcanthinkofrightoffmoreimportant.”

“What’smore?”“Beingsmart.Areyou

smart,CallieRose?”“Mamasays.”“Andsheknows.Then

there’sbeingkind.Ifyoucanbeprettyandsmartandkind,well,that’swhatmakesarealprincess.”

ShekissedCallie’scheek,liftedherdown.“IfIdidn’thavesomebodycomingin,I’dtakeyoutwogirlsouttolunch.Nexttimewe’llplanit.”

“Nexttimewe’lltakeyououttolunch.”ShelbysettledCallieinherstroller.“Crystal,I’mthinkingI

shouldfindsomework.Doyouknowanybodywho’shiring?”

“Oh,let’sseenow.Springandsummertheyhireonextraalotofplaces.Ididn’tthinkyou’dbeafterwork,Shelby,notwiththemoneyyou’dhavefrom—”

Sheslappedahandoverhermouth,lookedatCallieindistress.“I’mawfulsorry.Idon’tknowwhymymouthjustrunsoutwithoutbeing

hitcheduptomybrain.”“It’sallright.Ijustwantto

keepbusy.Youknowhowitis.”

“Iknowhowitistoneedtopaythebills,butifyouwantbusywork,maybeoveratTheArtfulRidge.It’sgotsomeclass,andtheydogoodbusiness,especiallyoncethetouristsstartcomingin.Mightbetheycoulduseanotherhostessatthebigrestaurant.Theywantgood-

lookersthere.Oh,andRendezvousGardens—youknowthelandscapeplace?Theyalwaysneedhelpthistimeofyear.Thatcouldbefunifyoulikeplantsandsuch.”

“Thanks.I’llthinkaboutit.We’vegottogettothefoodmarket.I’mmakingdinnerforMamaandDaddytonight.Granny,youandGrandpashouldcome.I’dlovetomakedinnerforyou.”

“I’dlovetohaveyoumakedinnerforme.I’lltellJackson.”

“It’satsix,butyoucouldcomealittleearlybecauseIhavetoleavebyabouttwentyaftersevenandmeetEmmaKate.”

“HaveyoumetEmmaKate’sboyfriend?”Crystalasked.

“Notyet.”“Shehookedagoodone.

Nowtheother—Griffin?”

Shepattedahandtoherheart.“IfIwasn’tengagedtobemarriedforthesecondtimeinmylife,I’dheadstraightinthatdirection.He’sgotaswaggertohim.Ijustloveamanwho’sgotaswaggertohim.”

“There’syoureleven-thirtyjustcomein,Crystal.”

“I’llbringherrightback.Itwasnicetalkingtoyou,Shelby.”ShegaveShelbyagood,hardsqueeze.“It’s

reallygoodtohaveyouhome.”

“It’sgoodtobehome.”“Herfirsthusbandhada

swaggertohim,”Violasaidunderherbreath.“Andheswaggeredoffwithanythingfemalehecouldtalkintoit.”

“Ihopeshedoesbetterthistime.”

“Ilikethisone.Noswagger,butasteadywayabouthim,whichsheneedstobalanceherout.Ilovethat

girllikeIloveraspberrysherbet,butsheneedsthatbalance.What’sfordinner?”

“I’mgoingtosurpriseyou.AndI’dbettergettothemarketorwe’llbeorderingfromthePizzateria.”

SheranintoChelseaandhermotherinthefoodmarket,whichaddedahalfhourontohertime—andproducedadealtomeetatthetownparkthenextdaysothegirlscouldplaytogether.

Nowthatshewascookingamealforsixshefiddledwiththemenuassheshopped.Shemadeagoodroastchickenwithgarlicandsageandrosemary,andshecouldmakesomeredpotatoesinthatzingydressingshecutoutofamagazine,thecarrotsinbutterandthymeCallielikedsomuch,andsomepeas.Andshe’dmakebiscuits.

Richardhadn’tcaredfor

herbiscuits,calledthemhickbread,sheremembered.

Well,thehellwithhim.Maybeshe’dmakesome

appetizers,reallydoitup.Andprofiterolesfordessert.Thecookthey’dhadthreetimesaweekinAtlantahadshownherhowtomakethem.

Sheloadedupingredients,bribedCalliewithanimalcrackers.Andtriednottoswallowoutloudwhenshecheckedout.

Forfamily,sheremindedherselfasshecountedoutthemoney.Familywasputtingaroofoverherhead,andherdaughter’s.Shecouldandwouldaffordtopayforagoodfamilydinner.

Itwasn’tuntilshewheeledthecartandstrolleroutsidethatsherememberedshe’dwalked.

“Oh,forGod’ssake,howstupidamI?”

Threebagsofgroceries,a

strollerandamile-and-a-halfwalk.

Mutteringtoherself,shecrammedtwobagsinthebackofthestroller,slungthebigCalliebagoveroneshoulderandheftedthelastgrocerybag.

Sheswitchedarmsatthehalf-milemark,seriouslyconsideredcallinghermother,orpokingintothesheriff’sofficetoseeifForrestwasthereandcould

giveheraride.“We’llmakeit.We’ll

makeitfine.”Shethoughtbacktowhen

she’drunthemileintotown,andbackagain,asachild.Upanddownthosehills,aroundthosecurves.

Well,nowshehadachild,andthreebagsofgroceries.Andshemightbeworkingupablisteronherheel.

Shemadeittothefork,armsaching,andstoppedto

gatherherselfforthelastleg.TheFix-ItGuystruck

pulledupbesideher.Griffleanedoutthewindow.

“Hey.Didyourcarbreakdown?Griff,”headded,incaseshe’dforgotten.“GriffinLott.”

“Iremember.No,mycardidn’tbreakdown.Ididn’ttakethedamncarbecauseIwasn’tintendingtobuysomanygroceries.”

“Damncar,”Calliesaidto

Fifi,andhadShelbysighing.“Okay.Wantaride

home?”“More,atthismoment,

thanIwantalongandhappylife.But...”

“Igetyouonlymetmeyesterday,butEmmaKate’sknownmeforacoupleyears.I’dbeinjailifIwereanaxmurderer.Hey,cutie.IsyournameCallie?”

“Callie.”Thelittlegirlangledherhead,an

accomplishedflirt,andfluffedathernewhairdo.“I’mpretty.”

“Asprettyastheycome.Look,Ican’tleaveyoubythesideoftheroadwiththeprettygirlandthreebagsofgroceries.”

“IwasgoingtosayIwantaride,butyoudon’thaveacarseat.”

“Oh.Right.”Heshovedahandathishair.“We’llbreakthelaw,butit’slessthana

mile,andI’lldriveslow.I’llpulloveranytimeanothercar’scoming,eitherdirection.”

Herheelburned,herarmsachedandherlegsfeltlikerubberstretchedtoohardandlong.“Ithinkdrivingslow’sgoingtobeenough.”

“Holdon.Letmehelpyou.”

Thatmadethesecondpersonwhowasn’tfamilyinthelastlittlewhilewho’d

offeredtohelpher.Itwashardtorememberhowlongbeforethatanyonehad.

Hegotoutofthetruck,tookthebagfromher.Feelingcamebackintoherarminpinsandneedles.

“Thankyou.”“Noproblem.”Hestowedthegroceries

whilesheliftedCallieout.“Yousitrightthere,”ShelbytoldCallie.“SitstillwhileIfoldupthestroller.”

“Howdoesit—Oh,Igetit.”Grifffoldedthestrollerasifhe’dbeendoingsoforyears.

SheturnedbacktoCallieashestowedit,andsawherdaughterhadopenedatakeoutbagsittingontheseatbesideher.

Shewasnoweatingfrenchfries.

“Callie!Thosearen’tyours.”

“I’mhungry,Mama.”

“It’sokay.”Laughing,Griffgotinthetruck.“Iwouldn’ttrustanybodywhocouldresistfries.Ihadtopickupsomestuffintown,grabbedlunchformeandMattwhileIwasatit.Shecanhavesomefries.”

“It’spastherlunchtime.Ididn’texpecttobegonesolong.”

“Didn’tyougrowuphere?”

Shetookadeepbreathas

hedrove—truetohisword—atabouttwentymilesanhour.“Ishould’veknownbetter.”

Nowsittingonherlap,CallieheldoutafrytoGriff.

“Thanks.Youlooklikeyourmother.”

“Mama’shair.”“Yoursisreallypretty.

HaveyoubeentoMizVi’s?”“That’sGranny,Callie.

MizVi’sGranny.”“Grannydidmyhairlikea

princess.I’mprettyandsmartandkind.”

“Icanseethat.You’rethefirstprincessI’vehadinmytruck,sothisisaprettybigdealforme.Who’syourfriend?”

“ThisisFifi.Shelikesfrenchfries.”

“Iwouldhopeso.”Heeasedintothedriveway.“Whew.”Hetookamockswipeathisforehead.“Madeit.Yougettheprincessand

hercarriage.I’llgetthegroceries.”

“Oh,that’sallright,Ican—”

“Haulinthreebagsofgroceries,akid,astrollerandwhatever’sinthatsuitcaseyou’vegotthere?Sureyoucan,butI’llgetthegroceries.”

“Youcarryme!”CallieshovedoutofShelby’sarms,threwherselfatGriff.

“Callie,don’t—”

“I’vegotmyorders.”Heclimbedout,croucheddown,tappedhisback.“Okay,princess,climbaboard.”

Calliesaid,“Whee,”andhookedherselfonforapiggybackwhileShelbyscrambledouttheotherdoortotrytoheftwhateverwasleft.

Hebeathertoit,pulledouttwogrocerybags,andwithoneineacharm,herdaughterbouncinggleefully

onhisback,headedtothefrontdoor.

“Isitlocked?”“Idon’tthinkso.Mama

mayhave...”Shetrailedoffashewasalreadygoinginside,Callieclingingtohisneckandchatteringinhisearlikehewashernewbestfriend.

Flustered,Shelbypulledoutthestroller,gotthelastbag,swungherCalliebagonhershoulder.Shemanagedto

getitallinthehouse,leftthestrollerbythedoortodealwithlater.

He’dsetthebagsontheisland.Beforeshecouldspeak,hestoppedherheartbyswingingCallieoffhisback,danglingherupsidedownwhileshesquealedininsanedelight,thentossedherupintheair,catchingherneatly.Andsettledheronhiship.

“Iloveyou,”Calliesaid,

andkissedhimenthusiasticallyonthemouth.

“Isthatallittakes?”Grinning,hegaveherhairatug.“ObviouslyI’vebeengoingaboutmyconqueststhewrongwayforalotofyears.”

“Youstayandplaywithme.”

“WouldifIcould,butI’vegottogetbacktowork.”

Callietookahankofhishair,obviouslyfindingittoherliking,andwoundit

aroundherfinger.“Youcomebackandplaywithme.”

“Sure,sometime.”HelookedoveratShelby,smiled,andsinceshewasstaring,shesawhehadeyesasgreenandcleverasacat’s.“You’vegotakeeperhere.”

“Sheis.Thankyou.Ah,doyouhavechildren?”

“Me?No.”HesetCalliedown,gaveherafriendlypatonthebutt.“Gottago,LittleRed.”

Shewrappedherarmsaroundhislegsinahug.“Bye,mister.”

“Griff.JustGriff.”“Gwiff.”“Grrr-iff,”Shelby

correctedautomatically.“Grrr,”Calliesaid,and

giggled.“Grrr-iff’sgottago,”he

said,glancedbackatShelby.“Youset?”

“Yes.Yes,thankyousomuch.”

“Noproblem.”Hestartedout.“Lovethiskitchen,”headded,andstrodetothedoorandout—hedidhaveaswaggerabouthim—beforeshecouldthinkofanythingelse.

“Grrr-iff,”CallietoldFifi.“He’spretty,Mama,andhesmellsgood.He’sgoingtocomebackandplaywithme.”

“I...umm.Huh.”“I’mhungry,Mama.”

“What?Oh.Ofcourseyouare.”Givingherselfashake,Shelbygotbacktoreality.

ythetimehermothergothome,Shelbyhadthe

chickenintheoven,thepotatoesandcarrotsscrubbed,andthediningroomtable—usedonlyfor

importantmeals—setwiththegooddishes.

Notthebestdishes,whichwereherfather’sgrandmother’sandworthmoreinsentimentthanmoney,butthecompanydisheswiththerosesaroundtherims.

She’daddedlinennapkins,foldingthemintofussystandingfans,rearrangedcandlesandflowersintoaprettycenterpiece,andwas

finishingthelastofthepastriesfortheprofiteroles.

“Ohmygoodness,Shelby!Thetablelooksjustbeautiful,likeforahigh-classdinnerparty.”

“Wearehighclass.”“We’resuregoingtoeat

likeweare—anditsmellswonderfulinhere.Youalwayswereonetoknowjusthowthingsshouldgotogethertolookpretty.”

“It’sfun,fussingalittle.I

hopeit’sallrightIaskedGrannyandGrandpatocome.”

“Youknowitis.MamatoldmewhenIstoppedintoVi’saftermygardenclubmeeting—andafterSuzannahandIdidalittleshopping.IgotCalliethecutestoutfitsforspring.Ihadthebesttime.”

Shesetthreeshoppingbagsonthecounter,begantopullthingsout.“Ican’twait

toseeherwearingthis—it’sjustprecious,isn’tit?Thelittleskirtwiththepinkandwhitestripes,andthefrillyshirt.AndthesepinkMaryJanes!Now,IcheckedhersizebeforeIleft,sotheyshouldfit.Butiftheydon’t,we’lljusttakethemback.”

“Mama,she’lllovethose.She’lljustgocrazyforthoseshoes.”

“AndIgotthiscuteshirtwith‘Princess’onit,andthe

sweetestlittlewhitecardigansweaterwithribbontrim.”Shepulledmoreoutasshetalked.“Whereisshe?Maybeshecantrysomeon.”

“She’snapping.I’msorryshe’snappingsolate,butitalltookmelonger,andthenIhadtofixherlunch,andshewasrevvedup,soIdidn’tgetherdownuntilalmostthree.”

“Oh,wewon’tworryaboutthat.SoIstoppedintoVi’s,andtherewasMaxine

Pinkett—youremembershemovedtoArkansasafewyearsago,butshewasbackvisiting,andcameintoVi’shopingIcouldgiveheracutandcolor.Idon’tdohairanymoreasarule,butshe’sanoldcustomer,andIknowwhatshelikes.”

ShelbyhadamistymemoryofMrs.Pinkett,somadeassentingnoisesasshebegantofillthepastrieswithcream.

“ShetoldmethatshewasdisappointedwhenCrystaltoldherIwasoff,thenIwalkedin,andsheaskedifIcouldn’tpleaseseetoherhair.She’snothappyatallwiththestylistsshe’striedinLittleRock.SoIsetherup.Turnsoutherdaughter’shusbandmaytakeajobinOhionow,andthisaftershemovedtoLittleRocktobeclosebyherdaughterandthreegrandchildren.She’sin

astate,letmetellyou.Iknowjusthowshefeels,soI...”

AdaMaeshuthereyes,gaveherselfashake.“Ican’tkeepmymouthshutwithastapler.”

“Youdon’thaveto.Youdidn’tgettomakemanymemorieswithCallieformorethanthreeyears.Andmore,Iseenow,shedidn’tgettomakethemwithyou.That’sonme,Mama.”

“It’salloveranddone

now,andwe’remakingplentyofmemoriesallaround.Whatareyoumakingthere?Littlecreampuffs?Oh,she’sawake.”AdaMaelookedtowardthebabymonitoronthecounter.“I’mgoingtotakehernewthingsup,andwe’llhavesomefun.Youneedhelphere,honey?”

“Idon’t,Mama,thanks.Idon’twantyoutodoathingbutsitdowntothismeal.YougohavefunwithCallie.”

“Oh,IhopethepinkMaryJanesfit,’causetheycouldn’tbecuter.”

She’dtakepicturesofCallieinthepinkMaryJanes,Shelbythought.Calliemightnotrememberthemwhenshegrewup,butshe’drememberhergrandmotherlovedher,enjoyedgettingherprettyclothes.She’drememberhergrannyhadfixedherhairlikeaprincess.

That’swhatcounted.Like

agoodfamilydinneratthediningroomtable,that’swhatcounted.

Shefinishedthepastries,bastedthechicken,gotthepotatoesandcarrotsgoing.

Sheneededtochange,notonlyfordinner,buttogooutandmeetEmmaKate.Withaglanceatthetimer,sheranupstairs,tiptoedfromthelandingtoherroomsoshedidn’tdistractCallieandhermotherandtheirfashion

show.Andspentthenextfifteen

minutesagonizingoverwhattowear.She’doncehadthree,maybeevenfourtimesasmanyclothes,andhadneveragonized.

Maybe,shethought,becauseithadstoppedbeingimportant.

Itwasthebarandgrill,sheremindedherself.Peopledidn’tdressupespeciallytogothere.Itwasatleastthree

giantstepsupfromShady’s,butaboutanequalamountdownfromthebigrestaurantatthehotel.

Shesettledonblackjeans,asimplewhiteshirt.Andshe’dputtheleatherjacketshe’dkept—oneshejustloved—overit.Thepewtergraywentwellwithherhair,andwasn’tasharshasblack.

Sincetheeveningsrancoolyet,shechoseheeledhalfboots.

Mindfulofthemeal,sheslippedstraightbackdownandintothekitchen,grabbedanapronthistimetostartonthebiscuits.

Itwasfuntofuss,shethought,andafterhuntingupaprettyplatterforthechicken,stoodtryingtoimagineifitwouldlookbetterifshelaidthepotatoesandcarrotsaroundthechickenorifsheputtheminbowls.

Forrestcameinthebackdoor.

“What’sallthis?”Hesniffedtheair.“Whatisthat?”

“What’swrongwithit?”“Ididn’tsayanythingwas

wrong.Itsmellslike...ItsmellslikeI’mhungry.”

“Youcanstayfordinnerifyouwant.GrannyandGrandpaarecoming.I’mcooking.”

“You’recooking?”

“That’sright,ForrestJacksonPomeroy,sotakeitorleaveit.”

“Doyoualwaysgetdresseduptocookdinner?”

“I’mnotdressedup.Hell.AmItoodresseduptogotoBootlegger’s?”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Why?”

“Because,youidiot,I’mgoingtoBootlegger’sandIdon’twanttodresswrong.”

“Imeantwhyareyou

goingtothebarandgrillwhenyou’refixingdinner?”

“I’mgoingafterdinner,ifyouneedeverydetailofit.I’mmeetingEmmaKate.”

Hisfacecleared.“Oh.”“AmItoodressedupor

not?”“You’reokay.”Heopened

thetopoven,peeredinatthechicken.“Thatlooksdamngood.”

“Itwillbedamngood.Nowstayoutoftheway.I

needtosetouttheappetizers.”

“Aren’twefancy?”Hesteppedaroundher,gothimselfabeer.

“Ijustwantittobenice.Mama’sgettingmemassages,andGranny’sfixingCallie’shair,and—yousawhowtheyfixedtheroomsupstairsforus.Ijustwantittobenice.”

Hegavehershoulderarub.“Itisnice.Thetablelookslikeacompanymeal.

It’sgoodyou’remeetingEmmaKate.”

“We’llseehowgoodwhenIdo.She’sstillawfulmadatme.”

“Maybeyoushouldfixherachickendinner.”

Itfeltgoodtohaveherfamilyaroundthetableenjoyingamealshe’dmade.Andmadeherrealizeitwasthefirsttime.There’dbeasecondtime,shepromisedherself,andshe’dmakesure

ClayandGillyandlittleJacksonwerearoundthetablethatnexttime.

Sheknewshe’ddonewellwhenhergrandfatherhadsecondsofeverything—andGrannyaskedfortherecipes.

“I’llwritethemoutforyou,Granny.”

“You’llwanttodoittwice.”AdaMaegotuptohelpclear.“Thatchickenputminetoshame.”

“You’dbetter’vesaved

roomfordessert.”“We’vegotroom,don’t

we,Callie?”JackpattedhisbellysoCallieleanedbackinherboosterchairtopathers.

Thebestwaswatchingeyesgobigwhenshecameincarryingthetowerofprofiterolesshe’dmade,withtheirtoppingofmeltedchocolate.

“That’sasprettyasanythingyou’dseeinarestaurant,”herfathertold

her.“Isitasgoodasitlooks?”

“You’regoingtofindout.Ineedtogo,soMama,wouldyouservethisup?Idon’twanttobelate.”

“Youdon’tgotillyou’veputonsomelipstick.”Thiswashergrandmother’sdecree.“Somethingwithalittlepinkitin.It’sspring.”

“Allright.MakeForresthelpwiththedishes.”

“Iwasgoingto,”hesaid

immediately.HegrabbedherhandwhenshebentovertokissCallie.“Itwasarealgoodmeal,Shelby.Don’tdrinkanddrive.”

“You’retheonewithabeeronthetable.Callie,youbeagoodgirl.”

“GammasaidIgetabathwithbubbles.”

“Won’tthatbefun?Iwon’tbelate.”

“Oh,belate.”AdaMaeservedupgenerousportions

ofpastry.“Gohavesomefun.”

“Iwill.Don’t—”“Scat!”“Allright.”Itfeltoddgoingoutat

night,onherown.Andthenaddinthenerves,theworrythatEmmaKatewouldn’tforgiveher.

Butsheputonlipstick,addedalittlemoreblushforgoodmeasure.Anddrovetotownhopingshe’dfindthe

rightwords,maketherightpenancetogetherbestfriendbackinherlife.

Thestreetlightsgleamed,andshecaughtafewlightsglimmeringinthemountains.Shopsshutdownbysix,butshenotedPizzateriawasdoinggoodbusiness,andafewpeoplestrolledalongthesidewalk.

Shefoundthestingyparkinglotbesidethebarandgrillalreadyjammed,started

huntingupaplaceonthestreet.Maybeshehadtogiveherselfamentalpushtogetoutofthecar,butshedidit,andwalkedthehalfblockdown,openedthedoor,steppedintothenoise.

Shedidn’trecalltheplacedoingthislevelofbusinessonweeknights.Butthenshehadn’treachedlegaldrinkingagewhensheleftsohadspentmoretimewithpizzaorattheicecreamparlor.

Still,mostofthetablesandboothswerefull,andtheairsmelledofbeerandbarbecue.

“How’reyoudoing?”Awaitress—hostess?—approachedwithaneasysmile,anddarkeyesthatscannedthecrowdedroom,probablylookingforafreetable.“Icanseatyouatthebarifyou’re...Shelby?ShelbyAnnePomeroy!”

Shelbyfoundherselfenvelopedinahugthat

smelledofpeachblossoms.ShedrewShelbyback,a

good-lookingwomanwithskinlikepolishedwalnutandthicklylasheddarkeyes.“Youdon’trememberme.”

“I’msorry,I—”Itclicked,stunningher.“Tansy?”

“Youdoremember.Can’tblameyoufortakingafewminutes.I’vechangedsome.”

“Some?”TheTansyJohnsonshe’dknownhadbeengawky,gap-toothed,

acne-proneandbespectacled.Thisonewasadmirablycurvywithagorgeoussmile,clearskinandluminouseyes.

“Myskinclearedup,Ifilledout,gotmyteethfixedandwearcontacts.”

“Youlookjustfantastic.”“It’snicetohearit.But

then,youandEmmaKatenevermadefunofmelikesomeofthegirlsdid.I’msorryaboutyourhusband,Shelby,butI’mgladyou’re

home.”“Thanks.Youworkhere

now.It’sbusierthanIremember,andnicer.”

“That’sgoodtohear,too,becauseIdon’tjustworkhere,I’mthemanager.AndIhappentobemarriedtotheowner.”

“Wow.Thingshavechanged.Whendidyougetmarried?”

“AyearagoinJune.I’mgoingtotellyouallaboutmy

Derrickfirstchance,butEmmaKate’swaitingforyou.”

“She’salreadyhere?”“I’lltakeyouover.Igot

youacornerbooth—primerealestate,especiallyonWingNight.”ShehookedherarmthroughShelby’s.“You’vegotalittlegirl,don’tyou?”

“Callie.She’sthree.”“I’mgoingtohaveone.”“Oh,that’sgreat,Tansy.”

Itcalledforanotherhug.“Congratulations.”

“Justhitfourweeks,andIknowtheyalwayssaywaituntilafterthefirsttrimester,butIcan’twait.SoI’mtellingeverybody,evencompletestrangers.LookwhoIfound!”

EmmaKatelookedupfromherphone.“Youmadeit.”

“Idid.I’msorryifI’mlate.”

“You’renot.IforgotitwasWingNight,soIhadTansysaveusatableandgotherealittleearly.”

“Sitdown.”Tansywavedtowardthebooth.“Andyoutwodoyourcatchingup.What’llyouhave,Shelby?Firstone’sonthehouse.”

“I’mdriving,so...Well,Ioughttobeabletohandleoneglassofwine.”

“We’vegotaniceselectionbytheglass.”Tansy

rattledoffseveralchoices.“Thepinotnoirsounds

perfect.”“I’llgetthatrightoutto

you.Youokaythere,EmmaKate?”

EmmaKateliftedherbeer.“I’mgood,Tansy.”

“Sogoodseeingyou.”TansygaveShelby’sshoulderasqueezebeforeshewalkedaway.

“Ididn’trecognizeherforaminute.”

“Shegrewup.She’saboutthehappiestpersonIknow,butthenshealwayshadasunnynature.”

“Despitebeingbulliedandpickedonhalfthetime.IrememberinhighschoolespeciallyhowMelodyBunkerandJoleneNewtonmadedevilingheramission.”

“Melody’sassourandsnottyassheeverwas.Shewassecondrunner-upintheMissTennesseepageant—

somethingshetossesaroundlikecandywrappers.Youknowshe’sneverforgivenyouforbeatingheroutforHomecomingQueen.”

“God,Ihaven’tthoughtaboutthatinyears.”

“Melody’sexistenceisbasedonbeingtheprettiestandmostpopular.Shefellshort.AndJolenehasn’tevolvedmuch,either.”EmmaKateleanedback,settledintothecornerofthebooth,

diagonalfromShelby.“She’sengagedtothesonofthehotel’sowners,andlikestodrivearoundtowninthefancycarherdaddyboughther.”

AwaitressbroughtoverShelby’swine.“Tansysaysenjoy,andjustletmeknowifyouwantanythingelse.”

“Thankyou.Idon’tcareaboutMelodyorJolene,”Shelbycontinuedwhilesheturnedthewineglassaround

andaroundinsmallcircleswithherfingers.“Iwanttohearaboutyou.Yougotyournursingdegreejustlikeyousaidyouwould.DidyoulikeBaltimore?”

“Ilikeditwellenough.Imadesomefriends,hadgoodwork.MetMatt.”

“It’sserious,youandMatt?”

“SeriousenoughIdealtwithmymama’sshockandhorrorwhenItoldherwe

weremovingintogether.Shestillgivesmepushestowardmarriageandbabies.”

“Don’tyouwantthat?”“I’mnotinarushaboutit,

likeyouwere.”Shelbyacceptedthehit,

tookasipofwine.“Youlikeworkingattheclinic?”

“I’dhavetobestupidnottolikeworkingforDocPomeroy.Yourdaddy’sagoodman,afinedoctor.”Afteranothersipofherbeer,

EmmaKatestraightenedacoupleofinches.“Whatdidyoumean,youdidn’thavethemoneytocomeback?ThewordIgotwasyouwererollinginit.”

“Richardhandledthemoney.AsIwasn’tworking—”

“Didn’tyouwanttowork?”

“IhadCallietotendto,andthehouse.AndI’mnotqualifiedforanyserious

work.Ididn’tfinishcollegeor—”

“Whataboutsinging?”Itflusteredhernotto

finishasentence.There’dbeenatimewhensheandEmmaKatecouldfinisheachother’s—butthiswasdifferent.

“Thatwasjustachildishfantasy.Itwasn’tlikeIhadanyrealskillsorexperience,andIhadachild,andhemarriedme,providedforme

andCallie,gaveusagoodhome.”

EmmaKatesatbackagain.“Andthat’sallyouwanted?Tobeprovidedfor?”

“WithCallie,andhavingnoskillsortheeducation—”

“Didhetellyouthatyouwerestupid?Youwantmyforgiveness,Shelby?”EmmaKatesaidwhenShelbywentsilent.“Youtellmethetruth.Youlookmeintheeyeandyoutellmethetruth.”

“Allthetime,onewayortheother.Howwashewrong?Ididn’tknowhowtodoanything.”

“That’sabigbucketofbullshit.”Withhereyesfiredup,EmmaKatesetthebeerdown,shoveditasideandleanedacrossthetable.“Youdidn’tjustsinginthatband,youdidmostofthemanagingandmarketing.Youfiguredouthowtodothat.Theymadeyouassistantmanager

atthecollegebookstoreafteramonthsoyouknewhowtodothat.Youstartedwritingsongs,andtheyweregood,Shelby,damnit,soyouknewhowtodothat.Youredecoratedmybedroomwhenweweresixteen—andnotonlydiditlookbeautiful,butyoufiguredouthowtogetaroundMamaonit.Don’tsitthereandsayyoudidn’tknowhowtodoanything.That’shimtalking.Speakfor

yourself.”Thewords,fastas

machine-gunfire,leftShelbybreathless.

“Noneofthosethingswerepracticalorrealistic.EmmaKate,thingschangewhenyouhaveachilddependingonyou.Iwasahousewifeandastay-at-homemother.There’snothingwrongwiththat.”

“There’snotathingwrongwiththatifitmakesyouhappy,ifit’sappreciated.It

doesn’tsoundlikeitwasappreciated,andwhenyoutalkaboutityoudon’tlookhappy.”

Sheshookherheadindenial.“BeingCallie’smamaisthebestthinginmylife—it’sthelightinit.RichardworkedsoIcouldstayhomewithher.Alotofmotherswhowanttocan’t,soIshouldbegratefulheprovidedforus.”

“There’sthatwordagain.”

Shefeltsickinside,withathinlayerofshamecoatingit.“Dowehavetotalkaboutthis?”

“Youwantmetoforgiveyouforrunningoff—andthatIcould—buttoforgiveyouforcuttingmeoff,forstayingaway,fornotbeingthereformewhenImostneededyou.Butyou’reskirtingaroundthetruthofit.”

Shewasbecausethecenterwassodarkandsticky.The

noiseofvoicesanddishesthathadseemedfestiveandfunwhenshe’dcomeinnowpoundedagainstherhead.

Herthroatfeltsopainfullydryshewishedshe’daskedforwater.Butshepushedthewordsout.

“Ididn’thavethemoneybecauseifImanagedtotuckathousanddollarsaway,he’dfindit,andhe’dtakeit.Toinvest,he’dsay,becauseIdidn’thaveaheadformoney.

Ihadchargeaccounts,didn’tI,ifIwantedtobuyclothesorsomeothertoyoroutfittospoilCalliewithsoIdidn’tneedcashmoney.AndwhatwasIcomplainingabout,Ihadsomeonetocleantheplace,someonetohelpwithCallie,someonetocookbecauseIdidn’tknowanythingbutcountrycooking.Ishouldbegrateful.AndIcouldn’ttakeofftoTennesseeeverytime

somebodydiedorgotmarriedorhadabirthday.Heneededhiswifehome.”

“Hecutyouofffromyourfamily,yourfriends.Hewhittledyourworldrightdown,didn’the,andhammeredatyoutobegratefulforit.”

Hehad,ofcoursehehad.Shehadn’tseenithappeningbecauseitwassogradual—untilitwasjustherlife.

“SometimesIthoughthe

hatedme,buthedidn’t.Hedidn’tfeelthatmuchforme.Thefirstfewmonths,eventhefirstyear,itwasexcitingandfull,andhemademefeelsospecial.Ilethimruneverything.Iwasalongfortheride,andIwascarryingCallieandsohappyaboutit.Aftershecame,he...itwasdifferent.”

Shetookabreath,letherselfsettleintoit.

“Ithoughtitwas

different,”shesaidslowly,“becauseababychangesthings.Heneverpaidmuchattentiontoher,andifIsaidanythingaboutthat,he’dgetangryoractinsulted.Hewasmakingsureshehadagoodlife,wasn’the?Ididn’twanttotravelsomuchwiththebaby,andhedidn’tpush.Sohewasgonealot.Sometimeshe’dcomebackandthingswouldbegoodforawhile,sometimesnotsogood.I

neverknewwhichitwasgoingtobe.Icouldn’tanticipatehowitwasgoingtobe,soItriedtomakesureeverythingwasthewayhelikedit.Iwantedmygirltohaveapeaceful,happyhome.Thatwasthemostimportantthing.”

“Butyouweren’thappy.”“ItwasthelifeI’dmade,

EmmaKate.ThechoicesI’dmade.”

“Youchosetobeabused.”

Herspinewentstiffandhard.“HeneverlaidahandonmeorCallieinanger.”

“You’resmartenoughtoknowthat’snottheonlykindofabuse.”

Thoughhertonewasbrisk,no-nonsense,shekeptitlow,undertheotherchatter.Eveninanoisyrestaurantpeopleoftenheardwhatyou’drathertheydidn’t.

“Hemadeyoufeelless,feelsmallandstupidand

obliged.Andhecutyouoffasmuchashecouldfrompeoplewho’dmakeyoufeelwholeandspecialandreallyhappy.AndfromwhatI’mhearing,heusedCallietokeepyouinline.”

“Maybehedid.He’sdeadnow,soit’soverwith.”

“Wouldyouhavestayedwithhim,juststayedlivinglikethat?”

Frowning,Shelbyranafingeraroundtherimofher

glass.“Ithoughtaboutdivorce—I’dbethefirstinourfamily,andthatwasaweight.ButIthoughtaboutit,especiallywhenhewentonthislasttrip.Itwassupposedtobethethreeofus,afamilyvacation.Afewdaysinthewarm,butwhenCalliegotsickandwecouldn’tgo,hewentanyway.HeleftusintheawfulhousethedayafterChristmas,whereIdidn’tknowasoul,andourgirlwas

runningafever.”Nowshelookedup,and

someofthebottledragegleamedout.“Hedidn’tevensaygoodbyetoher,incaseshewascontagious,hesaid.Ithought,Hedoesn’tloveher.It’sokayifhedoesn’tloveme,buthedoesn’tloveourdaughter,andshedeservesbetter.Shedamnwelldeservesbetter.Ithoughtaboutadivorce,butIdidn’thavemoneyforalawyer,and

Ithoughthehadsomuchmoneyhemightgoaheadandgetthedivorce,andwhatifhetookCallietospiteme?Iwasthinkingwhattodo,howIcoulddoit,whentheycametothehouse,thepolice.Theysaidthere’dbeenanaccidentdowninSouthCarolina,theboat,andRichardwasmissing.”

Shepickedupthewinenow.“He’dcalledinanSOS,saidhewastakingonwater,

andtheenginehadgoneout.Theyweretalkingtohim,gettingthe—whatdoyoucallit?—bearingsorheadingsorwhateveritis,sendingoutarescueboat,buttheyhadlostcontact.

“Theyfoundtheboat,allwrecked,andtheysearchedforhim,foralmostaweek.Theyfoundsomeofhisthings.Hiswindbreaker,alltornup,andoneofhisshoes.Justone.Theyfoundoneof

thelifepreservers.Theysaidtheboatcapsized,andhegotwashedawayandlikelydrowned.SoIdidn’thavetothinkaboutgettingadivorce.”

“Ifyoufeelguiltyaboutthat,youarestupid.”

“Istoppedbeingguiltyaboutit.”

“There’salotmore,isn’tthere?”

“There’smore,butcanthisbeenoughfornow?Just

enoughforrightnow?”Needingthecontact,shereachedovertogripEmmaKate’shand.“I’msorryforhurtingyou,andI’msorryfornotbeingstrongenoughtostandupforwhatIknewwasrightandbest.Ijust...God,Ineedsomewater.”Sheglancedaroundforthewaitress,thenpushedoutofthebooth.“Wait!”

Whensherushedoff,skirtingaroundtables,trying

togetthroughthecrowdatthebar,EmmaKategotuptofollow.

“Areyousick?Thebathroomsaretheotherway.”

“No.IthoughtIsawsomebody.”

“AlotofsomebodiesinhereonWingNight.”

“No,somebodyfromPhiladelphia.ThisprivatedetectivewhocamelookingforRichard.”

“Privatedetective?Thatis

more.”“Couldn’thavebeenhim.

Noreasonforit.It’sjusttalkingsomuchaboutRichard,andthinkingaboutallofit.Idon’twanttothinkaboutitanymorerightnow.Iwantitoffmymindforrightnow.”

“Allright.”“Canwejusttalkabout

somethingelse?EvenMelodyandJolene,Idon’tcare.Anythingelse.”

“BonnieJoFarnsworth’sgettingadivorce.ShemarriedLesWickettinabig,fancyweddingnottwoyearsago.”

“Iheardaboutthat.She’stakenupwithBoydKatteryagain,andthey’reinFloridamaybecookingmethwithhiscousins.”

“Soyou’regettingbackintheloop.Let’sgositbackdown.IwantanotherbeersinceI’mnotdriving.”

Grateful,Shelbywalked

backwithher.“Youliveclose.”

“WeliveinoneoftheapartmentsoverMountainTreasuressoIleftmycarparkedandwalkedover.Letmefindthewaitressand...ohhell.”

“What?”“MattandGriffjustcame

in.Igotcaughtup.IwassupposedtotextMattifIdecidedIdidn’twanthimtocomeinandgivemean

excusetoditchyou.SinceIdidn’t,we’regoingtohavetheboysaroundsoIwon’tbeabletopryanymoreoutofyouonceyourelaxagain.”

“IsitenoughthatI’vetoldyoumorethananyonebutGranny?”

“It’lldofornow.”EmmaKatesmiled,wavedherhand.

“YourMatt’sawfulcute.”“Hereallyis.Andreally

goodwithhishands.”AsShelbychokedouta

laugh,Mattworkedhiswaythrough.HehookedhisreallygoodhandsunderEmmaKate’selbows,liftedheroffherfeet,kissedher.“There’smygirl.”Hesetheronherfeet,turnedtoShelby.“Andyou’reShelby.”

“It’snicetomeetyou.”“Reallyhappytomeet

you.Youtwoweren’tleaving,wereyou?”

“Justheadingbacktothetable,”EmmaKatetoldhim.

“I’mreadyforanotherround.”

“Thisone’sonGriff.”“TwoBlackBears.Ithink

I’mgoingforaBombardier.What’llyouhave,Shelby?”

“Iwasjustafteraglassofwater.”

“Idon’tknowifIcanaffordthat,butI’lldigdeepsinceit’syou.”

“I’mdriving,”Shelbysaidasanexplanationastheymaneuveredbacktothe

booth.“We’renot.”Mattsaidit

cheerfully,drapedanarmaroundEmmaKate’sshoulderswhentheysat.“Andwehadareallygoodday.PutinalittleOTatyourmother’s,hon,andthecountertop’sdone.”

“How’dshelikeit?”“Shedidn’tlikeit.She

lovedit.Toldyoushewould.”

“Youhavemorefaith,and

lessexperience,withMama’swafflingways.”

“Isawthekitchentheotherday,whensomeofthecabinetswerein,”ShelbytoldMatt.“Italreadylookedwonderful.Youdonicework.”

“Ilikeyourfriend.Shehasexcellenttasteandaverygoodeye.Howdoyoulikebeingbackhome?”

“Itfeelsgood,andright.It’sabigchangeforyoufrom

Baltimore.”“Icouldn’tletthisoneget

away.”“Thatshowsyouhave

excellenttasteandaverygoodeye.”

“We’lldrinktothatwhenGriffgetsbackwiththebeer.Hesaidyourdaughter’scuteastheycome.”

“Ithinkso.”“WhendidGriffsee

Callie?”EmmaKatewondered.

“Oh,hegavemearidehomethisafternoonwhenIfoundmyselfcartingthreegrocerybagsandCallieonfoot.Ihadabrainfreezeinthemarket.She’ssmittenwithhim.”

“Soundedlikehewassmittenwithher.So...”Smiling,MatttwirledalockofEmmaKate’shairaroundhisfinger.“Nowthatwe’resuchgoodfriends,tellmesomethingembarrassing

aboutEmmaKatehermotherwouldn’tknowabout.IthinkI’veworkedmostoftheembarrassingstoriesoutofBitsy.”

“Oh,Icouldn’tdothat.Icouldn’ttellyouaboutthetimeshestoletwocansofBudweiseroutofherdaddy’ssix-pack,andwesneakedoutofthehouseanddrankthemuntilshegotsickinhermother’shydrangeas.”

“Sick?Hydrangeasickon

onecanofBud?”“Wewerefourteen.”

EmmaKatenarrowedhereyesatShelby,buttherewasalaughinthem.“AndShelbywassicker.”

“Iwas.IchuggeditdownasfastasIcouldbecausethetastewassohardandsourtome,thenIsickeditallbackupagain.Ineverdidacquireagenuinetasteforbeer.”

“Shedoesn’tlikebeer?”Griffsetthepilsnersinfront

ofhisfriends,aglassofwaterwithasliceoflimeinfrontofShelby,thenslidinbesideherwithhisowndrink.“ThatmayaffectmyplansforplayinguptoyousoIcanenlistyourhelpinrunningoffwithViola.”

“He’snotaltogetherkidding.”Mattliftedhisglass.“Well,tofriends,evenwhentheydon’thavethegoodsensetodrinkbeer.”

•••

PRIVETSATOUTinhiscarmakingnotes.He’dparkedacrossthestreetfromwhereShelbyhadleftherminivan.Itseemedtohimtheyoungwidowwasenjoyingherself,havingaglassofwinewithanoldfriend.Shewasn’tquiteasobliviousashe’dthought,asshe’dnearlyspottedhim.

Nowitlookedlikeshewas

havingadoubledateinthelocalbarandgrill.

Andstillshe’dmadenosuspiciousmoves,washardlytossingmoneyaround.

Maybeshe’dhadnothingtodowithit,afterall.Maybeshedidn’tknowanything.

OrmaybeshewassmartenoughtosittightinNowhere,Tennessee,untilshethoughtthecoastwasclear.Consideringwhatwasatstake,hecouldgiveita

fewmoredays.Forhiscutofnearlythirty

million,hecouldsparethetime.

hehadfun,grown-upfun,normal-night-out-with-peoplefun.She

sawglimmersofheroldfriendshipwithEmmaKatebreakthrough,anditgaveherhopethatitwouldbeam

brightagain.Seeingaman,andhe

seemedlikeagoodman,besotted—thatwasthewordthatcametohermind—overherfriendmadeherglowalittle.

Shelikedthewaytheylookedtogether,easyandcomfortablebutwithsomesparksoverthefamiliarity.She’dseenherfriendinlovebefore,butwiththeteenageangstanddramaandwonder

thatflamedlikeacometoveranightsky,andwasasquicklylostfromview.Whatshesawherestruckherasrealandgrounded,agood,sturdysaplingsinkingroots.

IfthelostyearscamehometohernotonlyinthewayEmmaKatefitwithMatt,buttheconnectionbetweenherandGriff,theobviousbrotherhoodbetweenhimandMatt,shecouldbegratefultheyopenedthatvery

tightunittoincludeherforanevening.

MaybeshehadtoworksometostayrelaxedsittingnexttoGriff—prettymuchhiptohipinthelittlebooth.Ithadbeensolongsinceshe’dbeenincloseproximitywithaman,whichexplainedtheoccasionalbellyflutters.Buthemadeconversationeasy—theyalldid.AndGoditfeltgoodnottotalkaboutherselfandherproblemsforanhour.

Shenursedherwatertomakeitalllast.

“Idon’tthinkthingshavechangedsomuchintheRidgethatitcould’vebeeneasytostartupanewbusiness,especiallysinceyou’renot...local.”

MattgrinnedatShelbyacrossthetable.“YoumeanforusYankees.”

“Thatwouldbeafactor.Butyoudohavethecutestaccent,”shesaid,andmade

himlaugh.“Ithelpswe’regood,andI

meandamngood.Thenthere’stheEmmaKatefactor.”Hegavehershaggyhairatug.“SomepeoplewerecuriousenoughabouttheYankeetheirownEmmaKatehookedupwithtohireusforsomeoddjobs.”

“Painting,”Griffcommented.“Ithoughtwe’dneverstoppainting.ThenEmmaKate’sfathergaveusa

boostwhenatreefellontheHallisterhouse.Theycalledhiminfortheroof,andhenudgedthemtousfortherest.Theirbadluckwasourgood.”

“ThatHallisterboy’sfamily?”Shelbywondered.“TheonemycousinLark’sgluedto?”

“That’stheone,”EmmaKateconfirmed.“AndGrannygavethemanotherlift.”

“Didshe?”“ShehiredDeweyTrake

andhiscrewoutofMaryvilletodotheRelaxationRoomatthedayspa,andfinishoffthelittlepatio.Somethisandthat,”EmmaKatecontinued.

“WhataboutMr.Curtis?Healwaysdidherwork.”

“Heretiredabouttwoyearsback,andevenGrannycouldn’tcoaxhimouttotakethisoneon.SoshehiredTrake,butthatdidn’tlasttwo

weeks.”“Shoddywork.”Griff

tippedbackhisbeer.“Overpriced,”Mattadded.“Grannythoughtso,and

firedhim.”“Ihappenedtobeinthere

atthetime.”Griffpickedupthestory,thateasyrhythm.“Man,shelitintohim.He’dhadaboutfourdaysonthejobandwasalreadyrunningbehind,makingnoisesaboutoverrunsanddelays.Alotof

bullshit,basically.Shehandedhimhisass,andtoldhimnottoletthedoorhititonthewayout.”

“SoundslikeGranny.”“That’swhenIfellfor

her.”Griffletoutasigh,endingitonwhatShelbywouldtermadreamysmile.“Somethingaboutawomanwhocanhandsomebodytheirassjustdoesitforme.Anyway,nottoletanopportunityslide—”

“DeweyTrake’sbadluckbeingyourgood.”

“Exactly.Iaskedherifshe’dletmetakealook.”

“Griff’sourcommunityliaison,”Mattsaid.

“AndMatthandlestheaccounting.Itworks.Itookalook,askedtoseetheplans,toldherIcouldhaveanestimateforherbythenextmorning,butballparkeditforheronthespot.”

“Youwereelevenhundred

off,”Mattremindedhim.“Ballpark,onthespot.She

measuredmeup—you’veprobablybeenmeasuredupbyMizVi.”

“Countlesstimes,”Shelbyagreed.

“Fellalittledeeper,butrestrainedmyselffromaskinghertorunawaywithme.Timing’severything.Shesaidsomethinglike:‘Boy,IwantthisdonebeforeChristmasandIwantitdoneright.You

getmethatestimate,writtendownproper,firstthinginthemorning,andifIlikeit,bepreparedtostartworkthenandthere.’”

“Itakeitshelikedit.”“Shedid,andtherestis

history,”Griffclaimed.“Onceyougetthethumbs-uparoundherefromViolaDonahue,you’reprettywellset.”

“Itdidn’thurtthatGriffwentoutandsnappedupthat

oldhouse,anditsfourovergrown,trash-strewnacres,”Mattputin.“Itwasjustcrying,‘Buyme,Griff,comeon!I’vegottremendouspotential.’”

“Itreallydoes,”Shelbyagreed,andearnedaquick,flashinggrinfromGriffthathadthosebutterfliesswarmingagain.

“Youcan’tmissitifyouknowwheretolook.Alotofpeoplethought—probably

stillthink—Iwascrazy.”“Thatprobablygaveyou

anothernice,heftylift.WedoprizeourcrazyintheSouth.”

“Why,youknowthatyoungLottboyfromuptoBaltimore?”EmmaKatebegan.

“Hemaybeaddled,”Shelbyfinished,“buthe’shandy.”

ShesawForrestwanderin.Checkinguponme,shethought.Somethingsdidn’t

change.“Thelaw’scoming,”Griff

commentedasForrestwalkedovertothebooth.“Hey,Pomeroy.Isthisaraid?”

“Off-duty.I’mhereforthebeerandwildwomen.”

“Thisone’staken.”MattsqueezedalittleclosertoEmmaKate.“Butyoucanslideinandgetthebeer.”

“Beerfirst.”HenoddedtowardShelby’sglass.“Isthatwater?”

“Yes,Daddy.Didyoucomefromhome?IsCalliedoingallright?”

“Yes,Mama.Shehadabubblebathofepicproportions,talkedhergranddaddyintotwostories,andwassleepingwithFifiwhenIleft.Youwantanotherroundofwater?”

“Ishouldprobablygetback.”

“Relax.Anotherround?”heaskedtherestofthetable.

“I’dtakeaDietCokethistime,Forrest,”EmmaKatetoldhim.“I’vehadmyquota.”

Whenherbrotherwentofftoorderthedrinks,Shelbylookedaround.“Iknowwedidn’tcomeinhereallthatmuch,butIdon’trememberiteverdoingthiskindofbusiness.”

“YoushouldseeiteveryotherSaturdaynight.”Sincehehadanothercoming,Matt

drainedhisbeer.“Theyhaveliveentertainment.GriffandIaretalkingtoTansy—andshe’stalkingtoDerrick—aboutaddingon—biggerstage,dancefloor,secondbar.”

“Theycoulduseitforprivateparties.”NowGriffscannedtheroom.“Youkeepitallinlinewiththeoriginalarchitecture,makesureyou’vegotgoodacoustics,goodtrafficflow.They’d

havesomething.”“Drinksarecoming.”

Forrestslidinontheedgeofthebench.“How’sthatkitchengoingforMizBitsy?”

“Acouplemoredays,”Mattsaid,“we’reoutofthere.”

“Youknow,mymama’stalkingaboutdoingabigmasterbathoffthebedroom.Withasteamshower.”HenarrowedhiseyesatGriff.“Youdidknow.”

“Maybewe’vehadafewwordsaboutit.”

“It’sgoingtoeatupShelby’soldroom,andasshehasClay’snowandCallie’sgotmine,that’sallthebedroomsthereare.”

“Areyouplanningonmovingbackinwithyourparents?”

“No,butyouneverknow.”HeshotShelbyaglance.“Doyou?Soifshegetsherway—andshewill—andmy

circumstanceschange,I’llbemovingintoyourplace.”

“I’vegottheroom.YoustillonforSunday?”

“Youstillbuyingthebeer?”

“Iam.”“ThenI’llbethere.”“Griff’stakingoutanother

wallortwoattheoldTripplehornplace,”EmmaKatetoldShelby.

“DoyouthinkwhenI’velivedtheretwentyyearsit’ll

betheoldLottplace?”“No,”Forrestsaidflatly.

“Hey,Lorna,how’reyoudoingtonight?”

Thewaitressservedthedrinks.“I’mdoingjustfine,butI’dbedoingbetterifIwassittingdownherehavingadrinkwithallthesehandsomemen.”

ShesetShelby’swaterinfrontofher,bussedtheempties.“Youwatchoutforthisone,honey.”Shegave

Griffapokeontheshoulder.“Amanthischarmingcantalkawomanintomostanything.”

“I’msafeenough.He’spiningformygrandmother.”

Lornasetthetrayofemptiesonherhip.“YouVi’sgrandbaby?Ofcourseyouare,youlookjustlikeher,tothelife.Well,she’ssureontopoftheworldhavingyouhome.Youandyourlittlegirl.Iwasinthesalontoday,

andsheshowedmeapictureshetookwithherphoneofyourbabyafterVididherhairup.Shecouldn’tbeprettier.”

“Thankyou.”“Justgiveahollerifyou

needsomethingelse.Iheardyou,Prentiss!”shecalledoverhershoulderwhenanothertablehailedher.“Keepaneyeonhimanyway,”shesaidtoShelby.

“Idon’trememberher.

ShouldIrememberher?”“YourememberMiss

Clyde?”“IhadherforEnglish

literature,twelfthgrade.”“Sodidweall.Lorna’sher

sister.ShemovedherefromNashvilleaboutthreeyearsago.Herhusbanddroppedstonedeadfromaheartattackatfifty.”

“That’ssad.”“Theydidn’thaveany

kids,soshepackedup,came

heretolivewithhersister.”Forresttookasipofhisbeer.“DerricksaysTansy’shisrighthandaroundthisplaceandLorna’shisleft.DidyouseeTansy?”

“Idid.Ittookmemorethanaminutetorecognizeher.Mattsaidthey’rethinkingaboutaddingonhere,puttinginadancefloorandastageandasecondbar.”

“Nowyou’vedoneit,”EmmaKatesaidasthetalk

turnedtodemolitionandmaterials.“It’llbenothingbutconstructiontalknow.”

Shelikedtheconstructiontalk,andtheextrahalfhourshetooktositwithherbrother.

“Thiswasnice,butI’vegottogeton.”

“I’llwalkyououttoyourcar,”Griffbeganasheslidovertoletherout.

“Don’tbesilly.Ithinkmybrotherkeepsthestreetsof

theRidgesafeenough.Youcantakemyseat,”shetoldForrest,“spreadoutalittle.”

“I’lldojustthat.Whydon’tyoutextmewhenyougethome?”

Shestartedtolaugh,sawhewasserious.“HowaboutItextyouifIhaveanytroublegettinghome,alloneandahalfmilesofit?’Night,everybody.Thanksforthedrink,Griff.”

“Itwaswater.”

“I’llseeifIcandomoredamagenexttime.”

Shewalkedouthappy.Happyenoughtorollthewindowsdowndespitethechill,turntheradioupandsingalong.Shedidn’tnoticethecarpullingoutafterherandfollowingherthatmileandahalf.

Insidethebar,Forrestswitchedseats.“Walkhertohercar?”

Griffstudiedhisbeer.

“Yoursister’shot.”“Don’tmakemepunch

you.”“Youcanpunchme,but

she’llstillbehot.”Forrestdecidedtoignore

him,shiftedhisfocustoEmmaKate.“Itlookslikeyoutwomadethingsup.”

“Wegotastartonit.”“Howmuchdidyouget

outofher?”“Enoughtobedamnsure

thatdeadhusbandofherswas

asonofabitch.Youfiguredhewas,Forrest.”

“Yeah,Ifiguredhewas.”Forrest’seyeschilled;hismouththinned.“Couldn’tdoagoddamnthingaboutit.”

“Whatkindofasonofabitch?”Griffdemanded.

“Thekindthatmadeherfeelstupidandsmallandkepthismoneyinatightfist.”Theangryheatshe’dbankeddownflashedoutnow.“Thekindwholikelyhadaffairs

whileshewashometakingcareofthebaby—thebabyIgottheclearimpressionhedidn’tpaymuchmindto.Andthere’smoretoit,Iknowthere’smore.Shedidn’tletitallouttonight.”

EmmaKatetookalongbreath.“Iswear,ifhehadn’tgottenhimselfkilled,I’dbeholdingyourcoatwhileyoukickedhisass,Forrest,oryou’dbeholdingmine.”

“Sheshould’vedonesome

ass-kickingherself.”“Ibetnobody’severmade

youfeelstupidorsmall.”Griffshookhishead.Hethoughtofthosesadeyes,andthebright,flirtatiouslittlegirl.

Hisangerwentonsimmer.Itcouldboilup—long,slowandrolling.Ifandwhenitboiledover,itscaldedtothebone.

“Mysisterwashookedupwithaguyforawhile.

Passive-aggressive,manipulativefucker.Hetwistedherupprettygood,andheonlyhadafewmonthstodoit.Nokidinvolved.Peoplelikethat,theystartoffmakingyoufeellikeyou’rethemostamazingthingontheplanet,you’reperfect,they’reluckytohaveyouintheirlife.Thentheystartchippingaway,alittleatatime.Gotonhertoloseweight,andmysisisnopudge.”

“She’snot,”Forrestagreed.“I’vemether.Yoursister’shot.”

“Wellplayed.ThisjerkwasalloverJolie.Whydidn’tshedosomethingwithherhair?Ifshecouldn’taffordabettersalonsinceshe’sstuckworkinginsomedead-endjob,he’dpayforit.Histreat.”

“Kickandkiss,”Mattsaid.“Irememberthatguy.WhenJoliefinallybrokeitoff,Griffbaitedhimintotakinga

swing.”“Ineededtogetapunch

in,andthatwayIcouldsayhethrewthefirst.”

“It’sstillassault.”“Shutup,Deputy,itwas

worthit.”“Shelbywasalwaysso...

what’stheword?”Forrestmuttered.

“Vibrant,”EmmaKatesupplied.“Shewentafterthings.Shewouldn’twalkoversomebodytogetit,but

she’dgohead-to-headwithyou.Andifyoutriedwalkingoverherorsomebodyelse,especiallysomebodyelse?”ShepausedtoglanceatGriff.“Yougotyourasshandedtoyou.”

“She’sstillvibrant.Youtwodon’tseeitmaybebecauseyou’veknownherallyourlives.ButIseeit.”

EmmaKatecockedherheadatGriff.“Why,GriffinLott.Shelbysaidherlittlegirl

wassmittenwithyou.Areyousmittenwiththemama?”

“Herbrother’ssittingrighthere,andhe’salreadythreatenedtopunchme.”

“She’dbeyourtype,”Mattputin.

“Mytype?”“Becauseyoudon’thavea

type,aslongasshe’sfemale.”

“Herbrother’ssittingrighthere,”Griffrepeated,andappliedhimselftohisbeer.

•••

SHELBYKEPTTHEPLAYDATEintheparkandenjoyeditnearlyasmuchasCallie.Bestofall,sheandChelsea’smothermadeanarrangement.TraceywouldwatchthegirlsforafewhourswhileShelbyransomeerrandsthenextday,andtwodayslater,Shelbywoulddothesameforher.

Everybodywonalittlesomething.

Andmaybe,shethoughtassheonceagainexaminedherwardrobe,she’dnetherselfatleastapart-timejob.

Sheoptedforadress—simplelinesinpaleyellowforspring—andagoodpairofnudepumps,withashortwhitejackettosetitoff.

Shepulledherhairbackintoatail,fastenedonearringswithlittlepearldrops.Costume,asshe’dhadthemsincecollege,butpretty

andrightfortheoutfit.Withhermotherbackat

work,sheandCalliehadthehousetothemselves,andshedidn’thavetoexplainshewasgearingupforajobhunt.Ifshegotluckyandlandedone,she’dpresentitallasafaitaccompli.

Ifshegotajobandsoldthehouse?She’ddohandspringsupanddownHighStreetinfrontofGodandeverybody.

“Mama’spretty.”“Callie’sprettier.”Shelby

glancedoverwhereCalliesatonthebed,methodicallystrippingtheclothesofftwoBarbiedolls.

“Baby,whyareyourBarbiedollsnaked?”

“TheyneedtochangeclothesforChelsea’shouse.ChelseahasakittynamedSnowWhite.CanIhaveakitty?”

NowShelbylookeddown

attheolddogwhosnoredatthefootofthebed.“AndhowdoyouthinkClancywouldfeelaboutthat?”

“Hecouldplaywiththekitty.Mykitty’sname’sFiona,likeShrek.CanIhaveakitty,please,Mama?Andapuppy.Iwantapuppymost.”

“Itellyouwhat,whenwegetahouseofourown,we’llseeaboutgettingakitty.”

“Andapuppy,too!Thepuppy’snameisDonkey,like

Shrek.”“We’llseeaboutthat.”Richardhadhadano-pet

policy.Well,whenshehadahouseforCallie,they’dhaveadogandacat.

“Andapony!”“Nowyou’repushingit,

CallieRose.”Butshescoopedherup,spunheraround.“IsMamareallyprettytoday?Iwanttolookmybesttoday.”

“Mama’sbeautiful.”

Shepressedhercheektoherdaughter’s.“Callie,you’remybestthingintheworld.”

“IsittimetogotoChelsea’shouse?”

“Justabout.Youdressthosedolls,thenwecanputthemintheCalliebagandtakethemtoChelsea’shouse.”

Onceshe’ddroppedCallieoff,chattedwithTracey,sheheadedstraightintotown.

Shewascapable,shetoldherself.Shewassmartenoughtolearn.Sheevenknewalittleaboutart,andsheknew—orhadknown—someofthelocalartistsandcraftspeople.Itmadeperfectsensetotrytowrangleapart-timejobatTheArtfulRidge.

Aftersheparked,shesatforamoment,gatheringherself.

Don’tactdesperate.Ifworsecomestoworst,buy

something.Shecoulddothis.Fixingasmileonherface,

ignoringthechurninginherbelly,shegotoutofthecar,strolleddownthesidewalk,andintoTheArtfulRidge.

Oh,itwaspretty—she’dlovetospendtimehere.Itsmelledofscentedcandlesandglowedwithnaturallight.Shesawhalfadozenthingsataglanceshe’dbehappytohaveinherownhome,onceshegotone.

Wrought-ironcandlesticks,paleblueblown-glasswineglasses,apaintingofamountainstreamonamistymorning,along,sinuousjarthecoloroftopcreampolishedlikeglass.

Tracey’spottery,too—andshelovedthetulip-shapedstackingbowls.

Glassshelvessparkled,andwhiletheoldwoodfloorcreakedalittle,itheldasubtlegleam.

Thegirlwhocamearoundthecountercouldn’thavebeenmorethantwentyandworeahalfdozencolorfulstudsaroundthecurveofherear.

Notincharge,Shelbythought,butmaybeagateway.

“Goodmorning.AnythingIcanhelpyouwithtoday?”

“It’sjustbeautifulinhere.”

“Thankyou!Wecarry

localartistsandartisans.Therearesomanytalentedpeopleinthearea.”

“Iknowit.Oh,that’soneofmycousin’spaintings.Asetofthem.”Shesteppedovertoagroupingoffoursmallwatercolors.

“You’reacousintoJesslynPomeroy?”

“Iam,onmydaddy’sside.I’mShelbyPomeroy.Foxworthnow.”

Whoyourpeoplewere

mattered,Shelbyknew,andcouldbeanothergateway.“She’smyuncleBartlet’smiddledaughter.We’reallsoproudofher.”

“WesoldoneofherpaintingsjustlastSaturdaytoamanfromWashington,D.C.”

“Isn’tthatwonderful?CousinJessie’sartonsomebody’swallinWashington,D.C.”

“Areyouvisitingthe

Ridge?”“Iwasbornandraised

here,andwhileI’vebeenawayafewyears,I’vemovedbackhome.Justafewdaysago,actually.I’vebeensettlingin.Thefactis,I’dliketofindsomepart-timework.Itwouldbejustlovelytoworkinashoplikethis,withmycousin’sartrightthere.

“AndTraceyLee’s,”sheadded,asitneverhurtto

knowpeople.“Herlittlegirlandminehavebecomebestfriendsalready.”

“Wecan’tkeepTracey’scoffeemugsontheshelf.Theyjustflyoutofhere.MysisterTate’smarriedtoRobbie’s—that’sTracey’shusband—toRobbie’scousinWoody.They’relivingupinKnoxville.”

“WouldthatbeTateBrown?”

“That’sright.It’s

Bradshawnow,butthat’smysister.YouknowTate?”

“Ido.ShedatedmybrotherClayforatimewhentheywereinhighschool.Soshe’smarriedandlivinginKnoxville?”

Gateways,Shelbythought,astheychattedaboutfamilyconnections.

“We’rejuststartingtolookforsomeextrahelp,fortheseason.Wouldyouliketotalktothemanageraboutit?”

“Iwould,thankyou.”“Justgivemeaminute.

Browsearoundifyoulike.”“Iwill.”Infact,assoonas

thegirlwasoutofsight,Shelbycheckedthepriceonthetalljar.Wincedalittle.Afairprice,sheimagined,butalittleoutofherreachrightnow.

She’dmakeitagoal.Whenthegirlcameback

momentslater,thefriendlyhaddrainedoutofhereyes,

andhertonewascool.“Youcangoonuptothe

office.I’llshowyou.”“Thankyou.Itmustbe

nice,”Shelbycontinuedastheywalkedtothebackoftheshop.Hererusticwoodencasesandshelvesheldpotteryandtextiles.“Workingaroundalltheseprettythings.”

“Yougorightupthestairshere,it’sthefirstdooryoucometo.It’sopen.”

“Thanksagain.”Shewentupthesturdy

stairs,turnedintoaroombackedwiththreenarrowwindowsthatopeneduptoaviewoftheRidgeandtheriseofthehills.

Herewasartandprettythingsaswell,asweetchairwithcurvylegsdoneindeepblue,andawonderfulolddeskrefinishedsotheoakshonegold.Avaseofredrosesandbaby’sbreathstood

onit,alongwithacomputerandaphone.

Ittookheronlyamomenttofocusinonthewomanbehindthedesk—andunderstandtheabruptchangeintheclerk’sdemeanor.

“Why,hello,Melody.Ihadnoideayouworkedhere.”

“Imanagethegallery.Mygrandmamaboughtitjustaboutayearagoandaskedmetogetitinshapeforher.”

“Well,fromwhatIsee,you’vedoneawonderfuljobofit.”

“Thankyou.Youhavetodowhatyoucanforfamily,don’tyou?Andlookatyou.”Sherosethen,acurvywomaninafitteddressofrosypink.Herblondhairfellinalong,softwavetohershoulders,sweepingaroundaheart-shapedfacewithporelessskinglowingfromanexperthandwithbronzeroragood

self-tanner.ShelbyknewMelody

wouldneverexposeherfacetothesunandrisklinesandspots.

Hereyes,achillyblue,flickedoverShelbyasshewalkedover,movedinforacheekbump.

“Youhaven’tchangedabit,haveyou!Mygoodness,thishumiditythat’smovinginmustplayhavocwithyourhair.”

“Ithelpstohaveeasyaccesstogoodsalonproducts.”Yourscouldusearoottouch-up,shethought,asnoonemadeherhacklespricklefasterthanMelodyBunker.

“I’msureitdoes.Iheardyouwereback.It’sjusttragicaboutyourhusband,Shelby.Justtragic.Youhaveallmysympathy.”

“Thankyou,Melody.”“Andbackwhereyou

startednow,aren’tyou?Livingbackwithyourmama,aren’tyou?Oh,please,haveaseat.”Melodyleanedahipbackonthedesk,holdingthehigherground,thepositionofpower.“Andhowareyou,Shelby?”

“I’mfine.I’mhappytobehomeagain.How’syourmama,Melody?”

“Oh,she’sdoingfine.We’regoingtoMemphisinacoupleweeks,havingafew

days,doingsomeshopping,stayingatthePeabody,ofcourse.”

“Ofcourse.”“Youknowhowharditis

tofinddecentclothesaroundhere,sowetrytogetintoMemphiseveryseason.Ihavetoadmit,IneverthoughttoseeyoubackintheRidge,butbeingawidow,youmustneedthecomfortoffamily.”

“Theyareacomfort.”“ButIsurewassurprised

whenKellycameupandsaidyouweredownstairsandaskingaboutwork,whatwithallthetalkabouthowwelloffyouwere,landingyourselfarichhusband.Andyouhaveadaughter,don’tyou?”

Thoseblueeyessparklednow,butitwasn’twithfriendshiporcamaraderie.“Somesaythathelpedwiththelanding.”

“I’msuretheydo,assomewillsayallmannerof

unattractivethingsjusttoheartheirownvoice.I’dliketowork,”Shelbysaidsimply.

“I’dsureliketohelpyouout,Shelby,butworkinghereatTheArtfulRidgetakescertainrequirements.Idon’tsupposeyou’veeverworkedacashregisterinyourlife.”

Melodyknewverywellshehad,atthesalon.

“IranonesinceIwasfourteen,weekendsandsummersatmy

grandmother’ssalon.Iwasassistantmanagerofthebookstoreincollege—UniversityofMemphis,ifyoucan’trecall.Thatwasafewyearsago,butI’msureIcouldgetreferencesifyouneedthem.Iknowhowtoworkaregister,acomputer,Iknowmostofthebasicsoftwares.”

“Afamilybeautyparlorandacollegebookstoredon’tgiveyoumuchofa

foundationforanupscaleshowplaceofartsandcrafts.Anddoyouknowhowtosell?Workingabookstoreincollege?Why,thatsortofthingsellsitself,doesn’tit?Wecarryasuperiorrangeofart,alotofitexclusivetous.We’realandmarkinthistownnow.Inthecounty,cometothat.Andwe’vegotareputation.”

“I’msurethereputation’searned,consideringwhatyou

showcasehere,andhowyoudisplayit.ThoughI’dhavetakenthosecane-backchairsfromthefrontandputthematthatburlwoodtableintheback,donesomethinginterestingonthetablewiththepotterydishesandsomewineglasses,someofthetextiles.”

“Oh,wouldyou?”Sheonlysmiledatthe

frigidtone.“Iwould,butthat’sme.AndIcansayso

becauseyoudon’thaveanyintentionofgivingmeajob.”

“Iwouldn’tthinkofit.”Withanod,Shelbyrose.

“That’syourloss,Melody,becauseI’dhavebeenanassettoyourgrandmother’sbusinesshere.Iappreciatethetime.”

“Whydon’tyougoovertoVi’s?I’msureyourgrandmothercouldfindyouworkthere,suitedtoyourskillsandexperience.Shehas

toneedsomeonesweepingupandwashingoutthesinks.”

“Youthinkthat’sbeneathme?”Shelbyangledherhead.“I’mnotsurprised,Melody,notatallsurprised.Youhaven’tchangedsincehighschool,andstillholdingagrudgebecausetheyputthatHomecomingcrownonmyheadinsteadofyours.That’sawfulsad.It’sjustawfulsadyourlifehasn’tgottenanyricherormoresatisfying

sincehighschool.”Shewalkedout,headup,

starteddown.“Iwassecond-runner-up

MissTennessee!”Shelbyglancedback,

smiledatMelody,whostood,handsonhips,atthetopofthestairs.“Blessyourheart,”shesaid,andcontinueddown,andstraightout.

Shewantedtoshake.Shewasn’tsureifitwasangerorhumiliation,butshewanted

toshake.Walkitoff,sheorderedherself,andcrossedthestreet.

Herfirstinstinctwastogotothesalon,ventitallout,butsheturnedsharply,headedforthebarandgrill.

MaybeTansycoulduseanotherwaitressatBootlegger’s.

Runningonthatangerandhumiliation,shebangedonthedoor.Maybetheydidn’topenforanotherhalfhour,

butsomebody,byGod,wasinthere.

Onhersecondseriesofbangings,thedooropened.Thetough-lookingguyinaT-shirtwithcut-offsleevesthatshowedoffarmswithmusclescarvedlikeamountainrangegaveheronehardlookoutofeyesblackasonyx.

“We’renotopenuntileleven-thirty.”

“Iknowthat.Itsaysso

clearenough.I’mlookingforTansy.”

“Whywouldthatbe?”“Thatwouldbemy

business,so...”Shebrokeoff,boredownonherself.“I’msorry—Iapologize.I’mupsetandI’mbeingrude.I’mShelby,afriendofTansy’s.I’dliketotalktoheraminuteifshe’saround.”

“Shelby.I’mDerrick.”“Oh,Tansy’shusband.It’s

nicetomeetyou,Derrick,

andIreallyamsorryforbeingrude.I’veembarrassedmyself.”

“Bygones.It’sclearyou’reupset.Comeonin.”

Acoupleofwaitstaffdidsetupsonthetables.IntherelativequietShelbyheardkitchennoises,raisedvoices.

“Whydon’tyouhaveaseatatthebar?I’llgetTansy.”

“Thankyou.Iwon’ttakemuchtime.”

Shesat,triedtofallbackontheyogabreathingshe’dpracticedwhenshe’dtakenclassesinAtlanta.Itdidn’thelp.

Tansycamein,allsmiles.“I’msogladyoucameby.Wedidn’treallyhavetimetotalklastnight.”

“IwasrudetoyourDerrick.”

“Shewasn’tthatrude,andshe’salreadyapologizedtwice.Wantadrink?”he

askedher.“I—”“HowaboutaCoke?”

Tansysaid.“God,yes.Thanks.I’m

repeatingmyself,butI’msorry.IjusthadalittlealtercationwithMelodyBunker.”

Tansyslidontoastool.“WantsomethingstrongerthanaCoke?”

“I’mtempted,butnothanks.Iwentoverthereto

seeifIcouldgetapart-timejob.IwishIdidn’tliketheplacesomuch.It’sjustwonderful,andhassuchagoodfeelaboutit.UntilIwentupstairsandtalkedtoMelody.Shewasasbitingasanestofrattlers,Iswear.Wouldn’tyouthinkshe’dletgoofhighschool?”

“Hertypeneverletsgoofanything.I’mtheonewho’ssorry.Isentyouoverthere.Ididn’tthinkaboutMelody—I

trynotto.”TansysentDerrickasmile

whenheputagingeraleinfrontofher.“Thanks,baby.Melody’sonlyintheretwoorthreehoursaday,andonlyafewdaysoutoftheweek.Otherwiseshe’sofftosomeclubmeetingorgettinghernailsdone,orhavinglunchupatthebigrestaurant.It’sRoseanne,theassistantmanager,whoreallyrunstheplace.”

“Whoeverrunsit,Melodywouldburnittothegroundbeforeshehiredmeon.Thankyou,”shesaidtoDerrickwhenhesettheCokeinfrontofher.“I’msureI’mgoingtolikeyoubecauseyouhavesuchgoodtasteinwives.AndIloveyourplace.Ihadthebesttimeherelastnight.Oh,andcongratulationsonthebaby.”

“Thataboutcoversit.Ialreadylikeyou.”Hepoured

himselfafizzywater.“Tansy’stoldmeaboutyou,andhowyou’dtakeupforherwhensomebodylikethatbitchacrossthestreetpickedonher.”

“Derrick,youshouldn’tcallherthat.”

“Sheisabitch,”Shelbysaid,anddrank.“AtleastIgavehersomeofherownback.It’sbeenawhilesinceI’vegivenanybodysomeoftheirownback.Anditfelt

damngood.Maybealittletoogood.”

“Youwerealwaysgoodatit.”

“WasI?”Calmer,Shelbysmiled,sipped.“Itsurecamebacktome.SmokewasspiralingoutofherearswhenIleft,sothat’ssomething.So,Iwon’tbeworkingthereintheforeseeablefuture.Iwonderifyouneedanyhelphere.Anotherwaitress,maybe?”

“Youwanttowaittables?”“Iwantajob.No,Ineeda

job,”Shelbyamended.“That’sthetruth.Ineedajob.I’mmakingtheroundstodaywhileTraceyLee’sgotmyCalliewithherChelsea.Ifyou’renothiring,that’sallright.I’vegotalistI’mgoingdown.”

“Haveyoueverdoneanywaitressing?”Derrickaskedher.

“I’veclearedplentyof

tables,servedplentyoffood.I’mnotafraidofhardwork.I’monlylookingforpart-timenow,but—”

“Waitressingisn’tforyou,Shelby,”Tansybegan.

“Allright.Thanksforlistening,andfortheCoke.”

“I’mnotdone.DerrickandI,we’vebeentalkingaboutaddingsomeentertainmentonFridaynights.Wehave,”sheinsistedwhenDerrickfrowned.

“Talkedaboutit,some.”“TwoSaturdaysamonth

wehavealiveband,andwedogood,strongbusiness.We’daddtoFridaynight’stillwithsomeentertainment.I’llhireyourightnow,Shelby,tosingonFridaynights,eighttomidnight.”

“Tansy,Iappreciateyouroffering,butIhaven’tdoneanythinglikethatinyears.”

“Doyoustillhaveyourvoice?”

“It’snotthat...”“Wecouldn’tpayalot,at

leastuntilweseehowitgoes.Forty-minutesets,andtenofthetwentybetweenyou’dworkthecrowdsome.Goaroundthetables.WhatIwantistotryakindofweeklytheme.”

“She’sgotideas,”Derrickmuttered,butwithasparkofpride.

“Ihavegoodideas.”Withthegingeraleinonehand,

Tansytappedafingeronthebar.“Andthisgoodideaiswe’dstartoffwiththeforties.Songsfromtheforties,specialtydrinksfromthen.Whatdidtheydrinkbackthen?Martinisorboilermakers.I’llfigurethatout,”shesaid,wavingitaside.

“Nextweekit’sthefifties,andweworkourwayup.It’sallnostalgia.We’lldrawinalotofpeople.I’llgetitsetup.

We’lluseakaraokemachinefornow.Maybeifwedotheexpansion,wecangetapiano,orwecanhireacoupleofmusicians.Forrightnow,tostart,we’llgetthatkaraokemachine,Derrick,becausewe’regoingtostartdoingKaraokeMondays,too.”

“She’sgotideas,”hesaidagain.

“Igotonesayspeoplejustlovehearingthemselvessingwhethertheycan’tpipeouta

singletruenote.They’llbeflockinginhereMondaynights.AndnowFridays,too.That’swhatwe’llcallit—just‘FridayNights.’Iknowit’sonlyonenightaweek,Shelby,butthat’llgiveyouroomtofindsomedayworkifyouneedit.”

“Areyouallrightwithallthis?”ShelbyaskedDerrick.

“Shemanagestheplace.Ijustownit.”

“NotthisFriday,”Tansy

continued,steamrollingoverthemboth.“It’stoosoon,andIhavethingstoputtogether.NextFriday.You’llwanttocomeinacoupletimes,rehearse,onceIgetitsetup.We’regoingtoneedthatexpansion,Derrick,oncewegetthisgoing.You’dbettertalktoMattandGriff,getthatnailedrightsoon.”

“Yes,ma’am.”“So.Shelby?”Shelbyblewoutabreath,

drewinanother.“Allright.I’min—andifitdoesn’tworkout,nohardfeelings.ButI’min,andgrateful.I’llbeyourFridayNights.”

heallbutdancedovertothesalon.

“Why,don’tyoulookatreat,”Violasaidtheminuteshesteppedin.“Sissy,youremembermygranddaughter,Shelby.”

ThatstartedawindingconversationwiththewomaninViola’schairwhileViolaremovedaforestofenormousrollersandbeganthestyling.

Theminuteshehadanopening,Shelbyannouncedhernews.

“Won’tthatbesomething?TansyandherDerrick,they’remakingsomethingoutofthatplace,andthereyou’llbe.Aheadliner.”

Shelbylaughed,

automaticallyshiftingthebasketofusedrollersoutofhergrandmother’sway.“It’sonlyFridaynights,but—”

SissyinterruptedwithastoryaboutherdaughterstarringinthehighschoolmusicalwhileViolapoofedherhairtotwiceitsvolume.

“Ireallyshouldgeton.IguessMama’sdoingatreatment.”

“Back-to-backfacials.Tracey’sgotCalliefora

whileyet,doesn’tshe?”Violaasked.“Igotabreakcomingup.”

“Istillhaveacoupleofstopstomake.IthoughtI’dseeifMountainTreasuresishiringpart-time,ormaybeTheWhat-NotPlaceasTansysaystheydowellwithtouristsandlocals.”

“IgotsomesweetDepressionglassteacupstheretogowithmycollection,”Sissytoldher.

“It’sonmylist.TheArtfulRidgeisn’tasthey’renothiring,atleastnotmeaslongasMelodyBunkerhasasayinit.”

“Melody’sbeenjealousofyousinceyouwerechildren.”Knowingherclient,Violasprayedafiercecloudofholdingsprayoverthemountainofhair.“Youbegratefulshedidn’thireyou,babygirl.Ifyouworkedoverthere,she’dmakeyourdaysa

misery.There,Sissy.Bigenoughforyou?”

“Ohnow,Vi,youknowIliketomakeastatementwithmyhair.Godblessedmewithplentyofit,soIlikeputtingittouse.Itlooksjustwonderful.Nobodydoesituplikeyou.I’mhavinglunchwithmygirlfriends,”shetoldShelby.“Doingitfancy,upatthehotel.”

“Won’tthatbefun?”Ittookafewminutesmore

toscootSissyalong,thenViolablewoutabreath,satinthechair.“Nexttime,Iswear,I’lljustuseabicyclepumponthathairofhers.Now,howmanydaysaweekyouthinkingofworking?”

“Icoulddothreeorfour—maybeevenfivewithshorterhoursifIcanworkoutadealwithTracey,andmaybeaskMamatofillinwithCallieotherwise.Anymorethanthat,I’dhavetoseeabout

takinghertodaycare.”“That’deatupyour

paycheck.”“Iwashopingtowaitfor

thefallforit,givehertimetosettlein,butImayhavetodoitsooner.It’llbegoodforhertobearoundotherkids.”

“Trueenough.Here’swhatI’mgoingtosaytoyou.Idon’tknowwhyyou’regoingovertoMountainTreasuresandotherplaceswhenIcanuseyourighthere.Youcould

helpwiththephones,thebook,thestockandsupplies,andthecustomers.Andyoucouldhelpkeepthingsorganizedasyou’vegotanorganizednature.Youfindsomethingyoulikebetter,that’sfine.Butforrightnow,Icoulduseyouthreedaysaweek.Fourwhenwe’rebusy.YoucouldbringCallieinhereandthere.Youspentplentyofyourtimeinthesalonwhenyouwereher

age.”“Idid.”“Didithurtyouany?”“No,Ilovedit.I’vegot

goodmemoriesofplayinghere,listeningtotheladiestalk,gettingmyhairandnailsdonelikeagrown-up.Idon’twanttotakeadvantage,Granny.Idon’twantyoutomakeworkforme.”

“It’snottakingadvantageormakingworkwhenIcanuseyou.Ican’tsayyou’dbe

doingmeafavorasI’dhavetopayyou.Itmakesgoodsense,unlessyoujustdon’twanttoworkhere.”

“Iwishyouwould,”Crystalcalledoverfromherstation.“Itwouldsavetherestofusfromhavingtoanswerthephoneorcheckthebookforwalk-insifDottie’sinthebackorit’shertimeoff.”

“Icoulduseyouthreedaysaweektentothree,andon

Saturdaysfromninetofourwhenwe’rehopping.”Violapaused,seeingthehesitationonShelby’sface.“Ifyoudon’ttakethejob,I’llhavetohiresomebodyelse.That’safact.Crystal?”

“Thatisafact.Wewerejusttalkingaboutlookingforsomebodytocomeinpart-time.”Withtherat-tailcombinherhand,Crystalcrossedherheart.“Iswearonit.”

“We’dneedtogoover

somethingsasit’sbeensometimesinceyoudidanyfillinginaroundhere,”Violacontinued,“butyou’reabrightgirl.Iexpectyou’dcatchonquick.”

ShelbylookedoveratCrystal.“You’reswearingshe’snotmakingbusyworkforme?”

“Shesureisn’t.Dottie’sdoingalotofrunningbetweenthesalonandthetreatmentrooms,backinthe

lockerandrelaxationareas.AndSashahardlyhastimeforthatanymoresinceshegotherlicenseandshe’sdoingfaceandbodytreatments.Wekeepupwithit,butitwouldsurebenicetohavesomebodydoingmoreoftherunning.”

“Allright.”Shelbyletoutasurprisedlaugh.“I’dlovetoworkhere.”

“Thenyou’rehired.Youcangivemethehouryou’d

havespentgoingallaroundseeingaboutajob,andgointhebackthere.Towelsshouldbedrybynow.Youcouldfoldthemandbringthemout,putthematstations.”

Shelbyleaneddown,pressedhercheektoViola’s.“Thankyou,Granny.”

“You’llbebusy.”“That’sjustwhatIwant,”

Shelbysaid,andgottowork.

•••

BYTHETIMEshegothomewithCallieshe’dworkedoutadoableschedule.She’dbarteronedayaweekwithTracey,payherfortwodayswhenSaturdaywascalledfor,andAdaMaescoopeduptheotherdayasher“GammaandCallieDay.”

Wheneveritdidn’twork,she’dtakeCalliewithher.

Fridaynightshermotherandgrandmotherwouldswitchoff—theiridea,she

thought,asshepulledinthedrive.

Shecouldearnadecentenoughliving,herchildwouldbewellcaredfor.Shecouldn’taskformore.

AndasCalliegotthatglassy-eyedlookontheshortdrivehome,Shelbycalculatedshecouldgetherdownforanaprightoff,thenspendsometimelookingupsongsfromtheforties,startingherplaylist.With

Calliehalfasleeponhershoulder,shestartedstraightupstairs.

ShemadetheturntowardCallie’sroom,swayingandhummingtokeepherdaughterinthenapzone,thenletoutashortscreamwhenGriffsteppedintothehallway.

Calliejumpedinherarms,andratherthanashortscream,blastedoutawailingscreech.

“Sorry!”Griffdraggedtheearbudsoff.“Ididn’thearyou.Sorry.Yourmothersaid—Hey,Callie,I’msorryIscaredyou.”

ClutchingShelby,Calliestaredathim,sobbing,thenthrewherselfathim.Hehadtoscrambleforward,grabhold.Callieclung,cryingonhisshoulder.

“It’sokay.It’sallright.”HerubbedherbackashesmiledatShelby.“Your

motherwantsthatnewbathroom.IsaidI’dstopoverfirstchance,makesureonthemeasurements.Wow,youlookreallygood.”

“I’mjustgoingtositdownaminute.”Shedidso,rightonthetopstep.“Ididn’tseeyourtruck.”

“IwalkedoverfromMizBitsy’s.We’rejustpunchingoutthere,sowecanstartherenextweek.”

“Nextweek?”

“Yeah.”HepattedandjiggledasCallie’stearsdissolvedintosniffles.“We’vegotacoupleoflittlejobs,butwe’lljugglethisin.Ihadmusicinmyears,soIdidn’thearyou.”

“That’sokay.Iprobablydidn’tneedthoselasttenyearsofmylife.I’mjustgoingtoputherdownforhernap.”

“I’vegotit.Overinhere,right?”

HesteppedintoCallie’sroom.BythetimeShelbypushedup,walkedacross,hehadheronthebed,underherlightblanket,andwasquietlyansweringthesingsongquestionssheoftencameupwithatnaporbedtime.

“Kiss,”Calliedemanded.“Yougotit.”Hekissedher

cheek,stoodup,glancedatShelby.“Isthatit?”

“That’sit.”Butshedidacome-awaymotion,and

easedout.“It’sonlythateasybecausesheworeherselfoutatChelsea’s.”

“Shesmellslikecherries.”“Juicebox,Iimagine.”Andhermothersmellslike

amountainmeadow—freshandsweetandwildallatonce.Maybethewordofthedayshouldbe“pheromones.”

“Youreallydolookgood.”“Oh,I’vebeenjob

hunting,triedtolookpresentable.”

“Youwentwayoverpresentableinto”—hecaughthimselfon“hot”—“excellent.How’dyoudoonthejobhunt?”

“Ididgreat,outoftheparkwithbasesloaded.”

Jesus,baseballmetaphor.Hemighthavetomarryher.

“IwantaCoke,”shedecided.“DoyouwantaCoke?”

“Iwouldn’tturnonedown.”Especiallysinceit

meanthegotalittlemoretimewithher.“Sowhat’sthejob?”

“Now,that’smuchtoodirectforaroundhere,”shewarnedhimastheystarteddownstairs.“WehavetoworkuptohowIwentaboutgettingit.”

“Sorry,stillsheddingtheYankee.”

“Well,don’tsheditall,itworksforyou.Whatwereyoulisteningto?”Shetapped

herears.“Oh,it’saprettyeclectic

playlist,Iguess.IthinkitwasTheBlackKeyswhenIcutthattenyearsoffyourlife.‘Fever.’”

“AtleastIlostadecadetoasongIlike.Nowtoyourquestion.First,IgotmybuttkickedandmyegoflattenedwhenItriedforajobatTheArtfulRidgeasmyhighschoolrival,atleastinhermind,managesit.”

“MelodyBunker.Iknowher.Shehitonme.”

“Shedidnot.”Amazed,shestoppedshort,gapedupandgavehimachancetolookclose.Hereyesreallywerealmostpurple.

“Didshereally?”“She’dhadacoupleof

drinks,andIwasnewintown.”

“Areyougoingtotellmeifyouhitback?”

“Ithoughtaboutit,”he

saidashewalkedtothekitchenwithher.“She’sgreattolookat,butthere’sthatmeanstreak.”

“Noteveryone—particularlythosewhoaremale—noticethat.”

“I’vegotaprettygoodeyeformean.Shewaswithanothergirl,andtherewasalotof...HowdoIputthiswithoutsaying‘meow’?”

“Youcansayit,itfitsher.She’salwaysbeencatty.And

shedoeshaveameanstreak,deepandwide.Shetriedherbesttomakemefeelstupidanduselesstoday,butshedidn’tmanageit.She’sfollowingafterasuperioractinthatareaofmean,andfellshort,wellshort.”

Shecaughtherself,shookherheadasshegotoutCokes,glasses.“Doesn’tmatter,anditwasforthebest.Formorethanthebest.”

“Whatdidshesaytoyou

—oristhattoodirect?”“Oh,shestartedwithsnide

littlecommentsaboutmyhair.”

“Youhaveamazinghair.Magicmermaidhair.”

Shelaughed.“That’safirst.Magicmermaidhair.I’llhavetousethatwithCallie.Inanycase,MeanMelodygotinafewjabsaboutmycurrentcircumstance,whichItoleratedasIwantedthedamnjob.Shemovedon,

though,tryingtoscrapemedowntothebone,howIwasn’tqualified,didn’thaveenoughclass,basically,orintelligence,anditwasclearIdidn’thaveacherrysnowcone’schanceinhellofworkingthere,soIlandedafewjabsofmyown,with,Iwillsay,moresubtletyandstyle.”

“Ijustbet.”Withacool,sharpsmile,

ShelbypouredCokesover

ice.“ShewassosteamedupwhenIwasleavingsheshoutedouthowshe’dbeensecond-runner-upMissTennessee,whichisherspotlightoffame.Tothat,Iendedtheencounterwiththesouthernwoman’ssweetestandmostpityinginsult.”

“Iknowthat.”Hepointedafinger.“Iknowthatone.Yousaid‘Blessyourheart.’”

“Haven’tyoucaughtonfast?”Aftertoppingoffthe

glasses,shehandedhimone.“Iknewthatonelanded,butIwassofiredup,Imarchedovertothebarandgrill.IwasgoingtoaskTansytohiremeonasawaitress.ImetDerrick—anddoesn’thelooklikeanactionmoviestar.”

“Ihadn’tthoughtofit.”“You’dbelookingathim

asamandoes.Fromawoman’seyes?”Shelaughedagain,wavedahandinfrontofherface.“LuckyTansy—

andluckyDerrickbecauseshe’sasweet,smart,sensiblewoman.SoafterIapologizedforbeingrudetohim,becauseIwasfiredup,theydidn’twantmeforawaitress.”

“Soundslikearoughdayonthejobhunt.”

“Notatall.TheywantedmeforFridaynights,tosing.I’mgoingtobetheirFridaynightentertainment.Or,asTansy’scallingit,I’mgoing

tobeFridayNights.”“Nokidding?That’sgreat,

Red,seriouslygreat.Everybodysaysyoucansing.Singsomething.”

“No.”“Comeon,acoupleofbars

ofanything.”“ComeintoBootlegger’sa

weekfromFriday,andyou’llhearplenty.”Afterliftingherglasstohim,shetookasatisfieddrink.“Then,becausethat’snotall,Iwent

intotellGrannybeforeIhitacoupleotherpossibleplacesfordayjobs,andshecorneredmeintoworkingpart-timethere.Shemademebelieveshecouldreallyuseme,soI’mhopingshemeantit.”

“Inmyshorterexperience,MizViusuallymeanswhatshesays.”

“It’strueenough,andCrystalsworetoitthey’dalreadytalkedabouthiringsomeonepart-time.So,I

didn’tjustgetajob,Igottwo.I’memployed,gainfully.God,itfeelssogood.”

“Wanttocelebrate?”Hewatchedhereyesgofromsparklinghappytojustalittlewary.“MaybewecouldgetMattandEmmaKate,gohavedinner.”

“Oh,thatsoundslikefun,itreallydoes,butIneedtobuckledown,workoutaplaylist.Tansywantstochangeitupeveryweek,so

I’vegotsomeresearchtodo.Andthere’sCallie,thoughit’slikelytobemoreofaweightonmeleavingherforhoursatatimethanforherleavingme.”

“Doesshelikepizza?”“Callie?Sureshedoes.It

runsaclosesecondtoicecreamonherfavoriteslist.”

“ThenI’lltakeyoubothoutforpizzaonenightafterwork.”

“That’sawfulniceofyou,

Griffin.She’salreadygotacrushgoingonyou.”

“Mutual.”Shesmiledathim,topped

offhisCoke.“HowlonghaveyoubeenintheRidgenow,Griffin?”

“Goingonayear.”“Anddon’tyouhaveagirl

bynow?Somebodywholookslikeyououghttohavethesinglegirlsflocking.”

“Well,therewasMelodyforabouttenminutes.And

there’sMizVi,ifonlyshe’dreciprocate.”

“Grandpa’dfightyouforher.”

“I’dfightdirty.”“Sowouldhe,andhe’s

verycanny.Ihavetosay,I’msurprisedEmmaKate—orsurelyMizBitsy—hasn’ttriedfixingyouup.”

“Tried,didn’tstick.”Heshrugged,downedsomeCoke.“Ihaven’tbeeninterestedinanyone

particularly.Uptonow.”“Iguessitjusttakes...

Oh.”Itmayhavebeenalongwhile,butshesupposedawomandidn’tforgetthatlookinaman’seyes,thattoneinaman’svoice.Flustered,andundertheflusteredshecouldn’tdenyflattered,shetookacarefuldrink.“Oh,”sherepeated.“I’vegottosay,Griff,I’macomplicated,twisted-upmessofathingrightnow.”

“Ifixthings,Red.It’swhatIdo.”

Shemanagedanervouslaugh.“Thisisacompleteoverhaul—whatyou’dcallagutjob,Ithink.AndIcomeasaset.”

“Iliketheset,andIknowI’mhittingonyouprettyquickconsidering.Itjustseemstomeit’sbettertobestraight-out.YouknockedmeflatwhenyouwalkedintoBitsy’skitchen.Iplannedto

beslowandalotsmootheraboutit,buthell,Shelby,why?”

Thatwasstraight-outandforthright,shethought,andasunnervingasitwasflattering.“Youreallydon’tknowme.”

“Iplanto.”Thistimesheletouta

laughthatwasmorestupefied.“Justlikethat.”

“Unlessyoutakeastrongdisliketome,andIdon’tthinkyouwill.I’mlikable.I

wanttotakeyouout,whenyou’rereadyandwanttogo.Meanwhile,sinceI’mattachedtoMattandhe’sattachedtoEmmaKate,we’llbeseeingeachother.Plus,Ireallylikeyourkid.”

“Icanseethat.IfIthoughtdifferent,ifIthoughtshewasakindofconduitwithyoutome,thiswouldbeadifferentconversation.Asitis,Idon’tknowjustwhattosaytoyou.”

“Well,youcanthinkaboutthat.I’vegottogetback,andyou’vegotthingstodo.TellyourmomI’vegotthemeasurements.Onceshesettlesonthetile,thefixtures,we’llgetthemordered.”

“Allright.”“ThanksfortheCoke.”“You’rewelcome.”She

walkedbackwithhim,consideringthenerves—thoseinteresting,flutterynervesshehadn’tfeltinso

long.Amistake,absolutelyamistaketoactonthematthispointinherlife.

“Imeantitaboutthepizza,”hesaidatthedoor.

“Calliewouldbethrilled.”“Picktheday,letme

know.”Hefrownedoutsideamoment,hisgazefollowingthecarthatpassed.“DoyouknowsomebodywithagrayHonda?Lookslikea2012.”

“Can’tthinkofanyone.Why?”

“Ikeepseeingit.I’veseenitaroundalotthelastfewdays.”

“Well,peopledolivehere.”

“Floridaplates.”“Atourist,Iguess.There’s

goodhikingnowwhileit’sstillcool,andthewildflowersarepoppingouteverywhere.”

“Yeah,probably.Anyway,congratulationsonscoringthejobs.”

“Thankyou.”

Shewatchedhimwalkaway—thatswaggerreallywasdamnappealing.Andhe’dgottenherbloodmovinginwaysshe’dforgottenitcouldmove.

Still,itwasbestallaroundifshekeptallherattentiononCallie,hernewwork,andclimbingherwayoutofthecanyonofdebt.

Thinkingofdebt,shestartedupstairs.She’dchange,workoutanew

budget,checkandseeiftherewasanyprogressonthehousesale,oriftherewasanymoremoneycomingfromtheconsignmentshop.Thenshecouldthinkaboutaplaylist.

Thatwaswork,trueenough,butitwasalsofun—smartertogetthehardoverwithfirst.

Shestoppeddeadinthedoorwayofherroom.

AgrayHondawithFloridaplates.Shescrambledforher

dresser,pulledoutthedrawerwhereshe’dputallthebusinesscardsfromPhiladelphia.

AndtherewasTedPrivet,PrivateInvestigator.Miami,Florida.

Shehadseenhiminthebarandgrill.He’dfollowedherallthewaybacktotheRidge.Whywouldhedothat?Whatdiditmean?

Hewaswatchingher.Shemadeherselfgotothe

window,lookout,search.Shehadnochoiceabout

thedebtcominghomewithher,butshewouldn’tsitstill,donothing,whenmoreofRichard’smesstriedtopushitswayintoherlifenow.

Insteadofgettingtowork,shepickedupherphone.

“Forrest?I’msorrytobotheryouatwork,butIthinkIhavesometrouble.IthinkIcouldusesomehelpwithit.”

•••

HELISTENEDTOHER,didn’tinterrupt,didn’taskanyquestions.Thatonlymadehermorenervous,babblingitallouttoherbrotherwhilehesattherecoolasice,hiseyesonherfacetellinghernothing.

“Isthatit?”hesaidwhensherandown.

“Ithinkso.Yes,that’sit,that’sall.Iguessit’smorethanenough.”

“DoyouhavetheIDs,theonesyoufoundinthebankbox?”

“Yes.”“I’mgoingtoneedthem.”“I’llgogetthem.”“Sit.I’mnotdone.”Soshesatbackdownat

thekitchencounter,knottedherhandstogetheronit.

“Doyouhavethegun?”“I...Yes.Imadesureit

wasn’tloaded,andIhaveitinabox,topofmycloset,

whereCalliecan’tgettoit.”“Andanyofthecash—

fromthebox?”“Ikeptthreethousandofit

incash—it’supinmycloset,too.Iusedmostoftherest,likeIsaid,topayoffbills.AndIputsomeinthebankhere.IopenedanaccounthereintheRidge.”

“Iwantallofit.TheIDs,thegun,thecash,theenvelopes,anythingyouhavethatcameoutofthebox.”

“Allright,Forrest.”“Now,I’mgoingtoask

youwhythefuck,whythefuck,Shelby,you’rejusttellingmeallthisnow?”

“Theholewassodeep,anditgotdeepsofast.FirstRichard’sdead,andI’mtryingtothinkwhattodo,thenthelawyersaretellingmethere’sallthistrouble.Istartgoingthroughthebills.Ijustneverdidthat,becausehelockedthemup.Theywere

hisbusiness—anddon’tslapatmeforit.Youweren’tthere,youdidn’tlivethatlife,sodon’tslapatmeforit.ThenIfoundoutaboutthehouse,andeverything.Ihadtodealwithit.Ifoundthekey,andIhadtoknow.ThenwhenIfoundthebankbox,andwhatwasinit...Idon’tknowwhoImarried,whoIlivedwith,whofatheredmychild.”

Shetookalongbreath.

“AndIcouldn’tletthatmatter,couldn’tletthattaketherestover.Whatmattersisnow,anddealingwithituntilI’mclearofit.KeepingCallieclearofit.Idon’tknowwhythisdetectivefollowedmehere.Idon’thaveanything.Idon’tknowanything.”

“I’lldealwiththat.”“I’llthankyouforit.”“Imight’veslappedatyou

some,Shelby.Butjusttowakeyouup.You’remy

sister,goddamnit.We’reyourfamily.”

Shelinkedherfingerstogetheragain,toholdherselfin.“YouthinkI’veforgottenthat,andyou’rewrong.IfyouthinkIdon’tvaluethat,you’restupid.”

“WhatshouldIthink?”hecountered.

“ThatIdidwhatIthoughtwasright.Icouldn’tcomebackuntilI’dstartedclimbingoutofthathole,

Forrest.Iwouldn’t.Maybeyouthinkthat’sjustpride,juststupid,butIcouldn’tcomebackandputallofitonmyfamily.”

“Youcouldn’taskforahand,ahandtoreachdownandhelpyouupoutofit?”

“Well,JesusGod,Forrest,aren’tIdoingjustthat?ButIhadtogetupfarenoughtoreachahand.That’swhatI’mdoingnow.”

Hepushedup,paced

aroundtheroom,stoppedatthewindowforawhile,lookingoutinsilence.“Allright.MaybeIseeyoursideofthat.Idon’thavetosayyou’rerighttoseeit.Goahead,getmeeverythingyouhave.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo?It’sstillmybusiness,Forrest.”

“I’mgoingtohaveatalkwiththisFloridaPI,lethimknowIdon’ttakekindlyto

himstalkingmysister.ThenI’mgoingtodowhatIcantofindoutwhothehellyouweremarriedto.”

“Ithinkhestolethatmoneyhehadstashedinthebankbox,orheswindledit.DearGod,Forrest,ifIhavetopayallthatback—”

“Youwon’t.Youtookwhatyoutooklegally.Whateverhedid,it’sprettydamnclearthere’snothinglefttopayanybodyback.One

morething.You’regoingtotellallofthistotherestofthefamily.You’regoingtogetthisout.”

“Gilly’sabouttohaveababy.”

“Noexcuses,Shelby.You’regoingtositdowntonight,afterCallie’sinbed,andtelleveryone.I’llmakesurethey’reallhere.Youwantthemtogetwordsomeprivateinvestigatorfromoutofstate’saskingquestions

abouttheirdaughter,theirsister?”

Becauseshesawthesenseofit,shepressedherfingerstohereyes.“No.You’reright.I’lltellthem.Youhavetotakemyside,Forrest,whenMamaandDaddystarttalkingabouthelpingmepayoffthisdebt.Iwon’thaveit.”

“That’sfairenough.”Hecameover,puthishandsonhershoulders.“Iamonyourside,youidiot.”

Shedippedherforeheadtohischest.“Ican’twishtheyearsawaywithoutwishingCallieaway,butIcanwishI’dbeenstrongerstandinguptohim.ItfeelslikeeverytimeIfoundmyfooting,somethingchangedandIlostitagain.”

“Itsoundstomelikehewasgoodatmakingsurepeopledidn’tfindtheirfootingaroundhim.Goon,getallthethingsfromthe

box.Letmegetgoingonthis.”

•••

ITDIDN’TTAKELONGtotrackdowntheprivateinvestigator,notwhenthemanhadoptedtohideinplainsight.He’dregisteredunderhisownnameatthehotel—thoughhe’dspreadthewordhewasafreelancetravelwriter.

Forrestconsidered

confrontinghimthere,buthethoughthe’dgivePrivetatasteofhisownmedicine.Oncehewasoffdutyandinhisowntruck,hedidsomecruisinguntilhespottedtheHondaparkedoutsideTheArtfulRidge.

Forrestparkedthetruck,gotoutandstrolledbytheshop.Sureenough,themanhe’dspentanhourorsorunningstoodtalkingwithMelody.

He’dgetanearfulaboutShelbyfromthatsource,noquestion.Withhistargetsighted,hewentbacktohistruck,waited.

HewatchedPrivetcomeout,crossovertothebarandgrill.Doubtfulhe’dfindthesamewellofinformationinthere,butifhewasanygood—andfromtherunitseemedhewasn’tbad—he’dpulloutsome.

Makingtherounds,Forrest

concludedas,fifteenminuteslater,Privetcameoutofthebarandgrill,walkeddownandintothesalon.

FollowingShelby’spathfromearlierintheday,whichmeantPrivethadtrailedherthroughthemorning.

ThatputaknotinForrest’scraw.

Thisstoptooklonger,butwhenForrestdidanotherstrollby,henotedthatPrivetsatinachairgettingahaircut.

Atleastheputsomemoneyinthelocalpotwhiletryingtomineinformation.

Forrestsettledbackinhistruck,patient,waitedforPrivettocomeout,getbackinhiscar.

Hepulledoutafterhim,pacedhimeasilyinthelighttowntraffic.PrivettooktheforktowardShelbyandhome.WhentheHondadrovestraightby,Forrestcalculated,turnedoff—dida

three-quarterturntofacetheroadagain.

HedugouthisKojaklight,fixedittotheroof,andwaited.

WhenPrivetdrovebyasecondtime,easedtothesideoftheroadafewyardsdownfromthehouse,Forrestpulledout,hitthelightsoPrivetwouldseeitinhisrearview.

HeeasedupbehindtheHonda,walkeduptothepassengerwindow—already

rolleddown.Privethadamapout,anda

frustratedexpressiononhisface.

“Ihopethere’snoproblem,Officer,andthatyoucanhelpme.IthinkImadeawrongturnsomewhere.I’mlookingfor—”

“Don’twastemytime.IbelieveyouknowwhoIam,andIsureashellknowwhoyouare,Mr.Privet.Iwant

yourhandsonthewheelwhereIcanseethem.Now,”Forrestsaid,settinghishandonthebuttofhisweapon,“Iknowyou’relicensedtocarry,andifIdon’tseebothyourhandsonthewheel,we’regoingtohavesometroublehere.”

“I’mnotlookingfortrouble.”Privetheldhishandsup,placedthemcarefullyonthewheel.“I’mjustdoingmyjob.”

“I’mdoingmine.YouwenttoseemysisterupNorth,andenteredherhomeonfalsepretenses.”

“Sheaskedmein.”“Youcorneredawoman

withasmallchildinherhome,thenyoufollowedheracrossseveralstatelineswhereyou’vespiedonher,followedher.”

“I’maprivateinvestigator,Deputy.Mylicenseisinmy—”

“IsaidIknowwhoyouare.”

“DeputyPomeroy,Ihaveaclientwho—”

“IfRichardFoxworthswindledyourclient,that’snothingtodowithmysister.Foxworth’sdead,soyourclient’soutofluckthere.IfyouspenttenminuteswithShelbyandthinkshehadanythingtodowithit,you’readamnfool.”

“Matherson.Heusedthe

nameDavidMatherson.”“Whatevernameheused,

whatevernamehecameintothisworldwith,he’sdead.Personally,Ihopethesharkshadagoodmealoffhim.Now,ifit’strueyou’renotlookingfortrouble,you’regoingtostopfollowingmysister,stopaskingaboutheraroundtown.IexpectIcouldgointoTheArtfulRidge,thebarandgrillandmygranny’splaceandthey’dalltellme

howwhenyouwereintheresomehowtheconversationcamearoundtoShelby.Thatstops.Icatchyouatitagain,I’mtakingyouin.Aroundherewecallwhatyou’redoingstalking,andwegotalawagainstit.”

“Inmybusinessit’scalleddoingthejob.”

Forrestleanedconversationallyonthebottomofthewindow.“Letmeaskyousomething,Mr.

Privet.YouthinkifIwastoarrestyourighthereandnow,andtakeyouin,thejudgearoundhereisgoingtosaythere’snoproblemwithyousittinghere—withthosebinocularsontheseatbesideyou?”

“I’manamateurornithologist.”

“NamemefivebirdsindigenoustotheSmokies.”ForrestwaitedtwobeatswhilePrivetscowled.“See,

youcouldsaythatbird,itwon’tfly.Itellmyboss,andwetellJudgeHarris—who’sathirdcousin,twiceremoved—thatyou’vebeensittingherewatchingmyfamilyhomeandmysister,beenfollowingherandherlittlegirlaroundtown,beenaskingquestionsaboutmywidowedsisterwithherfatherlesschild,youthinkhe’sgoingtosay,‘Why,that’sjustfine.Liveandlet’?Ordoyou

thinkyou’llbespendingthenightonajailhousecottonightinsteadofyourhotelbed?”

“Myclientisn’ttheonlyoneMathersonswindled.Andthere’samatterofnearlythirtymillioninjewelryhestoleoutofMiami.”

“Ibelieveyou.Ibelievehewasafuckingbastard,andIknowhedidanumberonmysisterIwon’tforget.I’mnotgoingtoletyoudothesame.”

“Deputy,doyouknowwhatthefinder’sfeeisontwenty-eightmillion?”

“It’sgoingtobezero,”Forrestsaidequably,“ifyou’relookingforitthroughmysister.Youstayawayfromher,Mr.Privet,oryou’llhaveplentyofthetroubleyoudon’twanttohave,becauseifIcatchyouatit,I’llmakesureofthattrouble.Youcantellyourclientwe’reallsorryforhisbadluck.IfIwere

you,I’dheadbacktoFloridaanddojustthat.Tonight.Butit’syourchoice.”

Forreststraightenedupagain.“Weclearonthat?”

“We’reclearonthat.I’vegotonequestion.”

“Askit.”“Howcouldyoursister

livewithMathersonforyearsandnotknowwhathewas?”

“Letmeaskoneback.Isyourclientareasonablyintelligentindividual?”

“I’dsayheis.”“Howdidhemanageto

gethimselfswindled?You’regoingtowanttomovealongnow,andyoudon’twanttodrivebackdownthisroadagain.That’sliteralandmetaphorical.”

Forrestwalkedbacktohistruck,waiteduntilPrivetdroveaway.Thenhedrovehimselftheshortdistancetohisfamilyhome,parkedsohe’dbetherewhenShelby

toldthefamilyherstory.

onfessionsandtruthtellingexhaustedthebodyandthebrain.

WhenShelbydraggedherselfoutofbedinthemorning,sherealizedshe’dstartherdayalreadyworndown.

Itwashatefultodisappointthepeoplewho’draisedyou.ShethoughtofCallie,wonderedifonedayshe’ddosomethingstupidandwakeupwiththissamedraggingsensation.

Oddswereprettygoodonthat,soShelbyvowedtorememberthismorning,andtotrytogiveherdaughterabreakwhenthetimecame.

ShefoundCallie,stillluckilytooyoungtodo

somethingreallystupid,sittinginbedhavingacheerfulconversationwithFifi.SoShelbydivedinforamorningsnugglethatpulledhermoodupanotchortwo.

Shegotthembothdressed,thentookCalliedownstairs.

Sheputonthecoffee,decidedshe’dmakeupsomeofthegroundshe’dlostwithherparentsthenightbeforebymakingFrenchtoast—andthepoachedeggsherfather

favored.Bythetimehermother

camedown,shehadCalliesettledinherboosterwithsomeslicedbananaandstrawberries,withbreakfastwellontheway.

“’Morning,Mama.”“’Morning.Allbrightand

early,Isee.’Morning,mysunbeam,”shesaidtoCallie,andcrossedoverforakiss.

“Wegettohaveeggybread,Gamma.”

“Dowe?Why,that’saspecialmorningtreat.”

“Nearlydone,”Shelbytoldher.“I’mpoachingsomeeggsforDaddy.Doyouwantany?”

“Notthismorning,thankyou.”

WhenAdaMaewalkedovertopourcoffee,Shelbyturned,wrappedherarmsaroundhermotherfrombehind.“You’restillmad,”shemurmured.

“OfcourseI’mstillmad.Maddoesn’tturnoffandonlikealight.”

“Stillprettymadatme.”AdaMaesighed.“That

part’sonadimmerswitch.It’seasingdownsome.”

“I’msosorry,Mama.”“Iknowyouare.”Ada

MaepattedShelby’shand.“Iknow.AndI’mtryingtocomearoundtoitbeingthesituationyouwerein,andnotthatyoudidn’ttrustyour

familytohelpyou.”“Itwasneverthat.Never.I

just...Igotmyselfintoit,didn’tI?Somebodyraisedmetofacemyowntroublesanddealwiththem.”

“Seemswedidafinejobthere.Butnotasfineaoneonteachingyoutroublessharedarelessened.”

“Iwasashamed.”NowAdaMaeturned,

tookShelby’sfacefirmlyinherhands.“You’renever,

nevertobeashamedwithme.”SheglancedovertowhereCalliewasbusywithherslicedfruit.“Icouldsayalotmore,andlikelywillwhentherearen’tlittlepitcherswithbigearscloseby.”

“Pitchersdon’thaveears,Gamma!That’ssilly.”

“Itis,isn’tit?Whydon’tIfixyouapieceofthiseggybreadyourmama’smadeup.”

Claytoncamedown,dressedforthedayinoneof

hishabitualwhiteshirtstuckedtidilyintohiskhakis.HewalkedtoShelby,gaveheraknuckleraponthehead,thenkissedit.

“Lookslikeaweekendbreakfastinthemiddleoftheweek.”Hegotoutamug.“Suckingup?”heaskedShelby.

“Iam.”“Goodjob.”

•••

SHEDIDHERBARTERDAYwithTraceyandtookthegirlstotheparksoEmmaKatecouldcomeby,havealittlepicnicwiththemonherlunchhourandfinallymeetCallie.

“WhenIwasalittlegirl,EmmaKatewasmyverybestfriend,likeyouandChelsea.”

“Didyouhaveteaparties?”CallieaskedEmmaKate.

“Wedid,andpicnicsjustlikethis.”

“YoucancometoGamma’shouseforateaparty.”

“Iwouldabsolutelyloveto.”

“GammasavedMama’steasetsowecanuseit.”

“Oh,theonewiththevioletsandlittlepinkroses?”

“Uh-huh.”Callie’seyesroundedowlishly.“Wehavetobecarefulnottobreakit’causeit’sdeliquit.”

“Delicate,”Shelby

corrected.“Okay.We’regoingto

swingnow.Let’sgoswing,Chelsea!”

“She’sbeautiful,Shelby.Beautifulandbright.”

“She’sallofthat.She’smyverybestthing.EmmaKate,doyouhavesometimeafterwork?There’ssomethingsIstillneedtotellyou.Justyou.”

“Allright.”Sinceshe’dbeenexpectingthis—or

hopingforit—EmmaKatealreadyhadaplan.“WecouldtakeahikeuptotheOutlooklikeweusedto.I’moffatfourtoday,soIcouldmeetyouatthetrailheadatmaybefour-fifteen.”

“That’dbeperfect.”EmmaKatewatched

CallierunaroundtheswingswithChelsea.“IfIhadsomebodylikethatdependingonme,there’salotI’ddoIwouldn’tdootherwise.”

“Andalotyoudon’tdoyouwoulddootherwise.”

“Mama!Mama!Pushus.Pushus,Mama!Iwanttogohigh!”

“Takesafteryou,”EmmaKatecommented.“Youcouldneverswinghighenough.”

Withalaugh,Shelbystoodup.“I’mstickingclosertogroundlevelthesedays.”

Asshegotuptohelppushthegirlsontheswing,EmmaKatethoughtthatwasareal

shame.

•••

SHEMANAGEDTOSQUEEZEOUTsometimetostartaplaylist,topumpafistintheairwhentheconsignmentshopreportedthesaleoftwococktaildresses,aneveninggownandahandbag.Sheadjustedherspreadsheet,calculatedthatshemightbeabletopayoffanothercredit

cardwithonemoregoodsale.Sheorganizedherselffor

thenextday,herfirstdayworkingatthesalon,thenpulledoutheroldhikingboots—onesshe’dkepttuckedawayinherclosetsoRichardcouldn’tinsistshetossthemout.

ShedroppedCallieoffatClay’sforavisitwithJacksonasarrangedandwatchedherdaughterhappilyexploringhercousin’slittle

backyardfortbeforedrivingtothetrailhead.

Moreshe’dmissed,shethoughtassheparkedandgotout.Thequietthatletyouhearbirdscallingandthebreezesingingthroughthetrees.Thesharpsmellofpineonairfreshandjustcoolenough.Shehookedonherlightpack—somethingelseshe’dtuckedawayfromRichard.

She’dbeentaughtfrom

childhoodtoalwayscarrywaterandsomebasicsevenonashort,easyhike.Cellservicecouldbespotty—atleastithadbeenthelasttimeshe’dtakenthistrail—butshe’dtuckedherphoneinherpocketlikealways.

Shedidn’twanttobemorethanacallortextawayfromherdaughter.

She’dbringCalliehere,shethought,takeheralongthetrail,pointoutthe

wildflowers,thetrees,maybespotadeerorascurryingrabbit.

Teachherhowtoidentifybearscat,shethought,smilingasshecalculatedCalliewasjusttherightagetofindthatideathrillinglydisgusting.

Shelookedupatthecloudsthatskimmedoverthetopsofthehigherhills.Shemighttakeherdaughteronanovernight.Pitchatent,show

herthepleasureofsleepingoutunderthestarsonagood,clearnight,andtellingstoriesaroundacampfire.

Thiswasthetruelegacy,wasn’tit?Theyearstravelingfromplacetoplace,thetimeinAtlanta,inPhiladelphia,thatwassomeotherworldaltogether.IfCalliechoseoneofthoseworlds,oranotherentirely,she’dhavetheserootstoreturntowhenevershewanted.

She’dalwayshavefamilyintheRidge,andaplacetocomehometo.

Shelbyturnedwhensheheardthecar,lookedback,lookedouttotakeintheviewofthetownrisingandfallingwiththehills.Anddespiteknowingshe’dhavetogothroughyetanotherpainfulconfession,smiledwhenEmmaKateparkedbesideher.

“Ialmostforgothow

beautifulitishere,justrighthere,withthetownononeside,thetrailontheother,soyoucanchoosewhatyouwantandjustgo.”

“MattandIhikeduptoSweetwaterCavethefirsttimehecamebackwithme.Iwantedtoseewhathewasmadeof.”

“Thatone’saquadkiller.How’dhedo?”

“I’mstillkeepinghimaround,aren’tI?You’vestill

gotthosehikingboots?”“Brokeinjustright.”“Soyoualwayssaid.

Finallytradedmineinlastyear.Itrytogetinahikeonceortwiceaweek.Matt,hejoinedthegymoverinGatlinburgashe’soneforweightsandmachines.He’smakingnoisesaboutfindingaplacetobuildoneintheRidgesohedoesn’thavetodriveallthatway.Me,I’dratherjusttakethetrail,and

maybefitinoneoftheyogaclassesyourgranny’sgotgoingonSaturdaysatthedayspa.”

“Shedidn’tsayanythingaboutthat.”

“She’sgotalotgoing.We’dbettergetgoing,too,ifwe’regoingtohikeuptotheOutlook.”

“Ourfavoritespottotalkaboutboysandparentsandwhatannoyedus.”

“Isthatwhatwe’redoing

now?”EmmaKateaskedastheybegantowalk.

“Inaway,Iguess.I’vecomeclean,youcouldsay,withmyfamily.Youalwaysweremyfamily,too,soI’mgoingtocomecleanwithyou.”

“Areyourunningfromthelaw?”

Withalaugh,andbecauseitfeltright,ShelbytookEmmaKate’shand,gavetheirarmsaswing.“Notthe

law,butitfeelslikeI’vebeenrunningfromeverythingelse.I’vestoppednow.”

“Gladtohearit.”“I’vetoldyousome.Now

I’mgoingtotellyoutherest.ItstartedafterRicharddied.Itallstartedbefore,butyoucouldsayitallfellontopofmeafter.”

Shefilledinpiecesshe’dleftout,backtrackingwhenEmmaKateblurtedoutquestions.Theclimb

steepened,windingup,makingherlegsacheinagoodway.Shecaughtsightoftherichfeathersofabluebirdwingingthroughsomewilddogwoodwithitsbudsjustpeekingopen,waiting,justwaiting,toburstoutfullwhite.

Theaircooledastheyclimbed,andstillshefeltthegood,lightsweatofthephysicalchallengeonherskin.

Itwaseasier,sherealized,tosayitallhere,outintheopen,wherethehillscarriedherwordsaway.

“First,I’mstillnotusedtohavingsomebodyIknowmillionsofdollarsindebt—andit’snotyourdebt,damnit,Shelby.”

“Isignedtheloanpapersonthehouse,atleastIguessIdid.”

“Guess?”“Idon’tremembersigning

anyloan,buthe’dpushpapersinfrontofmenowandthen,‘Signthis,it’snothing.’Ithinkhalfthetimehejustsignedmynamehimself.IcouldmaybehavegottenoutofitifI’dgonethroughthecourtprocessorjusttosseditallinanddeclaredbankruptcy.Iwasn’tgoingtodothat.Whenthehousesells,anditwill,that’lltakethebigweightoff.Anduntilitdoes,I’mchippingaway.”

“Sellingclothes?”“I’vemadenearlyfifteen

thousandonclothessofar—notcountingthefurcoatItookbackwiththetagsstillonit—andImightmakethatmuchagainbeforeit’sdone.Hehadahellofalotofsuits,andIhadthingsIneverevenwore.Itwasadifferentworld,EmmaKate.”

“Butyourengagementringwasafake.”

“Iguesshedidn’tseethe

pointinputtingarealdiamondonmyfinger.Heneverlovedme,Iseethatnow.Iwasusefultohim.I’mnotaltogethersurehow,butImust’vebeenuseful.”

“Findingthatsafe-depositbox.Thathardlyseemspossible.”

Lookingback,shecouldseeshe’dbeentiltingatwindmills.But...“Iwasonamission.Youknowhowitis.”

“Iknowhowyouarewhenyou’reonamission.”Asthesunchangedangles,EmmaKateadjustedthebillofhercap.“Allthatcashinthere,andthatdoesn’tevengettotheotheridentification.”

“Hecouldn’thavecomebyitlegal.I’vehadsomemomentsoverthat,butIdidn’tstealit,orswindleit,andI’vegotCallietoconsider.Ifitcomesdowntohavingtopaythatback

sometime,I’lldealwithit.Fornow,I’vegotsometuckedawayinthebank,andwhenIcanseemywayclear,I’mgoingtouseittogetusalittlehouse.”

“Whataboutthisprivatedetective?”

“He’swastinghistimewithme.Ihavetofigurehe’llcometothatonhisown,orForrestpersuadedhim.”

“Forrestcanbepersuasive.”

“He’sstillmadatme,atleastalittle.Areyoustill?”

“It’shardtobewhenI’mmorefascinated.”

Theywalkedinsilence,alongthefamiliartrail.

“Wasthefurniturereallythatugly?”

Amusedherfriendwouldzoominonthat,Shelbylaughed.“Uglier.IwishI’dtakenpictures.Itwashardandslick,anddarkandangular.IalwaysfeltlikeI

wasvisitinginthathouse,andcouldn’twaittogetoutofit.Henevermadethefirstpayment,EmmaKate.Bythetimehedied,thebankhadalreadysentoutnoticesIhadn’tseen.”

Shepausedtoopenherwaterbottle.“I’mthinkingnowhewasintrouble.SomethinginAtlanta,maybe.SohewrangledthatbighouseupNorthwithouttellingmethat,either.Setitallup,then

toldmeweweremoving,hehadsomebusinessopportunities.Iwentalong.Iguessthat’sonewayIwasuseful.Iwentalong.Lookingback,it’shardtoimaginehowmanytimesIdid.

“Idon’tevenknowwhohewas.Ican’tsayforsureIevenknewhisname.Idon’tknownowwhathedid,howhemadethemoneyhehad.Ijustknownoneofitwasreal—notmymarriage,notthe

lifewelived.”Shestoppedatthe

Outlook,feltherheartlift.“Thisiswhat’sreal.”Shecouldseeformiles,

therollandriseofthatdeep,secretgreen,thedipsofthevalleyscuppedbetweentherises—delicateasheroldteaset.Andthecarpetedpeaksswimmingintothecloudssofullofmysteryandsilence.

Thelighthadgonesoftastheafternoonwounddown.

Shethoughtofhowitlookedatsunset,allbrushedwithgold,littletipsoffireredasthemountainswenttogray.

“Iknow,too,Itookthisforgranted.Allofit.Ineverwillagain.”

Theysatonanoutcroppingofrock,astheyhadcountlesstimesovertheyears.EmmaKatepulledabagofsunflowerseedsoutofherpack.

“Itusedtobegummy

bears,”Shelbycommented.“Iusedtobetwelve.I

couldgoforsomegummybears,”shedecided.

Smiling,Shelbyopenedherownpack,pulledoutabag.“IletCalliehavethemnowandagain.WheneverI’dopenabagofthem,I’dthinkofyou.”

“Somethingaboutgummies.”EmmaKateopenedthebag,divedin.“Youknow,yourfamily

wouldhelpyouwithsomeofthedebt—andIwouldn’tdothat,either,”shesaidbeforeShelbycouldspeak.

“Thanks.Ithelpsyouunderstandthewhyofthat.I’mgoingtomakeagoodlifehere.IknowIcan.MaybeIhadtoleavesoIcouldcomeback,seewhatwasrealforme,andwhatwasn’t.”

“Andyou’llsingforyoursupperafterall.”

“That’stheicing.Ireally

likeTansy’sDerrick.”“He’sawinner.Andwhat

aface.”“Hesureispretty.But—”“Whatabody,”theysaid

together,andlaugheduntiltheylosttheirbreath.

“Nowwe’resittinghere.”Shelbyletoutasigh,lookedoutoverthespreadofgreen.“Justlikeweusedtoandstilltalkingaboutboys.”

“Apuzzlethatcanneverbetrulysolved.”

“Soworthtalkingabout.Andbothofusaredoing—orformeabouttodo—whatweusedtowishfor.EmmaKateAddison,RN.Doyouloveit?”

“Ido.Ireallydo.Hell,IneverworkedsohardinmylifeasIdidtogetthatRN.IfiguredI’dworkinabighospital.AndIdid.Ilikedit,Ilikeditalot.”

ShelookedbackatShelby.“ThethingIdidn’tknowis

I’dlikeworkingattheclinicevenmore,andIdo.SomaybeIhadtogooffawhiletoseethat.”

“IsMattyouricing?”“He’sdefinitelyicing.”

EmmaKategrinnedasshepoppedanothergummybearinhermouth.“Andatleastonelayerofcake.”

“Yougoingtomarryhim?”

“Idon’tplanonmarryinganybodyelse.Notinarush

aboutit,evenifMamawishesIwouldbe.Thingsarereallygoodastheyarefornow.Iheardthey’regoingtodothatbigmasterbathforyourmama.”

“She’sgotsamplebooksandmagazinepictures.Daddypretendshethinksit’scrazy,buthe’sgettingakickoutofit.”

Shelbytookasipofwater,thentookhertimecarefullyscrewingthecapbackin

place.“Griffinwasovermeasuringtheotherday.”

“They’relookingforwardtothedemo.They’rebothlikelittleboysaboutthedemostage.”

“Hmm.”Wonderingifsheshouldbringitup—andout—Shelbylookedout,caughtaglintofacurvingstreaminasplashofsunlight.Talkingaboutboyshere,shethought,wastradition,afterall.

“Thethingis,whilehewas

overatMama’s,Griffinprettymuchcamestraightoutandsaidhewasinterested.Inme.”

Onasnort,EmmaKatepoppedanothergummybear.“Isawthatonecoming.”

“Becausehemakesmovesonwomenalot?”

“Hemakesmoveslikeanynormalguy,butno.Becausehelookedlikehe’dbeenstruckbylightningwhenyouwalkedintomymother’s

kitchenthatfirstday.”“Hedid?Ididn’tnotice

that.Shouldn’tIhavenoticedthat?”

“Youweretoobusyfeelingguiltyandawkward.Whatdidyousaytohim?”

“Ijustfumbledaroundsome.Ican’treallybethinkingaboutthingslikethat.”

“Butyouarethinkingaboutthingslikethat.”

“Ishouldn’tbe.Richard

justdied.Andthat’snotevenofficial.”

“Richard—orwhateverthehellhisnamewas—isgone.”Aseventhethoughtofhimpissedheroff,EmmaKatemimedballingsomethingup,flickeditouttowardthedrop.“You’rehere.Yourmarriagewasunhappy,andbasicallyasham—yousaidsoyourself.There’snorequiredmourningperiodhere,Shelby.”

“I’mnotmourningatall.It

doesn’tseemright.”“Aren’tyoutiredofdoing

whatyoutellyourselfseemsright?You’vedonethatforaboutfouryearsnow,anditlookslikeitlandedyouinamess.”

“Idon’tevenknowhim.Griffin,Imean.”

“Iknowwhoyoumeant,andthat’swhytheyinventedthisthingwecalldating.Yougooutsomewhere,haveconversations,discoverwhat

interestsyoumightshareandifyou’reattractedtoeachother.Whataboutsex?”

“Richarddidn’tseeminterestedthelastfewmonthsbefore—Oh,youmeantwithGriffin.God,EmmaKate.”Laughing,Shelbyreachedforgummybears.“Wehaven’tevengoneonthatinventioncalleddating.Ican’tjusthavesexwithhim.”

“Idon’tknowwhynot.You’rebothfree,healthyand

ofage.”“Andlookwhatjumping

intosexwithsomeoneIbarelyknewgotmelasttime.”

“Icanpromiseyou,Griff’snoWhatever-His-Name-Was.”

“Idon’tthinkIknowhowtodateanymore.”

“You’lleaseintoit.Thefourofuscangooutanddosomething.”

“Maybe.Griffwantsto

takeusoutforpizza,andImadethemistakeofsayingsomethingaboutittoCallie.She’saskedmeaboutittwicesince.”

“Thereyougo.”ProblemsolvedtoEmmaKate’smind,sheslappedShelbyontheleg.“Youlethimtakethetwoofyouforpizza,thefourofuswillhavedinnerorsomething.Thenyoucantryasolo.”

“Mylife’sapurehotmess

yet,EmmaKate.Ishouldn’tbedatinganyone.”

“Honey,whenyou’resingle,goingoutwithagood-lookingguyisliving.Gohavepizza,”sheadvised,“andseewhereitgoesfromthere.”

“You’regoingtogetsickofhearingit,butImissedyousomuch.Imissedthisrighthere.Sittinginthisspot,talkingtoyouaboutanythingandeverything,andeating

gummybears.”“It’sthegoodlife.”“It’sthebest.”Andcaught

upinit,shegrabbedEmmaKate’shand.“Let’smakeavow.Whenwe’reeightyorso,ifwecan’tmakethehike,we’llgetacoupleofyoungstudstocartusupheresowecansit,talkaboutanythingandeverythingandeatgummybears.”

“Now,that’stheShelbyPomeroyIremember.”Emma

Kateswipedafingeroverherheart.“That’savow.Buttheyhavetobehotyoungstuds.”

“Ithoughtthatwasunderstood.”

•••

SHEMOVEDINTOAROUTINE,acontentedone,workingonhersonglist,practicing,weavingherselfbackintothefabricoftheRidgewithherworkatthesalon.

Shefounditstrangeandwonderfulhowquicklyitallcameback,thevoices,therhythm,theeasygossip,thesightsofthetownandthemountainscomingtolifewithspring.

Aspromised,demolitionbegan,somorningsbeforesheleftforworkorerrands,thehousewasfilledwithmen’svoices,hammering,drilling.

Shegotusedtoseeing

GriffandMatt—andmaybeshewasthinkingaboutit,alittle.Offandon.Itwashardnottothinkaboutamanwhenheshowedupatyourhouseeverydaywithatoolbeltslungaroundhiships,andthatlookinhiseyes.

“Soundedgoodthismorning.”

ShestoppedonherwaytogetherCalliebagwhenGriffsteppedoutintothehallwayfromheroldbedroom.

“Sorry,what?”“You.Yousoundedgood.

Singingintheshower.”“Oh.It’sahandyrehearsal

hall.”“You’vegotpipes,Red.

Whatwasthesong?”“I...”Shehadtothink

back.“‘StormyWeather.’It’stheforties.”

“Sexyinanydecade.Hey,LittleRed.”

HecroucheddownwhenCallieboltedupthestairs.

“Mama’sgoingtoworkatGranny’s.I’mgoingtoChelsea’s’causeGammaworkstoday,too.”

“Soundslikefunallaround.”

“Canwehavepizza?”“Callie—”“Deal’sadeal,”Griff

interrupted.“Icouldgoforsomepizzatonight.Tonightworkforyou?”heaskedShelby.

“Well,I...”

“Mama,IwantpizzawithGrrr—iff.”Tosealit,Callieclimbedintohisarms,thenturnedherheadtowardhermother,smiled.

“Whocouldsaynotoallthat?Thatwouldbenice,thanks.”

“Sixworkforyou?”“Sure.”“I’llpickyouup.”“Oh,well,carseat.It’s

easierifwemeetyouthere.”“Right.Sixo’clock.Have

wegotadate?”heaskedCallie.

“Wegottadate,”shesaid,andkissedhim.“Let’sgo,Mama.Let’sgotoChelsea’s.”

“Rightbehindyou.Thankyou,really,”ShelbysaidwhenCalliestarteddownagain.“Youmadeherday.”

“It’smakingmine.Seeyoulater.”

Whenhewalkedbackintotheworkspace,Mattraised

hiseyebrows.“Movinginonthelocaltalent?”

“Onestepatatime.”“She’salooker.Got

herselfaverycomplicatedlife,bro.”

“Yeah.GoodthingI’vegottools.”Hepickedupthenailgun.“Andknowhowtousethem.”

Hethoughtaboutherthroughouttheday.Hecouldn’tthinkofawomanwho’dintriguedhimmore—

thecontrastofthesad,cautiouseyesandthequicksmilewhensheforgottobecareful.Theseamlesswayshehandledthekid.Thewayshelookedinsnugjeans.

Itallworkedforhim.Healmostthoughtitwas

toobadthejobwasmovingalongsosmoothly.Afewglitchesandhe’dhavemoretimetoseeherforafewminuteseveryday.

ButAdaMaewasno

Bitsy.Whenshedecidedonatile,onacolor,onafixture,shestuck.

Hehadtimetogohome,cleanup,change.Amandidn’ttaketwoprettyfemalesoutforpizzasmellingofjobsweatandsawdust.Itwouldbeanearlyevening,hecalculated,withathree-year-oldalong.Whichwasprobablyforthebest.Hecouldputinacoupleofhoursonhisownjob.

Infact,hethoughthemightmovehisfocustothebedroom.Amandidn’tbringaprettyfemalehometobedwhenthatbedwasanairmattressonthefloor.

HefullyintendedtobringShelbyhometobed.Whensheandtheroomwerereadyforit.

Hedroveintotown,snaggedaparkingspotonthestreetjustafewdoorsdownfromPizzateria.Anddeemed

histimingperfectwhenShelbygotoutofherminivantwospotsup.

HestrolledupassheliftedCallieoutofthecarseat.

“Giveyouahand?”“Oh,I’vegotit.Thank

you.”“Hey.”Heheardthetears

inhervoiceevenbeforesheturnedwithCallieinherarmsandhesawthemwellinginhereyes.“What’swrong?Whathappened?”

“Oh,it’sjust—”“Mama’shappy.Shehas

happytears,”Callieexplained.

“You’rehappy?”“Yes.Very.”“Thecombinationofme

andpizzadoesn’tusuallybringwomentotears.”

“It’snotthat.Iwasjustonthephone.WewerealittleearlyasCalliewassoanxious.Andtherealtorcalled.ThehouseupNorth,

it’ssold.”Oneofthetearsspilleddownhercheekbeforeshecouldbrushitaway.

“Happytears,”Callieannounced.“HugMama,Griff.”

“Sure.”Beforeshecouldevade,he

hadbothShelbyandCalliewrappedinahug.

Hefeltherholdstiffforamoment,thenjustmelt.

“It’sjustsucharelief.It’slikeamountainfelloffmy

shoulders.”“Good.”Hepressedakiss

tothetopofherhead.“We’redefinitelycelebrating.Right,Callie?Happypizza.”

“Wedon’tlikethehouse.We’regladit’snotoursnow.”

“That’sright.That’sright.”Shelbytookabreath,leanedinjustonemoremoment,thenstraightened.“Wedon’tlikethehouse,notforus.Nowsomebodywho

doeslikeithasit.Veryhappypizza.Thankyou,Griffin.”

“Youneedaminute?”“No.No,I’mgood.”“Thengivemethegirl.”

HeheftedCallieintohisarms.“Andlet’sgetthispartystarted.”

hekidwasacharmer,entertainedandengagedhim—and

flatteredhimbyinsistingonsittingnexttohiminthebooth.

Hemighthavehada

momentortwowishingthemotherwouldflirtasovertlyasthedaughter,butamancouldn’thaveeverything.

Itwasanicebreaktohisday,betweenthejobandtheproject.

Whenthemanagercameout,pulledShelbyfromherseatforahug,heexaminedhisreaction.

Notjealousy,notexactly,butakindofinner“Carefulthere,buddy”ashewaitedto

seejustwhatwaswhat.“Ikeptmissingyou.”

JohnnyFoster,amanwithaslysmileandaneasymanner,kepthishandsonShelby’sshoulderstotakealonglook.“Buthereyouarenow.Didn’trealizeyouknewGriff.”JohnnyslunganarmoverShelby’sshouldersasheturnedtoGriff.“ShelbyandIgoback.”

“MycousinJohnny,here,andmybrotherClayusedto

lookfortroubletogether.”“Andfounditasoftenas

possible.”“You’recousins?”“Third,fourth,whatisit?”

Johnnywondered.“Third,Ithink,onceor

twiceremoved.”“Kissingcousins,”hesaid,

andgaveherone,lightly.“Andyou’reCallie,andaren’tyouasprettyasastrawberryfloat.It’snicemeetingyou,cousin.”

“I’monadatewithGriff.We’regoingtohavepizza.”

“Thisistheplaceforit.We’regoingtofindsometimeandcatchup,”hesaidtoShelby.“Allright?”

“Allright.Claysaidyouweremanagerherenow.”

“Yeah.Who’dhavethought?Y’allgetyourorderin?”

“Justaminuteago.”“Youwatchoverthere,

Callie.”Hepointedtothe

counterwhereamaninawhiteapronladledsauceondough.“I’llbemakingyourpizzamyself,special.AndI’vegotsometricks.Meanttotellyou,Griff,whatevery’alldidwiththefurnaceworkedlikeacharm.Hasn’tgivenusanytroublesince.”

“Goodtohear.”“Pizzacomingup.”Shelbyslidbackintothe

booth.“ItsoundslikeyouandMattarefixingsomething

somewhereallovertheRidge.”

“That’stheplan.Theguywhocanfixyourfurnacewhenthetemperaturesdive,oryourtoiletonaSundaymorningwhenyou’vegotpeoplecomingtodinner?He’sapopularguy.”

Shelaughed.“Andwhodoesn’tlikebeingpopular?Busy,too.Howdoyoumanagetomakeyourselfpopularanddoallthework

ontheoldTripplehornplace?”

“Beingpopular’sthejob.Thehouseistheproject.IdobetterwiththejobwhenI’vegotagoodprojectgoing.”

“Mama,look!”Calliebouncedinherseat.“Thecousinman’sdoingtricks.”

“Andhe’slearnedsomenewones,”ShelbycommentedasJohnnytossedupdough,didaquickspin,caughtit.

“Lookslikewe’rehavingmagicpizza.”

Wide-eyed,CallieturnedtoGriff.“Magicpizza?”

“Prettysure.Don’tyouseethatmagicdustflying?”

Witheyeslikebluesaucersnow,shelookedbackatJohnny,gasped.“Itsparkles!”

Thepowerofakid’simagination,Griffthought.“Youbet.Whenyoueatmagicpizza,itturnsyouintoafairyprincessinyour

dreams.”“Itdoes?”“That’swhatI’veheard.

Ofcourse,you’vegottoeatit,thenwhenyourmothersaysit’sbedtime,you’vegottogorighttobed,andwishforit.”

“Iwill.Butyoucan’tbeafairyprincess’causeyou’reaboy.That’ssilly.”

“That’swhyI’mtheprincewhoslaysthefangbeast.”

“Princesslaydragons!”

“Idon’tgetthat.”Playingitup,heletoutasadsigh,shookhishead—caughtShelbysmilingathimfromacrossthetable.“Ilikedragons.Youmightbeabletosqueezeinanotherwishandgetyourselfyourowndragon.Youcouldflyonhimoveryourkingdom.”

“Ilikedragons,too.I’mgoingtoflyonmine.Hername’sLulu.”

“Can’tthinkofabetter

nameforadragon.”“You’vegotaway,”

Shelbymurmured,andGriffgrinnedoverather.

“Oh,I’vegotlotsofways.”

“Ijustbetyoudo.”Hedecideditwasthebest

hourofhisday,sittinginthenoisypizzeria,entertainingalittlegirlandmakinghermotherlaugh.Hedidn’tseewhyitwasn’tsomethinghecouldn’tworkintohisregular

schedule.Everybodycouldusesome

magicpizzanowandthen.“Thiswassonice,”Shelby

saidwhenhewalkedthembacktohercar.“YousuremadeCallie’sfirstdateonetoremember.”

“We’llhavetohaveasecond.Areyougoingtogooutwithmeagain,Callie?”

“Okay.Ilikeicecream.”“That’sarealcoincidence

—I’mstartingtothinkwe’re

madeforeachother.Ilikeicecream,too.”

Shegavehimwhathecouldonlytermafemmefatalesmilefromunderherlashes.“Youcantakemeonadatewithicecream.”

“Nowlookwhatyoustarted.”Amused,ShelbyhauledCallieupintothecarseat.

“HowaboutSaturday?”BusystrappingCalliein,

Shelbyglancedback.

“What?”“Howaboutanicecream

dateonSaturday?”“Okay!”Calliebouncedin

herseat.“Ihavetowork,”Shelby

began.“Me,too.Afterwork.”“Well,I...Iguess.Are

yousure?”“Iwouldn’thaveaskedifI

wasn’t.Don’tforgettomakeyourwish,Callie.”

“I’mgoingtobeafairy

princessandridemydragon.”“Callie,whatdoyousayto

Griffin?”“Thankyouforthedate.”

Injoyfulinnocence,sheheldoutherarms.“Kiss.”

“Yougotit.”Heleanedin,kissedher.

Laughing,sherubbedhischeek.

“Ilikeyourscratchies.Theytickle.KissMamanow.”

“Sure.”

Hefiguredshe’dofferacheek,anddidn’tseewhyhehadtosettle.Amancouldmovefastwithoutseemingto,especiallywhenhe’dthoughtitthrough.

Hesethishandsonherhips,glidedthemupherbackwithhiseyesonhers.Hewatchedherswideninsurprise—butnotprotest.Sohewentwithit.

Hedippeddown,tookhermouthwithhisasiftheyhad

allthetimeintheworld.Asiftheyweren’tstandingonthesidewalkofHighStreet,seenbyanyonewhopassedbyorglancedoutawindow.

Itwasn’thardtoforgetwheretheywerewhenherbodymeltedagainsthis,withherlips,warmandsoft,yielding.

Hermindjustemptied,everythought—past,present,future—floodingawayassensationfloodedinand

swampedher.Herbodywentlimpevenasitleapedtolife.Herheadspuninlong,lazycirclesasifshe’dhadjustasiptoomuchofgoodwine.

Shesmelledsoapandskinandthehyacinthsinthewhiskeybarrelacrossthesidewalk.Andheardwhatsherealizedlaterwasthehumofpleasureinherownthroat.

Helethergoassmoothlyashe’dtakenher.Hiseyesstayedonhersagain,

watchful.“Ithoughtso,”he

murmured.“I...just...”She

realizedshecouldn’tquitefeelherfeet,hadtofighttheurgetolookdowntomakesuretheywerestillthere.“Havetogo.”

“Seeyoulater.”“I...Fingersonnoses,

Callie.”Callieputherfingerson

hernose.“Bye,Griff.Bye!”

HewavedasShelbyclosedthedoor,hookedhisthumbsinhispocketswhenshewalkedaroundtothedriver’sside.Andcouldn’tstopthegrinwhenshestaggered,justalittle.

Hewavedagainwhen,aftersomefumbling,shestartedtheengine,pulledaway.

Yeah,definitelythebesthourofhisday.Hecouldn’twaittodoitagain.

•••

SHEDROVEHOMEwithextracare.Shereallydidfeelasifshe’dhadabottleofwineinsteadofaglassofCokewithherpizza.Andthathumkeptwantingtocomebacktoherthroat,akindofechotothebutterfliesdancingaroundinherbelly.

Calliestartednoddingoffontheshortdrivehome,theexcitementofthedaytaking

itstoll.Butsheperkedupagain,alittleonthehyperside,whenShelbyparked.

She’dletherdaughterrundownagain,shethought.Itwouldn’ttakelong.Andshehadtobecoherent,putallthisbusinessaside.Shedidn’thavetimeforflutteringsorhummings.

Shelbydidn’thavetodomuchmorethanlistenasCalliefranticallyrelayedthedetailsofherdatetoher

grandparents.“Andwe’regonnahavean

icecreamdateonSaturday.”“Isthatso?Well,this

soundsprettyserious.”AdaMaeshotShelbyaspeculativelook.“Maybeyourgranddaddyshouldaskthisboyhisintentions.”

“Andhisprospects,”Claytonadded.

“I’mtheirchaperone,”Shelbysaidcheerfully.“Oh,IsawJohnnyFoster.Didn’t

havemuchtimetotalktohimastheywerebusy.He’stheonewhotossedthedough.Hemadethemagicpizza,right,Callie?”

“Uh-huh,andGriffsaidIcanrideadragon,andhe’sgoingtokillthe...whatisit,Mama?”

“Ithinkitwasafangbeast.”

“He’sgonnakillitdead,andthenwe’llgetmarried.”

“Thatmust’vebeensome

pizza,”Claytoncommented.“Youcanbetheking,

Granddaddy,andGamma’sthequeen.”Sheranincirclesaroundtheroom,twirling,jumping.“AndClancycancome,too.”Shethrewherarmsaroundtheolddog.“AndI’mgoingtowearabeautifuldress,thenitsayskissthebride.IttickleswhenGriffkisses,doesn’tit,Mama?”

“I—”

“Doesit?”NowAdaMaeworeasmugsmile.

“Uh-huh.WhenisitSaturday,Mama?”

“Soonenough.”ShelbycaughtCallieonthefly,gaveheraspin.“Nowwe’regoingup.Youneedyourbathbeforeyougodreamingandgettingmarriedtohandsomeprinces.”

“Okay.”“Goonup,putyour

clothesinyourhamper.I’ll

betwoseconds.Shehadthebesttime,”ShelbysaidwhenCallieranforthestairs.

“Howaboutyou?”“Itwasnice.He’ssosweet

withher.ButwhatIwantedtotellyoubothisrightbeforedinner,Igotacall.Thehousesold.”

“Thehouse?”AdaMaelookedblankforamoment,thenploppeddowninachairashereyesfilled.“Oh,Shelby,thehouseupNorth.

I’msoglad.I’msogladofthat.”

“Happytears.”Shelbypulledoutoneofthetissuesalwaysinherpocket.“Ididthesame.It’ssuchaburdenlifted.”Sheturnedintoherfatherwhenhesteppedover,foldedherintohisarms,rockedhersidetoside.“IthoughtIknewhowmuchitweighed,sinceI’vebeencarryingit.Butnowthatit’slifted,itwasheavierthanI

thought.”“Wecanhelpyouwiththe

restofit.YourmamaandItalkeditover,and—”

“No,Daddy.No.Thankyousomuch.Iloveyou.”Shelaidherhandsonhischeeks.“I’mdoingit.It’sgoingtotakeawhile,butI’mdoingit,anddoingitfeelsgood.Itbalancesout,some,allthetimesIjustletthingsgo,stoppedaskingquestions,letsomebodyelsetakecareof

everything.”Sheleanedagainsthim,

smiledathermother.“Andtheworstofit’sbehindmenow.Icandealwithwhat’sahead.I’msogratefultoknowifitgetstooheavyagain,Icanask.”

“Don’teverforgetthatagain.”

“Iswearit.I’vegottogetmybabyinthetub.Ihadagoodday,”shesaidasshepulledback,hauledupher

bag.“Ihadarealgoodday.”Onceshe’dtuckedCallie

in,shesatdownwithherspreadsheet.Sheshouldprobablywaituntilsettlement,butshethoughtshehadeveryrighttobeoptimistic.Whenshebalancedthesheetwiththesale,sheshuthereyes,justbreathed.

Itwasstillapainfuldebt,butohGod,she’dcutitdowntosize.

Theworst,shethoughtagain,wasover.Andwhatwasahead?

Shelaybackonthebed,calledEmmaKate.

“Howwaspizza?”“Itwasmagic,orsoGriff

convincedCallie,soshewenttobedwithabigsmileandtheanticipationofbeingafairyprincessridingadragon.BeforesheandGriffgetmarriedwithallduepompandceremony.”

“He’sgotawaywithkids.Ithinkhe’sgotalotoflittleboyleftinthere.”

“Hekissedme.”“Wasthatmagic,too?”

EmmaKateaskedwithoutmissingabeat.

“Mybrain’sstillsoft.Don’ttellMattmybrainwentsoft.He’lltellGriffin,andI’llfeellikeanidiot.Idon’tknowifit’sbecauseit’sbeensolongsinceI’vehadaseriouskiss,orifhe’sjust

thatdamngoodatit.”“I’veheardhe’sdamn

goodatit.”Shelbysmiled,curledup.

“DidyourbraingosoftthefirsttimeMattkissedyou?”

“Itliquefiedandleakedoutofmyears.Whichsoundsdisgusting,butwasanythingbut.”

“Ifeelsogood,sogoodI’dforgottenhowitfeelstofeelsogood.Ijusthadtocallyou.Isoldthehouse,andgot

kissedbrainlessonHighStreet.”

“You—Oh,Shelby,that’sgreat!Onbothcounts,butsheddingthathouse.I’msohappyforyou.”

“I’mstartingtoseemywayclear,EmmaKate.I’mreallystartingtoseeaclearpath.Somemorebumpstogetover,butIseetheclear.”

Andpartoftheclearwasbeingcurleduponherbedtalkingtoherbestfriend.

•••

THEGOODDAYROLLEDintoagoodweek.Shecouldsavorthesensationofbeinghappyandproductive,ofearningherway.

Shemoppedfloors,filleddispensers,bookedappointments,rangupsales,listenedtogossip.ShecommiseratedwhenCrystalcomplainedaboutherboyfriend,comfortedVonnie

whenthemasseuse’sgrandmotherpassedpeacefullyinhersleep.

Shesetupchairsandtablesinthelittlebackgardenareaofthedayspa,pottedupsomeflowers.

AftercheckingoutthepreschoolwhereChelseawouldgocomefall,sheenrolledCallie.Andfelttheprideandthepangofwhatsheknewwouldbethefirstofmanylayersofseparation.

ShehadicecreamwithGriffanddiscoveredthesecondkisscouldbeaspowerfulasthefirst.Butshehedgedwhenheaskedherouttodinner.

“It’sjustmytime’ssobudgetedrightnow.I’vegotaroutinegoingatthesalon,soI’measierthere.ButuntilIsingFridaynight,seehowthatgoes,I’musingupmyfreetimerehearsingandplanningforthenextweek.”

“AfterFriday.”Helaidouttheelementsthatwouldheatthetilefloorofthenewbathroom.“Becauseit’sgoingtogogreat.”

“Ihopeso.MaybeyoucouldcomebyBootlegger’sonFridayforaset.”

Hesatbackonhishaunches.“Red,Iwouldn’tmissit.Ilikelisteningtoyourehearseintheshower.”

“I’mheadingoutrightnowtorehearseinplacebeforethe

barandgrillopens.IhopeTansy’srightaboutpeoplewantingtohearsomebodysingoldsongswhilethey’reeatingtheirporkchopsorscoopingupnachos.”

Shepressedahandonherbelly.“We’regoingtofindout.”

“Nervous?”“Aboutthesinging?No.I

don’tgetnervousaboutsinging,itfeelstoogood.Aboutthedrawnotjustifying

whattheypayme.I’mnervousaboutthat.I’vegottogeton.It’slookinggoodinhere.”

“It’scomingalong.”Hesmiledather.“Let’smakethewordoftheday‘gradation.’Onestepatatime.”

“Mmm,”shesaid,understandinghewasn’tjusttalkingaboutanewbathroom.

•••

SHESQUEEZEDINALASTREHEARSALFridaymorning,andorderedherselfnottothinkaboutwhatshecoulddowiththesongsifshehadacoupleoflivemusicians.

Still,shethoughtsheputalittleofherownspinontheoldclassic“AsTimeGoesBy.”

“Playit,Sam,”Derricksaidfrombehindthebar.

“Ofalltheginjointsinalltheworld.”

“Areyouanold-moviefan?”

“Mydaddyis,sowehadtobe.Andwhodoesn’tloveCasablanca?How’dthatsoundtoyou,Derrick?”

“ItsoundedlikeTansyhaditright.We’regoingtorackthem,stackthemandpackthemonFridayNights.”Restackingglassesfreshlycleanedfromthenightbefore,hecockedaneyebrowather.“Howdoyoufeelaboutit?”

“Hopeful.”Shesteppeddownoffthetinystage.“Ijustwanttosay,ifitdoesn’tpullinabigdraw,ifitjustdoesn’twork,it’snotaproblem.”

“Areyousettinguptofail,Shelby?”

Shecockedherhead,walkedtowardthebar.“ForgetwhatIjustsaid.We’regoingtokickasssohighheretonight,butts’llbelandingonthemoon,and

you’regoingtobeobligedtogivemearaise.”

“Don’tgetcarriedaway.WantaCoke?”

“WishIhadtimeforone,butIhavetoheadovertothesalon.”Tobesureshewasn’talreadylate,shetippedherphoneoutofherpockettocheckthetime.

“Tonightshouldbringpeoplein,justtosee,”shesaid.“There’sme,thegirlwhowasn’tthereforawhile,

andallthehypingTansy’sdone.Flyerseverywhere,andI’mplasteredalloveryourFacebookpage.Hell,myfamily’sbigenoughtobeacrowd,andalotofthemwillbehere.That’ssomething.”

“Kickasshigh.”“Kickasshigh,”she

agreed.“I’llseeyoutonight.”Shewalkedout,distracted,

stillrehearsinginherhead.Shebarelynoticedthewomanwhofellintostep

besideheruntilshespoke.“ShelbyFoxworth?”“Sorry.”She’dgottenused

to“Pomeroy”againinsuchashorttimeshenearlysaidno.“Yes.Hello.”

Shestopped,smiledandsearchedhermemorybanks.Butthestunningbrunettewiththecoldbrowneyesandtheperfectredlipsdidn’tringanybells.

“I’mShelby.I’msorry,Idon’trecognizeyou.Whoare

you?”“I’mNatalieSinclair.I’m

JakeBrimley’swife.YouknewhimasRichardFoxworth.”

Thehalf-smilestayedonShelby’sfaceasthewordssoundedlikeaforeignlanguagetoherears.“What?Whatdidyousay?”

Somethingfelinemovedintothewoman’seyes.“Wereallyneedtotalk,somewheremoreprivate.I

sawacutelittleparknotfar.Whydon’twegothere?”

“Idon’tunderstand.Idon’tknowanyJakeBrimley.”

“Changinganamedoesn’tchangewhoyouare.”Nataliereachedintoapalebluehandbag,drewoutaphotograph.“Lookfamiliar?”

InthepicturethebrunettewascheektocheekwithRichard.Hishairwaslongerthanhe’dwornit,abit

lighter.Somethingwasdifferentabouthisnose,Shelbythought.

ButitwasRichardsmilingoutather.

“You—I’msorry—areyousayingyouweremarriedtoRichard?”

“No.Wasn’tIclear?Letmesayitagain,incaseyouhavetroubleunderstanding.Iwas,andam,marriedtoJakeBrimley.RichardFoxworthneverexisted.”

“ButI—”“It’stakenmequitea

whiletotrackyoudown,Shelby.Let’shaveachat.”

Brimleywasnotoneofthenamesshe’dfoundinthebankbox.MyGod,hadhehadanother?Anothername.Anotherwife.

“Ineedtomakeacall.I’mgoingtobelateforwork.”

“Gorightahead.It’saquaintlittletown,isn’tit?Ifyougoforgunracksand

camo.”Anddidn’tshesoundjust

likeRichard?“There’salsoart.”Shelbybitoffthewords.“Music,tradition,history.”

“Nocalltogettestyaboutit.”

“Peoplewhoconsiderushicksaregenerallyself-importantsnobsfromsomewhereelse.”

“Ouch.”Lookingamused,Nataliegaveaquickshudder.“Struckanerve.”

Ratherthantrytoexplainwhatwasgoingoninacall,Shelbytextedhergrandmother,apologized,letherknowshe’dbealittlelate.

“Somepeoplelikequaint.I’macitygirl.”Nataliegesturedtowardthecrosswalk,begantowalkingorgeousheeledsandalsofpalegold.“SowasJake.Butyoudidn’tmeetJakehere.”

“ImetRichardinMemphis.”Everything

seemedjustalittleblurry.“Iwassingingwithabandduringmysummerbreakfromcollege.”

“Andhejustsweptyouaway.Hewasgoodatthat.Exciting,charming,sexy.I’llbethetookyoutoParis,alittlecaféontheLeftBank.You’dstayattheGeorgeCinq.Heboughtyouwhiteroses.”

Araw,uglysicknessroiledinherstomach—andmust

haveshownonherface.“MenlikeJakehave

patterns.”NataliepattedShelby’sarm.

“Idon’tunderstand.Howcanyoubemarriedtohim?Imean,he’sdead,buthowcouldyouhavebeenmarriedtohim?Weweretogetherforoverfouryears.Wehadachildtogether.”

“Yes,thatwasasurprise.ButIcanseehowthefamilyunitcouldworkforhim.Ihad

thepoorjudgmenttomarryhim—whirlwindtoVegas.Soundfamiliar?AndIhadthegoodsensenottodivorcehimwhenheleftmeinthelurch.”

Itdroppedonher,asinglecrushingweight.“Iwasnevermarriedtohim.That’swhatthismeans.That’swhatyou’resaying.”

“Sincehewasstilllegallymarriedtome,no,youweren’tevermarriedtohim.”

“Andheknew.”“Ofcourseheknew.”Now

shelaughed.“Whatabadboy!Ofcourse,that’spartoftheappeal.Suchabad,badboy,myJake.”

Theparkheldquiet.Nokidsontheswingsorteeter-totter,nonerunningoverthegreen,climbingonthejunglegym.

Nataliesatonabench,crossedherlegs,pattedthespacebesideher.

“Iwasn’tsureifyourealizedthatpartandplayedalong.Itseemshedupedyou.Butthen,that’swhathedoes.”ForaninstantsomethingthatmighthavebeensorrowflickeredoverNatalie’sface.“Ordid.”

“Ican’tthink.”Shelbyloweredtothebench.“Whywouldhedothis?Howcouldhedothis?OhmyGod,arethereanymore?Didhedothistoanotherwoman?”

“Icouldn’tsay.”Nataliegaveaneasyshrug.“Butsinceheswungprettyquickfrommetoyou,Idon’tthinkthere’sanotherwifeinbetween.Andthat’sthetimeI’minterestedin.”

“Idon’tunderstand.”Suddenlybreathless,Shelbysatback,pushedbothhandsthroughherhair,helditbackamoment.“Ican’tunderstandanyofthis.Iwasnevermarried,”shesaid

slowly.“Itwasallfake,justlikethering.”

“Youlivedprettywellforawhile,didn’tyou?”Natalieangledtoher,aimedalookofcontempt.“Paris,Prague,London,Aruba,SaintBart’s,Rome.”

“Howdoyouknowallthat?HowdoyouknowwhereIwentwithhim?”

“Imadeitmybusinesstoknow.YouhadaluxurycondoinAtlanta,country

clubsandValentinodresses.ThenthemansioninVillanova.Youcan’tclaimhedidn’tgiveyouplenty.Seemstomeyouhadagooddeal.”

“Agooddeal?Agooddeal?”Notbreathlessnow,notwheninsultandfuryrolledthrough.“Heliedtome,rightfromthestart.Hemademehiswhorewithoutmyknowing.IthoughtIlovedhim.Atfirst,IthoughtIlovedhimenoughtoleave

myfamilyandeverythingIknewandthoughtI’dwanted.”

“Yourmistake,butyouwerecompensated.Pluckedyououtofthislittlehicktown,didn’the?Oh,excuseme,thisart-and-culture-riddentown.Droppedyourightinthelapforafewyears,sodon’twhine,Shelby.It’sunattractive.”

“What’sthematterwithyou?Youcomehere,tellme

allthis.Maybeyou’retheliar.”

“Checkitout,bemyfuckingguest.ButyouknowI’mnotlying.Jakehadawayofmakingwomenfallforhim,anddowhathewanted.”

“Didyoulovehim?”“Ilikedthehelloutofhim,

andwehadadamngoodtime.Thatwasenough,would’vebeenenoughifhehadn’thungmeouttodry.Imadeaninvestmentinhim,

youcouldsay.AndIpaidahighprice.Iwantmypayoff.”

“Whatpayoff?”“Twenty-eightmillion.”“Twenty-eightmillion

what?Dollars?Areyoucrazy?Hedidn’thaveanywherenearthatkindofmoney.”

“Oh,hehadit.IknowbecauseIhelpedhimgetit.Justshyofthirtymillioninsparklydiamonds,emeralds,

rubies,sapphiresandrarestamps.Whereisthetake,Shelby?I’llsettleforhalf.”

“DoIlooklikeIhavediamondsandemeraldsandallthat?Heleftmeindebtuptomyeyeballs.That’sthepriceI’mpayingforbelievinghim.Whatdidyoupay?”

“Fouryears,twomonthsandtwenty-threedaysinacellinDadeCounty,Florida.”

“You—youwerein

prison?Forwhat?”“Forfraud,sinceIrolled

likeanacrobatonJakeandMickey.That’sMickeyO’Hara,thethirdmemberofourhappylittleband.Mickey’sgottwentyyearstogo,lastIheard.”

Smilesharpandderisive,shetickedherfingeratShelby.“Youdon’twantMickeyO’Haracomingafteryou,Shelby.Takemywordonthat.”

“Youhiredthatprivateinvestigatortohoundme.”

“Ican’tsayIdid.Idomyowninvestigating—it’soneofmyskills.Half,Shelby,andI’mgone.Iearnedeverypennyofit.”

“Idon’thavehalfofanythingtogiveyou.”Shelbylurchedtoherfeet.“AreyousayingRichardstolemillionsofdollars?ThatthedetectivefromFloridawastellingmethetruth?”

“It’swhatwedo,sweetheart.Orinhiscase,whathedid.Findthemark.Rich,lonelywidowsworkedbestforJake.Hecouldturnthemintoputtyinamatterofdays.Easytogetthemto‘invest’inalanddeal—thatwashisspecialty.Butthebigone,thebiggestofourcareer,theonethatwentwrong,thatwasjewelsandstamps,andshehadsomebeauties.Ifyouexpectmetobuythatyou

knewnothingaboutnothing,you’renotsellingit.”

“I’mnotsellingadamnthing.Ifhehadallthat,whyamIpayingoffhisdebts?”

“Healwayswasabitofahoarder.Andthosejewelswerehot.Thestamps?You’dneedtofindjusttherightcollectorforthem.Whenitwentsouth,Jakecouldtakeoffwiththem,butifhe’dtriedtosellthem,evenbreakingthejewelrydownto

thestones,they’dhavetrackedhim.Somethinglikethat,it’sbesttogiveitafewyears,laylow.”

“Laylow,”Shelbymurmured.

“Thatwastheplan.Fourorfiveyears,wefigured,beforewecouldliquidateandretire.Orsemi-retire,aswhowantstogiveupallthefun?Youwerehiscover,that’sclear.Butyou’regoingtohavetogoawaystoconvince

meyou’restupidenoughtoknownothing.”

“Iwasstupidenoughtobelievehim,andthat’swhatI’mgoingtobelivingwith.”

“I’llgiveyousometimetothinkaboutit.Evenifyou’rethedrivensnow,Shelby,youlivedwiththemanformorethanfouryears.Youthinkaboutithardenough,you’llfigureoutsomething.Considerhalfofclosetothirtymillion—maybealittle

morenow—motivation.”ItwasShelby’sturnfor

contempt.“Idon’twanthalfofanythingyoustole.”

“Yourchoice.Turnyourpartin,takethefinder’sfeeifyou’redelicate.It’dbefatenoughtopayoffsomeofthedebtyou’reswimmingin.LikeIsaid,Igetwhat’smine,I’mgone.Ifyouwanttostayinthislittlenowheretown,workinginyourgrandmother’sbeautyparlor

forpeanuts,singingonFridaynightsinabarforrubes?Yourchoice.Igetwhat’smine,youkeepwhat’syours.You’vegotthatprettylittlegirltothinkabout.”

“Yougonearmydaughter,youthinkaboutgoingnearmydaughter,I’lltakeyouapart.”

Nataliejustlookedoverthesideofhershoulder,lipscurved.“Doyouthinkyoucan?”

Shelbydidn’tthink;sheacted.Shereacheddown,hauledNatalietoherfeetbyfistingahandonthefrontofherblouse.“Ican,andIwill.”

“That’swhatcaughtJake’seye.Helikedsomefire,eveninamark.Youcanrelax.I’mnotinterestedinlittlegirlsoringoingbackinacell.Fifty-fifty,Shelby.IfIbringMickeyinonthis,you’llgetnothingbutpainandheartache.He’snotas

civilizedanegotiatorasIam.”

SheshovedShelby’shandoffherblouse.“Thinkaboutit.I’llbeintouch.”

Becauseherlegswantedtoshake,ShelbysatonthebenchagainwhenNataliestrolledaway.

Twenty-eightmillion?Stolenjewelryandstamps?Bigamy?WhoinGod’snamehadshemarried?Orthoughtshemarried?

Maybeitwasallalie.Butwhatwouldbethepoint?

Butshe’dcheck,checkallofit.

Shepushedtoherfeet,pulledoutherphoneasshewalkedtocallTraceyandcheckonCallie.

Bythetimeshegottothesalonshewasfiredupagain.

“I’msorry,Granny.”“Whatkeptyou?Andput

thewrathofGodinyoureyes?”

Shelbyshovedherpurseunderthefrontcounter.“IneedtotalktoyouandMama,soonasyou’rebothfree.I’msorry,Mrs.Hallister,howareyoudoingtoday?”

ThewomaninViola’schair—thatHallisterboy’sgrandmother—smiled.“I’mdoingrightwell.Icameinforatouch-up,andhereVi’stalkedmeintohighlights.Let’sjustseeifMr.Hallister

notices.”“It’snice,brightening

thingsupforspring.Granny,I’vejustgottomakeaquickcall,thenI’llchecksupplies.”

“Towelsshouldbereadytofold.”

“I’llseetothat.”Overtheshoptalkthey

exchangedalook.Violanodded,andheldupahandbehindthechairback.Fiveminutes.

Shelbywentbackintothe

laundryandsupplyroom,andcalledherbrotherForrest.

hecouldn’tthinkaboutit.Calliewassafe,andTracey

wouldkeepherthatway.Shedidn’tknowonedamnthingaboutanystolenjewelry,andwouldn’tknowararestampif

someonestuckittoherforehead.IfthisNataliepersonthoughtshedid,she’djusthavetolivewiththedisappointment.

ButitupsetherhoweasilyshecouldbelieveRichard—orJake,orwhateverhisnamewas—hadbeenathief,aliar.

Butneverherhusband,shethought,asshefoldedandstackedtowels.Inaterribleway,nowthattheweighthadsettledin,shetookcomfort

fromthat.She’ddoherwork,smiling

andchattingwithcustomers,restockingsupplies.Thenshe’dgohome,havedinnerwithherlittlegirlbeforeheadingtothebarandgrilltogiveTansyandDerricktheirmoney’sworth.

Shewouldn’tletanyonedownagain,includingherself.

Forrestfoundherattheendofthedaywhileshe

sweptthelittlecourtyard.“Didyoufindher?”

Shelbydemanded.“No.Nobodybythatname

ordescriptioninthehotel,thelodge,inanyofthecabins,theB&Bs.She’snotstayingintheRidge.AndI’vegotnothingsofaraboutaNatalieSinclairdoingtimeforfraudinDadeCounty.”

“It’sprobablynotherrealname,either.”

“Probablynot,butagood-

lookingbrunette’sboundtostickinsomebody’smemoryifshe’sstayingintheRidge,orpokingaround.We’lltakealookfurtheroutifshecomesback,ifshebothersyouagain.”

“I’mnotworriedaboutthat.”

“Thenstart.YoutellMama?”

“Itoldher,andGranny,andthey’lltelltherestofthefamily.I’mnottaking

chances,Forrest,butIdon’tknowanythingaboutthesejewelsorstampsshesaysshe’safter.”

“Youmayknowmorethanyouthink.Don’tgetyourclawsout,”hesaidasshewhippedaroundtohim.“Christ’ssake,Shelby,Idon’tthinkyouhadanythingtodowithit.Butalongthewayhemight’vesaidsomething,donesomething,youoverheardsomethingthat

didn’tclickatthetime.Nowthisisallplantedinyourhead,maybesomethingwillclick.That’sall.”

Tired,sherubbedaspotbetweenhereyebrowswhereaheadachewantedtobrew.“Sheputmeonedge.”

“Imaginethat.”Shelbyletoutashort

laugh.“IsitcrazyformetobegladsomewheredowndeepfindingoutIwasnevermarriedtohim?”

“I’dsayit’saboutassensibleasitgets.”

“Okaythen,I’mgoingtobesensible.I’mfinisheduphere,soI’mgoinghome.MamapickedCallieupalreadyfromChelsea’s.I’mgoingtobewithmygirlawhile,makesureshehasagoodsupper.ThenI’mgoingtochangeandfixupsoIlooklikesomebodywhoshouldbesingingonaFridaynight.”

“I’llfollowyouhome.

Safe’sbetterthansorryeverytime,”hesaidbeforeshecouldobject.

“Okay,thanks.”Didsheknowsomething,

somethingburieddeep?ShelbywonderedasshedrovehomewithForrestcruisingbehindher.Itwastrueenoughshecouldlookbacknow,seelittlesignsRichardwasuptosomething.Thephonecallsthatendedwhenshewalkedinor

walkedby,thelockeddoorsanddrawers.Thedismissalofanyquestionshehadaboutwhathedid,wherehewent.

She’dthoughtaffair,andmorethanonce.Butuntilnowshe’dneverreallyconsideredthievery—notinamajorsortofway,whateverthatdetectivehadclaimed.Andmillionsofdollarsinjewelry?

Thatwasaboutasmajorasitgot.

Andnowthatsheknew?Sheshookherheadasshepulledintothedrive.Shehadnothing.Justnothing.

Shegatheredherthings,wavedtoForrest.AndwhenthefirstthingsheheardwhensheopenedthefrontdoorwasCallie’slaughter,sheleteverythingelsego.

AfterhugsandkissesandanexcitedretellingofherdaywithChelsea,Calliesettleddownwithacoloringbook

whileShelbyhelpedhermotherinthekitchen.

“You’vegotprettywhitetulipsupinyourroom,”AdaMaesaid.

“Oh,Mama,myfavorite!Thankyou.”

“Don’tthankme.Theycameaboutanhourago.FromGriffin.”AdaMaeslidhergazeandsmileover.“Ithinkyouhaveabeau,ShelbyAnne.”

“No,I—Thatwasawful

niceofhim.Sweetofhim.”“He’sgotasweetness,and

notsosugaryitmakesyourteethache.Suchaniceyoungman.”

“I’mnotlookingforabeau,Mama,orayoungman.”

“It’salwaysseemedtomethingsaremoreexcitingwhenyou’renotlookingandyoufindthem.”

“Mama,I’venotonlygotCallietothinkabout,and

what’salreadyinmylap,butwhatjustfellintoitthismorning.”

“Life’sstillgottobelived,babygirl.Andaniceyoungmanwhothinkstosendflowersaddsaprettytouch.”

•••

ITDID.Shecouldn’tdenyitassheglancedoveratthewhitetulips.Herfavoriteflower,shemused,sohe’dobviously

askedsomeonewhoknewher.Shethoughtaboutitwhileshechangedintoasimple,classic-cutblackdress.

Whethershelookedforitornot,Griffinwasgivinghersomeromance,andithadbeenavery,verylongtimesinceanyonehad.

Andshebetheknewtheflowersmadeherthinkofthewayhe’dkissedher—twicenow.Shecouldn’tblamehim

forthat—andfoundshedidn’tblameherselfforthinkingshewouldn’tmindbeingkissedagain.

Soon.Sheputonearrings.She’d

thoughttofindsomethingstage-flashy,buthadoptedforsimple,likethedress,andpinnedherhairbackatthesides,letitfallinmadcurlsdownherback.

“Whatdoyouthink,Callie?”Shedidamodel’s

turnforherdaughter.“HowdoIlook?”

“Bee-utifulMama.”“Bee-utifulCallie.”“Iwannagowithyou.

Please,please!”“Oh,Iwishyoucould.”

Shecroucheddown,strokedCallie’shairasherdaughterpouted.“Buttheydon’tletkidscome.”

“Why?”“It’slikethelaw.”“UncleForrestisa

lawman.”Laughing,Shelbycuddled

hergirl.“Alawman.”“Uh-huh.Hesaid.Hecan

takeme.”“Nottonight,baby,butI’ll

tellyouwhat.I’llbringyouwithmetoarehearsalnextweeksometime.It’llbelikeaspecialshowjustforyou.”

“CanIwearmypartydress?”

“Idon’tseewhynot.Tonight,GrannyandGrandpa

arecomingtobewithyou,andwon’tyouhavefun?”Andafterthefirstset,herparentswouldcomeback,switchoff.

Itwasgoodtoknowherfamilywouldbethere.

“Let’sgodownnow.I’vegottogetgoing.”

•••

THEPLACEWASPACKED.She’dexpectedacrowdthisfirst

nightaspeoplewerecurious,orinthecaseoffamilyandfriends,supportive.Whateverbroughtthemin,itfeltgood,damngood,toknowshe’dearnedherkeepthisfirsttimeout.

She’dsaidheyandthanksforthegoodwishescountlesstimesbeforeshemadeittothetable,rightinthefront,whereGriffsat.

“Youlookamazing.”“Thanks,thatwasthe

aim.”“Deadon.”“Thankyouforthe

flowers,Griffin.They’rejustbeautiful.”

“Gladyoulikedthem.EmmaKateandMattareontheirway,ornearly,andIhadtofightoffadozenpeopletokeeptheirchairs.That’sclosetoliteralwithsomegiantTansycalledBigBud.”

“BigBud?Ishehere?”Shedidaquickscan,spotted

himwithhismightybulksqueezedintoasideboothchowingdownonribswhileaskinnygirlshedidn’trecognizesatacrossfromhimpokingatwhateverwasonherplateandlookingbored.

“Wewenttohighschooltogether.Iheardhe’salong-haultruckerthesedays,but...”

ShetrailedoffashergazepassedoverArloKattery,thenbacktrackedtomeethis

eyes.Hehadn’tchangedmuch,

shethought,andthosepaleeyesofhisstillhadthepowertogiveherthecreepswhentheystared.

Hekickedbackinachairatatablesharedwithacoupleofmenshethoughtsherecognizedasthesametwohe’dalwayshungoutwith.

Shehopedtheywouldn’tstaylong,andtakeArloand

hissnake-starearoundtoShady’s,wheretheyusuallyspenttheirbeermoney.

“What’sthematter?”Griffasked.

“Oh,nothing,justsomebodyelsefrombacksomeyears.Iexpectedsomewouldcomeintonight,curioustoseeifIriseorfall.”

“Sensation,”Griffsaid.“That’sthewordoftheday,sinceyou’llbeone.”

Sheturnedbacktohim,

forgettingArlo.“Aren’tyoucleverwithyourwords?”

“Thewordofthedayhastofit.Thisonedoes.IwassupposedtoletyouknowTansy’sgotyourparents,ClayandGillythere.”HegesturedtoatableathisrightwithabigRESERVEDcardonit.“Nobodyarguedwithheronthatone.NotevenBigBud.”

“Oh,BigBudalwaysdididolizeClay.He’sallright,

Griff,just...insistentnowandthen.Daddy’sjustwaitingonMamatofinishprimping,sothey’llbeheresoon.I’mreallygladyou’reherenow.”

“WhereelsewouldIbe?”Shehesitated,thensat.She

hadplentyoftime.“Griffin,you’rereallynotgoingtopayanymindtowhatIsaidaboutmylifebeingahotmessandalltherest?”

“Itdoesn’tlooklikesucha

messtome.”“You’renotinit.AndI

foundoutmoretoday,worsetoday.Ican’ttalkaboutitrightnow,butit’stwistedupsomethingterrible.”

Hebrushedahandoverthebackofhers.“I’llhelpyoustraightenitout.”

“Becausethat’swhatyoudo?”

“That,andbecauseI’vegotathingforyouthatjustkeepsgettingbigger.And

you’vegotoneforme.”“You’resureofthat?”Heonlysmiled.“I’m

lookingatyou,Red.”“I’vegotnobusiness

havingathingforyou,”shemuttered.ThenasshehadonCallie’slaugh,sheletitgo.“ButmaybeIdo.”Hersmilewaspuretemptationassherose.“JustmaybeIdo.”Shetrailedafingertipdownhisarm,feltthelowvibration.She’dforgottenhowheady

thatsmall,simplepowercouldbe.“Youenjoytheshownow.”

Shewentbackintothekitchen,whichwasutterchaos,slippedintothebroomclosetofanofficetotakeabreath.

Tansyrushedin.“OhsweetGod,Shelby,we’reslammed.Derrick’spitchinginbehindthebarsowecankeepup.Howareyou?Areyouready?I’mhalfsickwith

nerves.”Shepressedahandtoherbelly.“Andyoulookcucumbercool.You’renotnervous?”

“Notaboutthis.There’ssomuchelseIhavetobenervousabout,sothis?It’slikeslidingintoanoldpairofslippers.I’lldogoodforyou,Tansy.”

“Iknowyouwill.I’mgoingoutinjustafewminutes,quietthemdownandannounceyou.”

Shepulledaraggedstripofpaperfromherpocket.“Mychecklist.Idobetterwithone.Okay.Themachine’sallsetupjustthewayyouwanted,andyouknowwhattodothere.”

“Ido.”“Ifanythinggoeswrong

withit—”“I’llwingit,”Shelby

assuredher.“Thanksforsavingthattableformyparents.”

“Areyoukidding?Ofcoursewesavedthemafront-rowseat—absolutelytopofthechecklist.Anditstaysreservedwhentheyleaveuntilyourgrandparentsgethere.I’vegottogocheckonafewthings,thenwe’llgoforit.Youneedanything?”

“I’vegotitall.”Sinceshewantedittobe

easy,natural,shewentoutearly,chattedwithafewpeoplesheknewatthebar.

Gotherselfabottleofwater.Sheknewhermother

tendedtogetworkedupbeforesheperformed—oralwayshad—soshedidn’tgotoherparents’tablebutsentthemasmile.AndanotherforMattandEmmaKate.OnemoreforGriffasTansysteppedontothelittlestage.

WhenTansyspokeintothemictheclattering,scrapingandvoicesquietedsome.“WelcometoourfirstFriday

Nights.We’retravelingonbacktothefortiestonightatBootlegger’s,sositbackandenjoythosemartinisandhighballswhilewebringyoutonight’sentertainment.Mostofy’allknowShelby,andmosthaveheardhersing.Thosewhohaven’tareinforatreat.DerrickandIarepleasedandproudtohaveherhere,onourstage,tonight.Nowy’allgiveaRendezvousRidgewelcometoourown

ShelbyPomeroy.”Shelbywalkedontothe

stage,facedtheroom,theapplause.“Iwanttothanky’allforcomingouttonight.I’msogladtobebackintheRidge,hearingfamiliarvoices,breathingthatgoodmountainair.Thisfirstnumberputsmeinmindofwhatitwasliketobeaway.”

Shestartedwith“I’llBeSeeingYou.”

Andhereshefeltlike

herself.ShelbyPomeroydoingherbestthing.

“She’sjustgreat,”Griffmurmured.“Sensation.”

“Alwayswas.You’vegotstarsinyoureyes.”EmmaKatepattedhisarm.

“That’sokay,Icanseefinethroughthem.Theyjustbrightenthingsup.”

Shesailedthroughthefirstset,pleasedtoseepeoplecomein,crowdatthebarorattables.Whenshetookher

breakClaywalkedstraightuptoher,liftedheroffherfeet.

“Soproudofyou,”hewhisperedinherear.

“Itfeltgood.Reallygood.”“Wishwecouldstay,but

I’vegottogetGillyhome.”“Sheokay?”“Justtired.It’sthefirst

nightinamonthshe’smadeitpastnine.”Helaughed,squeezedShelbyagain.“Comeonoverbeforeweleave.”

Sheglancedover,sawMattandGriffpushingthetablestogethersoherfamily,herfriendsmadeoneunit.

Maybeshe’dhadaroughstarttotheday,shethought,butitwasturningintoaperfectnight.

Shespentsometimewiththem,thenwentbacktothebarformorewater.

Itdidn’thurtherfeelingswhenshenoticedArloandhisfriendsleaving.She’dlose

thatmilddiscomfortfromhavinghimstareather.

He’doftenstaredather,justlikethat,whentheywereteenagers.And,sherecalled,hadtriedtogethertotakearideonhismotorcycleorsneakoffforabeer.

She’dneverdoneeither.Andshefoundit

downrightcreepythatyearslater,he’dstilljuststareather,unblinkingasalizard.

Griffslippeduptothebar

besideher,andmadeherthinkofmuchmorepleasantcompanionship.

“Gooutwithmetomorrownight.”

“Oh,I—”“Giveaguyabreak,

Shelby.Ireallywantsometimewithyou.Justyou.”

Sheturned,lookedstraightintohiseyes—bold,green,clever.Absolutelynothingaboutthoseeyesmadeheruncomfortable.

“IthinkIwantthat,too,butIdon’tfeelrightleavingCallietwonightsrunning,andaskingmyparentstositheragain.”

“Okay.Pickanightnextweek.Anynight,andanywhereyouwanttogo.”

“Ah...Tuesdaywouldprobablybebest.”

“Tuesday.Wheredoyouwanttogo?”

“Ireallywanttoseeyourhouse.”

“Youdo?”Shebrokeoutinasmile.

“Ireallydo,andI’vebeentryingtofigurehowtoinvitemyselfforatour.”

“Consideritdone.”“Icouldbringdinner.”“I’lltakecareofit.

Seven?”“Ifwemadeitseven-

thirty,IcouldgiveCallieherbathfirst.”

“Seven-thirty.”“Ineedtocheckwith

Mamafirst,butIexpectshe’llbefinewithit.Andyoushouldlistentowhatelsehascomeoutbeforewemakeanysortofdate.”

“It’salreadyadate.”Hekissedherlightlybeforehewalkedaway.

Shethoughtthatquickgesturehadbeenastatement,akindofstamp.Andcouldn’tquitefigureoutifshemindedthatornot.Sheputitinthebackofhermindasshewent

backonstageforhernextset.ShesawForrestcomein

withhergrandparents,taketheemptyseats.

Butshedidn’tnoticethebrunetteuntilhalfwaythroughherset.Shelby’sheartjumped,butshekeptthesonggoingwhentheireyesmet.

Hadshebeenthereallalong,tuckedintoatableattheback,barelyvisibleintheshadows?

Shelbylookedaway,triedtocatchForrest’seye,buthe’dgoneuptothebar,wasn’tlookinginherdirection.

Thebrunetterose,stoodamoment,sippingfromamartiniglass.Thenshesetitdown,putonadarkjacket.Sheaddedasmile,kissedherfingertip,flickeditinShelby’sdirection,thenstrolledout.

Shefinishedoutherset—

whatelsecouldshedo?ThenmadeabeelineforForrest.

“Shewashere.”Hedidn’thavetoaskwho.

“Where?”“Intheback.”“Who?”Griffdemanded.“Sheleft,”Shelby

continued.“Easyfifteenminutesago.She’sgone,butshewashere.”

“Who?”Griffdemandedagain.

“It’shardtoexplain.”

Shelbypastedonasmile,turnedandwavedwhensomeonecalledhername.“Ihavetowork.Maybeyoucouldfilltheminsome,Forrest.Icouldn’tgetyourattentionwhenIsawher,butIswearshewashere.”

“Who?”GriffdemandedforthethirdtimewhenShelbywalkedovertoanothertable.

“I’lltellyouaboutit,butI’mgoingtotakealittlelook

aroundoutside.”“I’llgowithyou.”When

Mattstartedtorise,Griffshookhishead.“Keepthetable.We’llbeback.”

“What’sallthis?”Violaleanedover.

“Nothingtoworryabout.I’llexplainwhenIgetback.”Forrestgavehershoulderarub,thenmadehiswayoutwithGriff.

“Whatthefuck,Forrest?Whatwoman?Andwhydid

sheputthatlookinShelby’seyes?”

“Whatlook?”“Halfscared,halfpissed.”Forrestpausedatthedoor.

“Youreadherprettywell.”“I’mmakingastudyofit.

Getusedtoit.”“Isthatso?”“That’sdown-to-the-

groundso.”Forrest’seyesnarrowedas

henodded.“Ihavetothinkaboutthat.Meanwhile,we’re

lookingforahotbrunette,aboutthirty,roundaboutfive-six,browneyes.”

“Why?”“Becauseit’slookinglike

shewasmarriedtotheguyShelbythoughtshewasmarriedto.”

“What?Thought?What?”“Andshe’sbadbusiness—

sowastheassholeShelbylikelywasn’tmarriedtoafterall.AlotworsethanIfigured,andIfiguredbad

enough.”“WasShelbymarriedor

not?”“It’shardtosay.”“Howcanitbehardto

say?”Frustrated,andtemperbuildingunderit,Griffthrewuphishands.“It’syesorno.”

Forrestscannedthestreet,thecarsparkedalongthecurb,thelighttrafficpassingby.“WhyarepeoplefromtheNorthalwaysinsuchadamnhurry?Astorytakestimeto

tellproperly.I’lldothatwhilewewalkaroundback,seewhatwesee.Haveyouputyourhandsonmysister?”

“Notsomuch.Notyet.ButI’mgoingto,sogetusedtothat,too.”

“Doesshewantyourhandsonher?”

“Youshouldknowmewellenoughbynow,damnit,Forrest.Theydon’tgoonherunlessshewantsthemonher.”

“Iknowyouwellenoughbynow,Griff,butit’smysisterhere,sothattakesmore.Andit’smysisterwho’sbeenfuckedoverright,left,sideways.Sothat’smoreyet.”

Hetoldthestoryastheywalkedaroundthesideofthebuilding,madetheirwaytowardthebackandtheparkinglot.

“Andyouthinkthiswoman’stellingitstraight?”

“She’stellingenoughofitstraightsoIknowthebastardShelbywaswithwasaliarandathief.I’llbedoingsomelookingforsomethingonthismillionsinjewelryandstampssheclaimstheystoleorconnedsomebodyoutof.”

Hiseyes,shadowedinthedimlight,scannedthecars.“Iftheyhadn’tbussedthebrunette’stable,Icould’vegottenprintsoffit,gottenhername,herrealone.”

“Ifshe’stellingthetruthaboutbeingmarriedtoFoxworth,hewasusingShelbyallalong.”Griffstuffedhishandsinhispockets,pacedaway.“AndCallie...”

“Callie’sgoingtobefineeitherway.Shelbywillseetothat.ButI’dliketohaveaconversationwiththiswomanwho’sdoggingher.”

“Brunette,right?Hot,brown-eyedbrunette.”

“That’sright.”“Idon’tthinkyou’regoing

tohaveanyconversationswithher.Bettercomeoverhere.”GrifftookadeepbreathasForresthurriedtowardhim.“Lookslikewefoundher.”

Shesat,slumpedinthedriver’sseatofasilverBMW,eyeswideandstaring.Bloodstillseepedfromthetinyblackholeinherforehead.

“Well,shit.Well,shit,”Forrestrepeated.“Don’ttouchthecar.”

“I’mnottouchingagoddamnthing,”hesaidasForrestpulledouthisphone.“Ididn’thearashot.”

Forresttookapicturefromtheside,onefromthefront.“Smallcaliber,andseehowit’sburnedaroundtheentrywound?Helditrightagainsther.Rightupagainstherforehead,pulledthetrigger.

Somebodymight’veheardapop,butitwouldn’tbeallthatloud.I’vegottocallmyboss.”

“Shelby?”LikeGriff,Forrestlooked

backtowardthebarandgrill.“Let’sjustwaitonthatalittlebit.Justwaitonit.Weneedtosecurethisarea.Andshit,we’regoingtohavetostarttalkingtopeopleinsidethebarandgrill.Sheriff?”

Forrestadjustedhisstance,

re-angledthephone.“Yes,sir.IgotabodyhereintheparkinglotofBootlegger’sBarandGrill.Yes,sir,thatsurewouldbeadeadone.”HeglancedatGriffashespoke,nearlysmiled.“I’mcertainofthatasI’mlookingrightatherandthesmall-caliberbulletwound,close-contact,inherforehead.Igotthat.”

Onasigh,Forrestshovedhisphoneinhispocket.“Sure

wishI’dfinishedthatbeerbecauseit’sgoingtobealong,drynightnow.”Hestudiedthebodyanothermoment,thenturnedtoGriff.“I’mdeputizingyou.”

“What?”“You’reacompetent

individual,Griff,andyousurekeepyourheadwhenyoufindadeadbody,asyou’vejustproven.Don’tshakeeasy,doyou?”

“It’smyfirstdeadbody.”

“Andyoudidn’tscreamlikeagirl.”LayingabolsteringhandonGriff’sshoulder,Forrestgaveitafriendlypat.“Plus,Ihappentoknowyoudidn’tkillhersinceyouwereinsidewithme.”

“Yay.”“She’sstillwarm,soshe

hasn’tbeendeadlong.IgotsomethingsIneedinmytruck,andIneedyoutostayhere.Righthere.”

“Icandothat.”Because,hethought,asForrestwalkedofftohistruck,whatelsecouldhedo?

Hetriedtothinkitthrough.Thewomanhadbeeninside,thenshe’dgoneout,gotteninhercar.Thedriver’s-sidewindowwasdown.

Warmenoughnight.Hadsheputitdownfortheair,orbecausesomebodyhadwalkeduptothecar?Dida

womanaloneinaparkinglotoutsideabarrolldownthewindowforastranger?

Maybe,butitseemedlesslikelythanrollingitdownforsomeonesheknew.

But...“Why’sherwindow

down?”heaskedForrest.“Fromwhatyoutoldme,shedoesn’tknowanybodyaroundhere.She’sgottohavesomebasicstreetsmarts,sowho’dsherollthewindow

downfor?”“Deputizedtwominutes

andalreadythinkinglikeacop.Makesmeproudofmyowncharacterassessment.Puttheseon.”

Grifflookedatthegloves.“Oh,man.”

“Don’twantyoutohandleanything—probably—butjustincase.Useyourphone,takesomenotesforme.”

“Why?Don’tyouhavebackupcomingor

something?”“They’llbecoming.This

womancameatmysister.Iwantalegup.Getthemake,model,licenseplate.Goonandgetapictureoftheplate.She’sgotahigh-endrentalhere.We’llfindoutwhereshegotit.”

Heshonehislightinthecar.“Purseisstillinhere,sittingonthepassengerseat.Closed.Keysintheignition,engineoff.”

“She’dhavehadtoturnthekeytogetthewindowdown.Strangetown,she’d’velockedthecarup,right?”

“Son,ifyouevergiveupcarpentryandsuch,I’dtakeyouon.”Forrestopenedthepassengerdoor,crouched,openedthepurse.“She’sgotherselfaprettylittleBabyGlockhere.”

NowGriffleanedoverForrest’sshoulder.“Shehadaguninherpurse?”

“It’sTennessee,Griff.Halfthewomeninthatbararecarrying.Loaded,clean.I’dsayithasn’tbeenfiredrecently.GotaFloridadriver’slicenseunderthenameMadelineElizabethProctor,andthat’snotthenameshegaveShelby.Miamiaddress.GotherDOBaseighttwenty-two’eighty-five.Gotsomelipstick—looksprettynew—gotherselfafoldingcombatknife.”

“Jesus.”“Niceone,too.

Blackhawk.VisaandAmericanExpresscards,samename.Wegottwohundredand...thirty-twodollarsincash.AndakeycardforaroomattheLodgeatBuckberryCreekinGatlinburg.Fancy.”

“Didn’twanttogetrousted.”WhenForrestglancedover,Griffshrugged.“ShehadtoknowShelbyhad

acopforabrother.GoatShelby,she’sgoingtohaveacoproustingher.Plusplentyoffamilycirclingthewagons.Soshedoesn’tstayatthelocalhotel,whichisprettyfancy,too.SheputssomedistancebetweenherselfandtheRidge,givesShelbyaphonyname.”

“SeewhyIdeputizedyou?So,whatdoyoufigurehappenedhere?”

“Seriously?”

“Deadwomaninthecar,Griff.”Curious,Forreststraightenedup,rolledhisshoulders.“It’sprettyserious,allinall.”

“Well,I’dguessshecametonighttomesswithShelby’shead.KeepherselfrightinthefrontofShelby’smind.OnceShelbyspottedher,shecouldgo.Shecameout,gotinhercar,mostlikelytodrivebacktoGatlinburg.Somebodycameovertothe

car,tothedriver’sside.I’mleaningtowardsherecognizedwhoeveritwas,andfelteasyenoughtolowerthewindowinsteadofdrivingofforgettingherowngun.Aftersherolleddownthewindow...”

Griffmimedputtingaguntohisforehead,madeatriggerwithhisthumb.

“That’smywayofthinking,too.IfIdidn’tknowmymamawouldcallyou

insteadofmewhentheporchesneedscrapingandpainting,I’dtalkyouintojoiningthesheriff’sdepartment.”

“Notonabet.Idon’tlikeguns.”

“You’dgetoverit.”Helookedoverasacruiserpulledin.“Shit,should’veknownhe’dsendBarrowfirstoff.Guy’saffableenough,butslowasalameturtle.Goonbackin,Griff,roundup

Derrickandfillhimin.”“Youwantmetofill

Derrickin?”“Savesometime.He’sa

competentindividualhimself,andhe’sbeenworkingthebarmostofthenight.Couldbehesawsomebodywhodidn’tstrikehimquiteright.”

“Whoeverdidthisislonggone.”

“Yeah,forrightnow,anyway.You’realotquickerthanBarrow,Griff.’Course,

thatdoesn’ttakemuch.”“Whatwegothere,

Forrest?Hey,Griff,how’sitgoing?Sheriffsaid—Holyshitfire!”Barrowsaidwhenhesawthebody.“Isshedead?”

“I’dsaythat’saffirmative,Woody.”ForrestrolledhiseyesatGriff.

GriffwentinsidetofindDerrickandfillhimin.

helbysatinthetinyofficeholdingtheCokeTansyhad

pushedonherwithbothhands.Shedidn’tthinkshecouldactuallyswallow.

O.C.Hardiganhadbeen

sheriffforaslongasshecouldremember.He’dalwaysscaredheralittle,butshefiguredthatwasthebadgemorethantheman.Notthatshe’deverbeeninanytrouble—anyrealtrouble.He’dgonefullgraysinceshe’dlefttheRidge,sohisbuzzcutlookedlikeashorn-offBrilloPad.Hissquare-jawedfacewasfleshierthanithadbeen,andhecarriedamoregenerouspaunch.

Hesmelledofpeppermintovertobacco.

Sheknewhewasbeinggentlewithher,andappreciatedit.

He’dsaidForresthadgivenhimafullreportonherencounterwiththevictim—hecalledthewoman“thevictim”—buthadShelbygothroughitallagain.

“Andyou’dneverseenher,beencontactedbyher,talkedtoherbeforethis

morning?”“No,sir.”“Andyour...Theman

youknewasRichardFoxworth,henevermentionedanyonenamedNatalieSinclairorMadelineProctor?”

“No,sir,notthatIremember.”

“Andthisprivateinvestigator—thisTedPrivet.Heneversaidhernametoyou?”

“No,Sheriff,I’msureofthat.”

“HowaboutthisMickeyO’Harashetalkedabout?”

“Ineverheardabouthimbefore,either.Notuntilshetalkedabouthim.”

“Allrighty,then.Whattimewasitwouldyousaywhenyousawhertonight?”

“Ithinkithadtobeaboutten-thirty.Maybetentwenty-five.Iwasmorethanhalfwaythroughthethirdset,andI

startedrightaboutten.Shewasallthewayintheback,thefarrightcorner.”Sheheldherhanduptodemonstrate.“Myright,thatis.Ididn’tseeherbeforethat,butthelight’sdimbackthere.”

Shemadeherselftakeadrink.“AfterIsawher,shegotup.Notinahurry.Itwaslike,allright,nowyou’veseenme,nowImademypointandIcango.Shehadamartiniglass,butIdon’t

knowwhowasworkingthattable.IthadtobeatleastfifteenmoreminutesbeforeIfinishedthesetandcouldtellForrest.Might’vebeenafewminutesmore,butnomorethantwenty.IhadfoursongsleftaftertheoneIwasdoingwhenIsawher.Andthetalkbetweensongs,well,Ikeepthatshort.Sofifteenminutes,likelynomorethanseventeen.”

“Didyouseeanyone

followherout?”“Ididn’t,butIwaslooking

forForrestonceshegotupandstartedout.Iwasn’twatchingthedoor.”

“Ibetyousawalotoffamiliarfacesinthecrowdtonight.”

“Idid.Itwassonicetoseeeveryone.”ShethoughtofArlo.“Mostly.”

“Alotofunfamiliarones,too.”

“Tansydidalotof

marketing.Shehadflyersallover.Iheardwehadalotofpeopleintonightwho’restayingatthehotelandthelodgeandsoon,evencamperswhocameintonight.Somethingnew,youknow?”

“WishIcould’vebeenheremyself.We’regoingtomakeapointofit,thewifeandme,nexttime.Now,didanybodystrikeyou,Shelby?Somebodywhojustdidn’tlookright?”

“Ididn’tnotice.ArloKatterywasherewiththetwohealwayshungaroundwith,buttheyleftatthestartofthesecondset.”

“Arlo’smostlyforShady’s,oroneoftheroadhouses.”

“Hedidn’tdoanythingbutsit,haveafewbeers,thengoon.I’mjustthinkingofhimbecauseheneverlookedrighttome.”

“Neverhasbeen.”

“IguessformostofitIwaspullingonthefamiliarfacesmore,andthecouples.AlotofthesongsIdidtonight,well,they’reromantic,soIplayedtothat.Itcouldn’thavebeenanybodyfromtheRidge,Sheriff.Nobodyevenknewher.”

Hepattedherhand.“Don’tyouworrynow.We’llfigureitout.Ifyouthinkofanythingelse,anythingatall,

youtellmeaboutit.OryoutellForrestifthat’seasierforyou.”

“Idon’tknowwhattothink.Idon’tknowwhattothinkaboutanyofit.”

Outintherestaurant,Griffhaddoneaboutallhecoulddo.He’dhelpedorganizepeoplesothedeputiescouldtakestatements,orjustnames.He’dhelpedDerrickserveoutcoffee,softdrinks,water,asanotherdeputy

interviewedthestaffinthekitchen.

He’dgoneoutonceforair,hadseenthepolicelightsaroundtheBMW,andtimeditinadvertentlysothathewatchedthemloadingthebaggedbodyintothecoroner’swagon.

Anexperience,hedecided,he’dbehappynevertorepeat.

Thesecondtimehemaderoundswithcoffee,Forrest

pulledhimaside.“Shelby’sgoingtobeout

inaminuteorso.Ineedtokeepmyhandsinthisthinghere.I’mtrustingyouwithmysister,Griff,becauseIcan.”

“I’lllookoutforher.”“Iknowyouwill.She

pushedEmmaKatetogohome,andthat’slikelyforthebest.She’llgetoutofherequickerwithoutanotherfemaletostrokeherandask

fordetails.Getherhome.”“Youcancountonit.”“IknowIcan.Coroner’ll

knowforcertainoncehedigsthebulletoutofher,buteyeballing,hefiguresa.25.”

“Doyouknowwhosheisyet?Realname?”

Distracted,Forrestshookhishead.“We’vegotherprintsnow.I’llberunningthemmyselftonight.There’sShelbynow.Givemeasecondwithher,thengether

out.Sheargues,carryherout.”

“IfIdo,don’tshootme.”“Notthistime.”Forrest

walkedover,tookShelbybytheshouldersashestudiedherface,thenjustdrewherin,heldher.

Whateverhesaidhadhershakingherhead,againandagain,assheburrowedintohim.Thenshesaggedalittle,shrugged.WhenForrestlethergoshestartedtoward

Griff.Hemetherhalfway.“Forrestsaysyouneedto

drivemehome.I’msorryhe’sbeingsofussy.”

“WhateverForrestsays,I’mdrivingyouhome.Menaren’tfussy—that’sagirlieword.We’relogicalandprotective.”

“Soundsfussytome,butthankyou.”

“Let’sgo.”“IshouldfindTansyfirst,

orDerrick,or—”“They’rebusy.”Hedidn’t

goasfarascarryingher,buthetookherhand,pulledherfirmlyawayfromthebuildingandthehardlights.“We’lltakeyourvan.”

“Howareyougoingtogethomeif—”

“Don’tworryaboutit.You’llneedthevan.I’lldrive.”Heheldouthishandforthekeys.

“Allright.Mybrain’stoo

rattledtoargue.Nobodyknewheraroundhere.Peoplearoundheredon’tjustwalkuptoastrangewomanandshootherinthehead,forGod’ssake.”

“Whichshouldtellyouwhoeverdidisn’tfromaroundhere.”

Shelookedupathimwithconsiderablerelief.“That’swhatIsaidtothesheriff.”

“Shebroughttroublewithher,Shelby.That’showit

readstome.”“IthastobethatO’Hara

person.”Theone,Shelbyremembered,thebrunettehadwarnedherabout.“Shesaidhewasinprison,butsheliedaboutherownname,sowhoknowswhatelsesheliedabout.Ifitwashim,andifshewastellingthetruthaboutRichard,aboutallthosemillions,it’snotsafetobearoundme.”

“Alotofifsthere.I’lladd

some.”Heshotheraglance,sorrierthanhecouldsaythatthesparkleshe’demittedwhenshesanghaddulled.“IfthisO’Hara’saroundanddidthis,andifhethinksmaybeyouknowsomethingaboutthosemillions,itwouldbeprettystupidtohurtyou.”

Hewaiteduntilshegotinthevan,thensettledbehindthewheel.

“Andifhe’ssuchabadass,whydidn’tshedriveaway,

gettheguninherpurse.Whyjustsitthere?”

“Idon’tknow.”Sheletherheaddropbackontheseat.“Ithoughtthingscouldn’tgetcrazier.AfterRicharddiedandtheroofcavedin,Ithought,Thisisasbadasitcanget.Thenitgotworse.ThenIthought,Allrightnow,that’sasbadasitgetsandwe’llworkourwaythroughit.Thenshecamehereandit’sworseagain.Andnow

this.”“You’vehadastreakof

badluck.”“Iguessyoucouldputit

thatway.”“Luckchanges.Yours

alreadyhas.”Ataneasyspeed,hefollowedthewindoftheroad.“Yousoldthehouse,you’recarvingawaythedebt.Youpackedthehousetonightandhadtheminthepalmofyourhand.”

“Youthinkso?”

“Iwasinthehouse,”hesaid.“Andyou’vegotadatewithmecoming.I’madamngoodcatch.”

Shedidn’tthinkshehadasmileinher,buthefounditforher.“Areyou?”

“Damnright.Justaskmymother.Hell,askyours.”

“Youdon’tlackintheconfidencedepartment,doyou,Griffin?”

“IknowwhoIam,”hetoldherashepulledupather

house.“Howthehellareyou

gettinghome?”Shepushedfingersagainstthatheadachespotbetweenhereyes.“Ididn’teventhink.Youcantakethevan,andIcouldgetDaddytodrivemeoverandpickitupinthemorning.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.”Hegotout,camearound.

She’dopenedthedoorbeforehegottoit,buthetookherhandwhenshegotout.

“Youdon’thavetowalkmetothedoor.”

“It’sjustoneofthemanythingsthatmakemesuchagoodcatch.”

Thedooropenedastheycameupthewalk.

“Oh,babygirl.”“I’mallright,Mama.”“Ofcourseyouare.Come

oninhere,Griffin.”AdaMaescoopedShelbyupinahug.“Yourgrannyandgrandpacameby,tolduseverything.

Forrest,ishestilloverthere?”

“Yeah,he’sstillthere.”“Good.Don’tyouworry

aboutCallie.Icheckedonherfiveminutesago,andshe’ssoundasleep.Whydon’tImakeyousomethingtoeat?”

“Icouldn’t,Mama.”“Letmelookatthegirl.”

Claytonsteppedup,tippedupShelby’sface.“You’repaleandyou’retired.”

“IguessIam.”

“Ifyoucan’tsleep,I’llgiveyoualittlesomething.Butyougiveitatryfirst.”

“Iwill.IguessI’llgoonup.Daddy,Grifflefthistruckbackatthebarandgrillsohecouldbringmehome.Thankyou,Griff.”Sheturned,touchedherlipstohischeek.

“I’mgoingtoseeyousettledandtuckedin.”AdaMaeputanarmaroundShelby’swaist.“Thankyou,Griff,forseeingtomybaby

girl.You’reagoodboy.”“ButamIagoodcatch?”AtShelby’stiredlaugh,

AdaMaegaveapuzzledsmile.“Bestinthewholepool.Comeonnow,mybaby.”

Claytonwaiteduntiltheywereupthestairs.“Yougottimeforabeerandsomedetails,Griff?”

“Ifyou’dmakethataCokeorgingerale,I’vegottime.Iplantobunkonyourcouch

thereanyway.”“Icangetyoubacktoyour

truck.”“I’dfeelbetterbunking

rightheretonight.Idon’tthinkthere’sgoingtobeanytrouble,butI’dfeelbetterrighthere.”

“Allright,then.We’llhaveaCokeandatalk.ThenI’llgetyouapillowandblanket.”

Anhourlater,Griffstretchedoutonthecouch—a

prettycomfortablecouch.Godknewhe’dsleptonalotworse.Hestaredupattheceilingawhile,thinkingofShelby,lettingsomeofthesongsshe’dsungthatnightreplayinhishead.

Atsomepointhe’dletthewholebusinessplayaround,likethesongs,inhishead.It’showhesolvedmostproblems.Letallthepiecesrollaround,tryfittingsometogether,takingthemapart

againuntilapictureformed.Rightnowtheonlyclear

picturewasShelby.Shewasinplentyof

trouble,nodoubtaboutit.Maybehecouldn’tresistadamselindistress.Notthathe’dusethattermoutloud.Besides,ifawomanlikedtheterm,ifshewasthesortwhojustwantedtositarounddoingnothingwhileherescuedher,well,she’dborethecrapoutofhiminshort

order.Andthatwouldberightbeforesheirritatedhimsoheneverwantedtodealwithheragain.

Soitprobablywasn’tthedamsel-in-distressthing,nowthathethoughtaboutit.Turnthataroundintoasmart,strongwomanwhojustneededsomehelp.Addinthewayshelooked,thewayshesounded.Thewayshewas.

He’dbeamoronifhedidn’twantthewhole

package.Hewasnomoron.Helethiseyesclose,

orderedhismindtogodrifting.Drifting,hedropped,sleptlightandrestlessuntil,ontheedgeofdreams,heheardsomethingthatbroughthimtofullalertagain.

Anoldhousesettling?heaskedhimselfashestrainedtohear.

No.Thatwascreakingboardsandfootsteps.Heslid

offthecouch,movedquietlyinthedirectionofthesound.And,bracedtoattack,slappedonthelights.

Shelbyclampedahandoverherownmouthtomufflethescream.

“Sorry!Jesus,sorry,”Griffbegan.

Shewavedherfreehand,shookherhead,thenleanedbackagainstthewall.Slowly,shedroppedherotherhand.“Well,what’sanotherten

years?Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“I’mbunkingonthelivingroomcouch.”

“Oh.”Nowshedraggedherfingersthroughherhairinawaythatmadeallthosewildcurlsgojustabitmadder—andtightenedeverymuscleinhisbody.“I’msorry.Icouldn’tsleep,soIcamedowntomakesometeaorsomething.”

“Okay.”

“Doyouwantsometeaorsomething?”Onathoughtfulfrown,shecockedherhead.“Doyouwantsomescrambledeggs?”

“Ohyeah.”Hefollowedherbackto

thekitchen.Sheworecottonpajamabottoms—brightbluewithyellowflowersalloverthem—andayellowT-shirt.

Hecould’velappedheruplikeicecream.

Sheputthekettleon,got

outaskillet.“Ican’tturnmymindoff,”

shebegan.“ButifIaskedDaddyforasleepingpill,Mama’dstartfussingagain.”

“Theyloveyoualot.”“I’mluckytheydo.”She

putapatofbutterintheskillet,letitmeltwhileshebeatsomeeggs.“Ithoughtwhenthewomantoldmeallthosethingsthismorning,theclientofthatdetectivewasprobablythepersontheyall

stolefrom.”“It’sagoodguess.”“NowIwonder,wasthis

womantheclient?Didhefindme,followmehere,allofthat,forher?ShesaidnowhenIaskedher,butshe’s—shewas—aliar.SomaybeshehadhimfollowmesoshecouldcomeandpushmeforsomethingIdon’tknow.”

“That’sanothergoodguess,butifyou’rewonderingdidhekillher?

Whywouldhe?”“Ican’tcomeupwith

somethingforthatexceptmaybeshedouble-crossedhimsomewhere.Hetalkedaboutfinder’sfeesonthistheftIdidn’tbelievewithForrest.Imean,Ididn’tbelieveRichardhadstolenallthat.”

“Iknowwhatyoumeant.”“Ibelieveitnow,andI

thinksheandRichardweregoodatthatsortofthing.

Stealinganddouble-crossing.Ormaybetheywerelovers—thewomanandthedetective—andshebetrayedhim.”

“Idon’tthinkso.”Frowningagain,she

poppedsomebreadinthetoaster.“Whynot?”

“Ithinkifyouaddinloveorsex,orboth,it’s—murder—it’smorepersonal.You’vegottofightfirst,right?”

Sheconsideredthat.“IguessIwould.”

“Mostwould,”Griffdecided.“You’vegottowanttotelltheotherpersonwhattheydidtoyou.Youwant,I’dthink,somephysicalcontact.Thisstruckmeasprettydamncold.”

“Youreallyfoundher?”“Forrestwaslookingleft,I

waslookingright.That’sall.”“Youstayedsocalm.At

leastitseemsyoudid.Youlookedcalmwhenyoucamebackin.Icouldn’ttell

anythingwaswrongbythewayyoulooked.Ithinkmostpeoplewould’vepanicked.”

“Itrytoavoidpanicbecauseitleadstochaos,whichleadstoaccidents.Yougethurtthatway.ThathappenedtomewhenIwasseventeen,climbingbackoutofAnnieRoebuck’sbedroomwindow.”

“Climbingout?”Hissmilewasquickand

crooked.“Climbinginwasa

breeze.”“Wassheexpectingyou?”“Ohyeah.Shewasthe

focusofmyhormonalobsessionforsixandahalfcrazedandblissfulmonths,andIwashers.Wewentatitlikerabbitsoncrack—andthefactthatherparentswereasleeprightacrossthehallonlyenhancedtheinsanity.Untilthenightwewerelyingtheremomentarilyinourpostcoitalcomaandshe

reachedoverforherbottleofwater,knockedoverthelamp.Itcrashedlikeabomb.”

“Uh-oh.”“Uh-fucking-oh,”he

concurred.“Wehearherfathercallhername.I’mscramblingup,tryingtogetintomypants,myheart’sajackhammer,I’msweatingbullets.Yeah,youlaugh,”hesaidwhenshedid.“AtthetimeitwasanightmareofElmStreetproportions.

Annie’scallingback,tellinghimshe’sallright,justknockedsomethingover,andhissingatmetogetout,getout,getout,shecan’trememberifshelockedthedoor.SoI’moutthewindowhalfdressed,panicked,andIlosemyfooting.”

“Anotheruh-oh.”“Andabigouchwithit.I

fellmostlyintheazaleas,butstillmanagedtobreakmywrist.Iseethepain,likethis

brightwhitelight,asI’mtearingassforcover.IfIhadn’tpanicked,I’d’veclimbedondownassmoothasIhadeveryothertime,andwouldn’thavehadtofakefallingonmywaytothejohnonceIgothomesomyfathercouldtakemetotheERandhavemywristset.”

Shesetaplateofeggswithasideoftoastinfrontofhim.Andhadtoquelltheoddesturgetojustwraparoundhim

andsnuggleasshedidwithCallie.

“Ireallyhopeyoudidn’tmakeallthatupjusttotakemymindoffthings.”

“Ididn’thaveto,butI’dhopeditwouldtakeyourmindoffthings.”

“WhatbecameofAnnie?”“Shebecameanewscaster.

WorkedlocalforawhileinBaltimore.She’sinNewYorknow.Wee-mailnowandagain.Shegotmarrieda

couplesummersback.Niceguy.”Hesampledtheeggs.“Goodeggs.”

“Scrambledeggsalwaystastebestatthreeinthemorning.Wassheyourfirst?Annie?”

“Well,ah—”“No,don’tanswerthat.I

putyouonthespot.MyfirstwaswhenIwasjustshyofseventeen.Itwashisfirst,too.JulyParker.”

“July?”

“Bornonthefirstofthemonth.Hewasasweetboy,andwefumbledourwaythroughit.”

Withthesmilehereyeswentalittleblurryasshelookedback.“Itwassweet,likeJuly,initsway,butitdidn’ttemptmetorepeatitallagain,nottillthesummerbeforecollege.Thatwasn’tsomuchbetter,andhewasn’tsosweetasJuly.Idecidedtoconcentrateonmysinging,

theband,college.ThenRichardjustbowledmeover,andthatwasthat.”

“WhathappenedtoJuly?”“He’saparkranger.Lives

inPigeonForgenow.Mamatellsmebitsandpieces.He’snotmarriedyet,buthe’swithanicegirl.Iexpectyou’reconsideringhavingsexwithmeatsomepoint.”

Hedidn’tlosehisbalanceonthesegue.“It’smoreplanningonit.”

“Well,nowyouhavetheoutlineofmyexperienceinthatarea.Fumbling—sweetly.Disappointment,andRichard.AndwithRichardnoneofitwasreal.Noneofitwastrue.”

“It’snoproblem,Red.I’llshowyoutheropes.”

Shelaughed.“Youdoswagger.”

“Sorry?”“You’reaswaggering

man,Griffin,walkingand

talking.”Shefinishedhereggs,tookherplatetothesinktorinse.“IfIeverworkmywayuptoyourplan,Ican’tpromiseit’llbegood,orthere’llbeanypostcoitalcomas,butit’llbetrue.Thatcountsforsomething.’Night.”

“Goodnight.”Andhesatalongwhilein

thequietkitchenwishingRichardFoxworthhadn’tgoneoutinthatboat.

Wishinghe’datleastlivedthroughthesquallsothey’dhaveachancetofaceeachother.

Sohecouldkickthebastard’sass.

•••

“HERLEGALNAMEwasMelindaWarren.”ForreststoodinwhathadoncebeenShelby’sbedroomandwatchedGriffsandtheseams

ondrywall.“Agethirty-one,bornSpringbrook,Illinois.Didtimeforfraud,sothatmuchwastrue.Andthatwasherfirstrealstint,thoughshedidsometimeinjuvieonceuponatime,gotpulledinhereandthereonsuspicion—theft,fraud,forgery.Nothingstuckuntilthislastone.AndmarriedsureenoughtooneJakeBrimley,inLasVegas,aboutsevenyearsback.Nodivorceonrecord.”

“Andyou’resureJakeBrimleywasRichardFoxworth?”

“Workingonthat.Thecoronerwasrightabouttheslug—.25caliber.Contactshot.Somethinglikethat,it’drattlearoundinherskulllikeamarbleinapan.”

“Nice.”Stillsanding,Griffglancedaround.“Whyareyoutellingmeallthis?”

“Well,youfoundher,soI’mrespectingyourvested

interest.”“You’reafunnyguy,

Pomeroy.”“I’vegotkneesbeing

slappedalloverthecounty.Otherthanrespectingyourvestedinterest,IcamebyheretotellShelby,butsheandeverybodyelseissomeplaceelse.You’retheonlyonehere.”

“Iamnow,”Griffconfirmed.“Matt’soutgettingsuppliesforwhat

we’llbedoinghereMonday.Plus,I’mbetteratdrywallworkthanheis.He’snotverypatientatit.”

“Andyouare.”Griffadjustedthe

BaltimoreOriolesfielder’scapheworetohelpkeepthedustoutofhiseyes.“Itjusttakestime,andsoonerorlaterit’ssmoothasglass.Shelby’satthesalon,”headded.“YourmothertookCallietotheflowerplacetobuysome

plantsforsomethingshe’scallingafairygarden.HerfriendSuzannah’scomingbywithChelsealatersothegirlscandiginthedirt.Yourfather’sattheclinic.”

ForresttookaslugfromthebottleofMountainDewhecarried.“You’rewellinformedaboutmyfamily,Griffin.”

“Isleptonthecouchdownstairslastnight.”

Forrestnodded.“Another

reasonI’mtellingyouallthis.IfI’mnotlookingoutformyfamily,Iknowyouare.It’sappreciated.”

“Theymatter.”Griffranhisfingersdowntheseamand,satisfied,movedtothenext.

“IhadtimethismorningtospeaktoClayaboutallthis,andotherthings.We’rewondering,asbrothersmight,ifyou’rejustlookingtobangoursister.”

“Jesus,Forrest.”AndGriffbeathisheadlightlyagainstthewall.

“It’sareasonablequestion.”

“NotwhenI’mstandingherewithasandingblockandyou’vegotagun.”

“Iwon’tshootyou.Thistime.”

Griffglancedback,measuredhisfriend’seasysmile.“Comforting.I’mlookingtospendsometime

withyoursisterandseewhathappensnext.Myimpressionisthedeadfakehusbandmessedhermindupprettygoodintheareayou’reconcernedabout.”

“I’mnotsurprisedtohearit.I’mgoingtogetbacktowork.”

“Whatabouttheotherguy?ThisO’Hara?”

Forrestsmiledagain.“Andthere’sthefinalreasonI’mtellingyouallthis.Youkeep

up.Name’snotO’Hara.James—Jimmy—Harlow.Hewentdownwiththebrunette,aharderknock.Accordingtothetuneshesangatthetime,they’dbeenworkingacononarichwidownameofLydiaReddMontville.Big—realbig—moneythereonherownsideandherdeadhusband’s.Foxworth—we’lljuststickwiththatfornow—romancedher.Hehadbonafidessaidhewasawealthyentrepreneur

withinterestsinartandimport/export.”

Hetookanotherswigfromhisbottle,gesturedwithit.“Thebrunetteposedashisassistant,Harlowashissecurity.Theyworkedthemarkfortwomonthsorso,defraudedheroutofclosetoamillion.Buttheywantedmore.Shewasknownforherjewelry,andherlatehusbandforhisstampcollection.Hadavaultfullofbothofthem.

Accordingtothebrunette,thiswasgoingtobetheirbigscore.Retirementtime.”

“Isn’tthatalwaystheway?”

“Widow’ssonstartedaskingtoomanyquestionsonthedealsFoxworthaimedhertoward,sotheydecidedtogetitdone,getout.Thingswentwrong.”

“Thingsalwaysdoonthelastscore,right?You’rejinxingitrightoffthejump.”

“Seemslikeit.Thewidowwassupposedtobeawayforfewdaysataspathing—whichturnedouttobeshewashavingalittletune-up.Plasticsurgery.”

“Becauseshehadayoungerlover,anddidn’twanttotellhimshewasgettingnippedandtucked.”

“Itplaystrue.Sothey’reinherbighouse,gettingintothevault.Goingtocleanheroutandbookit.Thesonbrings

herhome,wheresheplanstositoutthebruises,Iexpect.Andthey’rered-handedinthecookiejar.”

“Somecookies.”“Itappearseither

FoxworthorHarlowshootstheson,thebrunettecomesoutofthebedroom,knocksthewidowout—sheclaimstokeepHarlowfromshootingher,too,thoughheclaimsitwasFoxworthdoingtheshooting.”

“Ratsrattingonrats.Duplicity,”Griffdecided.“It’sasuitablewordoftheday.”

“That’safineone.”“Whathappenednext?”“Whathappenednextis—

andbothWarrenandHarlowagreeonthisendofit—Foxworthgrabsthebagthey’dputthejewelryandstampsin,andtheyscat,leavingthesonandwidowabloodymess.”

“Panic.”Meticulously,Grifftestedthenextseam.“It’sagatewaytoaccidents.”

“Thewidowcomesto,callsanambulancefortheson.Itwastouchandgothere,buthepulledthrough.Neitherofthemcansayforsurewhofiredtheweapon.Itallhappenedfast,andthesonwasinacomaforneartothreeweeks,andneverdidgetanythingbutspottymemorybackofthewhole

event.”“Whataboutthebad

guys?”“Theysplitup,withplans

tomeetatamotelonthewaytotheKeyswherethere’ssupposedtobeaprivateplanewaitingtotakethemtoSaintKitts.”

“Ialwayswantedtogothere.Itakeitnotallthebadguysmadeittothetropics.”

“No,theydidn’t.ThebrunetteandHarlowshowup

atthemotel.Foxworthdidn’t.Butthecopsdid.”

“BecauseFoxworthtippedthemoff.”

“Nowyou’resteppingonmyfinish.Theysuredidgetananonymouscallfromadropphone,andit’ssmartmoneytobetitwasFoxworth.”

GriffsnaggedtheMountainDewfromForrest,tookalonggulpbeforehandingitback.“Honor

amongthievesisbullshit.”“Theshittiestbullinthe

field.Totopit,Harlowhadadiamondringinhispocketworthaboutahundredgrand.PrettyclearFoxworthplanteditonhimjusttosweetenthe...duplicity.”

“Niceuseoftheword.”“I’vegotsomeskills.He’d

donetimebefore,Harlow,butnothingviolent.Heswearshedidn’tshootanybody,andthatthebrunettehadaclear

eyelineonwhodid,butshemadethedealfirst,andtheystuckwithit.Shegotfouryears,hegottwenty-five.AndFoxworthwalkedawaywithmillions.”

“That’dpissyouoff.”“Wouldn’titjust?”“ButifHarlow’sdoing

twenty-fiveyears—”“Shouldbe,buthe’sout.”Slowly,Griffloweredthe

sandingblock.“Howthehelldidthathappen?”

“TheprisonauthoritiesandtheStateofFloridawonderthesame.HeescapedrightbeforeChristmas.”

“Happyfuckingholidays.”Rollingitaround,Grifftookoffhiscap,shookoffthedust,settleditonagain.“He’sgottobetheprimesuspectonthismurder.Whydidn’tyoutellmestraightoff?”

“Iwantedtoseeifyou’dgetaroundtoasking.Ialreadysenthismugshotto

yourphone,thoughallthreeofthemhadahandwithdisguises.He’sabigguy,formidable.”

“LikeBigBud?”Tickled,Forrestlaughed.

“No,Isaidbig.Notmassive.YoutakealookatthepictureIsent,andifyouseeanybodywhoputsyouinmindofit,stayclearandcallme.”

“Yougotthat.Forrest,yousaidhenevergotbustedforviolentcrimes,butthe

brunettetoldShelbydifferent.Thathewasviolent.”

“Makesyouwonder,doesn’tit?Keepaneyeonmysister,Griff.”

“Bothofthem.”Forreststartedout.“That’s

tediousworkyou’redoingthere.”

Griffshrugged.“It’sjustwork,”hesaid,andwentbacktosanding.

helbystoodbythecounterinEmmaKate’strimlittle

kitchenandwatchedherfriendslidealasagnacasseroleintotheoven.Shedidn’thavelong,butwanted

tosqueezethroughthesmallwindowoftimetoseeEmmaKateandherapartment.

“I’mgoingtogetlaidgoodandpropertonight.”Withawickedgrin,EmmaKatesetthetimerontheoven.“Spinachlasagna’sMatt’sfavorite,andIpickedupanicewineonthewayhomefromtheclinic.Anythingwithspinachmightnotbemyideaofaromanticdinnerfortwo,butitsureishis.I’llreap

thebenefits.”“It’snicewhatyouhave

withhim.Icanseehowwellyoufittogether.AndIreallylikeyourplacehere.”

“Ido,too.”Turningfromthestove,

shecouldseethroughthedoorway—Matthadtakenoffthedoorandstoredit—totheoldbutcherblocktablehe’drefinished,andwherethey’dhavetheirromanticspinachlasagna.

“Ofcourse,whenMattandGriffsitaround,it’showthey’dtakeoutthiswallhere,ordosuchandthatwiththebacksplash.IguessoneofthesedaysI’mgoingtoletMatthavehiswaywithbuildingaplacefromthegroundup.Hetalksaboutitalot.”

“Doyouwantthat?”“He’sgonenativeonme,

Shelby.Wantsatucked-awayplaceinthehills,inthe

woods,likeGriffhas.IguessIcanseeit,too.Quietandours.MaybeI’lllearntogarden.Butforrightnow,it’ssureeasytostepoutthedoor,walkafewminutesandbeattheclinic.”

“Oh,butwouldn’titbefuntobuildahousefromscratch?Decidingjustwhereyouwantthisroomorthatroom,wherethewindowswouldgo,andwhatkind?”

“Thethreeofyoucould

haveendlessconversationsonthat,”EmmaKatedecided.“Istartgettingnervousonceitgoesbeyondwhatcolorpaintforthewalls.Inanapartmentlikethis,everything’sprettywellset.

“Doyouwanttosamplethewine?”

“Betternot.Ican’tstaylong.Ijustwantedtoseeyouandyourapartment.Prettywellsetornot,it’sreallyyou,EmmaKate,brightandfun,”

shesaidasshewanderedoutofthekitchentothelivingroomwithitsdeep-cushionedredsofa,crazy-patternedpillowstossedoverit.Theframedpostersofbig,boldflowersaddedmorecolor,morecharm.

“Someofit’sMatt.Thatjadeplant’sfromacuttinghegotfromhisgrandmother.Hebabiesitlikehisfirstborn.It’skindofsweet.”

ShegaveShelbyarubon

thearm.“Iwasgivingyousometime,butI’mstartingtoseeyoudon’twanttotalkaboutlastnight,oranyofit.”

“Notreally,butIshouldtellyouhernamewasn’tNatalieorMadeline.ShewasMelindaWarren,andthemanshesaidIshouldbeafraidofifhefoundmeisJamesHarlow.Heescapedfromprison,EmmaKate,rightaroundChristmas.”

Shetookoutherphone.

“Here’sthepictureofhimForrestsentme,soyoushouldbecarefulifyouseehim.Forrestsaidhe’sprobablychangedhishair,maybelookssomedifferent.He’ssix-feet-threeandweighsinattwo-twenty,sohecan’tchangemuchofthat.”

“I’llkeepmyeyeout.Thisisamugshot,isn’tit?”

“Ithinkitis.”Takinganotherlook,

EmmaKateshookherhead.“Wouldn’tyouthinkhe’dlookthreateningorhardormeaninamugshot?Whathelooksissortofaffable.Likesomeguywhoplayedfootballinhighschoolandnowheteachessocialstudiesandcoaches.”

“Ithinkbeingabletolookaffableishowtheyallmanagetoswindleandsteal.”

“Iguessyou’reright.Andtheythinkhekilledher?”

“Whoelse?”Shelbyhadaskedherselfjustthat—whoelse?—adozentimesormore.Andnevercameupwithasinglealternative.

“Iguessthey’retalkingtoeverybodywhowastherelastnight,andaskingaroundtown.Forrestsaidthey’retryingtogetintouchwiththedetectivewhotalkedtome,buttheyhaven’tgottenaholdofhimyet.”

“It’stheweekend.”

“Isuppose.She—thisMelindaWarren—wastellingthetruthaboutbeingmarried.”

“ToRichard?”ThistimeEmmaKatelaidahandonShelby’sarm,leftitthere.

“It’smostlikely.TheyhavetogothroughsomepaperworkandbackgroundandalltobecertainthemanshemarriedwasthesamemanIthoughtImarried.But...Hell,EmmaKate,it’s

notmostlikely,itjustis.”“Shelby...I’msorryif

youare.”This,too,Shelbyhad

askedherselfadozentimes.Wasshehurt?Wasshesad?Wassheangry?

Theanswerhadbeenalittlebitofall,butmoreofsimplerelief.

“I’mgladofit.”Comforted,shelaidherhandoverEmmaKate’s.“Asawfulasthatis,I’mgladofit.”

“Idon’tthinkit’sawful.Smartandsensible,that’swhatitis.”Andturningherhand,shelinkedherfingerswithShelby’s.“I’mgladofit,too.”

“HethoughtIwasstupid,butwhatIwas,waspliable.”

AftergivingEmmaKate’shandasqueeze,Shelbydroppedherowntowanderaroundthesmall,brightspace.

“It’sinfuriatingtolook

backatitnow.It’s...andyouknowIusethewordsparely,butitsuitswhat’sinmeoverthis.It’sfuckinggalling,EmmaKate.”

“Ibetitis.”“AtthetimeIthoughtit

wastherightthing,thethingtokeepmyfamilytogether.Butweweren’tafamily.Ithought,onceIswallowedhardonit,thatwasdonenow.It’snotdone.NotuntiltheyfindthisHarlowperson.I

don’tknowifthey’lleverfindthatwoman’sjewelryandherstamps.Ican’tthinkwhatRichardmight’vedonewiththem.”

“That’snotyourproblem,Shelby.”

“Ithinkitis.”Shewalkedtoawindow,lookedoutatEmmaKate’sviewoftheRidge.Thelong,steepcurveofroad,withbuildingstickingtheirwaydownitastheyhuggedthesidewalk.

Flowersinbarrelsandpots,heading-toward-summerflowersinhotredsandboldbluesreplacingthepastelsofspring.

Hikerswiththeirbackpacks,shenoted,andsomelocalswarmingthebenchesoutsidehergrandmother’ssalon,thebarbershop.

Shecouldjustseethewell,justacornerofit,andtheyoungfamilywhostood

readingitsplaque.Acoupleofyoungboysmadehersmileastheyracedafteraspotteddogwho’dsnappedhisleashandwasrunning,tongueout,hellforleather.

ItwasagoodviewofwhatwaswhatintheRidge.

Foraminuteorsomore,shehadtotakeherselfbeyondthatcurvingstreetwithitshillsandshopsandflowers.Takeitbackintowhatstillcloudedoverit.

“Ifthepolicecouldfindallthat,orwhatRicharddidwithit—ormostofit—Iwouldn’thavetoworryorwonder.Thenitwouldbegoodanddone.”

“Whatdoesworryandwondergetyou?”

“Notadamnthing.”Sheturnedback,smiledatthepracticalitythatsteadiedher.“SoI’mnotthinkingaboutiteveryminuteoftheday.MaybeifIdon’tthinkabout

it,something’llpopintomyhead.”

“ThathappensformewhenIvacuum.Ihaterunningthevacuum.”

“Youalwaysdid.”“Alwaysdid,somymind

wandersaround.Thingsdopopin.”

“I’mhoping.NowI’vegottogethome.MamahadCallieandherfriendplantafairygarden,andIwanttoseeit.Rememberwhen

Mamahadusplantone?”“Ido.Everyspring,even

whenwewereteenagers.I’llhavetotrymyhandatitifweeverbuildthatfrom-the-ground-uphouse.”

“Youcoulddoaminiaturewindowsillfairygardenrightthere,usingyourbigfrontwindow.”

“Nowsee,I’dneverhavethoughtofthat.Nowyoudid,andI’mgoingtoendupbuyinglittlepotsandplants.

Wouldn’tthatlooksweet?”“Guaranteed.”“Icould...Holdon.”

EmmaKatepickedupherphonewhenitsignaled.“Matt’stextingmehe’llbehomeinaboutahalfhour.Whichmeansclosertoanhour,ashemustbefinishinguphelpingGriffonthehouse,thenthey’llhavetotalkaboutitawhile.Ruminate.”

“Ruminatingcantakesometime.I’vegotadate

withGriffTuesday.”EmmaKate’seyebrows

wingedup.“Isthatso?Andyoudon’tmentionituntilyou’reheadingoutthedoor?”

“I’mnotsurewhattothinkaboutityet,butIwanttoseehishouse.Ialwayswantedtoseewhatsomeonewithsomevisioncoulddowiththatplace.”

Thoseeyebrowsstayedraised.“Andseeingthehouseisyoursolepurposeofthis

date?”“It’safactor.Honestly,

truly,Idon’tknowwhatI’mgoingtodoaboutwhat’smovingalongbetweenus.”

“Here’sathought.”Lipsbowingupsome,EmmaKateliftedtheindexfingerofbothhands.“WhynottrysomethingIdon’tthinkyou’veputupfrontforthelastfewyears.Whatdoyouwanttodo?”

“Whenyouputitlike

that?”Shelby’slaughwasquickandeasy.“Partofme—maybethemostpartofme—justwantstojumphim,andtherealisticpartissaying,Slowdown,girl.”

“Whichone’sgoingtowin?”

“Ijustdon’tknow.Hesurewasn’tonmylist,andI’vestillgotalottotickoffthere.”

“I’mcallingyouWednesdaymorningtoseeif

youtickedoff‘sexwithGriff.’”

NowShelbyraisedhereyebrows,shotoutafinger.“That’snotonthelist.”

“Additon,”EmmaKatesuggested.

Maybeshewould,forsomepointdowntheroad.Butfornow,shewasspendingtherestoftheweekendwithherdaughter.

•••

BYMONDAYTHEREWASstillnowordonJimmyHarlow,nosignanyonematchinghisdescriptionhadbeenaroundtheRidge,oraskedaboutthebrunetteatherhotelinGatlinburg.

Shelbydecidedtobeoptimistic,decideditwasbesttothinkhe’ddonewhathe’dcometodo,hadexactedhisrevengeonMelindaWarren,andmovedon.

Sheparkedoutsidethe

salonwithtimetospare,sowalkeddowntothebarandgrill.Optimismwasherchoice.Itdidn’thavetobeeveryone’s.

Tansyansweredherknock.“Shelby.”Tansy

immediatelyenfoldedherinahug.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutyouallweekend.”

“I’msosorryaboutallthis,Tansy.”

“Everyone’ssorryaboutit.Comeoninandsitdown.”

“Ihavetogettowork,butIwantedtoseeyoufirst,andtellyouIunderstandifyouandDerrickwanttocancelFridayNights.”

“Whywouldwedothat?”“Itwasn’tthesortof

encoreanyofushadhopedforonourdebut.”

“Itdidn’thaveanythingtodowithus,withyou,withthebarandgrill.Derricktalkedtothesheriffpersonallyjustyesterday.They’relookingat

itasavengeancekilling,oldbusinessthatcameherewithher.”

“I’mpartofthatoldbusiness.”

“Nottomywayofthinking.It’s...”Onawhooshsound,sheleveredontoastool.“Istillgetalittlequeasyandlight-headedinthemorning.”

“AndhereIamhammeringatyou.Letmegetyouacoolcloth.”

“I’ddobetterwithagingerale.”

Quickly,Shelbywentbehindthebar,pouredgingeraleoveralotofcrushedice.“Sipitslow,”sheordered,thengotacleanbarrag,soakeditwithcoldwater,twistedituntilitheldcoolwithoutdripping.

Whenshecamebackaround,liftedTansy’shairandlaidtheclothonthebackofherneck,Tansymadea

long,longAhhhh.“Thatreallydoesfeel

better.”“WorkedformewhenI

wascarryingCallie.”“Itcomesonmost

mornings,butusuallypassesbeforelong.Everyonceinawhileithangson,comesbackatimeortwo.Justtheicks,youknow?”

“Ido.Itdoesn’tseemrightsomethingsowonderfulshouldmakeawomanfeel

sick,buttheprizeattheendofit’sworthit.”

“ItellmyselfthateverymorningwhenI’mhangingoverthetoilet.”ShesighedagainwhenShelbyturnedtheclothover,laidthecoolersideagainstherskin.

“It’spassingalready.I’mgoingtorememberthattrick.”

Reachingback,shepattedShelby’sarm.“Thankyou.”

“Doyouwantacouple

crackers?Icangetsomefromthekitchen.”

“No,itreallyispassing.Nowyousitdownhereandtakemybrandofcool-clothtreatment.”

AftertuggingShelbyaround,Tansylookedstraightintohereyes.“ThatWarrenperson?Shewasanawfulwoman,andfromwhatI’vebeentold,didn’tgiveagooddamnaboutanybodybutherself.Shedidn’tdeserveto

dieforit,butshewasanawfulwoman.Whoeverkilledherwasawful,too.Youdidn’tevenknowthosepeople,Shelby.”

“IknewRichard—orthoughtIdid.”

Obviouslyfeelingherselfagain,Tansyhissedandflickedthataway.“AndDerrick’sgotacousinoverinMemphisdealsdrugsforaliving.Thatdoesn’tmakeuspartofit.Areyoutooupset

tosingonFriday?Iunderstanditifyouare.Welostawaitressoverit.”

“Damnit.I’msorry.”“Oh,don’tbe.Hermama

hadacatfit,saidshemightaswellworkatShady’sBarasherewithpeoplegettingshot.Asifithappenedeveryweek.Shewasawhineranyway,”sheaddedwithawaveofherhand,“andLorna’snotsorrytoseehergo,soneitheramI.”

“I’mnotupsetaboutit,notlikethat.IfyouandDerrickwantme,I’mhere.I’vealreadystartedtheplaylist.”

“Newflyersouttoday,then.WesetarecordonFriday.”

“Youdid?”“Toppedourbestnight

whenwehadtheRoughRidersfromNashville,byfifty-threedollarsandsixcents.Youe-mailmetheplaylistwhenyou’refinished,

andI’llmakesurethemachine’sset.Andhow’syourmamaandalltherest?”

“Dealing.I’dbettergettoworkbeforeGrannydocksmypay.”

Shewalkedinrightontimeandwentstraighttowork.Shegavethegardenpatioasweep,wateredthepots,openedtheumbrellassoclientscouldsitintheshadeiftheychose.

Backinside,shefolded

towelsthathadn’tbeenseentowhileshelistenedtothechatterofthefirstcustomers.Whenshesteppedoutshesawhergrandmotherhadcomein,alreadyhadsomeoneinherchair.Crystalgossipedhappilywiththewomanshewasshampooing.

AndMelodyBunkerandJoleneNewtonsatinthepedicurechairswiththeirfeetinbubblingwater.

Shehadn’trunintoJolene

atallsinceshe’dbeenback,hadn’tseenMelodysincethatdayinTheArtfulRidge.Shewouldn’thavemindedkeepingitthatway.Butsinceshehadn’tbeenraisedtoberude,shestoppedbythechairsonherwaytocheckthefronttreatmentrooms.

“Hey,Jolene.How’reyoudoing?”

“Why,Shelby,Iswear!”Shesetherglossymagazineinherlap,gaveherheada

tossthathadherlong,highponytailbobbing.“Youhaven’tchangedonesingle,tinybit,evenafterallyou’vebeenthrough.Areyougettingnailstoday,too?”

“No,Iworkhere.”“Isthatright?”Jolene

widenedherhazeleyesasifthiswasfreshnews.“Ohnow,IthinkIdidknowthat.Youtoldmethat,didn’tyou,Melody,thatShelbywasworkingatVi’sagain,just

likebackinhighschool?”“IbelieveIdid.”Without

lookingup,Melodyflippedapageinherownmagazine.“Iseeyoutookmyadvice,Shelby,andfoundworkyou’resuitedfor.”

“Thankyouforthat.IforgothowmuchIenjoybeinghere.Y’allenjoyyourpedicures.”Shewalkedtothedesktoanswerthephone,bookedanappointment,thenslippedthroughtocheckthe

frontrooms.Outofthecornerofher

eyeshesawMelodyandJolenewiththeirheadstogether,heardJolene’shigh-pitchedgiggle.Thesameasitwasinhighschool.

Sheignoredit,andthem,remindingherselfshehadalotmoreimportantmatterstoconcernher.

Bythetimesheswungthroughthesalonagain,MaybelineandLorilee—

motheranddaughter—werebothperchedonlowstoolsdoingthescrubportionofthepedicures.

Sothey’dgoneforthedeluxe,Shelbythought,andwalkeddowntomakesuretheparaffinwasturnedonwarm.Shecheckedthelockerrooms,hauledoutusedrobes,ranthroughtherestofhermorningchecklist.

Shehadafriendlyconversationwithawoman

fromOhio,onegivingherselfadayofffromahikingadventurewithherfiancé,andofferedtotakealunchorderasthewomanhadbookedafullday.

“Youcouldeatoutinthegardenifyouwant.It’ssuchaprettyday.”

“Thatwouldbewonderful.Idon’tsupposeIcouldgetaglassofwine.”

“Icanmakethathappen,”Shelbytoldher,andproduced

acoupleofmenus.“Youjustletmeknowwhatyouwant,andoneofuswillgogetitforyou.Aboutone-fifteen?You’llbebetweenyourAromatherapyWrapandyourVitaminGloFacial.”

“Ifeelsopampered.”“That’swhatwe’rehere

for.”“Ilovethisplace.

Honestly,IjustbookedthedayheresoIwouldn’thavetohikethreedaysrunning.

Butit’sallsoterrific,andeverybody’ssonice.CouldIgetthisFieldGreenSaladwiththegrilledchicken—thehousedressingontheside.AndaglassofChardonnaywouldjustmakemyday.”

“Youjustconsideritmade.”

“Isthewomanoutfront,theowner,isthatyourmother?Youlooklikeher.”

“Mygrandmother.Mymama’sdoingyourfacial

later.”“Yourgrandmother?

You’rekiddingme.”Shelbylaughed,delighted.

“I’mgoingtotellheryousaidthat,andyou’llhavemadeherday.Now,canIgetyouanythingelse?”

“Notathing.”Thewomanburroweddowninoneofthechairs.“I’mjustgoingtosithereandrelax.”

“Youdothat.Sashawillcomegetyouinaboutten

minutesforyourwrap.”Shewalkedbackintothe

salonwithasmileonherface,wentstraighttothedesktoplacetheorderforaone-o’clockpickup.ShestartedtoturntohergrandmotherwhenJolenehailedher.

“That’sprettypolish,”Shelbysaid,noddingtowardthetoesJolenewashavingpaintedglossypink.

“Itputsmeinmindofmymama’speonies.Iforgotto

saybefore,andmygoodnesshaven’tyoubeenbusyinhere,IheardyouweresingingonFridaysdownatthebarandgrill.IwassorryIcouldn’tmakeitintohearyou,thenIheardaboutwhathappenedandwasn’tsorryIwasn’tthereonFriday.IthinkI’dhavehadaheartattackorsomethingfindingoutsomewomangotshotrightoutside.”

Shepattedahandtoher

heartasifevennowitwasindanger.

“Iheardyouknewher,too,isthatright?”

ShelbygaveMelodyaglance.“IknowyouconsiderMelodyareliablesourceofinformation—andthatMelody’sconfidentyou’llpushwhateverbuttons,turnwhateverknobsshetellsyouto.”

“Why,Shelby,Iwasjustasking—”

“WhatMelodytoldyoutoask.Theanswerisno,Ican’tsayIknewher.”

“Yourhusbanddid,”Melodysaid.“Butthat’sright,hewasn’tyourhusbandatall,washe?”

“Apparentlynot.”“Youmustfeeljustawful,

beingdeceivedlikethat.”Jolenepickedupthetheme.“Why,I’djustaboutdieifI’dlivedwithamanallthoseyears,hadachildwithhim,

andfoundouthehadanotherwifeallalong.”

“I’mstillbreathing.IguessI’mnotassensitiveasyou.”

Shestartedtostepback.“You’renotdoing

anythingimportant,”Melodybegan.“I’dlikeaglassofsparklingwater,withice.”

“I’llgetthatforyou,”Maybelinebegan,butMelodyshotherahardlook.“You’rebusypaintingmytoes.Shelby

cangetit,can’tyou,Shelby?”“Ican.Wouldyoulike

something,Jolene?”Jolenehadthegraceto

flush.“Iwouldn’tmindsomeicewater,ifit’snotrouble.”

“Noneatall.”Sheturned,wenttothe

back,intothetinykitchen.She’dstewaboutitlater,shepromisedherself,butfornow,she’dgetthedamnwater.

Shebroughtoutthe

glasses,handedonetoJolene.“Thankyou,Shelby.”“You’rewelcome.”Whensheheldoutthe

glasstoMelody,Melodyknockeditwithherhandsowatersloshedovertherim.

“Nowlookwhatyoudid!”“I’llgetyouatowel.”“Thesecapripantsaresilk,

andnowthey’vegotwaterspots.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutit?”

“I’mgoingtogetyoua

towel.”“Youprobablydiditon

purposebecauseIdidn’twantthelikesofyouworkinginmystore.”

“Yourgrandmother’sstore,lastIheard.Andbelieveme,ifI’ddoneitonpurpose,I’d’vepouredthewholeglassinyourlap.Doyouwantthattowel,Melody?”

“Idon’twantanythingfromyourkind.”

Shelbyknewtheplacehadgonequiet.Eventhewhirlofdryershadshutoff.Everyearintheplacewascocked.Soshesmiled.“Why,Melody,you’rejustasspitefulandfullofself-importanceasyouwerebackinhighschool.Itmustbeaburdencarryingallthataroundinsideyou.I’msorryforyou.”

“Sorryforme?Sorryforme?”

Melodyflungthe

magazineawaysoitlandedwithathwackonthefloor.“You’retheonecamecrawlingbacktotheRidgewithhertailbetweenherlegs.Andwhatdidyoubringwithyou?”

Hervoicepitchedlouderastemperroseinhotspotsonhercheeks.

“Ibroughtmydaughterandnotmuchelse.You’reawfulflushed,Melody.Ithinkyouneedthiswater.”

“Youdon’ttellmewhatIneed.Itellyou.I’mthecustomer.Youjustworkhere,sweepingup.Youdon’tevenhavethemarginalskillstopolishnailsoruseacurlingiron.”

“Marginal.”ShelbyheardMaybelinebreathetheword,sawoutofthecornerofhereyethelongtimeemployeecarefullycapthecoralenamelwithonlyhalfofMelody’stoespainted.

“Melody,”Jolenebegan,gnawingherlipatthestonystareonMaybeline’sface.

ButMelodyonlyslappedJolene’shandaside.“You’dbettershowsomerespectafterwhereyou’vecomefrom,andwhat’sgoneonsinceyoucamebackhere?WhosefaultisitsomewomangotshotrightinourtownFridaynight?”

“I’dsaythepersonwhopulledthetrigger’satfaulton

that.”“Itwouldn’thave

happenedhereifyouweren’there,andeverybodyknowsit.Nobodydecentaroundherewantsyouaround.You’retheonewhoranoffwithsomecriminal.Anddon’ttellmeyouthoughtyouweremarriedtohim.Likeasnotyoucheatedpeoplejustlikehedid,andwhenhediedandleftyouinafix,backhereyoucomewithyourbastard

child.”“Becarefulthere,

Melody,”ShelbysaidasJoleneletoutashockedhiss.“Berealcarefulthere.”

“I’llsaywhatIthink,andwhatmosteverybodyaroundherethinks,too.I’llsaywhatIlike.”

“Notinhereyouwon’t.”Violasteppedup,grippedShelby’sarmhard,tooktheglassofwatershestillheld—andhadbeenabouttoheave

—outofherhand.“I’vejustsparedyoufromasoakingorworse,asIexpectShelbywasabouttodowhatI’dliketodomyself,andthat’shaulyouupoutofthatchairandslapyourheadcleanaround,yourude,ugly-minded,pitifulgirl.”

“Youdon’tdarespeaktomethatway!Justwhodoyouthinkyouare?”

“I’mViolaMacNeeDonahue,andthisismy

place.I’llspeaktoyoujustasyoudeserve,andthegoodLordknowssomebodyshould’vespokentoyoulongbeforethis.I’mgoingtotellyou,tellyouboth,togetyourlazy,spitefulassesoutofmychairsandoutofmyplace.Yougetupandyougetout,andyoudon’tcomebackinhere.”

“Wehaven’tfinishedyet,”Melodybegan.

“You’refinished,doneand

finishedaltogether.Nochargefortoday.Nowgetthehelloutofmysalon.Neitherofyouaregoingtowalkinthatdooragain.”

“Oh,butMizVi!Crystal’sdoingmyhairformywedding.”TearsspurtedintoJolene’seyes.“I’vegotthewholedaybeforebookedhere.”

“Notanymore.”“Don’tworryaboutit,

Jolene.”Melodygrabbedthe

magazineforgotteninJolene’slap,tosseditacrosstheroom.“YoucanjustpayCrystaltocometoyou.”

“Shecouldn’tpaymeenough,”Crystalpipedup.

“Oh,butCrystal—”“Shameonyou,Jolene.”

Crystalbentdown,pickedupthemagazine.“We’vecometoexpectthatkindofuglyfromMelody,butshameonyou.”

“Wedon’tneedyou,”

MelodysnappedatCrystalasJoleneblubbered.“Barelyastepupfromthetrailertrashintheholler.Wedon’tneedthisplace,either.Ionlycomeinheretobecivic-mindedandsupportlocalbusinesses.Thereareplentyofotherplacestogowithmoreclass.”

“Youneverdidlearnclass,”ViolacommentedasMelodygrabbeduphershoes.“That’sashame,consideringyourgrandmother.She’s

goingtobeawfuldisappointedinyouwhenIcallherandtellherhowyoubehavedinmyplace,whatyousaidtomyowngranddaughter.Whatyousaidaboutmygreat-granddaughter.Thattakesyoubackapeg,”sheaddedwhensomeoftheangrycolorfadedfromMelody’scheeks.“Youmust’veforgottenI’veknownyourgrandmotherforoverfortyyears.We’vegota

lotofrespectforeachother.”“Tellherwhatyouwant.”“Oh,Iwill.Nowgetyour

second-runner-up’sassoutofmysalon.”

MelodysailedoutwhileJolenescrambledup.“Oh,Melody,wait!Oh,MizVi!”

“She’syourchoiceofcompanion,Jolene.Maybeit’stimeyougrewupsome.Goonnow,get.”

Sheransobbingoutthedoor.

Afteronestillmoment,severalpeople—staffandcustomers—begantoapplaud.

“Iswear,Vi.”ThewomaninViola’schairgaveherselfahalfspininit.“I’vealwayssaidcomingtoVi’sismoreentertainingthanwatchingthesoapoperas.”

Sinceitwasthere,Shelbytookthewaterback,downedit.“I’msorry,Granny.Iwasn’tgoingtoslapher.I

wasgoingtohaulheroutofthechairandpunchherrightintheface.Nobodytalksthatwayaboutmybaby.”

“Ormine.”ViolagaveShelbyaone-armedhug.

“Areyoureallygoingtocallhergrandmother?”

“Iwon’thaveto.Youbetterbelieveshe’scallingFlorightnow,givingheranearful.Flolovesthatgirl,butsheknowsher,too.I’llbegettingacallinsidethenext

halfhour.Maybeline,Lorilee,youtakeyourusualcommissionforthepedisoutofthetill.”

“No,ma’am,”theysaid,almostinunison.

“There’snoneedforit,”Maybelineadded.“Viola,don’tyoumakememadandsayanotherwordaboutit.Thatgirl’sluckyIdidn’tstabherwiththecuticlescissors.Shelby,shewastalkingtrashaboutyouforthelasthalf

hour.I’mnotsorrytoseethelastofherinhere.Shealwaysshortsmytip.”

“Jolene’snotsobadwhenshecomesinonherown,”Lorileeputin.“Buttogetherthey’redownrightmean.”

“Allright,then.”Withaglintofpridealongwiththedregsoftemper,shenodded.“I’mtreatingeverybodytolunch.”

“Lunch!”Shelbycheckedthetime,sighedinrelief.

“I’vegottogodowntothePizzateria,getacustomerasaladandsneakoutaglassofwine.Icangettherestify’allputanordertogether.”

“We’llhaveourselvesaparty,”Crystaldeclared.“Second-runner-up’sass.”Shehootedoutalaugh.“MizVi,IswearIloveyoutodistractionandbackagain.Twice.”

“Me,too.”ShelbypressedhercheektoViola’s.“Me,

too.”

•••

THEMURDERandMelody’sevictionfromViola’scompetedfortherichestjuicesqueezedfromthelocalgrapevine.Whileitwastruetherehadn’tbeenamurderintheRidgeforthreeyears,cominguponfour,whenBarlowKeithshothisbrother-in-law—andwinged

twobystanders—inadisputeoverapoolgameatShady’sBar,nobodyknewthewomancurrentlyinacolddrawerattheannexofthefuneralparlorthatservedasthecoroner’soffice.

EverybodyknewMelodyandViola,sothatstorytooktheleadwithmost.

TheincidentgotafreshboostonTuesdaymorning,whenthewordwentaroundthatFlorencePiedmonthad

dressedhergranddaughterdownandorderedhertoapologizetobothShelbyandViola.

TheRidgewaitedwithbatedbreathtoseeifMelodycomplied.

“Idon’twantherapology.”Shelbystackedfreshtowelsattheshampoostations.“Shewouldn’tmeanit,sowhat’sthepoint?”

“Heroffering,meaningitornot,andyouacceptingit,

makeshergrandmotherfeelbetter.”ForonceViolasatinthechairwhileCrystaltouchedupherroots.

“IguessIcanpretendtoacceptapretendapology,ifitcomes.”

“Itmaytakeafewdays,butit’llcome.Thegirlknowswhereherbread’sbutteredthethickest.We’reslowinheretoday.Whydon’tyouletMaybelinegiveyouanicepedicure?It’dbenicetohave

prettytoesforyourdatewithGriffintonight.”

CrystalandMaybeline,currentlytheonlyothersinthesalon,bothslidtheirgazestowardShelby.

“Idon’tknowashe’sgoingtonoticemytoes,onewayortheother.”

“Amanwho’sinterestedinawomannoticeseverythingatthestartofit.”

“That’sthetruth,”Crystalagreed.“It’safterthey’vegot

youawhiletheywouldn’tnoticeifyougrewanextrasetoftoesandpaintedthemeverycolorintherainbow.Especiallyifthere’sagameontheTVandabeerintheirhand.”

“We’vegotsomereallyprettyspringcolors,”Maybelineputin.“There’sBluesintheNight.It’sjustaboutthecolorofyoureyes.I’vegotthreemanisthismorning,andonlyonepedi

scheduledallday.I’dlovetodoyouone,Shelby.”

“Ifthere’stime,that’dbenice.Thankyou,Maybeline.”

“Whatareyougoingtowear?OnyourdatewithGriff,”Crystalasked.

“Idon’tknow.Really,I’mmostlygoingovertoseehishouse.I’vealwayslovedthatoldplace,andwonderwhathe’sdoingwithit.”

“Sincehe’sfixingyoudinner,youshouldwear

somethingpretty.”Shelbyturnedtoher

grandmother.“He’sfixingmedinner?Howdoyouknowthat?”

“BecausehedroppedbytoseemeSundayafternoon,andasked,casual-like,iftherewassomethingyouespeciallylikedtoeat,orsomethingyoudidn’tespeciallylike.”

“Ithoughthe’djustpicksomethingup.”Nowshedidn’tknowwhethertobe

flatteredornervous.“What’shemaking?”

“Ithinkthatoughttobehissurprise.Youshouldwearaprettydress.Nothingfancy,justpretty.You’vegotgoodlegs,girl.Goodlonglegs.Yougotthemfromme.”

“Andprettyunderthings.”“Crystal!”Maybeline

flushed,andgiggledlikeagirl.

“Awomanoughttowearprettyunderthingseveryday

anyway,butespeciallyonadate.It’sconfidence-building,Ithink.Andit’salwaysbesttobeprepared.”

“IfIwanttogetJacksonheatedup,allIhavetodoisputonablackbraandpanties.”

“Oh,Granny.”Undone,Shelbyburiedherfaceinherhands.

“Iwasn’tabletogethimheatedup,youwouldn’tbehere.Seemstomeyour

mamasaysyourdaddyfavorsmidnightbluewhenitcomestolingerie.”

“I’mgoinginthebacktocheckonthings.”

“Whatthings?”Violawantedtoknow.

“Anythingthatdoesn’tinvolvemyparentsandgrandparentsgettingheatedup.”

Shemovedfast,butstillheardthequickfemalelaughterfollowher.

•••

SHEHADTOENAILSpaintedadeepvioletblue,andatCallie’sinsistenceworeadressthecolorofdaffodils.Andbecauseshecouldn’tgetitoutofhermind,sheworeunderitawhitebrawithtinyyellowrosebudsworkedintotheedginglace,andmatchingpanties.

Notthatanyonewasgoingtoseethem,butmaybethey

wouldbuildconfidence.Onceshewasdressed,

Callieclungtoherleg.“IwanttogoonadatewithGriff,too.”

Sinceshe’dexpectedsomethingalongthoselines,shehadacounterofferready.“Whydon’twetakeGriffonadate,maybeonSundayafternoon?Wecouldtakehimonapicnic.Wecouldmakefriedchickenandlemonade.”

“Andcupcakes.”“Absolutelycupcakes.”

ShehauledCallieupbeforeshewalkedoutofthebedroom.“Wouldn’tthatbefun?”

“Uh-huh.When’sSundayafternoon?”

“Justafewdaysaway.”“Don’tyoulookpretty!”

AdaMaeexclaimed.“Doesn’tyourmamalookpretty,Callie?”

“Uh-huh.She’sgoingona

datewithGriff,andwe’regoingtotakehimonadateforapicniconSundayafternoon.”

“Why,thatsoundslikethebesttime.Idon’tknowifthebubblemakeryourgranddaddy’ssettingupinthebackyard’sgoingtobeasmuchfunasallthat.”

“Bubblemaker?”“Whydon’tyougoout

andsee?”“I’mgoingtomake

bubbles,Mama.Bye.”ShekissedShelby’scheek,wiggleddownandtookofflikearocket,callingforhergrandfather.

“Isureappreciateyouwatchingheragain,Mama.”

“Weloveeveryminuteofit.Ithinkyourdaddy’sasexcitedaboutbubblesassheis.Youhaveagoodtimetonight.Yougotacondominyourpurse?”

“Oh,Mama.”

AdaMaejustpulledoneoutofherpantspocket.“Incase.Youputthisinyourpurse,andI’llhaveonelessthingtoworryabout.”

“Mama,I’mjustgoingtoseehishouseandhavedinner.”

“Thingshappen,andasmartwoman’spreparedwhentheydo.Beasmartwomannow,Shelby.”

“Yes,ma’am.Iwon’tbelate.”

“Youstayaslongasyouwant.”

Withthecondomtuckedinherpurse,Shelbystartedout.She’djustopenedthevandoorwhenForrestpulledup.

“Whereareyouofftoinayellowdress?”

“I’mjusthavingdinnerwithGriff.”

“Where?”Sherolledhereyes.“At

hishousebecauseIwanttoseeit,andI’llbelateif

you’regoingtogivemethethirddegree.”

“He’llwait.Thesheriffclearedmetoletyouknow.Richardwasn’tJakeBrimley,either.”

Herpulsejumped.Sheactuallyfelttheleapinherthroat.“Whatdoyoumean?”

“JakeBrimley,withtheSocialSecuritynumberheused,diedattheageofthreein2001.Richardcreatedtheidentification,orpaidtohave

itcreated.”“Youmean...heused

thatname,buthewasn’tthatperson?”

“That’sright.”“Whowashethen?God’s

sake,howmanynamescanonemanhave?”

“Ican’tsay—Idon’tknow,”Forrestcorrected.“We’reworkingonit.I’lldowhatIcantofindout,Shelby.Ifigureyou’dwanttoknow,onewayortheother.”

“Iwould.Idon’tknowhowIcanputitallawayuntilIknow.Didyoufindanythingelseoutaboutthemurder?”

“Asamatteroffact,wehadsomeonecomeintoday.Shewasintheparkinglot—inthebackseatofacarwithanotherindividual.Anindividualnotherhusband.Whiletheywerebusydoingthingsthatputalayerofsteamonthewindows,she

heardaloudpop.Thetiming’srightforittobetheshot.Shesurfacedfromheractivitieslongenoughtonoticesomeonegetintoacar,driveoffjustafewsecondslater.”

“God,shesawthekiller?”“Notreally.Shethinks

male,butshewasn’twearingherglassesatthetime,sodidn’tgetagoodlook.Wewouldn’thavethatmuchifherconsciencehadn’tgotten

overonherguilt.Whatwe’vegotisprobablymale,gettingintoadarkcar,possiblyanSUV.Nomake,modelorlicense,butshethinksblackordarkblue,andshiny.Struckherlikeanewcar,butshecan’tsayforcertain.”

“Whataboutthemanshewaswith?Didn’theseeanything?”

“Ididn’tsayshewaswithaman.”

“Oh.”

“Whichispartofherproblemwithcomingforward.We’lljustsaytheotherindividualwasverybusybelowwindowlevelatthetime,anddidn’tseeanything.”

“Allright.AndHarlow?”“Nothingthereyet.Yoube

carefuldrivingovertheretoGriff’s,Shelby.Textmewhenyougetthere.”

“Oh,forheaven’ssake,Forrest.”

“Ifyoudon’twantmecallingwhenyoumightbe...busy,textmewhenyougetthere.I’mgoingtoseeifIcanmoochleftovers.”

“They’reoutback,”shecalledoutashestrolledtowardthehouse.“Daddy’sgotCallieabubblemaker.”

“Yeah?IbelieveI’llgetmeabeerandgetinonthat.Textme.”

hestoppedattheheadoftheshortlanethatledbacktotheold

Tripplehornplace,freshenedherlipgloss,tookacriticallookinthevisormirror.

Allright,nomoredark

circles,andnotallthecolorinherfacecamefromthelittlepotofcreamblushhergrandmotherhadurgedhertosample.

Herhair,windblownasitwas,addedacasualtouch.Wasn’titbesttostaycasual?sheaskedherself.

Andtookabreath.Shehadn’tbeenonadate

—arealone,andwhatevershe’dsaid,thiswasabonafidedate—sinceshe’dflown

offtoVegaswithRichard,togetmarried.

Orsoshe’dbelieved.She’ddatedplentybefore

that,ofcourse,sheremindedherself,throughhighschoolandintocollege.Butitwasallsovagueandblurrywiththeenormityoftheinbetweenthethenandnow.

Andhewasfixingherdinner,whichmadeitasortofseriousdate,didn’tit?Shemadeherselfthinkthrough

theenormity,backtotheblur.Shecouldn’tthinkofasingletimeamanhadfixedherdinner.

Maybeitdidn’tmakeitserious.Maybeonceyougotpastthehighschoolandcollegeyears,itwasjustsomethingpeople,adultpeople,didnowandthen.

Andshewasmakingfartoomuchofiteitherway.

Shemadetheturn,bumpedherwaydownthe

narrowdrive—obviouslysomethinghehadn’tbotheredtofixyet—thenjuststoppedthecaragainandlooked.

She’dalwayslovedthecharmoftheoldplace,thewayittuckedintothegreen,spreadabittowardashelteredstream.

Sheonlyfounditmorecharmingnow.

He’dcleaneduptheexterior,andwhatadifference.Shethoughthe’d

likelypower-washedtheoldstone—repointedit,too,soitstoodinvariousshadesofbrownandgoldonitsrollofariseamongthetrees.

Andheputinspankingnewwindows,addedasetofdoorsinplaceofthebrokenwindowsonwhatsheassumedmustbethemasterbedroomduetotheadditionofacoveredporchwithbronze-coloredironrails.

He’dleftmostofthe

wonderfuloldtrees,themaplesandoaks,theirgreendeepeningtowardthatdeepsummershade,andputinacoupleofdogwoods,bloomedoffnowandstilltenderlygreen.Clearingoutthescrubandweedsalongthefoundationhadtohavebeenhard,sweaty,evenmiserablework.Whatevertimehe’dputinhadpaidoffasyoungazaleasandrhododendronssweptcoloratthestone’s

skirts,whileolderones,wildones,splashedmorebackinthegreenshadows.

Hewasdoingsomesortofterracingonthefarside,followingtheriseofthelandwithpartiallyfinishedstonewallsthatmimickedthetonesofthehouse.Sheimagineditfinished,andfilledwithnativeshrubsandflowers.

Toocharmedtobenervousnow,shelefthervanbesidehistruck,gatheredthepotted

mountainlaurelshe’dpickedupasahostgiftandwalkedtothewidefrontporch.

SheadmiredthesetofAdirondackchairspainteddeepforestgreen,theroughwoodtable—astumphemust’veplaneddownandsealed—betweenthem.Evenassheraisedahandtoknock,heopenedthedoor.

“Heardyoudriveup.”“I’malreadyinlovewith

theplace.Itmust’vetaken

youalotofsweatydaystoreclaimthelandaroundthehouse,allthatoldscrubandthebriars.”

“Sortofhatedtokillthebriars.Theyaddedalittle‘SleepingBeauty’totheplace.Youlookgreat.”

Helookedprettygreathimself,freshlyshaven,fromthelooksofit,withashirtofsoftlyfadedbluerolleduptohiselbows.

Hetookherhandtodraw

herin.“I’mgladtoseeyou’renot

aversetoplants,soyoushouldbeabletofindaspotforthese.”

“Thanks.I’lljust—”“OhmyGod.”Theshockinhertonehad

himlookingfranticallyforsomethinglikeoneofthemonstrouslyhugewolfspidershe’dspentweeksbanishingfromthehouse.

Butwhenshepulledfree,

turnedacircle,hersmilesimplyglowed.“Thisiswonderful.Griffin,thisiswonderful!”

He’dopenedupwallssowhathadbeenadark,narrowhallwaywasawidefoyerthatspillednaturallyintoafrontroomwithafireplacehe’drefacedinnativestone.Theearlyeveninglightflowedthroughtheuncurtainedwindowsontoagleamingdeep-tonedoakfloor.

“Idon’tusethisspacemuchyet,soIjusttossedanoldcouchandacouplechairsintoit.Haven’tfiguredoutwhatcolortopaintit,so...Ihaven’t.”

“It’saboutthespace,”shesaid,andwanderedit.“Ipeekedintheoldwindowssomanytimes,evenbrokeinonceonadareandwalkedallthrough.Arethesetheoriginalfloors?”

“Yeah.”Everysquarefoot

ofthempleasedhim.“Theytooksomework,butoriginal’sbestifyoucankeepit.IusedoriginaltrimwhereIcould,copieditwhereIcouldn’t.”

“Andtheceilingmedallion.IhaddreamsaboutthatforweeksafterIcamein.Thelittlefacesaroundthecircle.”

“Niceandspooky.Ihaven’tfoundtherightlighttogothere.”LikeShelby,he

lookedupattheplastermedallion.“Ithastohitme.”

“Itshouldlookold.Thereshouldn’tbeanythinginherethatlooksshinyandnew.Well,thekitchenandbathrooms,that’sonething,buttherest...AndI’mtellingyouyourbusinesswhenyouobviouslyknowjustwhattodo.Iwanttoseeitall.”

“Ihaven’tgottentoallofityet.SomespacesI’dstart,

realizeIwasn’tintherightmood.Keepgoingandyouendupdoingsomethingwrong,oratleasthalf-assed.”

Heshouldpaintthisroomawarm,richgold—notbrightandnottoodark,butlikewarm,richoldgold.Andleavethewindowsundrapedtoshowoffthegorgeoustrim,and...

Andshehadtostopdecoratingitforhiminherhead.

“You’renotdoingallthisyourself,areyou?”

“No.”Hetookherhandagain,startedtoleadhertowardthebackofthehouse.“Matt’sbeenaslave—willworkforbeer—whenhehasthetime.Forrest,too.Clay’spitchedinacoupletimes.Myfather’sbeendown,givenmeaweekortwowhenhecanmanageit.Andmybrother.Mymomhelpedclearingthebrush,andsaidIoweher

moreforthatthanfourteenhoursoflabor.

“Halfbathhere,”headdedwhenshelaughed.

Shepokedinside.“Lookatthatsink.It’sjustlikeanoldwashbasinonastand.Likeitcould’vebeenhereallalong.Andthatantiquebronzefinishonthefixturesandthelightsgoessowell.You’vegotanicesense,Griff,ofcolor,too.Keepingitwarmandnatural.Thehouse

doesn’twantboldandflashy.“What’sthisoverhere?”“Toolsandmaterials,

mostly.”Hethought,Whatthehell?andopenedtheoldpocketdoor.

“Suchwonderfulhighceilings,”shesaid,obviouslynotputoffbystacksoftoolsandlumber,bigtubsofdrywallmud,andplentyofdust.“Andanotherceilingmedallion.IguessyouknowtheysaytheoriginalMr.

Tripplehornwassix-feet-six,andbuilttheplacetoaccommodatehissize.Doesthefireplacework?”

“Notnow.Itneedswork,andprobablyagasinsertinhere,somethingthatdoesn’tlooklikeagasinsert.Refacingthebrick,ormayberedoingitinslateorgranite.It’scrapandcrumbling.”

“What’sitgoingtobe?”“Maybealibrary.Itfeels

likeahouselikethisshould

haveone.”Becausehesawitinhis

head,hegestured.“Built-insflankingthefireplace,alibraryladder,thatkindofthing.Bigleathercouch,maybeastainedglassceilingfixture,ifIfindtherightone.Oneofthesedays,”hesaidwithashrug.“AcoupleofotherroomsdownhereI’mstillthinkingabout.Ididn’twanttoopeneverythingup.Openconcept’sonething,

losingalltheoriginalquirksandcharm’sanother.”

“You’vegotthebestofboth.Youcoulddoaprettysittingroomhere,orfirst-flooroffice,guestroom.”Shestudiedanotheremptyroom.“It’ssuchaniceviewthroughthewindowsthereofthetrees,andjustthatlittlebendofthecreek.Ifyouputyourofficehere,youcouldfloatthedeskinthecenteroftheroomsoyoucouldseeout,

butnothaveyourbacktothedoor.Thenyoucould—AndthereIgoagain.”

“Youcankeepgoing.It’sagoodidea.”

“Well,Iwasgoingtobeasingingsensation,butinteriordesignwasmyfallback.Itookacoupleclassesincollege.”

“Seriously?Whydidn’tIknowthat?”

“Itwasalongtimeago.”“I’mgoingtouseyou.But

rightnow,I’mgoingtogetyousomewine.”

“Iwouldn’tmindaglass.”Justone,shethought,withplentyoftimetoburnoffbeforeshegotinthevanagain.“Somethingsmellsreallygood.Ididn’texpectyouto—”

Shebrokeoffinwonder.Everythingjustopenedup.

Wheresherememberedseeingawarrenofrooms,adingydiningroomseparated

bywallsandadoorfromasmallandevendingierkitchen,whatshe’dsupposedhadbeenmaids’andcooks’quarterswasnowonewonderfulspacethatbroughtthehills,thetrees,thecreekinsidethroughawallofglassdoors.

“IguessIwentalittleshinyandboldinhere.”

“No,no,notbold.Beautiful.Lookatthesizeofthatfarmsink.AndIlove

howyouglass-frontedsomanyofthecabinets.”

“Evenifmostofthemarestillempty.”

“You’llfillthemintime.I’dhauntthefleamarketsandyardsales,findmesomeoldcrockery.Maybeoldteapotsorcupsanddisplaytheminthoseoverthere.And...”

Shestoppedherselfbeforeshedecoratedhishousefromtoptobottom.

“It’ssuchaniceflowinto

thediningareahereandthe,Iguess,loungeareathere.Youcouldliveinthisonespace.Somuchcounterspace.Whatisthis?”

“Slate.”“It’sjustperfect,isn’tit?

Sohandsome.Mymamawouldcryforthatcooktop.Ilovethelights,thatpaleambertoneagainstthebronze.Youdesignedallthis?”

“Igotinputfrommydad,

fromMatt,fromacoupleengineersIknow.Anarchitect.Whenyougrowupwithacontractor,youtendtomakecontacts.”

“Still,it’syourwork.Itfeelslikeyou.Honestly,I’veneverseenamorebeautifulkitchen,andonethatfitssowellintothishouse.Youhavealltheconvenience,butthecharacter’srighthere.YoucouldentertainhalftheRidgeinhere.Itmustbea

joytocookin.”“Idon’tcookmuch.”He

tuggedonhisear.“Yourbasicsmostly.ButIfiguredifIeverhadaplace,didmyownkitchenrehab,I’dgoforthegoldandseeifIcouldreachit.Kitchen’stheheartofthehouse.”

“Itis,andthisone’sbigandbeautiful.”

“Youhaven’tseenthebestpart.”

Hehandedheraglassof

wine,pickeduphisown,thenwalkedtothewallofdoors.Whenheopenedthem,theyfoldedbacklikeanaccordion,tuckedaway,andbroughttheoutsidein.

“Oh,thatisthebestpart.That’sfantastic.Warmnights,sunnymornings,youcanjustleavethemopen.Andforparties.”

Shesteppedout,sighed.“Stillalottodoouthere

yet.I’vebarelyhitthispartof

theworkablegrounds.”“Youcan’tbeattheview.”Andnowwithher,he

lookedoutoverthestillscrubbyyardtothegreatgreendomes.Theyrose,softandmisty,withthequietinglight.

“Youcan’t.Anyseason,”headded.“AcouplemonthsagoIlookedoutatsnow,anditstayedwhiteorsilvergrayupinthehigherelevationsintoApril.Andlastfall?I’ve

neverseencolorlikethat,andwegetsomeprettyjazzyfoliageinMaryland.Butthemilesofit.Justmilesofitrollingupintothesky?Everydayforweeks,itjustdazzled.”

Helovedit,sherealized,andmore,understoodit.TheoldTripplehornplacewasluckyhe’dsettledin.

“Youcanhearthecreekbubbling,”shesaid,andfoundthesoundmore

romanticthanviolins.“Youcouldhaveabigcuttinggardenouthere,plantthingsthatdrawbutterfliesandhummingbirds.Andthere’senoughsunyoucouldhaveherbsplantedrightoutsideyourkitchen—forwhenyoudocook.”

“Maybeyoucouldhelpmefigurethatout.”

“Ihaveverystrongopinionsaboutsuchthings.”Sheliftedherfacetothe

breeze.“Youshouldplantsomebloomingweepers,andgetyourselfabigwindchimeforthatoldoakoverthere.Somethingthatgivesadeep,masculinetone,andacouplebirdfeeders—butupoffthetopporchorthebearscouldcomecalling.”

“I’drathertheydidn’t.I’veseenacouplesortoflumberalonginthewoods—whenI’velookedout.That’scloseenoughformewhenitcomes

tobears.”“Ienvyyouthisplace,

Griff.Thefeelofit,thelookofit,thepotentialofitandthehistory.IlikethatsomeoneIknowhasit,andmore,knowsjustwhattodowithit.Ididn’trealizeyouwerethisgood.”

“Isthatright?”Shelaughed,shookher

headassheturnedtohim.“WhatImeanis,Iknewyouweregoodatyourwork.I’ve

seenit,andI’mseeingwhatyouandMattaredoingforMama.Butthisisn’tjustchangingsomething,ormakingitbetter,prettierormorefunctional.It’sbringingsomethingbacktolifesomanyothersleftfordead.”

“Icametoseethepropertyonawhim,andfellinloveatfirstsight.”

“Ithinkit’sbeensittingherepiningalltheseyears,soitmustloveyouback.

“Idon’tknowwhatsmellssogood,butIhopeit’llholdjustabitmore.I’dlovetojustsitouthereawhile.”

“It’llhold.Givemeasecond.”

“Whatarewehaving?”sheaskedashewentintoturnofftheburner.

“Ihopeit’sgoingtobepenneinaspicytomatosaucewithblackolivesandbasil.”

Shesmiledashewalkedbackouttoher.“Andhow

didyouknowthat’soneofmyfavoritepastadishes?”

“I’mpsychic?”“Idon’tthinkso.Itwas

sweetofyoutofindoutwhatIlikeandgotothetrouble.”

“YoucantellmeI’msweetafteryoueatit,incaseit’sterrible.”Which,hecouldadmit,wasagenuineconcern.“Ididn’tmakethecannolis,sothey’llbefine.”

“We’rehavingcannolis?”“WhichIdidn’tmake,and

Ididn’tmaketheloafofItalianbread.Andthesalad’sfromabago’salad.Ihitthewallonthepasta.”

“You’rethefirstmantomakemedinner,anditsoundsperfect.”

“What?”“Itsoundsjustperfect.”“No,theother.”Hecircled

afingerintheair,signalingarewind.“I’mthefirstmantomakeyoudinner?”

“Well,mydaddy,of

course,andGrandpa’sdonesomeheroicgrillingovertheyears.”

“I...IfI’dknownthiswasafirst,I’dhaveboughtfancyplatesorsomething.”

“Idon’twantfancyplates.I’vehadfancyplates.Foodtastesthesameonthemasitdoesoneveryday.”

Heconsideredamoment.“I’vegottworeliableswhenIwanttocookandimpressawoman.One’syourbasic

steakonthegrill,massivebakedpotatoandtheeverpopularbago’salad.Theother,whenIseriouslywanttoimpress,isthischickenthinginwine.I’mprettygoodatthatone.”

“Whyaren’twehavingachickenthinginwine?”

“BecauseIdidn’twanttogofortheusualwithyou.AndIdidn’tdothiswhenyoufirstgotherebecauseIwantedtogiveyoutimeto

settleinfirst.”Hetookthewineglass

fromher,setitdown,puthisownbesideit,thendrewherin.

Hethoughtshesmelledlikethemountainsunset.Fresh,breezy,withshimmeringedges.Hecombedhisfingersthroughthelong,luxuriouslengthofherhair,allthosetumblingcurls.

Andremindedhimselfto

goslow,goeasy,ashelaidhislipsonhers.

Hedrewback.“ThatwasjustincaseyouthoughtIforgottokissyouhello.”

“Ididn’tthink—can’t.Don’t—Oh,damn.Damn.”

Thenextthingheknewshesurgedagainsthim.Sheknockedhimbackonhisheels,kickedeveryrationalthoughtoutofhishead,andflashedawireinhisbloodinonefellswoop.

Hestumbledbacktwostepsbeforeheregainedhisbalance,wrappedaroundhertokeepthembothfrompitchingofftheporch.Andbarelystoppedhimselffromyankingthedressupandoverherhead.

Shewasanearthquake,anexplosionofrecklessheatshootingboltsoffireeverywhere.Hisbrainfoggedintheashandsmoke.

Hewhippedheraround,

slappedherbacktothepost.Nowthathishandswerefree,heusedthem,shootingthemundertheskirtofherdress,runningthemoverherhips,overtheheat,downagain.

Shequivered,moanedagainsthismouth,thennearlysnappedthelastthinthreadofcontrolbyrockingherhipsagainsthim.

Hehadtopullback.“Wait.”

Shehadagoodgriponhis

hair,andpulledhismouthbacktohers.“Why?”

Hegotlostagain,foramoment,foralifetime.“Wait,”herepeated,thenrestedhisforeheadonhers.“Breathe.”

“Iambreathing.”“No,me.Imeantme.”He

tookthatbreath,thenanother.“Okay.”

Sheobviouslytookthatasagreenlightasshepulledhimbackagain.

“No,Imean...”Hesolvedhisdilemmabygatheringherup,holdingherclose.Jesus,didshehavetobesolongandsoftandslimrightthisminute?“Okay.We’lltakeabreath.We’lljusttakeacouplebreaths.”

Hehadsteadyhands,hethought.Rocksteady.Freakingsurgeon-steadyhands.Sowhyweretheyunsteadynow?

Hegrippedhershoulders

withthem,drewbackanarm’slength.Justlookather,hethought,thosebig,dazzlingeyes,nearlypurpleinthesofteninglight.

Heremindedhimselfhowroughshe’dhadit,howroughshehaditstill.

“Maybeweshould...Idon’twanttorushyou.”

Somethingsparkedinthosetwilighteyes,andcausedhisthroattogodryasdust.“Diditfeellikeyou

wererushingme?”“Idon’tknow.Maybe.The

thingis,ifwedon’ttakeaminute,abreath,a...something,we’regoingtoendupnakedontheporch.”

“Allright.”“Okay,so...”Hedropped

hishands,tookacautioushalfstepback.“We’lltakeaminute.”

“Imeanit’sallrightifweendupnakedontheporch.”

Helosthisbreathagain.

“You’rekillingme,Red.”“IknowI’vehadwhatwe

couldcalladrawn-outdryspell,butI’mprettyclearonthesignsandsignalswhenamanwantsme.AndifIwasn’t,youmadeitprettyclearyouwantedmethatonedayinmymama’skitchenoveraCoke.”

“IfIdidn’twantyouI’dbeanidiot,andmyownmother’sproudtosayshedidn’traiseany.”

“Iwantyouback,sothatseemsgoodnewsallaround.”

“That’s...yes,incrediblygoodnews—andIgotthosesignsandsignalsjustfine,too.Thethingis,consideringthecircumstances,theplanwastosoftenyouupsomewithdinnerhere,andgetyoutogooutwithmeacouplemoretimes,thengetyouintobed.”

Sheleanedbackonthepost,nodded.Somethinghe

recognizedasamusementmovedintohereyes.“AndI’mguessingyoulikehavingplans,personallyandprofessionally?”

“Thingsworkbetter,usually,whenyoudo.”

“Youdon’tlikesurprises?”

“I’mfinewiththem.”MerryChristmas,HappyBirthday.Let’sgetnakedontheporch.OhGod.

“I’mgoodwiththem,”he

managed.“Butmaybeittakesyoua

minutetoadjusttoasurprise.”

“Apparently.”Nowshesmiled,slowand

easy.Twilighteyes,magic

mermaidhair,along,long-stemmedroseofabody.

Yeah,shewaskillinghim.“Wouldyouliketohear

myplan?”sheasked.“It’ssortofspurofthemoment,

butIthinkit’sworkable.”“I’mallears.”“Myplaniswejustskip

overallthesofteningupwithdinnerandgoingoutacouplemoretimes.Wecomebackaroundtothatifwebothwant,afterwegetnakedontheporch.”

“You’renothingbutasurprise.Butno.”

Shesighed.“You’reahardnuttocrack,Griffin.”

“Imeannonakedonthe

porch.Wecandobetterthistime.”

“There’sbetterthannakedontheporch?”

“Thistime.”Thisfirsttime,hethought.Thisfirstsurprisingtime.“Ihaven’tshownyouthesecondfloor.”

Sheangledherhead,andhersmiledeepened.“No,youhaven’t.”

“I’dliketo.”Heheldoutahand.“I’dreallyliketo.”

Sheputherhandinhis.

“I’dliketo,butImightbealittlerusty.”

“NotfromwhereI’mstanding,”hesaidastheywalkedbackintothekitchen.“Butdon’tworry,I’llwalkyouthroughit.”

Shepaused,tappedthepurseshe’dsetonthecounter.“Isn’titinterestinghowmymamagavemeacondomtotuckinherebeforeIlefttonight?”

“Oh.Man.”Hescrubbed

hisfreehandoverhisface.“I’dthankherforthethought,butit’dbeembarrassing.Anyway,I’vegotthatcovered.Ha.”

“Allright,then.”“Wecantaketheback

stairs.”“Iforgottherewereback

stairs.”Delighted,sheturnedwithhim.“Don’tyouloveahousewithbackstairs?”

“Ilovethisone.I’mgoingtoupdatethem,butthey’re

sturdyenough.”Heflippedonalight—asinglebarebulb.“Updatethat,too.”

“Won’tthatbewonderful,butrightnowit’sallshadowyandspooky.Ilikehowitanglesoffheresoyoucangorightorleft.”

“We’regoingleft.”“Howmanybedroomsup

here?”“Thereweresevenonthe

secondfloor.I’mmakingitfive.It’sdowntosixnow,

onceIdecidedtoputthemasterinthefront.”

“Withthatwonderfulcoveredveranda.”

“Right.Andthethirdfloor’smoreamazeofsmallroomsandoddangles.Somethingtodealwithlater.”

Shefeltsocalm.Shehadn’texpectedtofeelsocalm,sherealized,astheywalkedthewide,shadowyhallway.Soeasyaboutitall.Excited,yes,God,yes,but

notjumpy.Andnottheleastbitshy.

Somethingabouthim,shethought,justsmoothedawaythejitters.

“Oh!Doubledoors.It’selegantandstillsimpleenoughtofittherest.”

“It’snotfinished,”hebegan,thenopenedthedoors,flippedonthelight.

“Oh,butit’swonderful.It’sgoingtobewonderful.Lookhowtheeveninglight

poursinthosedoors,andthefireplace—theblackgranite.It’spowerful.It’sastatement.”

“Haven’tdecidedonthewallcolor.”Henoddedtowardawallwherehe’dpaintedwidestripsofvaryingtones.“Ifoundtheironchandelieratafleamarket.Refinishedit,rewiredit.I’mlookingforotherlightingtocomplementit,butrightnowI’mjustusingsomefamily

castoffs.Bed’snewthough.Well,themattressisnew.Ifoundthebedacoupleweeksago.Fleamarketagain.”

Sheranherhandalongthecurvedfootboard.Smooth,shethought,sturdyandsimple.“It’sbeautiful.”

“Chestnut.Prettywood.Itjustneededsomework.”

“Almosteverythingdoes.Whatdidyouusebefore?”

“Sleepingbagonanairmattress.Butwithmyplanto

getyouuphere,IfiguredI’dbettergetanactualbed.GladIdidn’twaitonthat.”

“I’mgladyoudidn’t.”Sheturnedtohim.“I’mgladwedidn’t.”

Hemovedover,openedtheverandadoorstoletintheeveningair,thenflickedaswitchtoturnonthefirebeforeheturnedoffthelight.

“Thatworkforyou?”“Morethanworks.It’s

perfect.”

Hewenttoher,circledherwaist.“You’rewhereyouwanttobe?”

“Exactly.”Withalittlebitofwonder,shebrushedahandthroughhishair.“You’reasurprise,too,becauseIdidn’texpecttobeherewithanyone,notforalongtime.”Sheliftedherarms,circledhisneck.

Alongkissthistime,slowandlonganddeep.Likethefirsttime,andlikethefirst

time,herbodymeltedlikeacandleinthesun.

Allthesefeelings,shethought,alltheseshiverylittlesensations.She’dforgottenmorethansheremembered,sherealized,aboutbeingoneoftwo.

Sheletherselfflowwithit,justflowandfloatlikeadandelionpuffonasummerbreeze.Therewasastormcoming,oh,shecouldfeelitbuildinginher,butthesoft

andquietcamefirst.Shebroughtherhandsto

hisfacewhenhechangedtheangleofthekiss.Andshiveredwithanticipationasshefelthimlowerthezipperonthebackofherdress.

Hetracedafingerupherspine,down.Thelighttouchhadherarchingtowardhim,purringinherthroatbeforehebroughthishandstothestrapsofthedress,brushedthemoffhershoulders.

Thedresssliddownandaway.

“Pretty,”hemurmured,andranthatfinger,eroticallyroughwithcallus,alongthelacyedgeofherbra.

“Myheart’sbeatingsofast.”

“Icanfeelit.”“Yours.”Shelaidahand

onhisheart,relievedwhenshefeltitbeatfastandhardunderherpalm.“Yours,too.”

Shestartedtounbuttonhis

shirt,letoutabreathlesslaughwhenherfingersdidn’tseemtoworkright.“I’mshakinginside.Outside,too.”

Heliftedhishandstohelpher,butshebrushedthemaway.

“No,Iwanttodoit.You’lljusthavetotoleratesomefumbling.Iwant...”Shefelthimquiverasshefinallymanagedtoopenhisshirt,layherhandsonflesh.Andlookupintohiseyes.“Iwant

everything.”Shebrokehim,snapped

thelastlinkonthechainofcontrol.Shegaspedwhenheheftedherup,droppedherbackonthebed.Coveredher.

Shewaswillowslim,andpartofhimfrettedoverhurtingher.Buteventhatdroppedintothedarkwhenshebowedup,grippinghiships,holdinghimagainsthercentertocenter.

Thesunbledawaytodust,

andawhippoorwillbeganitscallforitsmate.

Thestormbrokeinher,ahot,whirlingtempest.Greedrosewithit,formore.

Hehadmuscleslikeirondespitethatrangy,swaggeringbuild.Hisbackrippledwiththem.OhGod,thefeelofthemunderherhands.Theweightofhimpressingherdownintothebed.

Andhardhands,rough,

impatienthands,alloverherbody.Notawakeningneeds—awakeningseemedtootameaword.

Itfeltmorelikeresurrection.

Whenhismouthclosedoverherbreast,ascrapeofteeth,aflickoftongue,andhishandslidbetweenherlegs,theorgasmtorethroughher,lefthershockedandshudderinginitswake.

Hedidn’tstop,didn’t

pause,butdroveherupagain.Andshewasapebbleina

catapult,flying.Helplessandquaking.Herbodywashisnow,open,andhetookit,gavehermoresosensationstangledtogether,needsbecameasinglethrobbingache.

Thenhewasinsideher,andpleasureranthroughherinaflood.

Sherodewithhim,beatforbeat,herheartracingashis

raced.Hersunsethairspreadwildoverthesheets,andherskinglowedinthesmokylightofdusk.

“Shelby.Lookatme.”Hisbodyscreamedforrelease,forthatlastleap.Buthewantedtoseehereyes.“Lookatme.”

Sheopenedthem,darkanddazed,lookedintohis.

“It’severything,”hesaid,andletgo.

helby’sfirstcoherentthoughtwhenthehazeclearedfromhermind

was:Sothisiswhatit’slike.Shefeltheavyandlight

andlimp,hulledoutandfilledupagainallatonce.

Shethoughtshecouldrunamarathon,orsleepforaweek.

Mostofallshefeltutterlyandcompletelyalive.

Grifflayflat-outontopofher,andthatwasjustfine.Shelikedtheweightofhimevennow,thesensationofhisskinagainsthers,everythingstillhotanddamplikeafterastrongsummerstorm.

Inprettycontrast,thebreezeflutteringthroughthe

opendoorscooledhercheeks,madehersmile.Everythingmadehersmile.Ifshewasn’tcareful,she’dburstintosong.

“Gonnamoveinaminute,”hemumbled.

“You’refine.It’sfine.Everything’sjustreally,reallyfine.”

Heturnedhisheadenoughtobrushhislipsoverthesideofherthroat.“IwasalittlerougherthanImeanttobe.”

“Tomywayofthinking

youwerejustroughenough.Ican’tfigureifI’veeverfeltthisuseduporifI’vejustforgottenthefeeling.You’resurethorough,Griffin.Yousuredogoodwork.”

“Well,anythingworthdoing.”Helevereduptolookdownatherintheflickeringofthefire.“Youweren’trusty,bytheway.”

Pleased,languidwithit,shetouchedhischeek.“Iforgottoworryaboutit.”

“Iwonderedwhatyou’dlooklike,lyingherelikethis.It’sbetter,evenbetter,thanIimagined.”

“Rightthisminute,everything’sbetterthanIimagined.Thatmightbeduetothatlongdryspell,butI’mgivingyoucreditforit.”

“I’lltakeit.It’scoolingdown.You’regoingtogetcold.”

“Idon’tfeelcold.”“Yet.AndIhaven’tfed

you.”Hedroppedakissonherlips.“Ineedtofinishoffdinner.Butfirst...”

Herolled,andashedid,scoopedherup.Herheartdidastutteringrollashejustliftedherrightupashestood.

Muscleslikeiron,sheremembered.Hewasstrongerthanhelooked.

“Weshouldtakeashower.”

“Weshould?”“Definitely.”Hegrinned

ashecarriedher.“You’regoingtolovethebathroom.”

Shedid.Shelovedthegenerousspace,theoversizedclaw-foottub,theearthytonesofthetilework.Mostofallshelovedtheenormousshowerwithitsmultiplejets—andwhatcouldbedoneinallthatheatandsteambytwoinventiveandagilepeople.

Bythetimetheywereinthekitchenagainshefeltfreshandnewandsohappy

shewishedshe’dlearnedtotap-dance.

“IneedtoletmyparentsknowI’mgoingtobealittlelaterthanIsaid.”

“Goahead.Thoughsinceyourmothergaveyouacondomonyourwayoutthedoor,Idon’tthinkthey’llbesurprised.”

Shesentaquicktext,askedifCalliehadgonetobedwithoutanytrouble.ThenasGriffhadtheheatgoing

underthesauceagain,andwateronforthepasta,shechanneledsomeofthegiddinessintoaquickadditionaltexttoEmmaKate.BeenatGriff’sfortwo

hours.Wehaven’teatenyet.Betyoucanguesswhy.I’mjustgoingtosayWOWuntilItalktoyouinperson.MakethatWOWtwice.Shelby.

“WhatcanIdo?”sheaskedGriff.

“Youcanhavethatglass

ofwineweneverreallygotto.”

“Allright.”Shepickedupherphoneatthesignal.“It’sjustMamasayingCallie’ssleepinglikeanangelandtohaveagoodtime.Oh,Iforgottotellyou,Calliewasalittleputoutshewasn’tgoingonadatewithyou.Isaidwe’daskyouonadate.”

“Ohyeah?”Heglancedbackashepulledthesaladoutoftherefrigerator.

“Whydon’tItakecareofthat?DoyouhaveasaladsetsoIcantossit?”

“Huh?”“Acoupleofforks,then.”“Igotthose.Whatkindof

dateamIgoingtobeaskedtogoon?”

“Apicnic.”Shetooktheforks,thebottledItaliandressing,smiledbackathim.

“Isthatacoldfriedchickenandpotatosaladpicnicoranimaginarytea

partypicnic?Thatwoulddeterminethedresscode.”

“Thefirst.Iknowaplace.It’snotafardrive,andashorthikeafterthat.IwasthinkingSundayafternoon,ifthat’sallright.”

“Twoprettyredheadsandfood?I’malreadythere.”

“She’sawfulfondofyou,Griffin.”

“It’smutual.”“Iknowthat,itshows.I

justwanttosay,she’shada

lotofadjustmentstomakeinashorttime,and—”

“Lookingfortrouble,Red?”

“Itkindofgoeswiththeterritory.You’vegotakindnessinyou,Griff.Thatshows,too.Ijustwanttosaywhateverhappenswithus,Ihopeyou’ll...well,Ihopeyou’llstilltakeheronadatenowandagain.”

“I’mluckytoknowfourgenerationsof

Donahue/Pomeroywomen.I’mcrazyabouteveryoneofthem,andnotlookingforthattochange.Sassandstrength,itrunsrightthroughallofyou.”

“I’mstillhuntinguppiecesofmine.”

“That’sbullshit.”Hesaiditsocasuallyit

tookheraminutetolookup,blink.

“MostpeopleIknow,andImightbeoneofthem,

would’vebeencrushedflatfindingthemselvesmillionsofdollarsindebt,andthroughnoneoftheirowndoing.”

He’dhaveheardthedetails,shethought.That’showthingsworked.“Iwentalongwith—”

“I’mgoingtorepeatmyself.Bullshit.Whatyoudidwasbeyoungandimpulsiveandfallforthewrongman.Aswrongasit

gets,fromwhereI’mstanding.”

“Ican’tsayyou’restandinginthewrongplaceonthat.”

“Theninsteadofstayingcrushedwhenyoufindoutfullyhowwrong,findyourselfonyourownwithakidandburiedunderamountainofdebt,youpusheduptheweightandstartedhackingawayatit.Andthatlittlegirl?She’shappyand

confidentbecauseyoumadesureofit.Iadmirethehelloutofyou.”

Staggered,shestaredathim.“Well.Well,Idon’tknowwhattosaytothat.”

“Plusyou’rereallyhot”—hedumpedpastaintheboilingwater—“whichisnosmallappeal.”

Thatmadeherlaugh,gobacktotossingthesalad.

“Youcouldansweraquestionforme,though,one

that’sbuggedmeawhile.”“Icantry.”“Why’dyoustick?You

weren’thappy,anditdoesn’ttakemuchtodeducehewasn’tmuchofahands-onfatherwithCallie.Why’dyoustick?”

Afairquestion,shedecided,underthecircumstances.“Ithoughtaboutdivorce,morethanonce.AndifI’dknownallIknownow...butIdidn’t.

AndIdidn’twanttofail.Youknowmygrannywasjustsixteenwhenshemarriedmygranddaddy?”

“No.”Itshockedthesensibilities.“Ihadtofigureyoung,butthat’sababy.”

“They’llbemarriedfiftyyearsbeforemuchlonger.Halfacentury,andyouhavetofiguretheyhadsomeroughtimesinthere.Hermamawasbutfifteen,andsheandmygreat-granddaddywere

togetherforthirty-eightyearsbeforehewaskilledwhenasemicrashedintohistruckandthreeothersonenight,thewinterof1971.MyownmamawasstillshyofeighteenwhenshemarriedDaddy.”

“Womeninyourfamilystick.”

“Themen,too.Oh,there’sbeensomedivorces,andsomeofthembitter,cousinsandauntsandsoonscattered

through.ButIcantraceadirectlineback,sevengenerationsofwomenIknowof,andnotoneofthemraisedachildinabrokenhome.Ididn’twanttobethefirst.”

Sheshrugged,pickedupherwineagain,determinedtolightenthemood.“Now,it’strueenoughmygreat-great-grannyonmymama’ssidehadthreehusbands.ThefirstdiedfightingabloodfeudwiththeNashclan.Hewas

onlyabouteighteenwhen—soit’ssaid—HarlanNashbushwhackedhimandshothimintheback,leavingmygreat-great-grannywiththreechildrenandanotherontheway.Shemarriedherfirsthusband’sthirdcousin,andhadtimetomaketwochildrenwithhimbeforehediedofafever.ThensheupandmarriedabigIrishmannamedFiniasO’Riley.Shewasabouttwenty-two,and

borehimsixmorechildren.”“Wait,I’mdoingthemath.

Twelvekids?Shehadtwelvekids?”

“Shedid,andunlikealotofwomenofhertimeandplace,livedtotheageofninety-one.Sheoutlivedfiveofherchildren,whichmusthavebeenaburden,andlostherFinias,whowassheriffaroundhere,soForrestcomesbyhistendencynatural,whenshewaseighty-twoandhe

eighty-eight.Mygreat-granny,wholivesinTampa,Florida,withheroldestdaughter,wouldsayshe—HernamewasLoretta,buttheycalledherBunnyalways.”

“Prophetic,considering.”Withasnicker,Shelby

liftedherglassagain.“Theysayshemight’vemarriedagain,asshehadagentlemancaller,awidowerwho’dbringherflowerseveryweek,but

hediedbeforeshe’dmadeuphermind.I’dliketothinkIcoulddrawagentlemancalleratthatage.”

“I’llbringyouflowers.”“ThenifIdon’tseeyouon

mydoorstepinsixtyyears,I’mgoingtobedisappointed.”

•••

ITRELIEVEDHIMthatdinnerwasnotonlyedible,but

actuallytasty.SheentertainedhimwiththestoryofMelody’sevictionfromthesalon.He’dalreadyheardacoupleofversions,buthearingitfromher,couldvisualizeitperfectly.

“What’sherproblemanyway?”

“She’sbeenabullysinceI’veknownher.Spoiled,superior,withthatmeanstreakyoumentionedyourself.Hermamadotedon

her,anddoesstill.Pushedherintoallthebeautypageants,evenasalittlething.Andshewonmostofthem,thensashayedallaroundbeingimportant.”

“Sashayed.Notawordyouheareveryday.”

“Itsuits.Shealmostalwaysgotwhatshewantedwhenevershewantedit.Can’tsayshe’sshownanygratitudeforit.She’shatedmeforaslongasIcan

remember.”“Probablybecauseshe

knewifyou’denteredthosepageants,you’dhavebeatenherlittlebeauty-queenass.”

“Idon’tknowaboutthat,butIbeatheroutofsomeofwhatshewanted.Simpleasthat.”

“Suchas?”“Oh,sillythings—orthey

arenow.Aboyshewantedwhenwewereaboutfourteen,andhelikedme.ShegotArlo

Katterytobeathimup—Iknowshedid,butArlowouldn’tsay.Imadecaptainofourcheerleadingsquad—allthroughhighschool—andshewantedthat.GrandpafixedupthisoldclunkerofaChevysoIdidn’thavetowalkhomeafterpractice.Shespray-painted‘slut’andworsealloverit.Iknowitwasher,becausewhenIcalledheronit,Jolenelookedsodamnguilty.Sameasshe

lookedguiltythenightoftheHomecomingdancewhenIgotvotedqueenandthewindshieldofthatoldChevywasbustedup,andthetiresslashed.”

“She’ssoundingmorepathologicalthanannoyingnow.”

“She’sjustmean.Iguesssomepeopleare,andiftheyneverpayarealpriceforit,theyjustgetmeaner.Shedoesn’tworryme,especially

sinceshe’sbannedfromthesalonanddayspa.

“Youmadeawonderfulmeal,Griffin.Maybeyouareagoodcatch.”

“I’mtellingyou.”“I’mgoingtohelpyouput

thiskitchenbacktorights,thenIneedtogeton.”

Hetracedafingerdownherarm.“Nowayyoucouldstay?”

Hehadthosewonderfulgreeneyes,thoserough,

skilled,thoroughhands,andawayofkissingherthatjustputsparklesintoherblood.

“It’stempting,becausethatporchisstilloutthere.It’salotmoretemptingthanIthoughtitwouldbe.ButIwouldn’tfeelright,notgoinghometonighttoCallie.”

“MaybeIcouldhaveapizzadatewithCalliebetweennowandthepicnic.”

“Oh,that’dbenice,butI’vegotsuchabusyweek.I

needtorehearse,and—”“Iwasn’taskingyou.”Still

heleanedover,kissedher.“AnyproblemwithmetakingLittleRedforpizza?”

“I...Iguessnot.She’dreallylikeit.”Sherose,carriedtheplatestothesink.“Areyousureyouwanttotakethison,Griffin?”

“Callie,oryou?”“We’reaset.”“Niceset.”Hedistractedherwithtalk

ofplansforthehousewhiletheyloadedthedishwasher.Helikedrunninghisideasandplansbysomeonewhounderstoodthem,sawthepotential.

“Theonethingyouneed,andbeforemuchlonger,isaporchswing.Youcan’thaveabeautifulfrontporchlikethatandnothaveafrontporchswing.”

“Frontporchswing,check.Backporch?”

“Anoldbench,maybearockingchair.Youcouldsitandrockandlookoutatthegardensyouworkedsohardplanting.”

“I’mplantinggardens?”“Withawisteriaarborin

myimagination,thoseprettyweepers.”Shedriedherhandsafterwipinguphiscooktop.“Ihadawonderfultime.Idon’tjustmean...well,Iwouldn’twanttoleaveoutthetourofthesecond

floor.”Heslidhisarmsaround

herwaist.“I’vestillgotalottoshowyou.”

Sheletherselfmeltin,justsinkintothekiss.Andpulledbackwithrealregret.“Ireallyhavetogo.”

“Okay,butyou’regoingtocomebackfortherestofthattour.”

“Idon’tthinkIcouldresistit.”

Shepickedupherpurse;

hepluckedkeysoutofadishonthecounter.

“Oh,areyougoingout?”sheaskedastheywalkedtothefrontdoor.

“Sure.I’mfollowingyouhome.”

“Don’tbesilly.”“I’mnotbeingsilly.I’m

followingyouhome.Argueifyouwant,I’mstilldoingit.Thewomanwhothreatenedyouwasshotlessthanaweekagorightoutsidewhereyou

wereworking.You’renotdrivinghomealoneafterdark.”

“Ican’tstopyoufromtrailingmeallthewayhome,thendoublingback,butit’ssilly.”

“Eitherway.”Hetuggedherbackforakiss,thenwalkedtohistruckwhileshewalkedtohervan.

Silly,shethoughtagain,butsweet,too.Hewasjustrackingupallsortsofpoints.

Lord,shehadn’tthoughtofthepointsysteminyears.SheandEmmaKatehaddeviseditinhighschool.Amusingherself,shebegancountingupGriff’s.

Good-looking,scaleofonetoten.She’ddefinitelygivehimaten,shedecided,anddidn’tthinkshewaspushingthemark.

Conversationskills.Anothertenthere.Heknewhowtotalk,howtolisten.

Humor.Anotherwinner.Shemadetheturnontotheroad,watchedhisheadlightsfollow.

Considerate.Maybeevenalittletoomuch,suchaswastinghistimefollowingherhomeonroadsshe’dtraveledallherlife.

Goodkisser.Rightoffthescale.Sherolledherwindowdown,lettheaircooltheheatjustthinkingofitbroughton.Shecouldhonestlysayshe’d

neverbeenkissedbetter.Whatweretherestofthe

requirementsfortheperfectboyfriend?Shemusthavethemwrittendownsomewhere.They’dmadethemupbeforeeitheroneofthemhadhadsex,sothathadn’tbeenonthelist.

TheadultShelbylistwouldincludeit,andhe’dtopthatscale,too.

Shetookthebackroads,automaticallyskirtingthe

town,takingthewindingpath,withGriff’sheadlightsnotfarbehind.

Andallright,theymadehersmile.Itwasn’tsuchabadthingtoletsomeonelookafterher,justalittle.Aslongassherememberedsheneededtobeinchargeofherownlife,andCallie’s.

Shepulledintothedrive,notedherparents’bedroomlightswerestillon.Whenshegotout,shethoughtshe’d

waveGriffoff,buthewasalreadygettingoutofhistruck.

“Youdon’thavetowalkmetothedoor.”

“SureIdo.That’showit’sdone.AndifIdon’twalkyoutothedoor,howamIgoingtokissyougoodnight?”

“Ilikethesecondpart.ThefirsttimeIwaskissedatthisfrontdoor,Iwasfifteen,andSilasNash—adescendantoftheinfamousNashclan—

gavemeonethathadmefloatingthroughthedooranddreamingofhimhalfthenight.”

“Icanbeatthat,”Griffsaidafteramoment.“IcanbeatsometeenagernamedSilas.”

“He’sgettinghislawdegreefromtheUniversityofTennesseeCollegeofLaw.”

“Icandefinitelybeatalawyer,”Griffclaimed,andtoShelby’smind,provedit.

“IguessI’mgoingtofloat

upstairsanddreamaboutyou.”

“Allnight.”Hegatheredherhairintohisfist,kissedheragainuntiltheworldspunaroundher.“I’mnotsettlingforhalf.”

“Goodnight,Griffin.”“’Night.”Hewaiteduntilthedoor

shut,walkedbacktothetruck.He’ddosomedreamingofhisowntonight,hethought.Thewomanhad

himwrapped.Everythingaboutherstruckhomeforhim.

Heglancedup,imaginedhergoingintocheckonCallie.Andthinkingofhim,she’dbetterbethinkingofhim,whensheundressedforbed.

He’dsureashellbethinkingofher.

Hepulledout,andasshehad,tookthebackroads.

Nohurry,alottothink

about.Planstomake.Hehadapizzadatewitha

prettylittlegirltothinkabout,andapicnicwithherandhermothertolookforwardto.

Maybehe’dpickupabottleofchampagne,givethepicnicaclassy,unexpectededge.

Heglancedintherearviewattheheadlightsbehindhim,andsincehe’dbeendawdling,pickedupthe

speedalittle.Apparentlynotenough,he

thought,astheheadlightsbeamedcloser.Hewaitedforthetruck—hecouldseeitwasatrucknow—topasssinceitwasinsuchadamnhurry.

Insteaditrammedhimfrombehindhardenoughtoslaphimagainstthesteeringwheelandback.

Instinctivelyhehitthegas.Hethoughtofthephonehe’dput,asalways,inthecup

holder,butdidn’twanttorisktakingahandoffthewheel.

Andthetruckrammedhimagainfaster,harder,sendinghimintoaskidthathadhistiressmokingovertheroughshoulder.Grifffoughthistruckback,butthenexthit,rightatthecurve,senthimcareeningofftheroad,skiddingovertheshoulderandintotheoaktreegreenwithspring.

Heheardthecrunch,hada

momenttothink,Shit!Shit!beforetheairbagdeployed.Stilltheimpactslammedhisheadagainstthesidewindow.Hesawstars,andtheredeyesofthetruck’staillightsasitstopped,idled,thenpunchedittoroundthecurve.

“Nothurt,”hemumbled,butthestars,andtheyhadjagged,pointyedges,circledhisvision.“Nottoobad,nothingbroken.”

Excepthistruck.

Hegropedforthephone,watchedhisvisionwaverlikehe’dstuckhisheadunderwater.

Don’tpassout,heorderedhimself.

Inthedashlighthemanagedtofindthenamehewanted,andpressedDial.

“Where’smysister?”Forrestasked.

“Home.I’mnot.I’vegottrouble.IncaseIpassout,I’monBlackBearRoad,

abouttwomilesfrommyplace.Youknowthatturnwherethebigoakstands?”

“Yeah.”“Mytruck’sinthattree.

Somebodyranmeofftheroad.Icoulduseacop.”

“Soundslikeyoucoulduseatowtruck.Youhurt?”

“Idon’tknow.”Jagged,pointystarscircling.“Hitmyhead.Bleedingsome.”

“Staythere.I’monmyway.”

“Truck’sinthetree.WhereamIgoing?”

ButForresthadalreadyhungup.

Hesatforamoment,tryingtogetafixinhismindonthetruckthathadrunhimofftheroad.

Chevy,yeahaChevy,hethought.Half-tonpickup.Oldermodel.Maybefour,fiveyears.Somethingfixedonthefrontgrille,likea...plow?

Ithurthisheadtothink,sohestopped,fumbledoffhisseatbelt,anddiscoveredwhenhefoughtopenthedoorandshifted,everythinghurtalittle.

Thebesthecoulddorightnowwassitonthesideoftheseat,breatheinthecoolnightair.Heswipedatthewetonhisface,sawbloodsmearedonhishand.

Fuck.He’dhaveabandannain

theglovebox,buthewasn’tgoingtotrytogettoit,notrightatthemoment.

Nothingbroken,heremindedhimself.He’dbrokenhisarmoncewhenhewaseightandthetreebranchhe’dbeenswingingonsnapped.AndhiswristatseventeenjumpingoutofAnnie’swindow.

Soheknewwhatabrokenbonefeltlike.

Justbangedup,shookup

andrattledaroundsome.Buthistruck—and

goddamnhelovedhistruck—wasadifferentmatter.

Hemadehimselfstandtomakesurehecould.Alittlebitdizzy,butnotbad.Bracinghimself,hewalkedaroundtocheckoutthedamage.

“Shit!Fuck.Fuckingshit!”Furiousitwasasbadashefeared,heshovedahandthroughhishair.Andsaw

starsagainashesmackedagainstthewound.

Thegrillewastoast,andthewaythehoodhadaccordioned,hethoughtthesamethere.AndChristknewwhatthatmeantforessentialsunderthedamnhood.

Hewasnomechanic,buthewasprettysurehehadabentaxletotopitoff.

He’dhithard,hardenoughtospiderwebthewindshield.

Hisfeetcrunchedon

brokenglassashecircledaroundtogetboththebandannaandaflashlightoutofthecab.Flares,hethought.Heshould’vepulledouttheemergencyflaresstraightoff.

Beforehecouldgetanything,headlightscutthroughthedark.

Forrestpulledapolicecruiserbehindthewreckedtruck.Hegotout,sizedupGriffwithonelonglook,thenlookedovertostudythe

truck.“Yourhead’sbleeding,

son.”“Iknowit.Sonofabitch.”

Hekickedthereartire,whichheregrettedasthequickviolencepingedsomethinginthebackofhisneck.

Hedidnothavewhiplash.Hewouldnothavewhiplash.

“Youbeendrinking,Griff?”

“Ihadtwoglassesofwineallnight,andthesecondone

agoodhourbeforethis.Igotrunoffthedamnroad,Forrest.Fuckercameupbehindme,rammedme,keptdoingituntilhecaughtmeonthiscurveandsentmeintothetree.”

“Whatfucker?”“Idon’tknowwhatthe

hellfucker.”Hepressedtheheelofhishand—ouch!—tothethrobbingwoundbecausehewastiredofbloodrunningintohiseye.“Half-tonChevy,

four,maybefiveyearsold.Somesortofploworfarmtool—somethinghookedtothegrille.Red,Ithinkitwasred.Thetruck.Plowwasyellow,mostly.Ithink.”

“Okay,whydon’twesityoudownaminute?I’vegotafirstaidkitinthecruiser.Bebesttostopthatbleeding.”

“I’lljustleanhere.”Andheleanedbackagainstthetippedbackofhistruck.“Ah,somethingelse...”Hedug

foritasForrestwentbacktothecruiser.“HesloweddownafterIcrashed.Justforacoupleseconds,likehewantedtomakesureIhitgoodandproper.Sawhistaillights,and...bumpersticker!Somekindofbumperstickeronthe—Whathandisthis?”

Heliftedhisleft,studieditforamomentbeforehecouldrememberrightfromleft.

“Left,theleftsideofthe

tailgate.”Griffclosedhiseyes,

foundthateasedadegreeortwoofthethrobbing.“Hewasn’tdrunk.Itwaspurposeful.I’mnotsurewhenhepulledupbehindme,butitwasn’tlongafterIleftShelbyatyourparents’frontdoor.”

“Youfollowedherhome?”“Yeah.Iwasn’tgoingto

haveherdrivingaroundafterdarkwithwhathappened.”

“Um-hm.”Forrestsetup

flares;Griffclosedhiseyesagain.

“Ithinkthetruck’stotaled,ornearly.I’veonlyhaditthreeyears.I’veputalotofmilesonit,sure,butithadplentymoreinit.”

“We’llhavemygranddaddytakealookonceit’stowedin.You’relucid,”Forrestaddedashewalkedoverwiththefirstaidkit.“Youhaven’tpukedyet.”

“I’mnotgoingtopuke.”

“Ifthatchanges,aimawayfromme.How’sthevision?”

“Itwaveredsomeatfirst.Steadynow.Ow,fuck!”

“Don’tbeapussy,”Forrestsaidmildly,andcontinuedtocleanthelacerationwithanalcoholswab.

“You’dbeapussy,too,ifIwasbeingsadisticNurseSally.”

“Ican’tseehowbaditisuntilit’scleanedupsome.

NurseEmmaKate’sonherway.”

“What?No.Why?”“Becauseifshesays

you’regoingtotheERinGatlinburg,that’swhereyou’regoing.AndsinceIhavetodealwiththismessyou’rein,sheandMattcanhaulyouthere.”

“Youcalledthem.”“Idid.I’llcallforthetow

afterIhavealookatwhat’swhatmyself.Anythingelse

youcantellmeaboutthetruck?”

“Otherthanwhoeverwasdrivingitwas—is—alunatic?”

“Youdidn’tseethelunatic,atall?”

“Animpression—I’dsayaguy—butIwasprettybusytryingnottoenduplikeIendedup.Orworse.”Griffsaidnothingforamoment,studiedhisfriendasForrestfixedacouplebutterfly

bandagesalongthegash.“Youknowwhoitis,fromwhatIgaveyoualready.”

“I’vegotanimpression.That’sformetodealwith,Griff.”

“Thehellitis.It’smytruck,myhead.”

“Myjob.Iexpectthat’sMattandEmmaKatecomingnow.Youpissanybodyofflately?”

“You’retheclosestI’vecometopissinganyoneoff

lately,sinceI’msleepingwithyoursister.”

Forreststoppedwhathewasdoing,eyessharplynarrowed.“Isthatso?”

“Ifigureit’sagoodtimetoletyouknowsinceyou’rebeingallofficialandI’malreadybleeding.I’mcrazyabouther.Flat-out.”

“It’safastleapfromnicetomeetyoutocrazyabout.”

“She’salightningbolt.”Griffstabbedathumbathis

ownheart.“Bam.”BeforeForrestcouldspeak

again,EmmaKatewasrunningfromthecar,amedicalbaginherhand.“Whathappened?Letmelookatyou.”

Shepulledoutapenlight,shinedit.“Followthelightwithyoureyes.”

“I’mokay.”“Shutup.Tellmeyourfull

nameandtoday’sdate.”“FranklinDelano

Roosevelt.Decemberseven,1941.Adaythat’llliveininfamy.”

“Smart-ass.Howmanyfingers?”

“Elevenminusnine.I’mokay,EmmaKate.”

“I’lltellyouifyou’reokayafterIgooveryouinanexamroomattheclinic.”

“Idon’tneed—”“Shutup,”shesaidagain,

thenhuggedhim.“Nothingagainstyourtriage,Forrest,

butI’mgoingtotakethosebandagesoffattheclinic,getalookatthatcutmyself.Itmightneedstitches.”

“Nuh-uh,”Griffsaid.Mattstood,handsonhips,

studyingthetruck.“Fuckertrashedyourride,man.Forrestjustsaidsomebodyranyouofftheroad.Whowasit?”

“AskForrest.IthinkheknowsfromwhatIsawoftheothertruck.”

“I’llbelookingintoit.Fornow,takehimonintotheclinic,lookhimover.I’llhaveittowedtomygranddaddy’sshop.Youcancomegetwhatyouneedfromitinthemorning.”

“Mytools—”“Arestillgoingtobethere

inthemorning.Ineedtocallthisin,butI’vegotyourstatementclearenough,andI’llcallyouifIneedanythingelse.Nothingforyoutodo

here,Griff,butbepissedoff.”Hearguedbut,

outnumbered,endedupdraggedtoMatt’struck.

“Heknowswhodiditandwon’tsay.”BitternesscoatedGriff’sthroat.

“Becauseheknowsyoumightbeaneasyguymostofthetime,inthiscaseyou’dgostraightfortheass-kicking.”Mattshookhishead.“Wouldn’tblameyou.Butyou’rebangedupalready—

disadvantage—andit’llbealmostassatisfyingifwhoeverdidthisspendstimeinacell.”

“HecouldspendtimeinacellafterIkickhisass.”

“Itwasdeliberate?”EmmaKateasked.“You’resure?”

“Oh,hellyeah.”“Whatwereyoudoingon

thatroad?”“Comingbackfromseeing

Shelbygothome.”Griffsuddenlysatstraightup.

“HeadingbackfromShelby’shouse,andtheothertruckpulledupbehindme—notlongafterIstartedbackhome.Becausehewaseithersittingonherhouseormine.Eithersittingonhersorfollowedusfrommine,waitedhischance.”

“You’rethinkingtheycameafteryoubecausetheycouldn’tgettoher?”Mattsaid.

“I’mthinkingwhoeverdid

itisn’tjustalunatic.I’mthinkingworse.Alotworse.”

helbystartedoutthemorningsingingintheshower.Shefelt

thespringtoherstepanddidn’tcarewhosawitorguessedthereasonwhy.

Shegotdressed,helped

Calliedress.“YougettogotoGranny’s

today.”“ToGranny’shouse?”“That’sright.It’sherday

off,andsheaskedespeciallyifyou’dcomeoverandstaywithher.Won’tthatbefun?”

“Grannyhascookies,andBear.”

Bearwasthebigyellowdogwho’draceandplaywithalittlegirlallday—andsleepinthesunwhennobodywas

aroundtoplaywith.“Iknow.AndGrandpa’s

goingtobethereforawhile,too.YourGamma’sgoingtotakeyouoveronherwaytowork.I’vegotsomepaperworkofmyowntogettothismorning.ThenI’llcomegetyouwhenI’mfinishedworktoday.”

WithCalliebabblingabouteverythingshehadtotaketoGranny’s,everythingshehadtodoatGranny’s,they

walkedintothekitchen.Shelby’sparentsbrokeoff

theirconversationimmediately,andthequicklooktheyexchangedsetoffShelby’sradar.

“Issomethingwrong?”“Whatcouldbewrong?”

AdaMaesaidbrightly.“CallieRose,it’ssuchaprettymorning,Idecidedwe’regoingtohaveourbreakfastonthebackporch,likeapicnic.”

“Ilikepicnics.I’mtakingGriffonapicnicdate.”

“Iheardaboutthat.Thiscanbelikepractice.I’vegottheseprettystrawberriesallcutup,andsomecheesyeggsalreadyscrambled.Let’stakethisonoutside.”

“Mamawantsapicnic,too.”

“She’llberightalong.”Shelbystoodwhereshe

waswhileAdaMaescootedCallieoutontotheporch.

“Something’swrong.OhGod,Daddy,didsomeoneelsegetshot?”

“No.It’snothinglikethat.AndIwanttotellyourightoff,he’sallright.”

“He—Griff?It’sGriffin.”Asherhearttookahardbump,shegrabbedherfather’shands.He’dstaysteady,sheknew,nomatterwhat.“IfitwasClayorForrest,Mama’dbeamess.WhathappenedtoGriff?”

“Hegotalittlebangedup,isall.It’snothingserious,Shelby,youknowI’dtellyouifitwere.Somebodyranhistruckofftheroad,andintothebigoakonBlackBearRoadlastnight.”

“Bangeduphow?Whodidit?Why?”

“Sitdown,takeabreath.”Turning,Claytonopenedtherefrigerator,tookoutaCoke.“He’sgotsomeabrasionsfromtheseatbelt,theairbag.

Andgotaprettygoodknockonthehead.EmmaKatetookhimintothecliniclastnight,gavehimagoing-over,andI’mgoingtodothesamemyselflaterthismorning.ButifEmmaKatesaidhedidn’tneedadoctororthehospital,wecantrustthat.”

“Allright,Iwill,butIwanttoseeformyself,too.”

“Youcandothat,”hecontinuedinhiscalmway,“afteryoutakethatbreath.”

“Itmust’vehappenedwhenhewasdrivinghomefromhere.Hewouldn’thavebeenontheroadifhehadn’tinsistedonfollowingmebackhere,makingsureIgothomeallright.Iwanttogooverandseeformyself,ifyoucouldkeepCallie.”

“Don’tworryaboutCallie.He’snotoutatthehouse.HestayedthenightatEmmaKate’sasshewouldn’thavehimstayonhisown.”

“Good.”Shedidmanagethatbreathnow.“That’sgood.”

“ButIexpecthe’sonhiswaytothepolicestationbynow.ForrestandNobby—youremembermysecondcousinNobby—theywentdownthehollerlastnight,andbroughtArloKatteryin.”

“Arlo?HeranGriffofftheroad?”Shepressedherfingerstohereyes.“Drunk,Iexpect,anddrivingcrazy.”

“Idon’tknowasthat’sthewayitwas.Yougoondown.It’sbestyouhearitstraight-out,thanthebitsandpiecesIhave.AndyoutellGriffinhe’sgotanexamatteno’clockorhe’snotcleartodriveorsomuchastouchapowertool.”

“Iwill.Callie—”“She’sjustfine.Goon.”“Thankyou,Daddy.”Whensheranout,leaving

theCokeunopenedonthe

counter,Claytonknewhislittlegirlwasatleasthalfwayinlove.Withasigh,hepickedupthecan,openeditforhimself.Itwassmarterthanashotofwhiskeyatseven-thirtyinthemorning.

•••

GRIFFSTRODEINTOthestationhouse,eyes—includingtheleftone,whereangrybruisinghadcometothesurface

overnight—hot.HearrowedstraighttoForrest.

“Iwanttotalktothesonofabitch.”

Forreststoppedtappingathiskeyboard,pulledthephonefrombetweenhisshoulderandear.“I’llgetbacktoyou,”hesaid,andclickedoff.

“You’dbestsimmerdownsomefirst.”

“I’mnotinasimmer-downmood.Idon’tevenknow

ArloKattery,neverspokeawordtohiminmylife.Iwanttoknowwhyhedeliberatelyranmeofftheroad.”

“Forrest?”Thesheriffspokeupfromhisofficedoorway.“Whydon’tyougoahead,letGriffgobackandhavehissay,”hesaidwhenForresthesitated.“Inhisplace,I’dwantmine.”

“Allright,thanks.Nobby,youthinkyoucouldcallbackthatfellaatthelab,finishthat

conversation?”“Isurecan.Thateye

doesn’tlooktoobadthere,Griff.”Nobby,atwenty-yearvet,gaveGriff’sfaceaconsideringlook.“Seenalotworse.Yougetsomerawredmeatonit,won’tbesobad.”

“I’lldothat.”AsGriffturnedtowardthe

back,Shelbycameflyingin.“Oh,Griff!”“Now,Shelbyhoney,I

wasjusttellinghimitwasn’t

thatbad.”“It’snot.”Griffpickedup

Nobby’sthemeandranwithit.“I’mokay.Itdoesn’thurt.”Achedlikeasonofabitch,butdidn’thurt.

“DaddysaiditwasArloKattery.Idon’tknowwhythemanhasalicenseifhe’sstilldrivingdrunklikehedidwhenwewereteenagers.”

“Wedon’tknowashewasdrunkwhenheranGriffofftheroad.”

“Hemust’vebeen.Whyelsewouldhedosomethinglikethis?”

Forrestexchangedalookwiththesheriff,noddedslightly.

“Whydon’twegobackandaskhim?HewashalfdrunkwhenNobbyandIwentandgothim,andtriedtosayhe’dbeenhomeallnight.Theplowwasstillonhistruck.Arlogetspaidtoplowsomeoftheprivateroads

outsideoftown,”heexplainedtoGriff.“HardlymuchreasonforasnowplowonhistruckinMay.Whitepaintonit,too.Andyellowpaint,liketheplow,onthebackofGriff’struck.NobbyandIinformedhimofthosefacts,soheclaimedsomebodystolehistruck,puttheplowonit.”

“Bullshit.”“Kneedeepinit,”Forrest

saidwithanodtoGriff.“Not

toomuchusearguingwithamanhalfdrunk,andchasinghistequilawithajoint,sowejusthauledhimin.Andwelefthimlastnighttosleeponthefactwe’dbecharginghimwithattemptedmurderthismorning.”

“OhmyGod.”Shelbyshuthereyes.

“That’sthereactionwewantfromhim.Attemptedmurder’sastretch,”Forrestcommented,hookinghis

thumbsinhisbelt.“Buthe’llsurelygodownforhit-and-run,recklessendangermentandsoon.”

“Wecantiequiteafewand-so-onsontothepackage,”Hardigansaid.

“Yeah,Iexpectso.He’sgoingtodoafewyearshoweveritslicesout.We’vejustbeenlettingitsinkin.Thesheriffhere,ifI’mreadinghimcorrectly,thinkswhat’ssunkinmaycome

risingupifhe’sfacedwiththepairofyou.”

“That’safineread,Deputy.”

“Allright,then.Let’sseewhatwesee.Y’alldon’tmentionlawyer,allright?Hehasn’tgottenthereyetinhispeabrain.”

Forrestledthewaybackthroughasteeldoorandthethreecells.

Inthecenterone,ArloKatterysprawledonabunk.

She’dgottenalookathimthatnightatBootlegger’s—himandhispale-eyedstare.Whatshesawnowdidn’tlookmuchdifferentthanthelasttimeshe’dseenhiminfulllightyearsbefore.Straw-coloredhairshornshort,facegrizzlywiththepaleblondscruff.Thosesmallsnakeeyes—closednow—longneckwithatattooofbarbedwirecirclingit.

Ontheshortside,and

stocky,withscarredknucklesfromcountlessfights—mostofwhichhe’dinstigated.

Forrestletoutashrillwhistlethatmadeherjump,andhadArlo’seyespoppingopen.

“Wakeup,darling.You’vegotcompany.”

Eyessopalebluetheyseemedalmostcolorless,skimmedoverGriff,landedonher,slantedawayagain.

“Didn’taskforno

company.Youbestletmeoutofhere,Pomeroy,oryourassisinthefire.”

“Lookstomelikeit’syourasssmoking,Arlo.AllGriffwantstoknow—andit’sareasonablerequest—iswhyyourammedhistruckandforcedhimintothatoldoaktree.”

“Wasn’tme.Toldyouthatalready.”

“Half-tonChevypickup,darkred,yellowplowonthe

front,bumperstickeronthebottomleftofthetailgate.”Griffstaredathimwhilehespoke,sawArlo’sjawtwitch.

“Plentyfitthatbillaroundhere.”

“Nope,notwiththedetails.Funnybumpersticker,too.It’sgotatargetonitfullofbulletholes,anditsays:‘Ifyoucanreadthis,you’reinrange.’”Forrestshookhishead.“That’ssureaknee-slapper,Arlo.Addthat

painttransfer,andit’sallwrappedup.Nobby’soutthererightnowtalkingtothoseforensicpeopleoverinthelab.Mighttakealittletime,buttheycanmatchthatyellowpainttoyourplow,thatwhitepainttoGriff’struck.”

“Thatlabstuffisbullshit.Morebullshitlikealltherestofthis.”

“Juriessetstorebyit,especiallyincapitalcases,

likeattemptedmurder.”“Ididn’tkillnobody.”

Arlosurgedupnow.“He’sstandingrightthere,isn’the?”

“That’swhere‘attempted’comesin,Arlo.Triedandfailed.”

“Iwasn’ttryingtokillnobody.”

“Huh.”Forrestnoddedasifconsideringthat,thenshookhishead.“Nope.Don’tseeajurybuyingthatone.

See,wedowhatwecall‘accidentreconstructions.’Andit’sgoingtoshowthatyoudeliberatelyandrepeatedlyrammedGriff’struck.Tooksomeskill,soyouwon’tbeabletotryfordiminishedcapacity,sayingyouweredrunk.Thatwouldn’tbuyyoumuchtimeoffanyway.Ifigureyou’regoingdownforabouttwentyhere.”

“Nofuckingway.”

“Everyfuckingway,”Griffdisagreed.“Forrest,humatuneandcloseyourearswhileItellthisassholeI’llswearonamountainofBiblesinfrontofGodandcountrythatIsawhimbehindthewheel.I’llswearIcountedthebulletholesinthatidioticbumperstickerandgothislicenseplate.”

“That’safuckinglie.Ihadtheplatescoveredwithburlap.”

“Youtrulyareamoron,Arlo,”Forrestmurmured.

“He’safuckingliar.”Incensed,Arlojabbedafingerbetweenthebars.“He’sfuckinglying.”

“Youtriedtokillme,”Griffremindedhim.

“Ididn’ttrytokillnobody.Itwasn’tevensupposedtobeyou.Wassupposedtobeher.”

“Youwanttosaythatagain,son?”Forrest’svoice

wasquietasthehissofasnake,butGriffhadalreadyshovedforward,reachedthroughthebarstograbArlo’sshirt,yankedhimsohisheadsmackedthebars.

“Now,Griff,Ican’tletyoudothat.”

ButForrestmadenomovetostophimasGriffrepeatedtheaction.

“Allright,that’lldo.Fornow.”ForrestgrippedGriff’sshoulder.“Wedon’twant

himgettingoffonsometechnicality,dowe?Stepbacknow.”

“Why?”Shelbyhadn’tmoved,notatthewords,notattheviciouslookArlohadgivenherwhenhesaidthem,notatthesuddenviolence.“Whywouldyouwanttohurtme?I’veneverdoneanythingtoyou.”

“Alwaysthoughtyouweretoogoodforme,lookingdownyournoseandturning

yourbacktome.Ranoffwiththefirstrichguyyoucouldropein,didn’tyou?Heardthatdidn’tworkoutsowell.”

“You’d’vehurtmebecauseIwouldn’tgooutwithyoubackinhighschool?I’vegotachild.I’vegotalittlegirl,andI’mheronlyparentnow.You’dhaveriskedmakingmybabyanorphanbecauseIwouldn’tgooutwithyou?”

“Wasn’tgoingtomake

nobodynoorphan.Justgoingtoscareyou,isall.Iwasonlygoingtoteachyoualesson,putascareintoyou.Wasn’tmyidea,anyway.”

“Whoseideawasit,Arlo?”

ForthefirsttimeahintofcanninesscameintoArlo’seyes.HeshiftedthemfromForrest,backtoShelby,backtoForrest.“IgotthingsIcouldsay,butIwantthatimmunizationthing.Idon’t

donotwentyyearsforwhatwasn’tmyidea.”

“Yougivemeaname,I’llconsiderthat.Youdon’t,I’mgoingtopushfortwenty-five.That’smysister,youidiotfuck.Onethingyoushouldknowaboutrightenough,isfamily.Youtellmewhostartedthisballrolling,orI’llmakesureyougodownforallofit,andhard.”

“Igottahavesomeguarantee—”

“Yougetnothing.”“He’llgetmorethan

nothing,”Griffsaid.“I’llfindawaytogettoyou.I’llfindaway.AndwhenIdo,you’llwishyou’dhadachancetodotwentyyears.”

“Inevertouchedher,didI?Neverlaidagoddamnhandonher.Justgoingtoscarehersomeanyway.Shegavemeathousanddollars,saidshe’dgivemeathousandmoreafterIgaveyouagoodscare,

taughtyouagoodlesson.Justgoingtogiveyouanudgeofftheroad,isall,butyoupassedmegoingtheotherway.BythetimeIgotturnedaroundandgoing,IseenyouheaddowntotheoldTripplehornplace.”

“Youfollowedme.”“Ihadtowait,figured,

fine,I’dteachyouthatlessonyouhadcomingwhenyoudroveoutagain.Betterwhenitwasdark,right?Butthenhe

drivesoutbehindyouandIcouldn’tgettoyou.Didn’tseewhyIshould’vewastedmywholenightfornothing.Figuredpushinghimoffwouldgiveyouascare.

“Northernboys,they’regoodenoughforyou,lookslike.Youjumpedrightinthesackwiththisone,butyouneverwouldgivemesomuchasalonglook.Iseenhimtakeyourclothesoff.”

“Youwerewatching.”Too

angrytobesickened,Shelbysteppedcloser.Sheknew,sheknewjustwho’dpaidhim.“DidMelodyBunkertellyoutospyonme,too?”

“Shegavemeathousanddollars,saidI’dgetanother.Didn’ttellmehowtogoaboutit,justtogetitdone.MissHigh-and-Mighty’srealpeevedatyou,realpeeved.Shecomerighttomytrailerintheholler,givemecashmoney.That’showpeeved

sheisyougotherkickedoutofthebeautysalon.”

“Ihopeyougotagoodlook,Arlo,andyoutakethatwithyoutoBledsoeCountyandthecellyou’llbeoccupyingthere.Andwhenyoudo,youthinkaboutthis,Arlo.Ineverthoughtalongthelinesofbeingtoogoodforyou.Ijustdidn’tlikeyou.”

Sheturned,startedout.ForrestsignaledforGriffto

gowithher.“Holdon,Red.”“Ican’tholdon.Ican

barelybreathe.Iswear,ifyouhadn’trappedhisheadI’dhavedoneitmyself.Hewentafteryoubecausehecouldn’tgettomequickenough.Hecould’vekilledyou.”

“Hedidn’t.”“Ifyouhadn’tfollowedme

home—”“Idid.”Hetookherbythe

shoulders.Hedidn’twantthe

what-ifsplayinginhermind,orhis,notthenandthere.“He’slockedup,Shelby.He’llstaythatway.”

“AllthisbecauseMelodygotherpridehandedtoher,andgotithandedtoherbecausesheearnedit.Sheknowsfullwellwhathemight’vedone.Shegavehimmoneyandanexcusetodoit.”

“I’dlayoddsbeforethemorning’sup,she’sinacell

rightalongwithhim.”“Thosearegoododds,”

Forrestsaidashecameout.“Justholdonaminute.Nobby,youthinkyoucouldsitwiththatmoronArloforabit?Igothimwritingitallout.”

“Surecan.Heconfess?”“Andthensome.Sheriff,I

needtorunthisbyyou,andthenwe’regoingtoneedawarrant.That’sgoingtobeprettystickyaswe’regoing

toneeditforMelodyBunker,forsolicitingacrime,conspiracytodobodilyharm.”

“Well,hell,Forrest.”Onalong,windysigh,Hardiganrubbedthebackofhisneck.“Areyoudamnsureonit?”

“I’lltellyouhowArlosaysitwent.”

“Hewasn’tlying,”Griffputin.“Hedidn’tpullhernameoutofhisass.Shegavehimmoneyforit,andhe

probablydidn’thaveachancetospendityet.”

“We’llbegoingouttohistrailer,”Forrestbegan,thenglancedaround.“Where’sShelby?”

“She...shewasrighthere.Ohhell.Ohhellno.”

“Melody.Mysister’sgotahellofatemperifyoufliptherightswitch.Sheriff?”ForrestsaidasGriffwasalreadyboltingoutthedoor.

“Yeah,goonwithhim.

Justwhatweneedtotiearibbononthisday.YoursistertossingFlorencePiedmont’sgranddaughteroutsomewindow.”

•••

SHEDIDN’TPLANontossingMelodyoutawindow,primarilybecauseshehadn’tthoughtofit.Shedidn’thaveaclearideawhatsheintendedtodo,buttheonethingshe

wasclearon,shedidn’tintendtodonothing.

Ignoringthebitchhadn’tworked,sarcasmhadn’tworked,straighttalkhadn’tworked.

Soshe’dfindsomethingthatdid,andfinishthisoffonceandforall.

ThePiedmonthousesatonalong,slopingriseoflushgreenwithterracedwallsofwhitebrickshowingoffabountyofgracefultrees,

perfectlytrimmedshrubs.Fromitsvantageitcould

lookdownattheRidge,outatthehills,downintofoldsofvalleys.Itstoodelegantly,asithadsincebeforetheWarBetweentheStates,lacedwithverandasflowingoutfromthesnow-whitefacade.Gardenssweptalongitsfeetinriversofcolor.

Itwasahouseshe’dalwaysadmired.Nowsheshottowarditlikeanarrow

fromabow.SheknewMelodylivedin

thecarriagehouse,aimedforitonceshe’dcrestedtherise.Earsbuzzingwithtemper,sheslammedoutofthevan,strodepastMelody’scar,andwouldhavemarchedstraighttothedoorifsomeonehadn’thailedher.

“Why,it’sShelbyAnnePomeroy!”

Sherecognizedthehousekeeper,alongtime

memberofthebighouse—andMaybeline’ssister—andstruggledtoreininherfuryenoughtosmileinreturn.

“It’swonderfultoseeyou,MizPattie.Howiseverythingforyou?”

“It’sjustfine.”Thewoman,tall,thin,hersalt-and-pepperhairinatidyandtightcapofcurls,walkedover.Shecarriedabaskethalffullofearlyroses.“Suchaprettyspringwe’rehaving

thisyear,eveniftheheat’salreadystartingtorise.I’msogladyou’rebackhometoenjoyit.Iamsorryaboutyourhusband.”

“Thankyou.MizPattie,IreallyneedtospeaktoMelody.”

“Why,she’shavingbreakfastonthebackverandawithMrs.PiedmontandMizJolene.IexpectthishassomethingtodowiththetroubleatMizVi’s.Igotan

earfulonitfromMaybeline,andLorilee,too.”

“Yes,it’ssomethinglikethat.”

“Thenyougorightaround.Ihopeyougirlscansettlethis.”

“Settlingit’swhyI’mhere.Thankyou.”

Sheletthefurycomeback,bubbleupasshetookthewalkway,crossedthevelvetygreenlawn,assheheardfemalevoicesandsmelled

thoseearlyroses.AndtherewasMelody,

sittingatatabledrapedwithwhite,deckedwithprettychinaandjuicessparklinginglasspitchers.

“Iamnotgoingtoapologize,Grandmama,sothere’snopointhoundingmeonit.Ididn’tsayathingthatwasn’ttrue,andIwon’tlowermyselftocrawlingtothosepeoplejustsoJolenecanhavehertrashy

hairdresserback.”“Crystalisn’ttrashy,

Melody,andweshouldn’thave—”

“Youjuststopit,Jolene,andstopthatwhining,too.I’msicktodeathofit.Ifanything,thatlittleslutandherinterferinggrandmothershould—”

ShespottedShelby,pushedtoherfeetasShelbycameuptheslopelikeahighballingtrain.Melody’s

eyeswidenedasshesawForrestandGriffrunningfulloutbehindher.

“Yougetoutofhere.You’renotwelcomehere!”

“Isaywho’swelcomehere,”Florencesaidinasnap.

“Ifsheis,I’mnot.”Melodystartedtoturn

away,butShelbygrabbedherarm,spunheraround.“Youpaidhim.YoupaidArloKatterytotrytohurtme.”

“Getyourhandoffme.I

don’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout.”

“You’realiarontopofit.”Beforesheknewitwasherclearintention,Shelbybunchedahandintoafist,andusedit.

Sheheardshoutingthroughthebuzzinginherears,sawthroughtheredmistthatblurredhervisionMelody’seyesgoglassy.

Thenextthingsheknewsomeoneclampedherarms

downfromtheback,liftedheroffherfeet.Shekickedout,becauseshewasn’tdone.Shewasn’tnearlydone,butthearmsonlytightened.

“Stopit.Comeon,Red,pullitinnow.Yougaveheragoodshot.”

“It’snotenough.It’snotenoughforwhatshedid.”

Melodysatonherass,whereshe’dgonedownonthegracefulveranda.“Shehitme!Y’allsawhowshe

attackedme.”Sobbing,sheheldahandtoherjaw.“Iwanttopresscharges.”

“Fine,”Forresttoldher.“Ithinktheonesagainstyouaregoingtobealotweightier.”

“Ididn’tdoanything.Idon’tknowwhatshe’stalkingabout.Grandmama,ithurts.”

“Jolene,stopwavingyourhandsaroundlikeyou’regoingtotakeflightandgogetanicepack.”Florence,who’d

gottentoherfeet,satagain,heavily.“Ineedanexplanation.Ineedtoknowwhythisgirlwouldcomehere,withthesewildaccusations,andstrikemygranddaughter.”

“I’llsayit,”ShelbysaidbeforeForrestcould.“Letmego,Griffin.Iwon’tdoanything.Iapologizetoyou,Mrs.Piedmont.Nottoher,buttoyou,Iapologize.Thisisyourhome,andIshould

neverhavecomeherethisway.Iwastoomadtothinkstraight.”

“Grandmama,makehergoaway.Shebelongsinjail.”

“Bequietnow,Melody.It’llonlyhurttotalk.Whydidyoucomeherelikethis?”

“Becauseshewentalotfurtherthansayinguglythings,orslashingtiresormakinguplies.Thistime,shepaidArloKatteryathousanddollars,andpromiseda

thousandmore,ifheputascareintome,ifhetaughtmealesson.”

“Ineverdidanysuchthing.Why,Iwouldn’tlowermyselftospeaktoArloKatteryoranyofhiskin.He’saliarandsoareyou.”

“Isaidbequiet,MelodyLouisa!WhywouldyousayMelodydidthis?”

“BecauseArloranGriffinofftheroadlastnight,wreckedhistruck.Lookat

him,Mrs.Piedmont.He’shurtbecausehemadesureIgothomesafe,andbecausehedid,Arlocouldn’tgettomeanddowhatshe’dpaidhimtodo.HegottoGriffinstead.Shewentdowntotheholler,downtoArlo’strailer,andpaidhimtodoit.”

“She’scrazy.Aliar.”“OhmyGod.”Jolene

stoodjustoutsidetheFrenchdoors,ablueicepackinherhand.“OhmyGod,Melody,I

didn’tthinkyoumeantit.Ineverthoughtyoumeantit.”

“Youshutup,youhear!Don’tyoudaresayanotherword,Jolene,notonemoreword.”

“Iwon’tshutup.Iwon’t.MyGod,Melody,thisisn’tjustplaying,justgossiporpokingsomefun.Ididn’tthinkshemeantit,IsweartoGod,Ineverthoughtshemeantit.”

“Youholdyourtongue,

Melody.Meantwhat,Jolene?”Florencedemanded.“Stopblubberingnowandsayitstraight-out.”

“Shesaid,afterMizVibannedus,shesaidsheknewhowtogetbackatShelby.Sheknewhowtoteachheralessonshewouldn’tforget,andhowArlowouldlikelydoitforfree,butshe’dsweetenthatpot.”

“Liar!”Scramblingup,Melodylaunchedherselfat

Jolene,fingerscurledtoscratch.

Shemight’vedoneconsiderabledamageifJolene,inshockeddefense,hadn’tthrowntheicebagather.

TheluckyshotknockedMelodybackastep,andgaveForresttimetopullherback.

“You’dbestlistentoyourgrandmama,andholdyourtongue.Jolene,let’sheartherest.”

“Whatiswrongwithyou?Whatisthematterwithyou,Melody?Ijustdon’tknow.”

“You’dbettershutyourmouth,Jolene,oryou’llbesorry.”

“Jolene!”Florence’svoicecutthroughJolene’sfreshweeping.“YoutellDeputyPomeroytherestofwhatyouknow,andrightnow.Ifyoudon’tbequiet,Melody,IsweartoGodAlmighty,I’llslapyoumyself.”

“Oh,MizFlorence.Itoldwhatshesaid,andIpromise,Iswear,Ididn’tbelieveshemeanttodoanything.Iwassoupset,andcrying,andIjustsaidtostopit,stopit,Melody,andwentonaboutwhowasgoingtodomyhairfortheweddingbecauseCrystal,sheknowsjusthowIwantitdone,andit’smyweddingday,MizFlorence.Ijustwassoupset,andMelodydidn’tsayanymore.But

she’dsaidwhatItoldyou.Ididn’tthinkshecould—”

“Youtraitorousbitch.Shewaspartofit.”Melodythrewoutahand,pointed.“Shewaspartofit.”

“Iwasn’t,butmaybeyoucan’tbelievethat,Shelby,sinceI’vebeenpartofthings.Butnevertoreallyhurtsomebody.I’mtiredofit.I’msotiredofallofit.”

Shesat,begantoweepintoherhands.

“I’msorry,Mrs.Piedmont,butI’mgoingtohavetotaketheseladiesintothestationhouseandsortthisout.”

Herbackstraightasapoker,Florencenodded.“Yes,Icanseethat.Jolene,youstopthatcryingnowandgoonwithDeputyPomeroy.Melody,gowiththedeputy.”

“Idon’twanttogowithhim.It’salljustsomestorythatlowlifemadeup,andJolene’slying.She’sjust

lying.”“I’mnotlying!”Andthatstartedthetwoof

themshoutingateachotheruntilForrestbrokein.“I’dadvisethetwoofyoutobequiet.Melody,youcancomealongonyourown,orI’mgoingtohaulyou.”

“Youtakeyourhandsoffmethisminute!”Thethreathadherstrugglingagainsthishold.“Idon’tgoanywhereIdon’twanttogo.”

Andhergrandmothersurgedtoherfeet.

“MelodyLouisaBunker,ifyoudon’tgoalongwithDeputyPomeroyandstopresisting,youhavemyoathI’lldonothingtohelpyou.I’llmakecertainyourmamadoesn’tdoathingtohelpyou.”

“Youdon’tmeanthat.”“ByGod,Ido.Yougo

withForrest,andyougonow,orIwashmyhandsofit,and

you.”“I’llgo.ButnowIknow

you’rejustashatefulastherest.”

“I’lltakeMelody,”ForrestsaidtoGriff.“BestifyoutakeShelbyandJolene.You’restilldeputized.”

“Hell.Allright.Jolene?”“I’mcoming.Iwon’tgive

youanytrouble.Shelby,I’msosorryaboutallthis.I’mjust—”

“It’sprobablybest,too,if

everybodystaysquietontheridein,”Griffsuggested,andgotaneasysmilefromForrest.

“LikeIsaid,youeverwantacareerchange.Melody,youwalktomycruiserunderyourownpower,orI’llcuffyou.”

“Oh,I’mcoming.You’llbeoutofajobbeforethisday’sover.I’mgoingtomakesureofit.”

BeforeheledMelodyaway,Forrestglancedat

Florence.“I’msorryaboutthis,Mrs.Piedmont.I’msorryforthistroubleforyouandyourfamily.”

“Iknowit.”WhenshelookedatGrifftheremighthavebeenagleamoftearsinhereyes,butherbackremainedpokerstraight.“I’mmoresorryaboutthisthanIcansay.”

olenewasn’tquietontheridein,butcriedinwild,gulpingsobsall

theway.Withearsringing,Griffdecidedallhereallywantedintheworldatthatmomentwastogetbackto

workandsanity.Theonlyroutehesaw

therewasherdingShelbyandJoleneintothestationhouse.

SheriffHardiganlookedatGriff,atthetwowomen—Shelby,eyeshot,Jolene,eyesspewingtears.Steppingforward,hedugalargewhitehandkerchiefoutofhispocket,pusheditintoJolene’shands.

Hesaid,inatonethatmiraculouslyblendedcheer

andsympathy,“Wellnow,what’sallthis?”

“Forrestisrightbehindus,”Griffbegan.

“I’mprobablyunderarrest.”Afterslappingherhandsonherhips,Shelbylookeddirectly,defiantlyintoHardigan’seyes.“IpunchedMelodyBunkerintheface.”

“Hmm,”wasHardigan’sresponsebeforehefocusedonJolene.

“Ididn’tknowshemeant

todoit!”Hysteriabubbledupthroughthehitchingsobs.“Iswear,Ididn’t.Ithoughtshewasjustbeingmadandsayingthings.Ididn’tthinkshemeanttoreallygetArlotoscareShelbyorhurther.IswearI’mthatupsetaboutallofit.”

“Icanseethat.Whydon’tyoucomeoninandtellmeaboutit.Yougother?”hesaidtoGriff,archedhiseyebrowsatShelby.

“Iguess.”“Deputized?”Shelbygave

himonehardlookasHardiganledJoleneintohisoffice.

“That’sjustForrestbeingForrest.”ButhewasrelievedwhenForresthimselfwalkedinwithacold-eyedMelody.

“Jolene?”“Sheriff’stalkingtoher.”“Goodenough.Yougot

her?”Attherepeatedquestion,

Griffwinced.“Yeah,yeah.”ForrestescortedMelody

intothebackbreakroom,walkedoutagain.“Nobby,IneedyoutositonherforacoupleminuteswhileIsortsomeofthisout.”

“Noproblemthere.”WhenForrestturnedtohis

sister,sheheldoutherhands,wriststogether.

“Stopthatshit.”“Maybeyouwantyour

deputytodoit.”Whenshe

turnedwiththesamegesturetoGriff,hejusttookherfaceinhishands.

“Cutitout.Now.”Shebristledamoment,but

hedidn’tletgo,kepthiseyeslevelonhersuntilshehissedoutabreath.“I’mnotmadateitherofyou—toomuch—andI’msickaboutwhathappenedtoyou,Griff.I’mjustall-aroundmad.AmIunderarrest?”

“It’snotgoingtocometo

that,”Forrestsaid.“Evenifshepushesit,she’sinahellofalotmoretrouble.Sheearnedthepunch.”

“Shesurelydid.”“Hellofarightcrossyou

gotthere,Red.”“Thankyou.Claytaught

me,butit’sthefirsttimeIactuallyputitintopractice.WhatdoIdonow?”

“Youleavethistomeandthesheriff—likeyoushouldhavebeforeyoustormedthe

damncastle.NotthatI’mevergoingtoblameyouforthepunch—andgoontowork,orhome,orwhateverbusinessyougotgoing.”

“Icanjustgo?”“That’sright.Andifshe

pushestheassaultcharge,we’lldealwithit.ButIbelieveshe’sgoingtobepersuadedtoletthatalone.”

“Allright.”Shecouldhardlystaymadatherbrotherifhewasn’tgoingtoarrest

her.“I’msorryformypartinthismorning.”

“No,you’renot.”“No,I’mnot.Notyet.But

Imightworkaroundtoit.”Shewalkedout,paused

whenGriffwalkedoutwithher.

“Noneofthiswasmyfault,andI’mprettysickoftakingresponsibilityforwhatIdidn’tdo.But—”

“There’snobut,”heinterrupted.

Sheshookherhead.“But,there’snoquestionIbroughtyoutrouble.Iwouldn’tblameyouforsteppingback.I’llbesorryanddisappointedifyoudo,butIwouldn’tblameyou.”

Hisanswerwastotakeherfaceinhishandsagain,andthistimetotakehermouthaswell.Long,seriousandslow.

“Thatshouldsettlethat.I’mgoingtogoseeyourdadnowsoIcangetclearedand

getthehellbacktowork.”Shesmiledalittle.“The

blackeyelookskindofrakish.”

“JustwhatIwasgoingfor.I’llseeyoulater.It’sbeenahellofaninterestingmorningsofar.”

Shesupposedhecouldputitthatway,shethoughtasshewalkedtothesalon.Butshe’ddearlyloveacoupleofboringmornings.

Shefiguredwordofsome

oftheinterestingmorning—andtheincidentthenightbeforethathadgeneratedit—wouldhavereachedthesalonbynow.

Thewayconversationstopped,eyesturnedtoherwhenshewalkedintoldhershe’dgaugedcorrectly.

“Howisthatboy?Howbad’shehurt?”Violademanded.

“He’sgoingtoseeDaddynow,butIdon’tthinkit’stoo

awful.He’sgotcutsandbruises.”

“IheardtheyhauledArloKatteryinforhit-and-run,”Crystalputin.“AndLorileeheresawyoudrivinghell-benttowardthebighousealittlewhileago.”

“YoumightaswellsaywhatMelody’sgottodowithallthis,”Violatoldher.“Everybody’sgoingtofindoutanyway.”

“Shepaidhim,shepaid

Arlotodoit.”Afterthecollectivegasp,

Shelbydroppedintoachair.Shewasearlyforworkanyway,andGod,interestingmorningswereexhausting.

“Waitoneminute.”Eyesnarrowed,ViolaswiveledthechairsoShelbyfacedher.“You’resayingMelodypaidthatKatteryboytorunGriffinLottofftheroad?Whyinhellwouldshedothat?”

“Shepaidhimtogoafterme,butGriffwasintheway,sohewentforhim.”

“After...afteryou?Butthat...Why—”Realizationstruck,chilledherbloodsosomeofitdrainedoutofherface.“BecauseIkickedheroutofhere.”

“It’snotonyou,Granny,andit’snotonme.It’snotoneitherofus.Anyofus.”

“Godknowsshe’sspoiledasrottenfruit,andalwayshad

abrightstreakofmeaninher,butI’dneverhaveexpectedhertotrysomethinglikethis.”

“ShegaveArloathousanddown,withathousandmorewhenitwasdone.”

Violanodded.Thecolorthatcamebackintoherfacewashighandhot.“Isshearrested?”

“They’vegotheratthestationhouse,talkingaboutit.”

“Theydon’tlockherup,I’mgoingtoknowwhy.”

“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingtohappen,butit’sgoingtobeugly,that’scertain.Andeverybodymightaswellknowtherest.IwentuptothebighouseandIpunchedherintheface.Ijustsawredandpunchedher,knockedherflat.I’ddoitagainifIcould.”

MoregaspsevenasViolagrinned.Sheleanedover,

gaveShelbyahardhug.“That’smygirl.”

“IwishI’dseenyoudoit.”Maybelinefoldedherarms.“It’snotChristiantosayso,butIwishI’dseenyoudoit,andtakenapicturewithmyphone.”

“AuntPattiesaysshegetshoity-toityandordersheraroundsomethingfiercewhenMizPiedmont’snotaround.”Lorileenoddedsagely.“SoIwishI’dseenit,

too,butI’d’vetakenavideo.”Shewalkedover,gave

Shelbyahug.“Sodon’tyoufretaboutit,Shelby.IknowmorepeoplethanIcancountwho’d’vepaidgoodmoneytoseeyouknockthatgirlon...onhersecond-runner-up’sass.Right,MizVi?”

“Couldn’tberighter,Lorilee.”

“Iwon’tfret.”ShepattedLorilee’shand.“ButI’mgoingtostartworkearly,if

that’sokay.Dealwithtowelsandsuppliesandsuch.Clearmyheadsome.”

“Yougoon.”CrystalwaiteduntilShelby

wentintheback.“WhatdoyousupposeMrs.Piedmont’sgoingtodoaboutallthis?”

“Iguesswe’llwaitandsee.”

Theydidn’thavetowaitlong.

Inthemid-afternoonlull—whenstay-at-homemothers

pickeduptheirkidsfromschool,orgreetedthematthedoor,beforethosewhoworkedoutsidethehomecouldruninforanafter-workcutandcolorormassage—FlorencePiedmontsteppedintoVi’s.

Onceagain,thesalonhushedlikeachurch.Florence,alldignityinanavybluedressandsensibleshoes,noddedatShelby,whomannedthefrontcounter,

thenViola.“Viola,doyouhaveafew

minutestospeakwithme?Privately.YouandShelby.”

“Ofcoursewedo.Shelby,dowehaveanyoneintheRelaxationRoom?”

“Ah...weshouldn’thave.Wehavethreecominginfortreatmentsinaboutanhour,andtwointreatmentsrightnow.”

“That’sfine,then.We’llgoonbackhere,Florence,

whereit’sniceandquiet.Crystal,whenmythree-thirtycomesin,yousetherupwithamagazine.”

“Iappreciatethetime,Viola.”

“You’dmakeitforme.”Violaledthewayback,throughthelockerarea.“We’veknowneachotheralotofyears.”

“Wehave,alotofyears.Howisyourmama,Vi?”

“Feistyasever.Andhow’s

yours?”“Slowingdownsome.But

shedearlyloveslivinginFlorida.MybrotherSamuellooksinonhereveryday.”

“Healwayshadasweetheart.Youhaveaseatnow.”

“Thankyou,Vi,Icoulduseone.I’lltellthetruthandsayI’mtiredtothebone.”

“Wehavesomenicepeachtea,Mrs.Piedmont.Hotorcold,”Shelbyadded.“CouldIgetyousome?”

“Iwouldlovesomehotpeachtea,thankyou,ifit’snotrouble.”

“Notabit.Granny?”“That’dbenice,darling,

thankyou.”“Thisisalovelyroom,

Viola.Sopeacefulandcalming.Youalwayshadaclevermind,andawayofturningwhatworkedinitintosomethingfine.”

“That’sanicethingtohear.Everybodyneeds

somewherepeacefulandcalmingnowandagain.”

“Wecouldallusemoreofit,tomymind.Whatcolorpainthaveyougotonthesewalls?”

“It’scalledTwilightGold.Prettyname.”

“Itis.Peaceful,”shesaidagain,likeasigh.“Viola,Shelby,I’mgoingtostartbysayingI’mgoingtospeaktoGriffinLottwhenIleavehere.ButIwantedtospeakto

thetwoofyoufirst.Ishould’veaskedifAdaMaecouldtakeaminute.”

“She’sdoingafacial.It’sallright,Flo.We’lltellherwhatyouwanttosaytoher.”

“Iwanttoapologizetoallofyou.Toyourdaddy,too,Shelby,yourdaughter,yourbrothers.ToJackson,Viola.”

“Mrs.Piedmont,ma’am,youdon’thaveanythingtoapologizefor.”

“Iaskyoutoacceptan

apologyfromme.”“Ofcourse.”Shelby

carriedoverthetea,initsprettycups.

“Thankyou.Wouldyousit,too?I’vejustcomefromthepolicestation.MelodyhasadmittedtogoingtoArloKattery,togivinghimmoneytocauseyoutrouble,Shelby.I’mnotsureshe’dhaveadmitteditthissoon,buttheyhadthreepeoplealreadywhosawherdrivinguptohis

trailerintheholler.Andthoughitpainsmetosayit,Iwouldn’tgetheralawyeruntilshetoldthetruth.”

Sayingnothing,Violajustreachedout,tookFlorence’shand.

“Idon’tknowwhatshethoughtwouldhappen,orwhyshe’ddosomethingsomean,soreckless.Idon’tknowwhyshe’salwaysbeensojealousofyou,Shelby.Whenyouwerevotedhead

cheerleaderbackinhighschool,shehadhysterics,beggedmetomakeabigdonationtotheathleticdepartmentifthey’dtakeyoudown,putherup.AndwhenyouwereHomecomingqueenoverher,shecamehomeandcutherdresstoribbons.”

Florencesighed.“She’sangrymostofthetime,itseems.I’dhopedbyputtingherinchargeofTheArtfulRidge,havingherliveinthe

carriagehouse,she’dbehappier,startbeingmoreresponsible.ButIknow,Iseenow,Iindulgedhertoomuchallalong.Andhermamadidevenmore.

“She’smygrandchild,myfirstgranddaughter,andIloveher.”

“Ofcourseyoudo.”“Ioverlookedtoomuch

overtheyears,butIwon’toverlookthis.Shecausedsomeonetrueharm,andit

couldhavebeenmuchworse.Shediditforspite.She’llpayapriceforthatspite.Ihavenorighttoask,andnonetoexpect,butshe’smygranddaughter,soIwillask.Thesheriffindicated,ifyouandGriffinLottareamenable,ifyouagree,insteadofgoingtojail...”

ForthefirsttimeFlorence’shandshook,soshesettheteacupdowncarefullyinitssaucer.

“Shecouldservesixmonthsinarehabilitationcenter,aprivateone,whereshewouldhavetherapyforhervariousissues.Shewouldberequiredtoworkthere—chores,Isuppose.Cleaning,gardening,laundry,thatsortofthing.Then,ifdeemedready,shewouldserveanothersixmonths’communityserviceinahalfwayhouse,withayear’sprobationtofollowthat.

“Iwon’tpretendit’sprison,”Florencecontinued.“Butshewouldberestricted,gettherapyIfeelshedesperatelyneeds,andberequiredtofollowsetrules.Shewouldloseherfreedom,andthat’sakindofprison.Andifsherefusestoabidebytheterms,therules,thenshewouldfaceprison.Hermotherwilltrytofightmeonthis,butherfather...I’vealreadyspokentomyson-in-

law.Wespokeatsomelength,andhewillbackmeonthis.”

Steadier,Florencepickedupherteaagain.“It’syourgranddaughterandmine,Vi.Whowouldhavethoughtwe’dcomehere?”

OnceagainViolatookherhand.“Life’sfullofhardbumpsandslicktwists.Wedothebestwecantodriveit,starttofinish.”

“Somedays,bestisn’tnear

togoodenough.You’llwanttimetothinkaboutthis,Shelby.”

“It’snotthat...it’sGriffshehurt,orhurtthroughwhatArlodid.”

“It’syoushemeantto.”“AllIwant,Isweartoyou,

Mrs.Piedmont,isforhertoleavemeandminealone.Ihaveachildtothinkof.Ihavealifetotrytorebuildwithmylittlegirl,andIjustwantMelodytoleaveusbe.

IfGriffin’sallrightwithwhatyousaid,Iwouldbe.He’stheonewhoendedupbeinghurt,whatevershemeant.”

“I’llspeaktohim,andwe’llallabidebyhisdecision.I’msickathearthewashurtthisway,thatsomeoneinmyfamilywouldhavecausedit.Iwonder,Viola,ifyouknowfromJacksonhowmuchdamagethereistotheboy’struck.”

“WhatJacksontoldme

justabitagoonthephone,it’saloss.”

“Oh,Granny.”“Well,mostanythingcan

befixed,butJacksaysitwouldn’tbefixedrightenough,andexpectstheinsurancecompanytoagreeandtotalitout.”

“I’llmakeitright.Youhavemywordonit.”

“Ineverhadanydoubtonthat,Flo.”

“Iknowyou’rebothbusy,

andIthankyousomuchfortakingthistime,andforyourunderstanding.Foryourkindness.”

“I’mgoingtowalkyouout,”Violasaid,slidinganarmaroundFlorence’swaistastheybothrose.“AndI’mgoingtogiveyouabrochuresoyoucanthinkaboutcomingbackforanicehotstonemassageoraRestoreYouthFacial.”

ShelbyheardFlorence

laughastheywalkedout.“It’salatehourforrestoringyouth,isn’tit,Viola?”

“It’snevertoolateanhour,Flo.Nevertoolateanhour.”

•••

ITSEEMEDTOShelbythebestthingtodowaskeepherheaddownandtakeeachdayasitcame.She’dbeenfartoomuchfrontandcenteronthe

gossipstagesinceherreturntotheRidge.Experiencetoldhersomeothernewsorinterestwouldcomealongsoonenough.

ShefeltjustfinebeingfrontandcenterFridaynight,performingdoo-wopandrockandfiftiesballads.Thecrowdseemedtofeeljustfineaboutit,too,andnobodygotshot.

AndsinceCalliewashavingasleepoveratGranny’s,toppingFriday

nightoffinGriff’sbedfeltevenmorethanfine.

BeforeandafterherSaturdayjob,shehitherspreadsheethard,meticulouslypayingbills,doingcarefulmath.

Andshakingherclaspedhandsattheceilingwhenshepaidoffanothercreditcard.

Threedown,ninetogo.StraightafterSunday

breakfast,shestoodatthestovefryingupchickenand

listeningtoCalliesquealwithdelightwhilesheplayedwiththemuch-lovedbubblemaker.

AdaMaecamein,huggedShelbyfrombehind.“That’sthebestsoundintheworld.”

“Iknowit.She’ssohappy,Mama,itturnsmyheartinsideout.”

“Andhowaboutyou?”“I’maboutashappyasa

littlegirlwithabubblemachine.”

“YouwereinfinevoiceFridaynight,babygirl.Andsoprettyupthereinthatbluedress.”

“I’mgoingtohavefunwiththesixties.I’vebeenplayingaroundsomefornextweek.Tansytoldmethey’regoingaheadforsurewiththatexpansion.That’llbeexciting.”

“GoodthingGriffandMattareallbutdonehere.Ilovemynewbathroomlike

Callielovesherbubblemaker.”

Todemonstrate,AdaMaedidaneatpirouetteandhadShelbygrinning.

“They’rehandymen.Ahandyman’sworthhisweightingold.Youmust’vehadanicetimeafter.”

HeatroseupthebackofShelby’sneck.“Idid.Mama,youdidn’twaitup,didyou?”

“It’snotamatterofwaitingup.Youhaveachild

underyourroof—whethershe’sfourteenorforty—youhearthatcarpullupthedrive.Anddon’teventhinkaboutsayingyou’resorry.Itputasmileonmyfacethinkingaboutyoubeingwithagoodman.Heputsasmileonyourface,too.”

Sheknewjustwherehermotherwasgoing.“Hedoes.IcanadmitIdidn’tseemyselfhavinganicetimewithanymanforalongtime

yet.Asitis,it’saprettysurprise.Still,Ican’tthinkpastnextweek,notyet.”

“That’sallright.Youtakeyourtime,givehimagoodtest-drive.”

“Mama!”“Youthinkyour

generationinventedsex?Andyou’redoingthesixtiesnextweek?Thatgenerationlikelyfiguredthesame.Speakingoftest-driving,IheardFlorencePiedmontboughtGriffanew

truck.”“Hesaidshewouldn’ttake

no,turneditaroundsoitfeltlikehe’dbeinsultingherifherefused.Grandpa’sgoingtostripthewreckedoneforparts,andGriff’shavingthenewtruckpaintedwiththelogo.”

Shepausedasshedrainedsomeofthechicken.

“Didwedotherightthing,Mama?LettingMelodygetoffwithgoingtothat

rehabilitationcenter,angermanagementtherapyandthelike?”

“Nextthingtoacountryclub,Iexpect,andthatjustchafesmythighs.Butdownunderit,Ithinkitwastherightthing.Idon’tknowasshe’llbecomingbackhere,atleastnotforsometime.IdoknowMizFlorenceisn’tholdingherjob.”

“Oh.”“AndIexpectyoucould

havethatjob,ifyouwantedit.”

“I...No.IthinkIlikejusthowthingsare.IlikeworkingatGranny’s,Ilikethegirlsandtheworkandthecustomers.Ilikeknowingifsomethingcameup,nobody’dbeupsetifIhadtotakeofftodealwithit.AndIdoknow,forcertain,Iwouldn’twantMelody’soldoffice,heroldjob,heroldanything.Just...badjuju.

YouknowwhatImean,Mama?”

“Ido.You’vegotyourgranny’shandwithfriedchicken,girl.Ifyoudon’twanttolookpastnextweekyet,you’dbetterbecareful.Chickenlikethatcoulddriveamantoproposemarriage.”

“IthinkI’msafethere.”Andsafe,Shelbythought,

waswheresheneededtobe.AtnoonwhenGriffpulled

upinhisrentaltruck,shehad

thehamperloadedandready,andCallieinheryellowdresswitharibboninherhair.She’doptedforjeansandheroldhikingboots.

CallierushedoutbeforeGriffgottothedoor,andlaunchedherselfathim.

“Youlooklikeapicnic,LittleRed.”

“Igotabow.”Calliereachedbacktowheretheyellowribbontrailed.

“Iseethat.Prettyasthey

come,andso’syourmom.Here,letmetakethat.”

“You’vealreadygother.We’lltakemyvansinceIknowwherewe’regoing.I’vegottheblanketsintherealready.”

“I’vejustgottogetacouplethingsoutofthetruck.”

HestrappedCallieinhercarseat—expertly,Shelbynoted.Youdidn’thavetoshowthemansomething

twice.Hewalkedtohisrentaltruck,camebackwithatotebag.“Contributions,”hesaid,andputtheminthevanwiththehamper.

“I’mhopingthisspotisasprettyasIremember.It’sbeenawhile.”

Shedrovetowardtown,thenveeredoffonabackroad,justskimmingbythehollerwhileCalliechatteredlikeamagpie.Asshetooktherise,navigatedthe

switchbacks,itallcamebacktoher.Thesights,thesmells.

Thecolor.Windingthroughthe

greens,thebrowns,yellowtrilliumandcrestedirissplashed,whilethedelicatetrumpetsofcolumbineplayedindappledsunlight.There,orthere,mountainlaurelbrightenedtheshadows,andlady’sslippersdanced.

“Pretty.It’sprettycountry,”Griffsaidwhen

Callieshiftedtoconversationwiththeever-presentFifi.

“Itwon’tbelongtillthewildrhododendronspopout.Ijustlovethegreenofit.Theendless,risinggreenofit,andhowthecolorfromwildflowerscomesandgoes.”

ShepassedalittlefarmhousewhereaboyaboutCallie’sagerolledonthescrubbygrasswithayellowdog.

“Seethepuppy!Mama,

whencanIhaveapuppy?”“Hernewestobsession,”

Shelbysaidunderherbreath.“Oncewegetourownhouse,we’llthinkaboutthat.We’realmosttoourpicnicspot,”sheadded,hopingtoblockthelitanyoffollow-upquestions.

Sheturnedontoanarrowdirtroad,bumpedcarefullyalongit.“Thisbelongstothatlittlefarmwejustpassed.Daddy’sdeliveredthree

babiesinthathouse—mightbemorenowsinceI’vebeengone—andmadehousecallsforthegrandmotheruntilshepassed.Thefamilyletsususethisroad,andhavepicnicsorhikebackhere.Theysetgreatstorebymydaddy.”

“SodoI,sinceheclearedmetowork.”

“Youreye’slookingsomebetter.”

“Ikisseditbetter,Mama,whenIhadmypizzadate

withGriff.Arewethereyet?”“We’reasfaraswecan

drive.”Sheangledintothepull-off.“It’snotveryfartowalk.Aboutaquarter-mile.It’salittlesteep,though,andlikelyalittlerough.”

“We’reupforit.”Hesettledthelogisticsby

haulingCallieuponhisshoulders,takingthehamper.“Bagandblanketsforyou,”hetoldShelby.“It’ssoquiethere.”

Hespottedaboldredcardinalwatchingthemfromaperchonahawthorntree.

“That’snoteventhebestpart.”

“Nobody’sgoingtocomeoutwithashotgun?”

“IaskedDaddytocheckifitwasokay,andthefamily’sfineaboutit.Weleavethelandaswefoundit,that’sall.Thoughtheymighthavediscouragedrevenuersthatway,backintheProhibition

days.Plentyranwhiskeyoutofthehillsandthehollers.Mypeopleamongthem—bothsides.”

“Bootleggers.”Itmadehimgrin.

“It’dbehardtofindahandfulofpeoplewithnativerootswhodidn’thavebootleggersonthefamilytree.”

“Itwasadumbasslaw.”“Dumbass,”Callie

repeated,predictably.

“Sorry.”“It’snotthefirsttime.

That’sagrown-upword,Callie.”

“Ilikegrown-upwords.”Whenshescreamed,GriffshovedthehamperatShelby,startedtowhipCalliedown.

“Abunny!Isawabunnyrabbit!”

“Jesus—jeez,”Griffcorrected.“Youscaredthe...heckoutofme,LittleRed.”

“Catchthebunnyrabbit,Griff!Catchit.”

“Ididn’tbringmybunnyrabbitcatchingtools.”Withhisheartstillhammering,hetookthehamperback,continuedtheclimb.

Whenhetoppedtherise,hesaweverystepoftheclimbhadbeenworthit.

“Okay,wow.”“It’sjustlikeI

remembered.Thestream,thetrees,especiallythatbigold

blackwalnut.Andjustenoughopeningupsoyoucanseesomeofthehillsandvalleys.”

“You’reinchargeofallthepicnicspots,fromthisdayforward.”

“Hardtotopthisone,unlessit’satyourplace.”

WhenheputCalliedown,shebulletedstraightforthestream.

“Callie,don’tgoclosetotheedge,”Shelbybegan,but

Griffgrabbedherhandandpulledhertothestream.

“Cool.”HecroucheddownbesideCallie.“Lookatallthelittlewaterfalls.Theshinyrocks.”

“Iwannagoswimming!”“It’snotdeepenoughfor

swimming,baby,butyoucantakeyourshoesandsocksoff,putyourfeetin.Youcangowading.”

“’Kay.Icangowading,Griff!”

Callieploppeddown,attackedhershoeswhileShelbyspreadblanketsbesidethestreamwithitstumblingwater,mossylogs,thickeningferns.

“Notworriedabouthergettingthedresswet?”Griffasked.

“I’vegotachangeforherinthebag.I’dliketoknowalittlegirlwhowouldn’twanttosplashinthisstream.”

“You’reaprettycool

mom.”WhileCalliesteppedinto

splashandsqueal,Griffpulledthebottle,wrappedinitsfrozencozy,outofhisbag.

“Champagne?”Afterasurprisedlaugh,Shelbyshookherhead.“That’sgoingtoputmyfriedchickentoshame.”

“I’llbethejudgeofthat.”Shedrankchampagne,had

thesatisfactionofseeingGriffdevourherchicken.She

letCallierunoffsomeenergychasingbutterfliesorgoingbackforanothersplash.

Andrelaxed,assherealizedshehadn’t,notreally,sincethemorningshe’dfacedArloKatterywithbarsbetweenthem.

Andhe’dhavethatview,shethought,throughbars,foralong,longtime.

Butshehadthis—thegreenandtheblue,thechirpandtwitterofbirds,thesun

streamingthroughthetreestoplayshadowsonthegroundasherlittlegirlplayedinthestream.

“You’redefinitelyhired,”Grifftoldherwhenhewentbackforanotherpieceofchicken,anotherscoopofpotatosalad.

“Sittinghere,itseemslikenothing’swrongintheworld.”

“That’swhyweneedplaceslikethis.”

Shereachedout,trailedherfingersoverthehealingcutonhisforehead.“Forrestsaidtheystillhaven’tcaughtthatHarlowperson,anditmakesmethinkhedidwhathecametodo,andhe’slonggonefromhere.”

“Makesthemostsense.”“Thenwhy’dyoufollow

mehomeattwointhemorningonFridaynight?”

“Becausethatmakessensetome,too.Whenareyou

goingtoletmefollowyouhomeagain?”

Oh,she’djustbeenhopinghe’dask.“IguessIcouldseeifMama’sokaywatchingCallieonenightthisweek.”

“Whydon’twegotothemovies,thenbacktomyplaceforawhile?”

Shesmiled,thinkingshehadthis,too.Amoviedatewithamanwhomadeherbellyflutter.“Whydon’twe?Callie,ifyoudon’teatyour

picniclunch,therewon’tbeacupcakeinyourfuture.”

ShelbymarkeditasaperfectSundayafternoon,anddrivingbackwithCalliefightingsleepintheback,wonderedhowshecouldprolongit.

Maybeshe’dseeifGriffwantedtositoutontheporchwhileCallienapped.OrshecouldseeifEmmaKateandMattwantedtocomeover,andtheycoulddoupsome

burgersonthegrillforsupperlater.

“Iguessyou’vegotthingstodoatyourhouse.”

“There’sneveralackofthingstodoatmyplace.Why?Doyouhavesomethingelseinmind?”

“Iwasthinking,ifyouwantedtostayawhile,I’dseeifEmmaKateandMattwantedtocomebylateron.Havesomewine,andgrillsomeburgers.”

“Morefood?HowcouldIsayno?”

“I’llseeifit’sallrightwithMamaandDaddy,then...”

Shetrailedoffasshepulleduptothehouse,sawhermotheralreadyrunningout.

“OhGod,whatcould’vehappenednow?”Sheshovedoutofthevan.“Mama.”

“Iwasjustabouttotextyou.Gillywentintolabor.”

“Oh,justnow?”“It’sbeenafewhours,but

theydidn’tsayuntiltheywereheadingintothehospital.Daddy—mydaddy’sgotJacksonalready.Daddy—yourdaddy—andIareheadingintoGatlinburgtothehospitalrightnow,andForrestisbringingyourgranny.Claysaysshe’smovingfast.Oh,Idon’tknowwhybabiesalwaysputmeinatailspin.”

“It’sexciting,andit’shappy.”

“Youshouldgo,”Griffsaid.“Youshouldbethere.”

“Oh,Idon’twanttoputtwopreschoolersonmygrandfatheronhisown.”

“I’lltakeher.I’vegotCallie.”

“Oh,well,I—”“IwannagowithGriff!

Please,Mama,please.Griff,Iwannagotoyourhouse.CanIgotoyourhouseandplay?”

“Thatwouldbethenicestthing,”AdaMaesaid.“Shelbycouldn’tbeherewhenJacksonwasborn.Itwouldsuremeanalottous,Griff.”

“Done.”“Yay!Yay!”Shelbylookedather

daughter’sshiningface.“Butitcouldbehours.”

“NotifClay’sanyjudge.Clayton,youcomeonnow!”AdaMaeshouted.“I’mnot

goingtomissmygrandbaby’sbirthbecauseyou’redawdling.Griff,thankyousomuch.Callie,youbegoodforGriffnow,orI’llknowthereasonwhy.ClaytonZachariahPomeroy!”AdaMaemarchedbacktowardthehouse.

“Areyousure?Because—”

“We’resure,right,Callie?”

“Right!Let’sgo,Griff.”

Thrilled,sherubbedbothherhandsoverhischeeks.“Let’sgotoyourhousenow.”

“Letmejust...”Thinkwhattodo,Shelbymused.“I’lljustrunin,getsomethingsforhertoplaywith.”

“I’vegotscissorsandsticksforhertorunwith,andallthosematches.”

“Aren’tyouthefunnyone?Givemetwominutes.And,well,you’dbestjusttakemyvanincaseyouhave

togosomewherewithher.IfIcanborrowthistruck.”

“It’sarental.WhatdoIcare?”

“Allright,then,allright.Twominutes.No,it’lltakemefive.Fiveminutes.”

Sheracedtowardthehouseashermothercameoutdraggingherfather.

“AdaMae,I’madoctor,andI’mtellingyou,there’splentyoftime.”

“Oh,don’tdoctorme.You

tellmeaboutplentyoftimewhenyou’vegivenbirth.We’regoing,Shelby!”

“I’llbebehindyouinfiveminutes.Iknowhowtogetthere.”

GriffleanedbackagainstthevanbesideCallie’swindow.“We’regoingtohavesomefun,LittleRed.”

heydidhavefun.Grifffashioneda

monsterfaceoutofcardboardand,donningit,chasedathrilledCalliearoundthefrontyard.Shebroughthimdownwiththe

magicwandhecobbledtogetherfromsometubingandmorecardboard.

Astherestoredprince,heansweredthefirsttextfromShelby.Atthehospitalnow—

everything’sgoingwell.Okaythere?

Heconsideredforamoment.We’regreat.We’re

headingoutnowtofindsometraffictoplayin.

HetookCallieinforaCoke,andjudgedbyherwide,shinyeyesCokewasn’tsomethingonherusualbeveragemenu.IttookasolidhalfhourtorunoffherCokehigh.Breathlessandwiser,heloadedthekidbackinthevanandtookherforaquickdriveforapackofjuiceboxes.

Thathadtobeabetteroption.

HespottedthesignPups

ForSale,decidedastoptherewouldentertainherforawhile,andpulledupinfrontofthecompactranchernexttothelittlemarket.

Followingthearrowonthesign,hetookthegravelpatharoundtheback.

Inakennel,cleananddry,threecream-coloredpupsandonebrownpupcameinstantlytolife,yipping,racingtowardthefencing,waggingchubbybodies.

Calliedidn’tsquealandrushtowardthemashe’dexpected.

Shegasped,thenpressedbothhandstohermouth.

Thensheturnedherhead,tippedherfaceuptoGriff’s.Andhereyeswerefullofwonderandloveandimmeasurablejoy.

Hethought,Ohshit,whathaveIdone?

Thenshethrewherarmsaroundhislegs,squeezed.

“Puppies!Iloveyou,Griff.Thankyou,thankyou.”

“Well,ah,listen...Ithoughtwe’djust—”

Whilehefumbled,shetippedherfaceupagain,allbutblindedhimwithhershiningjoybeforeshebrokeoffto,atlast,rushthefence.

Awoman,ababyonherhip,aredkerchieftiedaroundherhair,steppedoutofthebackdooroftherancher.

“Afternoon,”shesaid

whilethebabyeyedhimsuspiciously.

“Hey.Wewerejustatthemarket,andIthoughtshe’dgetakickoutofseeingthepups.”

“Why,sure.Youwanttogoin,honey?They’reasfriendlyastheycanbe.Threemonthsoldnow,”shecontinuedassheopenedthegateforCallie.“Hadalitterofeight.Mama’sourLab-retrievermixGeorgie,andthe

daddy’smycousin’schocolateLab.”

Callieranin,dropped,andwasimmediatelyburiedinpuppies.

“That’sahappysound,isn’tit?”thewomansaidasCallie’sgigglesmixedwiththeyipsandfakegrowls.

“Yeah...but—”“They’reagoodmixwith

kids,Daddy,”shesaidwithasmileasshejuggledthebaby.“Gentleandloyaland

playful.”“Oh,I’mnotherfather.

Hermother’ssister-in-law’shavingababy,prettymuchnow,soI’mwatchingCallieforawhile.”

“Griff!Griff,comesee.Comeseethepuppies.”

“Yeah,okay.”“Yougoon,takeyour

time.She’sgotagoodwaywiththem.Lotofkidsheragewanttopulltailsandearsorcartapuparoundinachoke

hold,butitlookslikesheknowshowtobegentleandplayful.They’regoingtogofastnow,”sheadded,asthebabydecidedGriffpassedmusterandofferedawide,droolinggrin.“Ijustputthesignupthismorning.Thefirstfourwerealreadyspokenfor.Idon’tsellthemtillthey’refullweaned,hadtheirshotsandthevetclearsthem.”

“I’mnotreally...Imean,

Ithoughtaboutgettingadog.Later.OnceI’vegotmyplacemoreundercontrol.”

Thewomannarrowedhereyes.“You’retheoneboughttheoldTripplehornplace.TheonewhoworkswithEmmaKate’sboyfriend.EmmaKateandDocPomeroydeliveredLucashererightintheexamroomattheclinic.Iwentinformycheckup,andhegotinapowerfulhurrythenand

there.Wasn’ttimetoheadtothehospital.IsthatShelbyPomeroy’slittlegirl?”

“Yeah.”“Ishould’vefiguredfrom

thehair.Youdecideyouwantoneofthepups,I’lldohalfprice,seeingasthelittlegirl’sgranddaddyandyourpartner’sladyhelpedbringmyboyintotheworld.”

“Oh,well...that’s—”“Griff,comeplaywiththe

puppies!”

“Yougoon.I’llbearound.”

Hetookthebrowndog.Hedrewthelineat

Callie’shelpfulnamesuggestions.HewouldnotnamehisdogFifiinhonorofherbeststuffedfriend.OrDonkeyinhonorofShrek’sbestpal.

HehitonSnickersbecauseofthechocolate,thenhadtogobacktothemarketandbuyonesoCalliegotthe

connection.Hehadtobuypuppyfood,adish,aleash,acollar,dogtreats.

Bythetimetheyloadedupagain,withthepuppyexploringtheinsideofthevan,Griff’searswereringing.

Shelby’snexttextcamethroughasheliftedCallieoutofthevan,andsheandthepuptookoffrunning.Gilly’sdoinggreat.She’ll

bepushingsoon.Nearly

there.Letmeknowhowit’sgoingifyou’redoneplayingintraffic.

Hestartedtotextaboutthepuppy,eventhoughitallfeltalittlebitlikeadream,thenoptedagainst.Playingintrafficmadeus

hungry.Wewantasnacksowe’regoingtohuntupstrangerswithcandy.GoGilly.

Babiescomeintheirowntime,andBeauSawyer

Pomeroycameintotheworldatseven-eleven—aluckyhour,accordingtohisdaddy—atahealthysevenpoundsandtwelveounces.Shelbytooktimetoadmirehim—thespittingimageofherbrother—digoutmoretissuesforhermother,andhugtheproudparents.

Shesentanotherquicktext:It’saboy!BeauSawyer’sbeautiful,MamaandDaddyhappyandwell.

Onmywaybacksoon.Bythetimeshemanaged

tosayallhergoodbyesandnavigatetrafficoutofGatlinburg,thesunsatlow.Sheconsideredstoppingtotextagain,seeifGriffwantedhertopickupanyfood,butdecidedsurelythey’deatensomethingbynow.

Shepulledupbesidehervan,thought,Whataday.

Whennooneansweredherknock,shehadamomentof

concern,ordereditaway.Easingthedooropen,shecalledout,thencockedherearatthefamiliarsounds.Shrek.Shakingherhead,she

startedbacktowardthegreatroom.

ShrekandDonkeyarguedonthebigscreen.Onthesofa,herlittlegirllaysprawledoverGriff.Bothofthemweresoundasleep.

Shenearlyscreamedwhen

somethingwetandcoldhitherankle.Lookingdown,shesawafatbrownpuppywhoimmediatelyattacheditsteethandinteresttothelacesofherhikingboots.

“Oh,noyoudon’t.”Shepickedupthepup,gaveitalonglook.“Justwheredidyoucomefrom?”

“Rightdowntheroad,”Griffsaid,openingsleepyeyes.

“Whosedogisit?”

“Iguessit’smydog.Itjustsortofhappened.Snickers.”

“I’msorry,what?”“Hisname.Snickers.

ChocolateLab–goldenretrievermix.”

“Hecouldn’tbecuter.”Amused,charmed,shecuddledthepupinwhilehelappedlovinglyatherchin.“Didyoulookatthesizeofhisfeet?”

“No.Notespecially.”“You’regoingtohaveone

bigdoghere.”ShesmiledasSnickersswitchedtohercheek,wiggledhappilyinherarms.“Whichoneworeyouout?Callieorthedog?”

“Ithinkweworeeachotherout.Babyworldokay?”

“It’sperfect.BeauSawyer,ifyoudidn’tgetmylasttext.Healthy,beautiful,andthefamily’sallbeaming.Ican’tthankyouenough,Griff,forkeepingCalliesoIcouldbethere.Itmeanttheworldto

me.”“Wehadfun.Whattimeis

it?”“It’sabouteight-thirty.”“Okay,weprobably

crashedabouttwentyminutesago.”

“Didyougetsomethingtoeat?Ishould’ve—”

“Therewaschickenleftfromthepicnic,”heinterrupted.“AndIdidsomemacandcheesebecauseyoucan’tgowrong.Hadsome

frozenpeasImostlyuseasanicebag,buttheyworked.”

HestrokedCallie’sbackashespoke,asheshifted.Sherolledoverlikeabundleofrags.

“She’sout.”“It’sbeenahappydayfor

her.Me,too.”Shesetthedogdown,andhebouncedtoGriff,wentforthelaces.Griffscoopedthepupupinonearm,lookedaroundandfoundthechewropehe’dmadeout

ofoldcord.“Trythis,”hesuggested,andsetthedogdownwithit.

“Didshetalkyouintothatdog?”

“Shedidn’thavetosayaword.”HeglancedbackwhereCallieslept,butthikedintheair,onearmwrappedaroundFifi.“It’sallintheeyes.Iplannedtogetone,morelikeinthefall.Getalittlemoredonearoundherefirst.SoIjustshiftedupthe

timeline.Plus,hewasonsale.Doyouwantsomefood?There’sstillsomemacandcheese.Thechicken’sjustafondmemory.”

“No,thanks.Weatehereandthereatthehospital.Ineedtogetherhomeandinbed.”

“Maybeyoucouldstay.”Tempting,sotempting

whenhisarmsslidaroundher.

“I’dlikethat,andsuspect

Calliewould,too.Butnotyet,Griff.Notquiteyet.”

Shecouldprolongthemoment,hermouthonhis.Thenherheadonhisshoulder.“It’sbeenagoodday.”

“Redletter.”HepickedCallieup.She

laybonelessoverhisshoulderwhileShelbygatheredthehamper,thebag.Thedogracedoutthedooraheadofthem,rancirclesaroundthe

yardwhileGrifffixedCallieinherseat.

Hewatchedthemdriveoffwiththewesternskytakingonthecolorofherhair.Thentherewasquiet.

Helikedthequiet,heremindedhimself,orhe’dneverhaveboughtaplacesofaroutoftown.Butitfeltseriouslyquietafterhoursofalittlegirl’schatter.

HelookeddowntowhereSnickerswasbusyattacking

hislaces.“Cutthatout.”Hehad

onlytoshakehisfoot.“Let’smaketherounds.”

Theymadetheroundsagaintwicemorebeforemidnight.He’dworkedtoohardonthefloorshe’drefinishedtohavethemruinedbyapuppy.

Consideringsleepingarrangements,hefashionedatemporarydogbedoutofabox,someoldtowels,and

tiedanothertowelintoapuppy-likeshape.Snickerswasn’timmediatelysold,buttheexcitementofthedaydiditswork.WiththepupasconkedasCalliehadbeen,Griffconsidereditajobwelldone,anddroppedintobedhimself.

Hedidn’tknowwhatwokehim.Theclockreadtwo-twelve,andwhenhecheckedbytheflashlightappofhisphone,Snickersremained

curledinaballinhisbox.Thoughheoptedtolet

sleepingdogslie,somethingfeltoff.Offenoughforhimtowalkquietlyoutofthebedroom.Listen.

Oldhousesgroanedandcreaked,hethought—heknewitwell.Andstillheeasedopenadoor,pickedupapipewrench.Flippingonlightsashewent,hestarteddownstairs.

Andthere,justthat...a

faintclick.Adoorclosing.Hemovedquicklynow,

straighttowardthebackandtheglassdoors.

Hehitthelights,hittheoutsidefloods.

He’dbespotlighted,butifanyonewasoutthere,sowouldthey.

Hesawnothing,nomovement.

Hadhelockedthebackdoors?Hedidn’tthinkso,asherarelythoughtto.And

withtakingthepupinandout,helikelyhadn’t.

Hesteppedoutonthebackporch,filteringoutthenightsounds,thebreeze,themournfulcallofanowl,thefaintechoofadogbarkingsomewhereacrosstheridge.

Heheardanengineturnover,thecrunchoftiresongravel.

Hestoodforawhile,lookingoutintothedark.

Someonehadbeeninhis

house,hewasdamnsureofit.

Hewentin,lockedthedoor—thoughitoccurredtohimsinceitwasallglass,itwouldn’ttakemuchifsomeonewantedin.

Hescannedthearea,lookingforanythingoutofplace.

Hisgazepassedoverthelaptophe’dleftonthekitchenisland,trackedback.

He’dleftthetopup—

almostalwaysdid.Butitwasdownnow.

Andwhenhewalkedover,putahandonit,itfeltslightlywarm.

Heliftedthelid,begantopokearound.Hewasnocomputergeek,butheknewenoughtogetby.

Itdidn’ttakelongtodiscoversomeonehadhackedin,downloadedhisfiles.Bank,bills,e-mails,theworks.

“Whatthefuck?”Hespentthenexttwenty

minutescursingandchangingallhispasswords,allhiscodesandusernames.Anythinghecouldthinkof.

Whathecouldn’tthinkofwaswhatsomeonewouldwantwithhisdata.

Hespentmoretimesendingoutane-mailblast—friends,family,businesscontacts,anyoneonhislist—tellingthemhisdatahadbeen

compromisedandnottorespondtoanythingfromhisolde-mailaddress.

Aftercheckingeverydoorandwindow,hetookthelaptopwithhimupstairs.

Bettersecurity,hethought,onhisdata,onhishouse,hadjustbumpeduptotoppriority.

Anhourafterhe’dwoken,hetriedtosettledownagain,listeningtoeverycreak,everyrattleofwind.Justashe

startedtodriftoff,thedogwokeandbegantowhimper.

“Yeah,itfigures.”Heshovedup,pulledonpantsagain.“Mightaswellmaketherounds,Snickers.”

Whenhedid,thebeamofhisflashlightpickedupaclearfootprintinthesoftgroundbesidethegravelofhisdrive.

•••

“YOURBLACKEYE’Sjustfading,andyouhadabreak-in?”

MattdealtwithtouchingupthepaintwhileGriffinstalledthelastofthetriminAdaMae’snewmasterbath.

“Moreofawalk-in.Painintheasshavingtochangepasswords,sendoutnotifications,thenspenddamnnearanhourinthepolicestationthismorningwiththereport.Doesn’tmake

sense,andI’d’veputitdowntohouse-settlingnoisesifithadn’tbeenforthelaptopbeingclosed.”

“You’resureyouleftitopen?”

“Sureenough.Plusitwaswarm,andIhadn’tuseditinhours.Thenthefootprint.Itwasn’tmine,Matt.Sizetwelvehere,butthiswasbigger.AndIheardacar.”

“Whatdidthecopssay?”“That’sanotherreasonI’m

lategettinghere.IwentbackwithForrest,andhetookalookaround,tookpicturesofthefootprint,forallthegoodthat’lldo.Itwasn’tstraightvandalism.I’dalreadyfiguredifithadbeen,tolookforsomeoneinArloKattery’sfamilyoroneofhispals.”

“Well,it’snotlikeyou’rerollinginit,butyou’reprettywellset.Somebodyfigured,hey,thisguyboughtthisbigoldplace,andhe’sdrivinga

newtruck.”“Becausethatasshole

wreckedmyoldone.”“Still.”Mattshook

Snickersfromhisbootlaces,gavethetennisballGriffhaddugupalittlekicktosendthepupchasingit.“Itsoundslikesomebodyfiguredtheycouldsiphonofffromyouraccounts,somethinglikethat.”

“They’reoutofluckonthatnow.Pissesmeoff,

somebodywalkingintomyhouselikethat.Lookslikegettingadogwas...fortuitous.Wordoftheday.”

“Fortuitousmyass.”Mattgrinned,gavetheballanothergentlekick.“Howmanytimeshaveyoucleanedupafterhimsofar?”

“Acouple.”Maybefiveorsix.“Buthe’sgettingit.He’sgoingtobeagoodjobdog.Hedoesn’tfreakatthenailgun.Andhe’sgoingtoget

big.Abigdogputsoffpeoplewhowanttowalkintoyourhouseattwointhefuckingmorning.Yououghttogetone,thenhe’dhaveapal.”

“Livinginanapartment,remember?”Mattclimbedontothestepladderwithbrushandbucket.“I’mthinkingaboutmaybestartingahouse,though.”

“You’vebeenthinkingaboutmaybestartingahousesincewegothere.”

“I’mthinkingmoresinceI’mgoingtoaskEmmaKatetomarryme.”

“Ifyou’regoingtodothat,youshould...What?”Griffnearlybobbledthenailgunashecamestraightuponhisknees.“When?Wow.”

“Yeah,Iknow.”Withaslightlydazedlookinhiseyes,Mattgrinned.“Whileyouweredealingwiththecopsthismorning,IwaswatchingEmmaKateget

readyforwork.She’smakinggreensmoothies,and—”

“Don’tmentionyourfamousgreensmoothies.”

“Ifyou’ddrinkoneeverymorning,you’dreapthebenefits.”

“Idon’tunderstandpeoplewhoeatkale,muchlessdrinkit.Youdecidedyouwantedtomarryherbecauseofgreensmoothies?”

Mattpushedupthebrimofhisballcap,andnowdazed

becamedreamy.“Ilookedather.She’sbarefoot,andalittlegrumpy,hadn’tdonehermakeupyet.She’swearingkhakisandabluetop,andthesun’sshiningthroughthewindow.Ithought,ThisiswhatIwant,everymorning.”

“GrumpyEmmaKateandgreensmoothies?”

“Everymorning.Ican’tseepastatimeIdon’twantjustthat.SoIthoughtyou’dgowithmeafterworktobuy

aring.I’mgoingtoaskhertonight.”

“Tonight?”ThatwasenoughtobringGrifffullytohisfeet.“You’reserious?Don’tyouwantasetup?”

“I’llgetsomeflowers.Thering’sthesetup.Idon’tknowhersize,but—”

“Makeatemplate.Gobackhome,digoutoneofherrings,makeatemplatetotaketotheringplace.”

“Ishould’vethoughtof

that.”“Whatareyougoingto

say?”“Idon’tknow.”Matt

shiftedontheladder.“Iloveyou,willyoumarryme?”

“Yougottadobetterthanthat,man.”

“You’remakingmenervous.”

“We’llthinkaboutit.Gomakethetemplate.”

“Now?”“Yeah,now.I’vegotto

takethedogoutanywaybeforehepeesonthenewtile.We’retakingabreak.”Allinwiththeplan,Griffgavehispartnerapunchontheshoulder.“Jesus,Matt,you’regettingmarried.”

“Ifshesaysyes.”“Whywouldn’tshe?”“Maybeshedoesn’twant

meandgreensmoothieseveryday.”Mattsteppeddownfromtheladder.“Ifeelalittlesick.”

“Knockitoff.Go,makethetemplate.”Griffgrabbedthedog,who’dbeguntosniffinawaythatwarnedGriffpeeingwasimminent.“I’vegottotakehimout.Takeaction.It’stheonlywaytogetwhatyouwant.”

“I’mtakingaction.”

•••

SHELBYSQUEEZEDINAREHEARSAL.Shefeltgood

abouthermixofmusic—fromtheBeatlestoJohnnyCashtoMotown.Ofcourse,ifshehadanactualaccompanist,she’dhavesloweddownthepaceof“RingofFire,”doneitasasexy,achingballad.

Maybedowntheroad,shethoughtasshefinisheduphermorningstintatthesalon.Shetooklunchordersfromsomeofthespapatrons,thenroundedupsomefromthe

staff.Asshetuckedawayher

list,grabbedherbag,Jolenesteppedcautiouslyinside.

“I’msorry.MizVi?MizVi,canIcomeinforjustaquickminute?Notforserviceoranything.I—ItalkedtoReverendBeardsly,andhesaidIshouldcome,andspeaktoyou,ifyou’dletme.”

“Allright,Jolene.”GivingJoleneanod,Violapulledthelastofthefoilfromher

customer’shair.“Dottie,willyoushampooSherrilynforme?”

“Surewill,MissVi.”DottieandSherrilynexchangedwide-eyedlooks.Neitherofthemwantedtomisstheshow.

“Doyouwanttogoinmyoffice,Jolene?”

“No,ma’am,MizVi.I’dliketosaywhatIneedtosayrightouthere,infrontofeverybody.”Herfacewent

pinkasshespoke,hereyesdamp,buttothereliefofsome,thedisappointmentofothers,shedidn’tblubber.

“Iwanttosaytoyou,MizVi,andtoyou,too,Shelby...I—IwanttosayfirstI’msoawfullysorry.Iwanttoapologize,tosayI’msosorryforhowIactedherethelasttime.And...”

Hervoicetrembled,tearsbrimmed,butsheheldupahandasshetookacoupleof

deepbreaths.“I’msorryfortheothertimesIwasrudeormeantoyourfaceorbehindyourback.Allofthem,Shelby,rightbacktofifthgrade.Iwanttosay,I’mashamedofit,allofit,lookingatitnowintheclear.IsowantedMelodytobemyfriend,andIdidthingsI’vegotnoexcusefor.”

Acoupleoftearsspilledover,butJolenetwistedherfingerstogetherandkept

going.“Iknewaboutwhatshedidtoyourcar,Shelby,backinhighschool?Ididn’tknowbeforeshedidit,andIdidn’tdoit.IswearI’dtellyounowifIhad.”

“Ibelieveyou.”“ButIknewafter,andI

didn’tsayanything.IknewandIpretendedIthoughtitwasfunny,andhowyoudeservedit.Ijustwantedhertobemyfriend,butIknowsheneverwas,notreally.I

knowthatnow,anditmakesitworse.Whatshesaidthatdayinhere,toyou,Shelby,aboutyou,aboutyourbabygirl,Ishould’vestoodup.Itmademesickinsidewhatshesaid,butIdidn’tstandupandsaythatwaswrong.IhopesayingitnowisastarttowhatReverendBeardslysaysismakingamends.Iwasonlythinkingofme,andI’msorry.”

Shesniffled,heeledaway

tearsfromhercheeks.“Ididn’tknowshewenttoArlothatway.Ishould’veknown,andIcan’tsay,notforsure,ifsomewheredeepdownIdid.Ididn’tlookdeepdownbecauseIdidn’twantto.AndIdon’tknow,notforsure,ifI’dhavestoodupeventhen.That’sshameful,nottoknowifIwouldhavestoodup.”

“Youdidstandup,”Shelbyremindedher.“Whenyoufoundoutwhathappened

toGriff.”“Iwasthatshockedand

upset.SeeingGriff’sfaceallcutandbruised,hearingwhathappened.Icouldn’t...Icouldn’tbequiet,notthen.”

“Jolene,I’mgoingtoaskyousomething,andIwantyoutolookmeintheeye.”ViolawaitedforJolenetoblinkhereyesclear.“DoyouknowanythingaboutsomebodygoingintoGriffin’shouselastnight,

middleofthenight?”“Ohmygosh!Ohno,

ma’am,MizVi.”“Whathappened?”Shelby

demanded.“What—”AndbrokeoffwhenViolaheldupafinger.

“Ipromise,MizVi.Iswear.”Jolenecrossedherhandsoverherheart.“Itcouldn’thavebeenMelody.She’salreadyinthatplace,inMemphis.IwenttoseeMizFlorencejustthismorning,to

makemyamendstoher,andshetoldme.Didsomebodyhurthimagain?Didsomebodyrobhim?”

“No.”ViolalookedoveratShelby.“No.Lookstobenotmuchofanything,andIexpectallofushereknowifitwasoneoftheKatteryclan,they’dhavebustedtheplaceupiftheycould.”

Violafistedahandonherhip.“Isthereanythingelseyouhavetosay,Jolene?”

“Iguessnot.JustI’msorry.I’mgoingtotrytobeabetterperson.”

“Youneverhadmuchgumption,”Violaobserved.“Here’sthefirsttimeI’veseenyoushowany,andyoudidagoodjobofit.I’mgoingtosay,I’mliftingmybanonyou,andyou’refreetocomeinherewhenyoulike.”

“Oh,MizVi.Thankyou,MizVi.I...Iwon’tcomeinifyou’dratherIdidn’t,

Shelby.”“IhopeIcanacceptan

apologythesameasmygrandmother.”

“Iwanttogiveonetoyourmama,too.Shewasn’there,but...Iwanttojustthesame.”

“She’sbusyrightnow,butyoucantellherlateron.”

“ThenIwill.”“It’suptoCrystalifshe

wantstodoyourhairforyourwedding,”Violaadded.

“Oh,MizVi.Oh,Crystal,wouldyou?Losingyou’salmostasbadaslosingmyfiancé.AndIreallydolovehim.”

“OfcourseIwill.Youmademerealproudtoday,Jolene.”

Onasob,Jolenerushedover,flungherselfatCrystal.

“Thereyouarenow.I’mgoingtotakeyouback,getyouanicecolddrink.”

“Iwassoscaredtocome

in.Iwassoscared.”“Thatjustmakesmeeven

prouder.”CrystalbeamedasmileatViola,andledJoleneintotheback.

“Dottie,getthatshampoodonenow.Show’sover.”

Shelbyturnedstraighttohergrandmother.“Granny,whathappenedatGriff’s?”

“WhatIsaid.Somebodywentinthere.Hesays,whatIgothesays,”shecorrected,“istheywentintohislaptop

computer.That’sallIknow.Yououghtaaskhim.”

“Iwill.I’vegottogettheselunchordersin.”Sheglancedtowardtheback.“Someofushavetogetknockedhardtocomeback.Iknowhowthatis.Thismightbethemakingofher.”

“She’saflightyone,andlikelyalwayswillbe.ButIrespectawell-givenapology.Yougoonnow,orthosecustomerswillbeshoutingus

downfortheirlunchorder.Ioughttothinkaboutputtinginalittlecafé.”

Itwouldn’thavesurprisedShelbyintheleast.Butfornow,shedashedout.

ShewantedtocallGriff,butcouldn’tsparethetimeassherushedtoSidandSadie,gathereduptheorders,madeabeelineforthePizzateria,didthesame.Loaded,shehurriedbacktowardthesalon.

Andnearlyslammedintoamanstudyingoneoftheareamaps.

“I’msosorry!Iwasn’tlookingwhereIwasgoing.”

Hesmileddownather.“NeitherwasI.You’vegotahealthyappetite.”

Ittookheramoment,thenshelaughed.“Deliveryservice.”

“Thenyoumustknowthearea.”

“Bornandbredhere,so,

yes,Ido.Areyoulost?”“Notexactly.I’mvisiting

theareaforafewdays.IwantedtotrytheRendezvousTrail,hitMiller’sWaterfall,BonnieJeanOverlook,Dob’sCreek.IcameintotownthinkingI’dgetatakeawaylunch,andI’vegottenturnedaround.”

“Icanhelpyouwiththat.”Sheangledaroundtolookatthemap.“Ifyoutakethisroad,theonewe’reon,

straightoutoftown,goonpastthebighotelandtaketheleftfork.Seethat?”

“Yeah.”Peeringdown,henoddedslowly.“Okay.”

Sheguidedhimthrough,suggestedSidandSadieforhispackedlunch.

“Isuredoappreciateit.”“You’rewelcome,andyou

enjoyyourtimehereintheRidge.”

“Iwill.”Whenshehurriedoff

again,hefoldedthemapandsliditintohispocket,alongwiththekeyshe’dliftedneatlyoutofherpurse.

ttheendoftheday,Shelbydumpedherpurseoutforthe

secondtime.“Isweartheywereinhere.

IalwaysputtheminthissidepocketsoIdon’thavetohunt

forthem.”“Crystal’scheckingthe

backagain,”Violatoldherassheherselfhuntedundermanitablesandaroundpedichairs.“Yououghttogolookinthevanagain.Youmayhavedroppedthemthismorning.”

“Allright,Iwill.ButIcanseemyselftuckingtheminthepocketthismorning.ButIdoiteverytime,somaybeI’mseeinganothertime.”

“I’llcallSidandthe

Pizzateriaagain.Youhadsuchabunchofbags,honey,youmight’vetippedthemoutwhileyouweregatheringthemallup.”

“Thanks,Granny.I’vegotasparekeytothevanathome,butitworriesmetolosethatset.It’sgotkeystothevan,toMama’s,tothebarandgrill,tohere.Iftheydon’tturnup,everybody’sgoingtohavetochangelocks.Idon’tknowhowI

could’vebeensocareless.”Sheshovedherhairback

asthephoneonthecounterwiththecontentsofherpurserang.“It’sthePizzateria.Hi,it’sShelby.Didyou—Oh,thankyou!Yes,I’llrunrightupandgetthem.Thankssomuch.”

“Nowyoucanstopworryingaboutpeoplechangingouttheirlocks,”Visaid.

“It’ssucharelief.”Withit,

thetightbandaroundherchestloosened.“Imust’vedroppedthempickinguplunch,justlikeyousaid.Johnnysaidoneofthewaitersfoundthemunderthefrontcounter.IguessIdroppedthem,andtheygotkickedunderwithoutanyonenoticing.I’msorryforallthistrouble.”

“Don’tyouworry.I’llletthegirlsknow.”

“I’mgoingtobelate

pickingupCallie.”Shelbydumpedeverythingbackintoherbag.She’dsortitoutlater.“I’mtakingJacksontomorrow—didItellyou?It’llgiveClayafullfreedaytovisitwithGillyandthenewbaby,getthehousereadyforthemtocomehome.HementionedJacksoncoulduseahaircut,soI’llbringhimandCalliein,ifthat’sallright.”

“Iloveseeingmybabies.

Youcomeoninanytime.We’llworkthemin—andmaybegiveCallieaprincessmaniifthere’stime.”

“I’llseeyouthen.”ShekissedViolaonthecheek,andonceagaindashedout.

ShepickedCallieup,then,knowingherparentswerehavingadatenight—andwasn’tthatsweet?—decidedonimpulsetodrivetoGriff’s.Calliecouldplaywiththepupforabit,andGriffcouldgive

herthedetailsonthetroublehe’dhad.

Itdidn’toccurtoheruntilshe’dmadetheturnintohisdrivethatsheshould’vetextedorcalledahead.Drop-byswererisky,andpotentiallyrude.

Shecouldn’tchangehermind,notwithCalliesoexcited,butshehadanapologyreadywhenshestoppedbesideGriff’struck.

Hewasoutwiththedog,

turned,grinned,evenasSnickersracedtowardthevan.

“How’sthatfortiming?Ijustgothome.”

SheliftedCallieout,hadnomorethansetherdownwhenhergirldroppedtothegroundtohugthewildlywigglingdog.

“Hey.I’vedroppedtosecondplaceprettyquick.”Griffcroucheddown.“Noneofthatforme?”

“Griff.”Withaflirtysmile,Callieliftedherarms.Shekissedhischeek,giggled,rubbedhisstubble.“Tickly.”

“Ididn’tknowprettyladieswerecoming.”

“Ishould’vecalled.Justcomingby,it’spresumptuous.”

“Presume.”WithCallieonhiship,heleanedinbeforeShelbycouldthinkifshewantedtoavoid,andkissedher.“Anytime.”

“ShrekkissesFiona,andthenshe’sherrealself.”

“That’sright.Areyouyourrealself,Red?”

“LastIchecked.How’sthisgoing?”Alittleunnerved,sheloweredtogiveSnickersherattention.

“Notbadtoday.Hehandledthejob.Wefinishedit.”

“Finished?”Shelookedupasthedoglickedeverywherehecouldreach.“AtMama’s?

Ohmygoodness,she’sjustgoingtogocrazy.DaddywasgettingherstraightfromthesalonandtakingherintoGatlinburgtovisitGillyandthebaby,thenfordinnerandamovie.Shedoesn’tknowyoufinished.”

“She’llknowwhenshegetshome.”HesetCalliedown.“Domeafavor,LittleRed.RunaroundwithSnickerssome.Heneedstheexercise.”

“Comeon,Snickers!Youneedcersize.”

“I’mthinkingcoldbeer.Youwantin?”

“Ibetternot,butyougoahead.You’veearneditworkingsolategettingthatbathroomdone.”

HethoughtaboutthetriptoGatlinburg,thering.Buthe’dgivenhisbloodoathnottosayathinguntilthedeedwasdone.“Ah,well...”

“Ionlycamebyfora

minute,togiveCalliethetreat,andtoaskyouwhathappenedlastnight.Iheardsomethingaboutitatthesalon.”

“Worddoesn’ttravelaroundhere,itjusthangsintheairatalltimes.Idon’tknowexactly.”Heglancedtowardthehouse,foundtheangerstillwantedtorise.“Somebodywasinthehouse,downloadedmyfilesfrommylaptop.”

“Whyintheworld—Oh,Ibetyoudoyourbankingandallthatonline.”

“Youwin.It’sallgood.Everything’schangedup,secured.Butit’sweird.Easier,right,tobreakinduringtheday,stripthedamnplace.Buttosneakinonenightwithaflashdrive?It’sjustweird.Talkedmyselfintoarealsecuritysystem,though.Inadditiontothefierceanddeadlyguarddog.”

ShelbylookedovertowhereSnickersstumbledandrolled.“Heisallthat.It’sprobablysmartgettingoneouthere,thoughwejustdon’thavemuchtrouble.Exceptwehavehadrecently,haven’twe?SometimesIfeellikeIbroughttroublewithme.”

“Don’t.”Shetriedtoshakeitoff.

“Yougogetyourbeer.I’mgoingtoletherrunoffsomeenergywithSnickers,ifthat’s

allright,thenIhavetogetherhome,getherfed.”

“Wecanthrowtogethersomethinghere.”

“I’dliketo,sowouldCallie,butIhaveadozenthingstodoyet.AndI’mrunninglatemyselfasIlostmykeysandspentneartoanhourhuntingforthem.”

“Youputtheminthatsidepocketofthepursething.”

Sheliftedhereyebrows.“You’reobservant.”

“Youdoiteverytime.”“Well,IguessImissed,as

theyendedupunderthecounteratthePizzateria.Idon’tknowhowtheydid.IknowIdidn’tgetthemoutwhenIwasinthere,butthat’swheretheywere.”

“Didyouhaveyourpursewithyouallday?”

“Ofcourse—well,notwithme,”sheamended.“Ican’tcartitaroundwhileI’mworking.”

“Let’sgocheckyourlaptop.”

“What?Why?”Shenearlylaughedbutsuddennervesgotintheway.“Youcan’tthinksomebodystolemykeysrightoutofmybag,thenputthemunderthepizzacounter.”

“Let’sjustgocheckyourlaptop.It’sprobablynothing.CalliecanrunaroundthebackyardwithSnickers.I’llstopandpickupsome

dinner.”“Iwasgoingtodoup

someofMama’sleftoverhamfromtheirSundaydinnerwithsomemashedpotatoesandbutterbeans.”

“Yeah?I’mallinforthatifthere’senough.”

“There’salwaysenough.”Asmartcookknewhowtomakesureofit,andshe’denjoyspendingtimewithhim.But...“Youdon’treallythinksomebodygotmy

keys.That’sjustcrazy.”“We’lljustcheckitout.”Becausecrazyornot,he

didthinkit.Helockedupfirst,for

whatgooditdid,andfollowedthemaroundthewindingbackroads—gavetheoaktreeanarrowstareasheroundedthecurve.

HethoughtofMatt,wonderedifhisfriendhaddonethedeedyet.Hedecidednotquite,becauseoncehe

had,ShelbywouldsurelygetacallortextfromEmmaKate.

Hehopeditwassoon.Hecouldkeepasecret,buttheymadehimitchy.

HeglancedoveratSnickers,ridingasanyself-respectingdogwould,withhisheadoutthewindow,histonguehappilylolling.Asimpulseswent,thedogwasagoodone.

Itdidn’ttakelongto

establishCallieinthebackyard.Herkidheavenincludedherprizedbubblemaker,apuppyandtheoldfamilydog.

“JustlookatClancy,runningaroundlikeapuppyhimself.IthinkSnickershastakenfiveyearsoffhimwiththisvisit.”

“She’sstillgotacouplemorepupsoverthere.”

“Ithinktheone’senoughrightnow.I’llgogetmy

laptopsoyoucanrelax.Whydon’tIgetyouthatbeerfirst?”

“I’lltakeit.”Whilehewaited,Griff

consideredthewhat-ifs.Ifhercomputerhadbeencompromised,ashishad,itcouldmeantheRidgehadsomesortofcyberthieftrolling.Thatmightmakethemostsense.

Butitstruckhimasoddthatbothhisandherswould

betargets,andprettymuchback-to-back.Thatplayedasmorepersonal,moredirect,tohismind.

Heletthepossibilitiesrollaroundinhisheadashestoodatthekitchendoor,watchingthetwodogsplaytug-of-warwithhishomemadetoywhileCalliedancedaroundtheminafloodofbubbles.

MovingtotheRidgehadn’tbeenanimpulselikethepuppy.He’dthoughtlong

andhardaboutit,consideredtheangles,thepros,thecons.Butthedecisionhadbeen,likethepup,agoodone.

Itwasagoodlifehere.QuieterthanBaltimore,buthelikedthequiet.Somecultureshockhereandthere,butheknewhowtoadaptandadjust.

Andwasn’titinteresting—orfortuitous—thatmonthsafterhe’dsettledindownhere,Shelbyhadcomehome?

Hemightjustmaketomorrow’sword“serendipity.”

“Oh,Griffin!”“What?”Hespunaround.

“Somebodywasinyourcomp,too?”

“Idon’tknow.Ididn’tlook.TheMasterSuite.”Shesaiditwithaflourish,withcapitalletters.“It’swonderful,it’sgorgeous.Iknewitwouldbe.Isawithappening,butfinished,it’s

—I’mgoingtohaveawholeboxoftissueshandybecauseMama’sgoingtocrybucketsofjoyanddelightwhensheseesit.It’salljustperfect,justwhatshewanted.Andyouleftitsparklingclean.”

“Justpartoftheservice.”“Youputflowersinthere.”“Alsopartoftheservice

forexceptionalclients.”“Yourexceptionalclient’s

goingtocryhappytearsandtakeasoakinthatbigtubthe

minuteshegetshome.WhenIcanaffordahouse,you’rehired.”

“I’llputyouonthelist.Let’shavealookatthat.”

“Allright.”Sheputthelaptoponthe

counter,booteditup.“Haveyoudownloadedor

uploadedanythingtoday?”“Claysentacouplemore

picturesofthebabythismorninginane-mail,butthat’sall.”

“Let’ssee.”Hetappedafewkeys,broughtupherhistoryfirst.“Didyougointoanyofthesedocuments,gotoanyoftheseplacesthisafternoon?”

“No.”Sheliftedahand,rubbedatherthroat.“No,Ihaven’ttoucheditsincethismorning,andthenonlytocheckmymail.”

“Shelby,somebodywenttotheseplacesandintothesedocs.Andyoucanseehere,

thedata’sbeenuploadedontoanotherdrive.Copiedtoanotherdrive.”

“Justlikeyourswas.”“Yeah,justlikemine.”

Thoseclevergreeneyessharpenedwithtemper.“Youshouldcallyourbrother.”

“Yes.God.Wouldyoudothat?Ineedtoseeif—Ihavetocheckmybanking.”

“Youdothatnow.I’llmakethecall.”Hesteppedback,putinacalltoForrest.

“Everything’sstillthere.”Hervoicetrembledwithrelief.“It’sallstillthere.”

“Forrestisonhisway.You’regoingtowanttochangeyourpasswords.But...”

Shelookedupfromdoingjustthat.“Butwhat?”

“Itjustseemstomeifsomebodywasgoingtopullmoneyoutofyouraccount,he’dhavedoneit.Ichangedmineminutesafterwhoever

thiswashitmycomp,buthe’shadhourstowipeyouout,ifthat’sthereason.”

“Whatotherreasonisthere?”

“Information,maybe.E-mails,accounts,siteswefrequent,calendars.Mostofmylife’sonmycomputer.We’re...involved,right,youandme?”

“I—Iguessweare.”Itfeltstrangetosayitoutloud.

“Andbothourcomputers

arehackedinto,abouttwelvehoursapart.Maybeyoushouldtakealookaroundyourroom,checkifanything’soutofplaceormissing.I’vegotmyeyeonCallie.”

Withanod,shehurriedoff.

Heglancedoutthebackdooragain.Allwasrightwiththatworld.Aprettylittlegirl,rainbowbubbles,acoupleofhappydogs,allbackdropped

bythesmokygreenhills.Butoutsidethatpicture,

somethingwasverywrong.

•••

ITTOOKALITTLETIME;shewantedtobethorough.Butshefoundnothingoutofplace.

“Nothing.”Shecamebackin,waitedforGrifftoturnfromhisstationatthedoor.“Everything’sjustasit

shouldbe.ButIcheckedthecomputerinDaddy’sofficehere,andIthinksomeonewasonthere,too.Itdoesn’tlookliketheytookanything,butthereweresearchesonitwhenIknownoonewashome.”

“Okay.Whydon’tyousitdownaminute?”

“I’vegottogetdinnergoing.Callieneedstoeat.”

“Howaboutabeer?”Sheshookherhead,then

sighed.“Iwouldn’tmindaglassofwine.Mynervesareshot.Ican’tbegintosayhowtiredIamofmynervesbeingshot.”

“Itdoesn’tshow.Thiswork?”Hepickedupabottleofredfromthecounterwithablueglassstopper.

“Itwould.”“I’llgetit.”Hereachedupfora

wineglasswhileshedugoutpotatoesforpeeling.

“Somethingmorepersonal,yousaid.”Sheletthehomeytasksootheher,triedtothinkobjectively.“MyfirstthoughtgoestoMelody,butIhonestlycan’tseeherthinkingofsomethinglikethis.It’stoocomplicated.”

“NotMelody.Shegoesforviolenceorvandalism.”

Shepeeledapotato,quickly.“You’rethinkingofthemurder,butthat’s

violence.That’sasviolentasitgets.”

“I’mthinkingconnections,andhowonethingfitswithanother.”

“Richard.”Herhandsstilledbrieflyasshelookedup.“Richard’sbeentherootofaboutallthetroubleI’vehad,andthetroubleyou’vehadcomesthroughme.”

“Notthroughyou,Red.”“Throughme,”she

corrected.“I’mnottaking

blame.IspenttoomuchtimetakingblameforthingsIdidn’tdo,thingsIcouldn’tstop,butfactsarefacts.Connections,”sherepeated,andstartedonthenextpotato.

“Okay.Ifwelookatconnections—”Griffbrokeoffasheheardthefrontdooropen.“That’llbeForrest.Let’sleaveittotheprofessional.”

“Icouldn’tbehappiertodojustthat.”

Forrestwalkedin,tookabeerfromthefridge.“Spellitoutforme.”

“Somebodygottomykeys,andusedthemtogetintothehouse,thenintomylaptopliketheydidGriff’s.Ican’tfindanythingelsetaken,andIkeepsomecashmoney,justalittle,inmytopdrawer.”

“Whichisthefirstplaceaburglar’sgoingtolook.Moveit.Tamponboxisapretty

safeplace.”“I’llkeepthatinmind,but

heobviouslywasn’taftercashorvaluables.”

“Information’svaluable.Wherewereyourkeys?”

“Inmypurse.”“Comeon,Shelby,don’t

beajerkaboutit.”“Allright,allright.”She

drewinabreath,pickedupthewine.Settleddownabit,shewentbacktopeelingassherelatedthekeyhunt.

“IknowIhadthemwhenIgottorehearsal.Itookthemoutoftheignition.IusedthekeyDerrickgaveme,becauseIcanrehearseearlysometimes,beforeanyonegetsin.That’swhatIdidtoday.Iwasinandoutbeforeanyonecamein,soIusedthemtolockupagainwhenIleft,puttheminthesidepocketofmypurse,likealways.Ialwaysputthemthere.I’mnotcareless.”

“Neverwere.She’salwaysbeenanorganizedsoul,”ForrestsaidtoGriff.“Youmaynotgettherhymeorreasonwhysheputssomethingwheresheputsit,butsheknowswheresheputit.”

“Savestime.Iwentintothesalon,andIputmypursebehindthecounter.Nobodywouldgoaftermykeyswhoworksthere,Forrest.Iknowallthegirlsthere,andmostof

thecustomersnow.Imean,theregulars.Wegettouristsandsuch,butitwouldbenexttoimpossibleforoneofthemtogobehindthecounter,diginmypurse,comeupwithmykeyswithoutsomebodynoticing.Weweren’tallthatbusytoday.”

“Soitstayedthere,behindthecounter,untilyougotitbackouttogohome,andcouldn’tfindthekeys?”

“Yes.Imean,no.Itookit

withmetogetthelunchorders.SoIhaditwithmewhenIwenttoSidandSadie,thentothePizzateria,wheretheysomehowendedupunderthefrontcounter.IjustfiguredI’ddroppedthemoutsomehow.”

“Whichiswhatyouweresupposedtothink,andwouldhavekeptthinkingifourhonorarydeputywasn’tontheball.”

“Itwasn’thardtofigureit

out,”Griffputin.“Iwouldn’thave,”Shelby

corrected.“Iwouldn’thavegivenitanotherthought.”

“Didyoubumpintoanybody,getbumpedinto,whileyouwerepickinguptheorders?”Forrestaskedher.

“No.”Browfurrowed,shetookherselfbackthroughtheroute,asshehadoverandoveragainwhileshe’dsearchedforthekeys.

“Ihitthelunchplacesjustaftertherush,becauseJolenecameintoapologize,andthattooksometime.Iguesssomebodycould’vegottentheirhandinmybag,butitseemslikeI’d’veknownit.Ididnearlybumpintosomebody,”sheremembered.“IwashurryingbackbecauseIwasrunningbehind,andnearlybumpedintothismanlookingforthebestrouteupRendezvousTrail.”

“Mmm-hmm.Heaskedyouaboutthat,askedfordirections?”

“Yes.Hewasvisitingtheareaandwanted...”Sheshuthereyes.“OhmyGod,I’manidiot.Yes,heaskedmefordirections,andIshowedhimonhismap,andIhadmyhandsfullwiththelunchbags.Iwentrightinafter,setdowntheorders,putmypurseaway,thenwentaroundhandingthemout.It’s

theonlytimesomebodycould’vegotteninmypurse.Whenitwashangingrightonmyowndamnshoulder.”

“Whatdidhelooklike?”Griffdemanded,thenglancedatForrest.“Sorry.”

“Noneed.That’sthenextquestion.”

“Hewastall.Ihadtolookup.Ah...givemeasecond.”Shecartedthepotatoestothesink,washedthemoff,laidthemonthecuttingboardto

quarterthem.“White,maybeearlyforties.Hehadsunglasseson.SodidI—itwasabrightday.Hehadonabaseballcap.”

“Color?Logo?”“Ithinkitwastan.Idon’t

rememberifithadalogooranything.Hehaddarkhair—notblack,butdarkbrown,longish.Kindofcurledupoverhisears.Alittlegrayinthemustacheandbeard.Verytrim,shortbeard.He

looked...likeacollegeprofessorwhoplayedfootball.”

“Bigguy,then?”“Yeah.Big,solidbuild.

Notfatorflabby.”Sheputthepotatoesontoboil.

Nodding,Forresttookouthisphone,scrolledthrough.“Howaboutthis?”

Shelookedatthephone,andthephotoofJamesHarlow.“No,hewasalittleolderthanthis.”

“Grayinthebeard?”“That,and...Hehadthat

professorlooktohim.”“Takeanotherlook,tryto

seehimwiththebeard,thelongerhair.DoaWoolyWilly.”

“Iusedtohaveoneofthose,”Griffcommented,andstudiedtheimageoverShelby’sshoulder.

“Ijustdon’t...Hehadthickereyebrows—darklikehishair,and...OhGod,I

amanidiot.”“I’mhappytocallmy

sisteranidiotatanytime.It’spartofmyjob,butyou’renotonthis.”

“Iwasstandingonthesidewalk,talkingtoJimmyHarlow,closeasIamtoyounow,andIdidn’teventhink,neverhadatwingeaboutit.Evenwhenhewasstealingthekeysoutofmypurse.”

“It’swhathedoes,”Forrestremindedher.“He

changedhisappearance,andhecaughtyouwhenyouweredistracted,askedacommontypeofquestion.Gotyougoingoverthemapsohecouldpickyourpocket,andwhenhewasdonewiththekeys,hemadesureyou’dfindtheminalogicalplace.You’dhaveputitdowntorushandaccident,andnevercheckedyourlaptop.”

“Whatwasheafter?What’shelookingfor?”

ForrestcockedabrowatGriff.“Whatdoyouthink,son?”

“Ithinkhewaslookingtoseeifbetweenuswe’vegotmillionsofdollarstuckedaway,orknowwheretofindit.”

“Whyyou?”Shelbydemanded.“Iunderstandwhyhe’dthinkImightknow.EvenbelieveIhadtoknow.”

“We’vebeenspendingalotoftimetogethersinceyou

gotback.”“Iknowyou’resleeping

withmysister,”Forrestcommented.“Youreuphemismsarewastedonme.YoumovebacktotheRidge,andprettyquickyouhookupwiththisone,”hesaidtoShelby,“whorelocatedherenotthatmanymonthsago.Aperson,especiallyonewholivesonthegrift,isboundtowonderifthetwoofyoudon’tgo

backawaysfurther.”“HekilledMelinda

Warren,soit’sjusthimnow.”Griffconsidered.“He’dgetitall,buthehastofindthejewelry,thestampsfirst.You’rehisonlylinktoit,Red.”

“Idon’tknowwhereitis,orifRichardsolditandblewthemoney,burieditorputitinsomeSwissbankaccount.AndthisJimmyHarlowwouldn’tfindanything

otherwiseonmycomputer.Oryours,Griffin.”

“Wecanhopethat’llbeenoughforhim,”Forrestsaid,“butwe’renotgoingtocountonit.I’mgoingtocontactthesheriff,runallthisbyhim.What’sforsupper?”

“Ham,mashedpotatoes,butterbeans.”

“Soundsgood.Thatyourdogoutthere,Griff?ThepupyougotfromRachelBelloveryourway?”

“Yeah.Snickers.”“He’sstartingtodiginmy

mama’sdelphiniums.She’llskinyoubothforit.”

“Ohshit.”Griffbulletedoutside,callingforthedog.

Forrestgrinned,leanedbackonthecounter.“Idon’tmuchlikethinkingaboutmysisterhavingsex.”

“ThenIadviseyounottothinkaboutit.”

“Doingmybestnotto.Somepeople,”hecontinued,

“ittakesyouawhiletowarmupto,thenmaybeyoumakeafriendship,ormaybeyoudon’t.Otherpeople,somethingjustclicks,almostlikeyouthink,Hey,Irememberyou.Fromwhere,whothehellknows,butthere’sthatclick.YouknowwhatI’msaying?”

“IguessIdo.”“WithGriff,something

clicked.TookalittlewhilewithMatt,butIthinkwe’d

havegottenaroundtoit.ItwasGriffwhoshortenedthetimeittook.”

Takinghisphoneoffhisbelt,Forrestkeyedinanumber.“WhatI’msayingis,he’safriend,andagoodone,andknowingthekindofmanheis,I’maddingonhe’salotmorewhatyoudeservethanthelastone.

“Yeah,Sheriff,hopeI’mnotdisturbingyoursupper,”Forrestbegan,andwandered

awayashemadehisreport.

•••

AFTERDINNER,whichturnedoutjustfinedespitethefactthathermindhadn’tbeenonthecooking,sheshooedGriffoutwithCallietochasethelightningbugs.Theearlyonesblinkedtheiryellowlightsagainstthedark,settingthestageforthemultitudeswho’dlightupthehillsand

forestsinJune.Summerwassurelyonthe

way,andthesnow-cakedwinteroftheNorthfadeduntilitbecamedistantandalmostotherworldly.Somethingovernearlyassoonasitbegan.

Shethoughthowmuchshewantedittobeover,butdespitelightningbugs,asweetfairygarden,thedeepeninggreenofthehills,somethingcoldhadfollowed

herhome.Herlittlegirlmightbedancingwiththelightsoutintheyard,safeundertheeyeofthemanshewas...involvedwith.Herbrotherwouldbeoffnow,lookingintothatsomethingcold.Soitwashere,ashadowdoggingher,andshecouldn’tpretendotherwise.

Shehadrunofflookingforadventure,love,anexcitingfuture,andhadcomehomedisillusionedandriddledwith

debt.Buttherewasmore,andworse,andshe’dhavetofacethatdown,too.

Shewishedshehadthedamnmillions.She’dwrapthemupinshinypaper,tiethemwithabowandhandthemovertothisJimmyHarlowwithoutasingleregret.

Justgoaway,shethought.JustleavemetotakeagoodholdonthelifeIcanseehavingnow.

Shecouldn’tthinkwhatRichardhaddonewithallthosejewelsandstamps,orthemoneyhe’dgottenfromthemifheliquidatedthem.Howcouldsheknowwhenshe’dneverknownhim?He’dwornadisguisethroughouttheirmarriagejustastrulyasJimmyHarlowhadwornonethatafternoon.

She’dneverseenthroughit.Maybeashadow,ashapenowandthen,butneverthe

wholeman.SheknewwhatRichard

hadseennowwhenhe’dlookedather.Adupe—amark,that’swhattheycalledpeoplelikeher.Somethinguseful,maybevaluableforatime,andonceused,oncethevaluehadbeenmined,somethingcarelesslydiscarded.

Shewasworkingherwayoutofdebt,wasn’tshe?She’dtakencontrol,taken

action.She’dfigureoutawaytotakecontrol,totakeactioninwhatwashappeningnow.

Shewouldn’tliveherlifebeinghauntedbytheactionsofamanwho’dusedher,who’dliedtoher,who’dbeenastrangertoher.

Sheputawaythelastofthedishes,decided,hellyes,she’dhaveanotherglassofwine.She’dletCalliehavealittlelongerbeforebathandbed,alittlelongertodance

withthelights.Andtomorrowshe’dstartworkingonawaytoclearherlifeofthepast,allofit,onceandforall.

Shepouredthewine,startedforthedoorwhenherphonesignaled.

Shepulleditout,checkedthetextfromEmmaKate.I’mgettingmarried!Holy

crap!Didn’tknowIwantedtountilheasked.I’vegotaringonmyfinger,andI’m

crazyhappy.Ineedtotalktoyoutomorrow—toobusynow.SendingthisfromthebathroombeforeIgetbusyagain.OMGandWTF!I’mgettingmarried.Gottago.

Shelbyreaditasecondtime,felthersmilegettingbigger,brighter.Herbestfriendwasdancinginthelight,too.Sohappyforyou!she

textedback.Crazyhappyforyou.Staybusy—Icanbe

jealousthereasIdon’tknowthenexttimeI’llbeabletogetbusy.We’lltalktomorrow.Iwanteverydetail.Iloveyou—tellMatthe’stheluckiestmanintheworld.

Shesentthetext,thensteppedouttodoalittledancingofherown.

hemetEmmaKateattheparksoshecouldletCallieandJackson

play.“Docgavemeanhour,

blesshisheart.HeknewhowmuchIwantedtotalktoyou.

Look!”EmmaKateshotouther

hand,andtheprincess-cutdiamondwinkedinthesun.

“It’sbeautiful.It’sperfect.”

“Hegotchannelset—seehowit’ssetinsome,insteadofpokingout?”

“Yes.Ijustloveit,EmmaKate.”

“HesaidhedidthatsoIwouldn’tgetitcaughtonthings,workingwithpatients.

Ilovethathethoughtofthat.Andhegotmyexactsize,too.Hemadeatemplatefromoneofmyrings—thatwasGriff’sidea.”

“IgotalittleofthatwhenItoldGriffafterIgotyourtext.Henevergavemethetiniesthintthathe’dgonewithMatttobuyyouaring.”

“MattsaysGriff’savaultwhenyouaskhimtobe.”

“Iwanttohearallofit.Oops,wait.”Shehurriedover

toJackson,who’dtakenalittlespill.Aftershebrushedhimoff,kissedhisknee,shedugoutoneofthetrucksinherbagsohecouldrollitaroundinthesandbox.

“He’lldoallrightforawhile.Callielikestobosshimaroundsome,butthat’sthewayitiswhenyou’retheoldest.”

“Wetalkedaboutkids,havingthem.Wewanttowaitalittle,butinanotheryearor

two...God,married,kids.”Laughing,shepressedbothhandstoherheart,bumpedhershouldersupanddown.“Ican’tbelieveit.”

“Youwantit.”“WithMatt,Ido.

Yesterdayhetextedmehowhehadtoworkalittlelate,buthe’dstopandgetdinnertobringhome.Hebroughtwine,too,andflowers.IguessIshould’veknownsomethingwascoming,butit

wasjustnicenothavingtothinkabouteitherofuscookinganything,andhavinganicebottleofwine,andflowersonthetable.I’mbabblingonaboutneedingtogetintothesalon,dosomethingwithmyhair,andhesayshowI’mbeautiful.Howeverythingaboutmeisbeautiful.

“Ifiguredhejustwantedtogetlucky.”

“EmmaKate.”

“It’snotlikehenevertellsme,butitwastheway.I’mthinking,Ihadsuchalongday,butitwassonicenottohavetothinkaboutfixinganything,andIfeltgood,afteracoupleglassesofwine.Somaybewe’dbothgetlucky.”

Pressingherhandtoherheartagain,shesighed.“Thatsurelyhappened,butbefore...Before,hereachedoverformyhand,andhejust

lookedatme.Iswear,Shelby,we’vebeentogetherfornearlythreeyearsnow,butmyheartskippedabeat.Itreallydid,anditskippedanotherwhenhesaidhowhelovesme.HowImakeeverythinginhislifemakesense,andbeingwithme,havingalifewithme,isallhewants.

“Heactuallygotdownononeknee.”

“That’ssosweet.Emma

Kate,yougotastorybook.”“Itfeelslikeitrightnow,

andIneverexpectedit,andneverthoughtI’dfeelthewayIdidwhenhetookoutthatring.”

“Tellmewhathesaid.Howdidheask?”

“Hesaid—hesaidjustthis:‘Marryme,EmmaKate.Spendyourlifewithme.’”EmmaKate’seyesfilled;hervoicebroke.“‘Buildalifewithme.’”

“Oh.”Shelbypulledouttissuesforbothofthem.“That’sjustright.”

“Iknow.Justright.SoIsaidyes.Yes,I’llmarryyou.Yes,I’llspendmylifewithyou.Yes,I’llbuildalifewithyou.Andheputtheringon,anditfit.IstartedcryingIwassohappy,likerightnow.”

Shesighed,laidherheadonShelby’sshoulder.“Iwantedtotalktoyoulast

night,but—”“Youwerebusy.”“Really,reallybusy.”Calliewalkedup,patted

EmmaKate’swetcheekswithbothhands.“Happytears?”

“Yes,theyare,darling.Happy,happytears.I’mgoingtomarryMatt,anditmakesmereallyhappy.”

“I’mgoingtomarryGriff.”

“Areyou?”

“Uh-huh.Ilovehim.”“Iknowjusthowyou

feel.”Swayingsidetoside,shecuddledCallie.“Justexactlyhow.Youknowwhat,Callie?Ithinkyoushouldbemyflowergirl.”

Callie’seyespoppedwide.Inareverentwhisper,shesaid,“Mama!”

Afraidshe’dstarttearingupagain,ShelbypoppedJacksonandhissandytruckontoherlap.“Mygoodness,

Callie,that’ssuchanhonor.You’veneverbeenaflowergirl.”

“I’veneverbeenabride,soit’sperfect,”EmmaKatedecided.

“CanIgetanewdressandsparklyshoes?”

“We’rebothgoingtogetanewdressandsparklyshoes.Andyourmama,too.You’llbemymaidofhonor,won’tyou,Shelby?”

“YouknowIwill.”

Beyondhappy,ShelbythrewherarmsaroundEmmaKate,sandwichedthekidsbetweenthem.“YouknowIwill.AndI’mgoingtogiveyouthebestbridalshowereverseenintheentirestateofTennessee—justlikeweplannedwhenweweregirls.Haveyoupickedadate?”

“Ifmymamahadherwayitwouldbetomorrow,ortwoyearsfromtomorrowsoshecouldfussmeintoinsanity

whileshedevisesaschemetoholdtheweddinginthegovernor’smansion,attheveryleast.”

“You’reheronlygirl.”Asshewasherownmother’s,Shelbythoughtwithapang.“Amother’sboundtobeexcitedoverheronlygirl’swedding.”

“Mamawasbornexcited.She’salreadytalkingdressesandcolorsandvenuesandguestlists.MattandItalked

abouthavingasmall,civilizedweddinginthefall,butnowthatMama’sgotthebitbetweenherteeth,we’vesurrenderedtoabigwedding,andnextApril.SoI’llbeaspringbride.”

“Whatcouldbeprettier?Oh,let’shaveanengagementparty,EmmaKate.Everybodylikesaparty.”

“Iwannaparty,”Calliechimedin.

“Ofcourseyoudo.You

wantaparty,right,Jackson?”“Igetpresents?”“It’snotapartywithout

presents.”“Mama’saheadofyou.I

couldn’tholdhertoabackyardbarbecue.Shewantsadress-upparty,soshe’salreadywranglingtousethehotel.I’mlettingherhaveherwaybecauseI’mgettingmineoneverythingelse.I’mfirmonit.AndI’mcountingonyoutohelpme

reinherin.”“I’myourgirl.Howabout

wegivey’allapushontheswings?”sheaskedthekids.

“Iwanttogohigh!”Calliemadeabeelinefortheswing.

“Nopointinswingingunlessyougohigh.”ShelbyheftedJacksonontoherhip.“We’llgivethemapush,bride-to-be,andwecantalkweddingdresses.”

“Oneofmycurrentfavoritesubjects.”

•••

SHELBYDIDN’TTELLEmmaKateaboutthekeys,thelaptop.Shewouldn’tspoilthebrightnessofthemoment.Butshegnawedonit.

Onceshehadthekidsfedanddownforanap—sayhallelujah—shesatdownwithherlaptop.Businessfirst,sheorderedherself,meticulouslypaidbills,adjustedherspreadsheet,

calculatedhowcloseshe’dcometopayingoffthenextcreditcard.

Considerabletogoonthatyet.

Thesalesfromtheconsignmentshophadstartedtodwindle—notunexpected—andsheremindedherselfjusthowbigaholethey’dhelpedfillin.

Andshetriednottothinkjusthowmortifyingitwastoknowsomestrangerhad

copiedallhertroubles—thee-mails,thelawyerandtaxcorrespondence,thespreadsheet,thepainfulchippingawayatbills.

Couldn’tletitmatter,shetoldherself.She’dthinkoftheupsidethere.PoringoverherpersonalmiseriesoughttotellJimmyHarlowifshehadaccesstomillions,shewouldn’tbesqueezingoutnickelsanddimestopayoffdebt.

He’dgoaway,wouldn’the?Surelyheknewheriskedcaptureandbeingtossedbackinprisonifhestayedtooclose.

Butthen,millionsofdollarsmadeashinyincentive.

Paybackmadeadarkerone.Sheunderstoodthat.She’dfeltthatuglytugherselfoverthepastmonths.

Takeaction,shethought,andbegantomakealist.

Sheculledthroughpicturesshekeptinafile.WouldHarlowdothesame?WashestudyingheryearswithRichardthroughherphotographs?Andwhyhadn’tshedeletedthem—thoseimagesofRichard,ofthetwoofthem,inParis,inTrinidad,inNewYorkandMadrid?Allthoseplaces.

Allthoseplaces,shethoughtagain.

Hadhetakentheproperty

he’dstolen,stasheditonthosetravelswithher?Anotherbankbox,anairportlocker,holdingontoitorsellingitoffapieceatatime?

Shehadthephotographstotellherwherethey’dgone,whenthey’dgone.

ThenAtlanta,wherethey’dsettled.Orshehad,shethoughtnow.He’dstillhadallthose“businesstrips.”Andshe’dpackedthebabyupfromtimetotimewhenhe

insistedtheyflyoffsomewhereforaholiday.

“WheredidhegowhenIwasn’twithhim?”shewondered.“Andwhydidhetakeawifeandbabyhehadnorealinterestinalongothertimes?”

Shegotup,walkedaroundthekitchen,openedthedoorforair,walkedaroundagain.

Ascover,ofcourse.That’sallthey’deverbeentohim.Justanotherdisguise.How

muchhadhescammedorstolenonthosetripswithherandCallie?Shecouldbarelythinkofit.

Butshewouldthinkofit.Shesatagain,usingthe

photographstoaddtoherlist.Triedtoputherselfbackintime,inthoseplaces.ButGod,sometimesshe’dbeensotired,sostressed,tryingtodealwithaninfantinastrangeplace,aplacewhereshedidn’tknowthelanguage

orthegeography.Sheporedoverwhatshe

had,makingnotes,tryingtorememberpeoplehe’dintroducedherto,orhadherarrangecocktailpartiesfor.Wealthypeople,shethoughtnow.Butthen,she’dthoughttheywerewealthy.

Hadtheybeenmarks?Hadtheybeenassociates?

Likelysomeofboth.Shejumpedupwhenshe

heardfootstepsand,heart

pounding,swungaroundtopullthechef’sknifefromtheblock.

“Shelby?ShelbyAnne?”“Mama.”Onanunsteady

breath,sheshovedtheknifebackintheblock,putonasmileashermotherwalkedin.

“Thereyouare.Wherearemybabies?”

“They’renapping,afteraharddayatthepark.They’llbeupsoon,though,probably

wantingasnack.”“I’mgoingtotakecareof

that.Lookhere,IgotnewpictureswhenIwentintothehospitaltoseethebabythismorning.”Shetookoutherphone,cuddledclosetoShelbyastheyscrolledthrough.“He’sjusthandsomeasaprince.Gothisdaddy’schin,youseethat?IwentbyClay’sandmadesureeverything’sasitshouldbe,becausethey’relettingGilly

bringBeauhometomorrow.”“That’swonderful.She’ll

lovebeinghomewithJacksonandthebaby.”

“She’dwalkoutoftherenowifwe’dlether,butshe’ssettledfortomorrow.IfoundthecuteststuffedhounddogandputitinBeau’scrib,gotsomenicefreshflowersforthebedroomforGilly.Thatnursery’sassweetasanicecreamcone.AndIgottwofacialsinatthesalon.Later

onI’mgoingtomakeupsomespaghetti—Gillyfavorsmyspaghetti—andgetitovertheresonobodyhastothinkaboutdinnertomorrow.”

“You’renotjustthebestmama,you’rethebestmama-in-law.”

“Gilly’soneofthelightsofmylife.RightnowI’mgoingtospendtherestofthedaywithmytwoothergrandbabies.Andyougoon,goonoutanddosomething

fun.”“Mama,you’vedriven

overtoGatlinburgandbackIdon’tknowhowmanytimesthelasttwodays,fussedoveratClay’s,andplantocookthemamealsotheydon’thaveto.Andyouwentintowork.”

“That’sright.”Allbutsparklingwithjoy,AdaMaegotthepitcherofteafromthefridge.“AndnowI’mgoingtoenjoytherestofmyday.

Oh,Ialsowentshopping.Igotthesweetestlittlebabyclothesforthatboy.AndpickedupabigbrothertoyforJackson,andalittlesomethingforCallie.”

“ThebestGamma,too.Mama,youspoilthemall.”

“Idoafinejobofit.”Shepouredtwoglassesofteaoverice,snippedsomemintfromthepotonherwindowsill.“Idon’tknowwhenI’veeverfeltsogood.

Nothinglikeabrand-newbaby.AndI’vegotamastersuitestraightoutofamagazine.IswearI’d’vesleptinthatbigtublastnightifIcould.I’vegotmyownbabygirlandhershomewithme.Mychicksarehappyandhome,myhusbandstilltakesmeondates.I’vegoteverythingIcouldwant.”

ShehandedShelbyaglass,kissedhercheek.“Nowyougogetyours.”

“Getmywhat?”“Youreverything.I’dstart

thatoffbyaskingthatcleverandhandsomeyoungmanoutonadate.ThenI’dgobuymyselfsomethingprettytowearonit.”

Shelbythoughtofherspreadsheet.“I’vegotplentytowear.”

“Somethingnewnowandthenperksagirlup.Youworkhard,Shelby.Iknowyou’vegotbills,andIknow

you’vebeensittingthereatthatcomputerworryingaboutthem.Iraisedyoutobesmartandresponsible,butI’mtellingyou—”AdaMaefistedherhandsonherhips,justasherownmotherwaswonttodo.“Yourmama’stellingyoutogooutandbuyyourselfanewdress.Somethingyou’rebuyingyourselfwithmoneyyouearned.Seeifthatdoesn’tliftyouupsome.Andthenlet

Griffliftyoualittlemore.I’mgoingtohaveSuzannahbringChelseaoverlater,andthosegirlsarehavingthemselvesaslumberpartyheretonight.Youdothesame.”

“Ishouldhaveaslumberparty?”

Afterahootinglaugh,AdaMaedranksometea.“That’swhatwe’llcallitinpolitecompany.Goon,buyadress,goovertothesalonandget

prettiedup,andgotakeGriffin’sbreathaway.”

“YouknowIloveyou,Mama.”

“You’dbetter.”“ButIdon’tthinkItell

youoftenenoughwhatawonderfulwomanyouare.EvenbeyondMama,Mama-in-lawandGamma.”

“Now,that’sjustputthesprinklesontheicingofthechocolatecupcakeofmyday.”ShegaveShelbya

squeeze.“Letmeputthingsaway.I

wasn’tjustpayingbills,andI’mdoingallrightwiththat,sodon’tworry.Iwastryingtofigurethingsout,Iguess,lookingatpicturesofmytimewithRichard.Tryingtorememberalltheplaceswewent,andwhenandwhy.”

“Yousuredidtravel,sothat’ssomethingyouhavethatcan’tbetakenaway.Ilovedgettingpostcardsor

lettersore-mailsfromyouwhenyouwereinthoseforeignplaces.”

“Idon’tsupposeyousavedanyofthem.”

“Forheaven’ssake,ofcourseIdid.Ihavethemallinabox.”

“Mama,youarewonderful.CanIhavethem?I’llgivethembacktoyouonceI’velookedthrough.”

“Thereontheshelfinmysittingroomcloset.Bluebox

withwhitetulipsonit.It’slabeled.”

“Thankyou,Mama.”Sheaddedanothersqueeze.“Thankyou.”

•••

SHEDIDBUYADRESS,justasimplesummerdressthecoloroftheminthermotheraddedtotea.AndAdaMaewasright.Itgaveherincrediblesatisfactionto

knowsheboughtthedresswithmoneyshe’dearned.

ItonlytookacoupleofquestionstofindoutwhereGriffwasworkingthatday,andshefoundbothhimandMatt,sweatyandstrippedtothewaist(ohmy!),buildingadeckonahousejustoutsidethetownproper.

“Hey.”Griffswipedathisfacewithanalreadydampbandanna.“Don’ttouchme,I’mpastdisgusting.Infact,

yououghttostaydownwind.”“Ihavebrothers,”shesaid

simply,andbenttogreetthehappySnickers.“Congratulations,Matt.Consideryourselfhugged.”

“Thanks.EmmaKatesaidyouguysmetintheparkthismorning,andyou’remaidofhonor.Meetthebestman.”

“Well,BestMan,youandIhavealotofconsultingtodo.Meanwhile,Ihaveafavortoask.”

“Nameit.”Griffgrabbedajug,gulpeddownstraightfromitwhateverwasinside.

“Mama’sgotplansforthechildren,andIhavesome...researchIwanttodo.IwaswonderingifIcoulddoitatyourplace.I’dfixyoudinneraspaymentforthequietspottowork.”

“Sure.Igetthebestofthatdeal.I’vebeenlockingupsince...so...”Heduginhispocketforhiskeys,pulled

oneoffthering.“This’llgetyouin.”

“Ireallyappreciatethis.Matt,thefourofusaregoingtoneedtogettogethersoon.Weddingsrequireconsiderablestrategy.IknowMizBitsy’sleadingthechargeontheengagementparty—”

“Don’tscaremewhenI’mworkingwithpowertools.”

“We’llhandleMizBitsy,”Shelbyassuredhim.“Emma

KateandIhavebeenplanningourweddingssincewewereten.Ofcourse,whatshewantsnowmaynotincludeasilverprincesscarriagepulledbysixwhitehorses.”

“Reallyscaringme.”“But,Ihavethebasics,

andIcanhelpworkMizBitsyaround.”

“Willyouputthatinwriting?”heasked,andtookthejugfromGriff.“Maybein

blood.Idon’tcarewhoseblood.”

“It’sasolemnpromise.ButIneedtohearwhatyouwant,too.I’mawfulgoodatcoordinatingthings.”

“EmmaKatesaidthesame.I’mcountingonyou.”

“Youcan,sowe’llgettogethersoon,allright?”

“Howaboutmyplace,Saturdaynight?”Griffasked.“We’llthrowsomethingonthegrillandstrategize.Ifyou

don’twanttoaskyourparentstowatchLittleRed,bringheralong,”headded,anticipating.“Wecanalwayshangherinacloset,stickherinadrawer.”

“Letmeworkonthat.I’dbettergetgoing,andletyougetbacktowork.PretendIgaveyouanotherhug,Matt.You’vemademyverybestfriendhappierthanI’veeverseenher.SoI’minclinedtoloveyoualot.”

“I’mgettingmarried,”MattsaidwhenShelbyleft.

“That’sright,pal.Holdonaminute.”Hesetdownthenailgunhe’djustpickedup,joggedafterShelby.“Hey.Ididn’tgetapretendhug.”

“No,youdidn’t,butthat’sbecauseI’mgoingtogiveyoualotmorethanthatlater.Nopretending.”

“Ohyeah?”“Ontheinstructionsofmy

mama.”

“Ireallylikeyourmama.”“SodoI.Byenow.”“We’llprobablyknockoff

aroundfour,four-thirty,”hecalledout.

“I’llbethere.”“Nicetoknow,”Griffsaid

quietly,thengrinneddownatSnickers,who’dfollowedhimandhisbootlaces.“Reallynicetoknow.”

•••

SHEWENTBYTHEMARKETFIRST,asshe’ddecidedonwhatshe’dfixfordinnerwhenshe’dseenGriffathisjobsite.

Shesettleddowninhiskitchen,anglingherselfsoshecouldseeoutthosewonderfulglassdoorstotheviewwhenevershelookedup.

Butoncesheopenedhermother’skeepsakeboxandbeganreading,shedidn’t

lookupoften.Shebroketoworkon

dinner,getitintheoven.Andthink.

Itwasoddandfascinatingtoseeherself,toreviewherownperspectivethroughtheprismoftime.Onlyahandfulofyears,really,butalifetimealtogether.

Shecouldseeitnow,thenaiveté,thenearlyblankslateshe’dbeen.Richardhadseenthat,too,anduseditvery

well.Calliehadchangedher—

shecouldreadthat,too,inphotographsandletters.Whatshe’dwritten,howshe’dwrittenit,hadshiftedafterCalliewasborn.

Hadhermotherbeenfooledbythebrighttoneoftheletters,thee-mails,thequicklydashedpostcardsoncethedaughterhadbecomeamotherherself?Shelbydoubtedit.Evennow

shecouldhearthetinnytoneunderthebrightness.

She’dbeensounhappysoquickly,allthefierceself-confidencegradually,carefully,shesawnow,wipedaway.TheonlytruehappinessbrokethroughwhenshewroteofCallie.

No,hermotherwouldn’thavebeenfooled.Hermotherwouldhaveseen,verywell,howshe’dwrittenlessandlessofRichard.

Butinthefirstyearorso,therehadbeenplenty,andminutedetailsofwherethey’dtraveled,thepeopleshemet,thethingsshesaw.

Shecouldfollowherselfeasilyfromherownwords,andbegintosee.

She’dthinkagreatdealmore,shepromisedherself.Shemightneverhavetheanswers,butshe’dfoundabankboxfromakeyinthepocketofajacket.

Soshe’dthinkagreatdealmore.

Shehadthecountersetfordinner,thewineshe’dbought—she’dhavetohopeforgoodtipsonFridaynight—readywhensheheardGriff’struck.

Shegotoutabeer,openeditandwalkedouttomeethim.

Helookedhot,sweatyandallbutediblewhenhesmiledoverather,leanedonhis

truck,tippedhissunglassesdowntolookatheroverthemwhilethedogranincirclesoverthefrontlawn.

“Now,that’swhat’sbeenmissingfromthefrontporch.Abeautifulredheadwithacoldbeer.”

“Ifiguredyou’dbereadyforone.”Shewalkeddownthesteps.“Ihavebrothers.”

“I’mmorethanreadyforone.I’mstillnottouchingyou.MayturnedtoAugust

today.”“Itoftendoes.”“Youshouldbrace

yourselfforafterIgetashower.How’sCalliedoing?”

“Abouttohavehotdogsonthegrillforsupperwithhercousinandherbestfriend,andthat’saftertheywereallstrippeddownsotheycouldrunaroundinthesprinkler.”

“Sprinklersoundspretty

good.Hotdogsdon’tsoundbad.”

“Those’llhavetowaitfornexttime.”

“WhenIhaveabeautifulredheadwithacoldbeerfixingdinner,I’mnotpicky.”

Hewalkedinthehousewithher,withthepuprushingtokeepup.Griffsniffedtheair.“What’scooking?Itsmellsgreat.”

“Meatloafwithbabypotatoesandcarrots.”

“Meatloaf?”Hesniffedagain.“Seriously?”

“It’sawarmdayforit,butamanlymeal.YoulookedlikemeatloafforsupperwhenIsawyoutoday.”

“Ihaven’thadhomemademeatloafsincethelasttimeIwasinBaltimoreandsweet-talkedmymotherintoit.Whydon’tmostwomenappreciatetheloafofmeat?”

“Youjustansweredyourownquestion.I’mjustgoing

togocheckonit.”“I’llgrabthatshower.

Thenbraceyourself,Red.”Amused,stirred,shewent

backtothestove,judgedshe’dtimeditwell.Thenreconsidered.

Self-confidence,shethought.Sherememberedwhatitwasliketobeconfidentandbold.

Sheturnedtheovendownandwentupthebackstairs.

Griffchuggedthecold

beerwhilecoolwaterrainedblissfullydownonhishead.Itfeltlikepoundsofsweatandgrimeslidingaway.Itwasgoingtobeanicedeck,hethought,buthehadn’tbeenreadyforthechangeintheweather.

Springhadcomeinsosoftandbenign,he’dforgottenwhatahot,wethammersummercouldpoundwithintheSmokies.

Andtodayhadbeenjusta

quickpreviewofcomingattractions.

Onceithitfull,heandMattwouldstartearlierintheday,knockoffearlierintheafternoon.Andthatwouldgivehimtimetoworkinsideonhisownprojects.Thenthereweretheplansforthebarandgrilloncethepermitscamethrough.

Then,ofcourse,therewasShelby.Hewantedasmuchtimeashecouldstealwith

her.Evenashethoughtofher,

theglassdooropened.Shestood,herhaircurling

wildlyoverhershoulders,wearingnothingbutaknowingsmile.Withhereyesonhis,shetookthebeeroutofhishand,setitonthecounterbehindher.

“You’regoingtoneedbothhands,”shetoldhim.

“It’sadayofmiracles,”hesaid,andreachedforher.

“It’scool.”Tippingherheadback,shetracedherfingertipsuphisback.“Thewater’scool.”

“Toocool?”“No,it’snice.Andthisis

evenbetter.”Sheroseuptohertoes,fixedhermouthonhis.Andtherewasnothingcoolinthekiss.

Hethoughtitawonderthewaterdidn’tgotosteamthewaysheheatedhisblood.Instantandfierce.Every

sweatyhourhe’dputinthatday,everyrestlesshourofthenighthe’dspentwantingher,worriedforher,spilledaway.

Softskin,eagermouth,greedyhands—inthatmoment,shegavehimeverythingheneeded.

“I’vebeenwantingyousinceIhadyou.”Hecouldn’ttakefastenough.“Goingcrazyjusttotouchyouagain.”

“Igocrazywhenyou

touchme.Don’tstoptouchingme.”

Heatandneedandpleasuremixedtohammerinherheart,toshimmerunderherskin.Themorehegaveher,themoreshewanted,andreveledinherownappetite.

Forhim,justhim,thehardhands,thetough,workingman’sbody.Hismouth,patientanddemandingatonce,madeherheadspin.

Hehikedherupbythehips,bringingherofftheshowerfloor.Thatsurprisingstrength,thehardgripwithrough-palmedhands,combinedtomakeherfeelvulnerable,desirable,powerful.

Eyesonhis,shewrappedherlegsaroundhiswaist,dugherfingersintohisshouldersforpurchase.

Thenshewascryingoutasheplungedintoher.Shocked

andthrilledandquiveringforthenextmadthrust.

Waterstriking,seemingtosizzleandsparkagainsttile.Wetfleshslipping,slidingunderherhands.Andherownbreathlessgasps.

Shefeltweightless,wondrous,clingingtohimashewhippedthembothhigher.Clungstillastheytumbledintotheblissfuldark.

“Holdon,”hemanaged,andgropedtoturnoffthe

water.“Justholdon.”“Mmmm.IfeellikeI

mightsliderightdownthedrain.”

Shesensedmovement,stayedwrappedaroundhimevenwhenhedroppedthembothonthebed.

“Ineedaminute,”hetoldher.

“Takeyourtime.”“Imeantto.Butyouwere

allwetandnaked.I’llgettowelsinaminute.”

“Iboughtanewdress.”“Didyou?”“Yeah,andIwasgoingto

putitonfordinner,thenletyoutakeitoffmeafter.Ididn’ttakemytime,either.”

Theimagebroughtonasmallbutdefinitesurgeoffreshenergy.“Doyoustillhavethedress?”

“Hanginginyourlaundryroom.”

Hetrailedafingerdownherside.“Youcouldgowith

yourplan,andwe’llbothtakeourtime.”

“Ilikethatidea.WhatIdidn’tthinktobringwasahairdryer.Idon’tsupposeyouhaveone.”

“Nope,sorry.”“Well,betweentheshower

andthehumidityandnohairtools,myhair’sgoingtobeasbigasthemoon.Imusthavebandsandclipsinmypurse.”

“Ilikeyourhair.”Shecurledintohim.“Ilike

yours.Ilikehowthesun’sstartingtostreakit.You’dpaygoodmoneyforhighlightslikethatatmygranny’s.”

“Menwhoeatmeatloafdon’thavehighlights.”

Shekissedhisshoulder.“Youdo,andI’mgettingthosetowels,andturningdinnerbackup.”

“Youturneditdown?”Shegavehimtheslow,

flirtatious,under-the-lashes

smileCallieoftendid.“Iwantedyouintheshower,sodinner’sgoingtotakejustalittlelongerthanI’dplanned.”

“Ilikethatyouturneditdown.I’llgetthetowels.”

Herose,walkedbackintothebathroom.“Whatwereyouresearching—orwasthataploytogetmewetandnaked?”

“Itwasn’taploy,justabonus.”Shesmiled,tookthe

towelheoffered.“Griffin,myhair’slikeanotherperson,andthatotherpersonalsoneedsatowel.”

“Right.”Hewentinforanother,andthebeershe’dtakenandsetonthecounter.

“Sowhatwereyouresearching?”

“Oh.”She’dwrappedthefirsttowelaroundherbody,andnowbentfromthewaisttogatherherhairinthesecond.“Youdon’twantto

talkaboutthat.It’salltheotherthings.TheRichardthings.”

“Youdon’twanttotalkaboutit?”

“Ido.”Shestraightened,somehowtuckingpartsofthetowelintothewholeinawaythatfascinatedhim.“Iwanttotalktosomebodyaboutitwho’dhavesomeperspectiveonit.IthoughtI’drunallofitbyForrest,maybetomorrow,eventhoughhe’sprobably

thoughtofhalfofwhatIjustthoughtofalready,but...”

“Putonthenewdress,andwe’lltalkaboutitwhiletheloafofmeatiscooking.”

heturneduptheoven,putonthedress,bandedbackherhair

soitwouldn’texplodeasitdried.

Shejoinedhimonthebackporch,withwine,andjustsat

amoment,lookingoutatthemountainswiththeirsoftpeaksandridgesrollingupintothesky.

“Iwaspayingbillstodaywhenthekidswerenapping,andIthoughtabouthowJimmyHarlow—ithastobehim—wouldbelookingatallmybusiness.Thelawyerstuff,thecreditors,theaccountsI’vekeptofwhatIwasabletosell.Ithoughthowembarrassingthatis,a

strangerpokingaroundinallthat,andtoldmyselfitwasworththeembarrassmentifitmadehimrealizeIdon’thaveanythinghewants.”

“That’sgoodthinking.Smart,positive.”

“ThenIwasthinkingmore.He’dseeallthephotosIhaveonthelaptop.Ikeepthemallinfilesonthere—ItransferredthemfrommyoldoneonceIgotitbackfromtheauthorities.Inevergot

aroundtogoingthroughthemall,deletinganyfrom...fromthetimeIwaswithRichardbecausetherewasjustsomuchelsetodo.Itoccurredtomehe’d—Harlow—he’dseen,especiallyfromthatfirstyearorso,alltheplaceswewent.Hecouldfollowrightalong,likeamap.”

Griffnodded.“Andsocouldyou.”

“Yes!That’swhatI

realized.SocouldI.Griff,IthinkRichardtookmeallthoseplacesforareason—Iunderstandnowheneverdidanythingwithoutanangletoplay.Iwaslikehisdisguise.I—andthenwhenCalliecamealong,we—madehimafamilyman.Whatifhestashedthejewelryorthestamps,orboth,inoneofthoseplaces,orsoldsomeofitoffaswewent?AndIstartedthinkingmore,onceI

startedlookingthroughthepictures,hewasprobablydoinghiswork,too.Onhishoneymoon—orsoIthought—thenwithhispregnantwife.Suchahandydisguise,thepregnantwife.”

“I’mgoingtoagreewithyou,eventhoughIknowithastoburnsome.”

“I’mpasttheburning.Lookingthroughthepictures,thelettersIsenthome,Istartedrememberingwhat

he’dalwayssaytome—atleastforthefirstmonthsoryear.Wheneverweweregoingtomeetsomebody,he’dsay,‘Justbeyourself,Shelby.’Howthatwouldcharmthem.Nottoworry,Ididn’tknowanythingaboutartorwineorfashion,thatsortofthing.Iwasnevernervousaboutmeetingnewpeople,butIstartedtobe.”

“Hemadeyoufeelawkward,and...less.”

“Hedid,andasthe‘beyourself’startedchangingtohowIshouldn’ttrytoimpresswhoeveritwasbecausethey’djustseethroughthat.IguessIdidn’thavealottosay,andthatmadeagooddisguiseforhim.”

Shesippedthewine,setthatpartasidefornow.

“IthoughtmaybeIcouldlookatarticlesonline,matchingthemwiththetimewewereinacertainplace.

Wastherearobbery?Afraud?Evenworse?AndIhadmoretousebecauseMamasavedallmylettersandpostcards.Everyone.SoIcouldreadthrough,remindmyselfwhatwedid,wherewewentinParisorMadrid,whowemet.Iwasfullofdetailsatfirst,sosweptupinitall.”

“Doesanythingstickoutnow,whenyoulookatitfromwhatyouknownow?”

“Acoupleofthings.WhywasheinMemphis?Idon’tbelievehejuststuckapininamap.Buttherehewas,andonlyfourdaysfromwhenherobbedthatwoman—LydiaReddMontville—andshotherson.”

“Fourdaysafter,accordingtothebrunette,hedouble-crossedherandHarlow,ranoffwiththetake.”

“That’sright.Ithinkhemusthavehadthattakewith

him,orhe’dstashedit.Abankbox,maybe.Hehadhisnewidentity,andhehadafatrollofcash.Oritseemedlikeittome.AndthereIwas,justprimedtobedazzledandsweptup.”

“Doyouwantmyangleonthat?”

Shedrewinabreath.“IguessIdo.”

“ThecopswerelookingforJakeBrimley,amanonhisown.Hehadtoknowhis

partnerswouldrathimout.Hedidn’tgointoitwithoutaplaninplace.ThenewID,theseedmoney,achangeinlooks.Butheneededonemorething.Heneededtobeacouple.”

“Ithinkthat’strue.”“Hewouldn’twant

someonelikethebrunette,someonewhocouldplayhisgame.He’dwantinnocence,youth,someonemalleableandtrusting.Andreadytobe

dazzled.”Onthatshecouldonly

nod,letoutalongbreath.“Isurefitthebill,rightdowntotheground.”

“Hewasaprofessionalmanipulator,Shelby.Youdidn’tstandachanceoncehezeroedinonyou.Heendsupwithayoung,strikingredhead,sohe’snotonlynottravelingalone,hehassomeonepeoplenotice.Noticefirst,rememberlast.

Wheredidhetakeyoufirst?”“Hespentfourdaysin

Memphis.I’dnevermetanyonesocharming,andexciting,too,thewayhetalkedaboutallhistravels.Ourgigwasover,andIplannedtocomehomeforaweekorsobeforethenextone.ButwhenhesaidhehadtogotoNewYork,forbusiness,andaskedmetogowithhim,Iwent.”

Sheletoutahalf-laugh.

“Justlikethat.Itwasjustgoingtobeafewdays—anadventure,Ithought.Anditwasthrilling.”

“Whywouldn’titbe?”Griffcountered.

“Weflewonaprivateplane.I’dneverknownanyonewho’dbeenonaprivateplane.”

“Nosecurity,noluggagecheck.Youcantakeanythingyouwantonprivate,right?”

“Ihadn’tthoughtofthat.

Healmostalwaysflewprivate.Atthetimeitwasjustonemorethrill.I’dneverbeenanywherelikeNewYork,andhewassosweetandcharmingand...well,heseemeddazzledbyme.Itwasn’tthemoney,Griff,thoughIcan’tsayIdidn’tlovethathe’dbuymeniceclothesandtakemetorestaurants.Itwasthesparkleofit,allofit.Itwasblinding.”

“Hemadesureofit.”“Evennowit’shardto

believehedidn’tmeanthethingshesaidbackthen.HowIwaswhathadbeenmissingfromhislife.Iwantedtobethat—Iwantedtobewhathadbeenmissingfromhislife.Sowhenheaskedmenottogoback,buttogowithhimtoDallas—morebusiness—Iwent.Ithreweverythingawayandwentwithhim.”

“Anothermajorcity.”

Closinghereyes,shenodded.“Yes.Youseethatpatternalready?Wealwayswenttoabigcity,alwaysstayedforonlyafewdays.Sometimeshe’dgivemeawadofcash,tellmetogooutshoppingbecausehehadmeetings.Thenhe’dcomebackwithflowers—whiteroses.Hesaidhowhelivedontheroadorintheairrightthen,buthowhewasready—nowthathehadme—tosettle

downsomewhere.”“Exactlywhatyou’dwant

tohear.Itwashisbusinesstoreadpeople,tobewhattheywantedorexpected.”

Shesatsilentforamoment,appreciatingthesofteninglight,thewhisperofairinthetrees,thebubbleofthestream.

“IfI’dbuiltamanI’dfallfor,atthatpointinmylife,itwouldhavebeenRichard.Thethingis,Griff,inthose

firstfewweeks,wecrisscrossedthecountry.”

“Coveringhistracks.”“Ithinkso,andIwonder,

didhehaveplacesalongthewaywhereheleftpartofthetakefromthatFloridarobbery?IfhehadabankboxinPhiladelphia,maybehehadothers.MelindaWarrenindicatedthat.Heneverseemedtorunoutofcash,soIthinkmaybehehadthoseboxestopullfrom,orhewas

stealingalongtheway.”“Probablyboth.”Sheshiftedtowardhim,

anglingsotheywereface-to-face.“Ithinkitwasboth.Lookingthroughthepicturesandletters,IrememberedwhenwewereinSt.Louis,andIwokeuptofindhimgone.He’dgooutforwalks—that’swhathesaid.Thinkingtime.Hedidn’tgetbackuntilnearlydawn,andhewasexcited.Justquivering

withit.Weleftthatmorning.HerentedacarandwedrovetoKansasCity.Justaquickstop,hesaid.Hehadabusinessassociatetomeetupwith.AndhepulledthisCartierwatchoutofhispocket,saidhe’dpickedupalittlesomethingforme.Acoupleyearslater,Iwenttoputiton,anditwasgone.Hegotangry,saidI’dbeencarelessandlostit,butIhadn’tbeencareless.

Anyway,IwentontheInternetandIlookedback,matchingupthedates,andfoundthere’dbeenaburglarythatnightinSt.Louis.Jewelryagain,aboutaquarterofamillioninjewelry.Andwatches.”

“StealstheminSt.Louis,fencestheminKansasCity.”

“Iguesshefiguredthewatchwasmycut—forawhile.Therewereothertimes.I’mgoingtoseeifI

canmatchthemuplikeSt.Louis.”

Hereachedover,gaveherarmarub.“What’llthattellyou?”

“IknowIcan’tchangeanyofit.”Shedroppedhergazetoherhands,thoughtofhernotes,herstacksofphotosandpostcards.“Butmaybehedidstealinthoseplaces,andatleastIcangivewhatIknow,orthinkImightknow,tothepolice.ItfeelslikeI’d

bedoingsomething.”“Youaredoing

something.”“RightnowIshouldbe

puttingdinneronthetable.”Sherose.“Iappreciateyoulistening.”

“Whywouldn’tI?”Hewalkedinwithher.“I’vegotalistofmyownstarted.”

“Whatkindoflist?”“Idon’thavethe

informationyoudo.”Heglancedatthememorybox,

thelaptop.“Iwouldn’tmindhavingalookatit.Mine’sprettymuchalistofnames,events,times.Warren,HarlowandBrimley—ashewasknownthen.Miamirobbery,theshooting,thedouble-cross.Youcomenext.Ididn’trealizeitwasonlydaysafterMiami,buthadtofigureitwasn’tlong.”

“It’slikeIwasastailor-madeforhimasIthoughthewasforme.”Sheputthemeat

loafonatrivet,gotouthisonlyplatter.Transferringthemeatandvegetables,sheglancedaroundashe’dgonequiet.

“Whatisit?”“Idon’twanttoupsetyou

morethanallthisalreadydoes,butIdon’tthinkhejustwalkedintotheclubwhereyouwereplayingthatnightanddecided,okay,she’smycover.”

“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Ithinkhespentacoupledayscheckingyouout.You’realooker,Red,andIbetyouwerealookeratnineteen,onstage.Yourname’srightthere,sohecouldlookyouup,askafewquestions.You’resingle,unattached.”

Thoughtfully,shegarnishedtheplatterwithcurlyparsleyandringsofredandgreenpeppers.“Abumpkinfromalittle

mountaintowninTennessee.”

“You’veneverbeenabumpkin.Butthereyouare—young,fresh,inexperienced,butgame.Ittakesgametogetonstage.Hechecksyouout,thenhemovesin,feelsyouout.Bythenhe’sgotagoodsensewhatyou’relike,whatyoulike.Andhemakeshimselfexactlywhatyoulike.”

“WhatifI’dsaidno,no,I

can’tjustrunofftoNewYorkCitywithyou?”

“He’dhavemovedon,foundsomebodywhowould.I’msorry.”

“Noneedtobe.It’sareliefinitswaytofeellikeitwasneverreallyaboutme.Itwasneverreallypersonal.Itmakesitmoreofapuzzletosolve.”

“Okay.Wow,thatlooksgreat.”

Pleased,shesetthe

completedplatterontheeatingcounter.“Mymamawouldtellyoupresentationcounts.Soevenifitdoesn’ttastegood,atleastitlooksgood.Let’shopewehaveboth.Sitdown.I’llserveitup,andyoucantellmewhat’snextonyourlist.”

“Houston,right?”“ItwasHoustonforabout

sixmonths.”“ThenAtlanta,

Philadelphia,thenHilton

Head.YousaidRichardneverdidanythingwithoutareason.WhydidhewantyouandCallietogowithhimtoHiltonHead?”

“Youthinkhemighthavehadsomesortofdealgoingthere,andwe’dhavebeencoveragain.”Sheplatedaheftysliceofmeatloafwithgenerousportionsofpotatoesandcarrots.“OhGod,Griff,whatifitwasn’tanaccident?Whatifthedealwentbad,

andhewaskilled?Dumpedintheocean?”

“You’reprobablynevergoingtoknowtheanswertothatone.HeputoutanSOS,didn’the?”

“Somebodydid,but...Griff,ForrestsaidHarlowescapedaroundChristmas.Richard—thatwasjustacoupledaysafterChristmas.”

“KillingRichardwouldn’tbeasmartwaytogettothemillions.”

“No,you’reright.Buttherecould’vebeenafight,anaccident,andyou’restillright.I’mprobablynevergoingtoknow,atleastunlesstheycatchHarlow.”

Sheputasmallerportiononherplate,sat.“Itprobablyhappenedjustthewaythepolicethink.Helikedtakingrisks.Drivingfast,skiingthefastestslopes,scubadiving,rockclimbing,skydiving.Hewouldn’thaveletasquall

stophim.Butitdid.Whatelse?”

“ThePI.Maybehe’sjustwhatheclaimed,but—”Afterthefirstbiteofmeatloaf,Griffstopped.“Wow.”Sampledanotherbite.“Okay,thatsealsit.I’mkeepingyou.Thismeatloaf’sbetterthanmymom’s—andifyoutellherIsaidthat,I’llswearyou’realiar.”

“I’dneverinsultanotherwoman’smeatloaf.You

reallylikeit?”“AskmeagainafterI’ve

lickedtheplate.”“Mustbethebeer.Inthe

meatloaf.”“There’sbeerinthemeat

loaf?”“Anoldfamilyrecipe.”“Definitelykeepingyou.”

Hestoppedeatinglongenoughtocupahandatthebackofherneck,pullheroverforakiss.

“Ihaven’tmademeatloaf

inyears,soI’mgladitturnedout.”

“Prizewinning.”“Tellmewhatyouthink

aboutthatdetective.”“Right.Ifellintoan

alteredstateduetobeer-lacedmeatloaf.SothePI,hetracksyoutoPhilly,followsyoudownhere.He’seitherdedicatedorhehasanagenda.He’slicensedandallthat,andheswearsthebrunettewasn’thisclient.

Forrestsayshewon’tnametheclient.”

“Ididn’tgetthatmuchoutofForrest.”

Griffshrugged.“Weweretalking.He’salibiedforthenightofthemurder,sothere’snolegitcausetohasslehim.Yet.”

Headcocked,shestabbedabiteofcarrot.“Youknowmore.”

“Bitsandpieces.IknowForrestsaysthewidowand

hersonbothdenyhiringthePI.Theinsurancepaidout,andthey’veputthewholeuglybusinessbehindthem.TheMiamipolicetalkedtothem,anditlookslikethey’realibiedforthemurder,too.”

“You’rejustawellofinformation.”

“He’sworriedaboutyou—Forrest.Mostlyit’snegativeinformation,soIguesshedidn’twanttodumpitonyou.”

“Knowing’sbetterthannot.”

“Nowyouknow.Mostoftherestispurespeculation.WecanspeculateprettyconfidentlyHarlow’sbeenintheRidge.It’snobigleaptospeculatehekilledthebrunette,iffornootherreasonthanwhoelse,andhehadmotivesinceshe’dclaimedheshotthewidow’sson—andmaybehedid—butsincethegunyoufoundin

PhiladelphiainRichard’ssafe-depositboxwastheoneused,it’smorelogicalto—”

“What?Whatdidyousay?ThegunIfound—Richard’sgun?”

Griffdecidedheneededalongdrinkofwine.“Okay,listen,he—Forrest—justgottheinformationonthattoday.TheMiamicopsdidtheballistics,verifiedthegunyoufoundinthebankfiredthebulletthatwoundedthe

son.Ihappenedtorunintohimthisafternoon,andhetoldme.”

“Richard.Richardshotsomeone.”

“Maybe.Maybehejustgrabbedthegunafter,but...logicalspeculation.Hisgun,hisshot.Harlowalwaysdeniedit,andhe’dnevertakenahitonweaponschargesbeforethis.”

“Shelied.ShewasinlovewithRichard—Jaketoher.At

leastinherwayshelovedhim.Shelied,evenafterhebetrayedher.Itwasn’tjustthemoney,thetake,thathadhertrackingmehere.Shewasjealous,angryandjealousthathe’dspentthoseyearswithme.Hadachildwithme.”

“Mostlikely.”Sincehe’dcometothesameconclusion,Griffnodded.“Andmore,alotofpeopleproject.YouknowwhatI’msaying?She

couldn’timagineyoubeingwithhimandbeinguninvolvedintherest.Shewasaliar,acheat,sobyherreasoning,youhadtobethesame.”

“AndJimmyHarlowwouldthinkthat,too.”

“Idon’tknow.”“You’rehedgingback

now,”ShelbysaidwhenGriffwentquiet.“Becauseyou’reworriedallthisupsetsme.”

“Itdoesupsetyou.”

“Itdoes,butIwanttohearwhatyouthink.Idon’tneedtobeprotectedagainstupset,Griffin.I’vegottenthroughworse.Tellmewhatyouthink.”

“Allright.Ithinkit’saprettysurebetHarlowwasn’tinlovewithRichard,sohisthoughtpatternmightbecleareronitthanthebrunette’s.Buthe’sonthelistI’mmaking,inseveralcolumns.I’mguessinghe’s

beenstayingsomewhereclose.NotasfaroutasGatlinburg,likethebrunette.Probablynotthehotel.Oneofthecampgroundsorcabins,oneofthemotels.”

“Sohecanwatchme.”Hepausedaminute,buthe

agreedwithher.Knowingwasbetterthannot.

“Thinkaboutthis.Hedidn’tconfrontyou,getinyourface,makethreatslikethewoman.He’splayinga

longergame,Ithink,sohewantedinformation.Hewantstoknowwhoyouare.It’smorelikelyhe’llcuthislossesoncehedoes.Bettertostayfreethantoberich—especiallywhentherichpartdoesn’tlookpromising.”

“Ihopeyou’reright.”“Playingthatlongergame,

he’dbesmartertotakeagoodlookatalltheinformation,justlikeweare.He’dknowRichardbetter,

anditseemslikehe’dfollowthelinesifhecanconnectthedots.”

JustasGriff’sthoughtsandconclusionshelpedherconnectdots.“WestayedthelongestinAtlanta.Butheplannedtogetout,andfast.Ithinkhehadajobthere,amarkthere,andwantedtopulloutassoonasthatjobwasdone.Ibarelyhadtimetopackoncehetoldme.Hewentonahead.”

“Ididn’tknowthat.HewentnorthwithoutyouandCallie?”

“Abouttendaysbefore.Iwassupposedtopack,andturnoverthekeys.Ithoughtwe’dboughtthatcondoinAtlanta,butwe’drented,soitwasjustturnoverthekeys,andflynorth.Ialmostdidn’t.Ialmostcamehomeinstead,butIthoughtmaybethat’swhatweneeded—thatchange.Maybethatwould

helpsetthingsrightbetweenusagain,andhetalkedabouthowwe’dhaveabigyardforCallie.And...howwe’dhaveanotherchild.”

“Playingyou.”“Iseethatnow.Clear,”

sheadded.“IfoundinhispapershehadavasectomyrightafterCalliewasborn.Hemadesuretherewouldn’tbeanotherchild.”

“I’mgoingtosayI’msorry,becausethathurtyou,

andit’sabeyondcrappythingtodo.But—”

“Forthebest,”shefinished.“IhavetobegratefulIdidn’thaveanotherchildwithhim.Playingmeiswhathedid,allalong,andinthatlightningmovetoPhiladelphiawhenhemusthaveknownIwasthinkingaboutleaving.MakingitsoundlikethebestthingforCallienudgedmeintotryingit,going,wantingtomakeit

work.”“Afreshstart.”“Yes,that’showhemade

itseem.IsaidwestayedlongestinAtlanta,butIdon’tthinkhe’dhaveleftanythingimportantthere.Icansee,lookingback,heplannedtogetoutwellbeforehetoldme,soIthinkhe’dplantotakewhateverhehadstowedawaywithhim.”

Henotedsheonlypretendedtoeatnow,and

wantedtoeraseitall,allthethoughts,thespeculations,thepointsofview.Butthatwasn’twhatshewanted.

“Yousaidhetraveledalot,withoutyou.”

“Moreandmore,especiallyafterwesettledinAtlanta.Ijustwantedtonestabit,findaroutine.Itgotsohedidn’task,justtoldmehehadabusinesstrip.Sometimeshedidn’tbothertotellme.Idon’tknowfor

surewherehewent.Hemayhavetoldmethetruth,hemaynot.ButIknowwhereIwentwithhim,sothat’sastart.”

“Youcoulddumpallthisonthecops.”

“IsupposeIwill,butIwanttoworkmywaythroughitfirst,trytounderstandit.”

“Good.SodoI.”“Why?”“You,”hesaid

immediately.“Callie.Ifyou

don’tgetthat,Ihaven’tbeendoingagoodjob.”

“Youlikefixingthings.”“Ido.Peopleoughttolike

doingwhatthey’regoodat.AndIlikeyourface.Ilikeyourhair.”

Hereachedoutforit,reallywantedtotakeitoutofthebandshe’dpulleditinto.

“Ilikeyourmeatloaf,”headded,polishingoffthelastofitonhisplate.“IliketakingLittleRedonpizza

dates.AndI’msunkwhenshegivesmethatflirtysmile.Soit’smorethanfixingthings,Shelby.You’remorethansomethingtofix.”

Sayingnothing,sherosetocleartheplates.

“I’vegotthose.Youcooked.Youcookedgreat.”

Whilehecleared,sheopenedherlaptop,didasearchforaphoto.“Tellmewhatyouthink.”

Sheturnedthecomputer

around.Withaconsideringfrown,

Griffcrossedback,leanedoverandstudiedthephotoofher.

Takenatoneofthelastfunctionsshe’dattendedinAtlanta,itshowedherandRichardinformaldress.

“Youlookgorgeous,andsad—IthoughtthatthefirsttimeIsawyou.You’resmiling,butthere’snolightinit.Andwhathappenedto

yourhair?Youlookgorgeous,likeIsaid,butnotsomuchlikeShelby.Wherearethecurls?Didyousellthem?”

Shegavehimalonglook,thentippedherheadtohisshoulder.“YouknowwhatIwanttodo?”

“What?”“Iwanttotakeawalk

aroundyourbackyard,watchthesunset,giveyouallsortsofunasked-foradviceabout

whereyoushouldplantthings,andputthatarbor.ThenIwantyoutotakemynewdressoffme.That’llbeeasyasI’mnotwearingathingunderit.”

“Canwedothatfirst?”Shelaughed,shookher

head.“Letmedriveyoualittlecrazyfirst.”

“Alreadythere,”hetoldherasshetookhishandtoleadhimout.

•••

HEFOLLOWEDHERHOMEAGAIN,usedthedrivebackforthinkingtime.AddedtothinkingtimebytakingSnickersonalongpatrol,thenputtingagoodhourintoframingoutaclosetinoneoftheotherdemo’dbedrooms.

Onestepatatime,hetoldhimselfasheputhistoolsaway,cleanedup.

Hetookthenextstepby

sittingdownathiscomputeranddoinghisownsearchforunsolvedburglariesandfraudcasesinAtlantaduringtheyearsShelbyhadlivedthere.

Apuzzletosolve,hethought.Neverdidanythingwithoutareason,Griffremindedhimself.SowhyhadthefuckerpulledupstakesinAtlanta,andsoabruptly?

Itmightbeinterestingtofindout.

•••

WHILEGRIFFRANHISSEARCHES,JimmyHarlowworkedonalaptophe’dliftedfromatradeshowinTampa.Thebusyhotelandhalf-drunkconventioneersinthehotelbarshadbeenprimepicking.

He’dwalkedoutwiththelaptop—fullyloadedandinanicelypaddedtravelbag—justovertwothousandin

cash,twoiPhonesandthekeystoaChevySuburbanhedrovedirectlytoachopshop.

HeboughtanewID—itpaidtohavecontacts—andstoleapiece-of-shitFordhedroveovertheGeorgiabordertoanacquaintancewhoboughtitforfivehundredflat.

Helaylowforawhile,growingabeard,growingouthishair,dyingboth,buildinguphiscashtheold-fashioned

way.Hepickedpockets,pulledsomeminorburglaries,movedon.

HemadehiswaytoAtlanta,takingawindingroute,stayinginfleabagmotels,stealingtheoccasionalcar—askilllearnedandhonedinhisyouth.InasidetriptoNewOrleans,hemuggedandbeatthecrapoutofadrugdealerwhoprocuredforahighschoolintheNinthWard.

Hestronglydisapprovedofsellingdrugstominors.

HealsopickedupasolidToyota4RunneroutsideabarinBatonRouge,whichhedrovetoyetanotherchopshop.

HepaidtohaveitreVINed,repainted,andwiththehelpofanothercontact,forgedthepaperworktomatchhisnewID.

Hewatchedthenewsobsessively,usedthelaptop

toscanforthemanhunt.Hetrimmedhisbeard,

boughteasy,casualclothes—andbroketheminsononeofthemlookednew.Heusedself-tannerreligiouslytoridhimselfofprisonpallor.

Heboughtmaps,evensprangforadecentCanondigitalcamera,andslappedafewstickersonthetruckfromstateparks,asanytouristmightdo.

Heatewhathewanted,

whenhewanted.Sleptwhenhewastired,gotupandgoingwhenhewasn’t.

Everydayoftheyearshe’dspentinprisonhe’ddreamedofjustthat.Freedom.Buthe’ddreamedofwhathe’ddowiththatfreedom.

Hehadnoillusionofhonoramongthieves—he’dbeenonetoolong.Butbetrayalsrequiredpayback.Andpaybackdrovehim.

ItdrovehimtoAtlanta,whereinquiriesintherightears,greaseintherightpalms,gavehiminformation.

Hestolethe.25fromasplit-levelinMarietta,wheresomeidiothaditunsecuredinthenightstand,andtookthe9mmfromadeskdrawerinthehomeoffice.

Kidsinthehouse,too,he’dthoughtatthetimeashe’ddoneasweepofaboy’sroom,agirl’sroom.Hell,he

wassavingliveshere.He’dleftthekidsthe

Xbox,buthadtakentheiPads,anotherlaptop,thecashinthefreezer,adiamondtennisbracelet,diamondstuds,thecashrolledupinthejewelryboxand,becausetheyfit,apairofsturdyhikingboots.

BythetimehearrivedinVillanova,thewomanwho’dhookedupwithJakewasgone.

Hepickedthelockbox,tookhimselfonatour.Jakehaddonerealwellforhimself,andthatburnedbitterinhisthroat.

Hecontactedtherealtorusinghisdropphone,discovereditwasashortsale.Somaybenotsowellafterall.

Hespentafewdaysintheareatogetabettersenseofthings,thenworkedhiswaydowntoTennessee.

He’drentedacabinagoodtenmilesfromRendezvousRidge—athree-month,under-the-tablecashdealwiththeowner.HewasMiloKestleringhere,outofTallahassee,wherehe’dbeenmiddlemanagementforawholesalefoodcompany.Divorced,nokids.

Hehadplentyoffillertohisnewbackgroundifheneededit,butthelandlordhadbeenhappytotakehis

money.Hehadnocontactshere,

andhadtobecareful.MorecarefulwithcopssniffingaroundsinceMelinda’smurder.

Stupidityhadkilledher,inHarlow’sopinion.Maybeprisonhaddulledheredge,buteitherway,shewasn’tafactoranymore.

Theredheadnow,thatwasanothermatter.Buthehadwhathewanted,fornow.

Enoughtokeephimbusy,fornow.

Cutitcloseattheboyfriend’splace,hethought.Pushedit,headmitted.Alwaysbettertogoinanemptyhouse—butthedoorwasunlocked,andthelaptoprightthere.

Still,he’dgottenthedata.He’dtakenariskwalking

rightuptotheredheadonthestreet,buthe’dgottenwhathewantedthere,too.More,

he’dseennorecognitioninhereyeswhenshelookedathim.

Hewouldn’thavefiguredherforJake’stype,butmaybethathadbeenthepoint.

Plentytothinkaboutthere,butfortonight,hehadthenumbersrightinfrontofhim.Hehadpictures,hehade-mails.Hehadlivesspreadoutonthescreen.

He’dfigureoutwhattodo

withthem.He’dfigureoutwhattodo

aboutthem.

hewildrhododendronsburstintobloomalongthe

banksofstreams,flashedandflamedtheirwayuptheslopes.Inthehighcountrythestarryyellowblossomsof

bluebeardlilypeekedoutfromfanningfernsgoingthickandgreen.

ShetookCallieonhikesandhuntstofindthemwhenshecould,orjusttositandlistentothemusicofbluebirdsandjuncos.Once,fromasafedistance,shelethergirlsharethewonderofwatchingabearfishinatumblingstreambeforehelumberedoffintothegreen.

Calliecelebratedher

fourthbirthdayinthebackyardofthehousewherehermotherhadgrownup,withfriendsherownage,withfamily,withpeoplewhocaredabouther.

ForShelbyitwastheshiniestgiftinthepile.

TherewasachocolatecakeshapedlikeacastlewithallthecharactersfromShrekscatteredaroundit,andgames,andgifts,balloonsandstreamers.

“It’sthehappiestbirthdayshe’severhad.”

Violasat,hergreat-grandsoninherarms,andwatchedthekidsplayononeofCallie’streasuredgifts.ASlip’nSlide.

“She’sgettingoldenoughtoknowwhat’swhataboutabirthdaynow.”

“It’smorethanthat,Granny.”

Violanodded.“It’smorethanthat.Doessheeverask

aboutherfather?”“Shedoesn’t.Shehasn’t

saidawordabouthimsincewecamehome.It’slikeshe’sforgottenhim,andIdon’tknowifthat’srightorwrong.”

“She’shappy.She’llhavequestionsoneday,andyou’llhavetoanswerthem,butshe’shappy.ShesurehasaloveaffairgoingonwithGriff.”

Shelbysmiledoverto

whereasoakingwetCallieclungtoGriff’slegs.“Shedoes.”

“Howaboutyou?”“Ican’tdenywe’vegot

somethinggoing,andsincewherewearemakesmehappy,I’mnotthinkingtoomuchwherewe’regoingtoendup.”

“You’velostmostofthesad,worriedlookbehindyoureyes.You’vegotmyeyes—throughme,toAdaMae,to

you,andontoCallie,”Violapointedout.“Don’tthinkIcan’treadthem.”

“I’dsaythesad’sgone,andtheworry’slessened.Areyougoingtogiveupthatbabyandgivesomebodyelseachance?”

ViolalaidakissonBeau’sforehead.“Hereyougo.Sleepinglikeanangelrightthroughallthisnoise.Goaheadandtakehimoutinthesunforafewminutes.Not

toolongnow,butIexpectsomevitaminD’sgoodforhim.”

Itfeltwonderfultohaveababyinherarmsagain,tofeeltheweightandthewarmth,tosmellthedownofhishair.Shelookedoveratherdaughter.Suchabiggirlnow,sproutinglikeaweed.AndtheyearningpulledandtuggedinsideherasBeauwavedahandintheairinhissleep.

WhenClay,nearlyaswetasthekids,walkedover,sheshookherhead.“Don’tyoueventhinkaboutstealingthisbabyfromme.You’retoowettotakehim.Besides,I’vebarelyhadmyturn.”

“IfiguredIwouldn’tgetmuchchancetoholdhimtoday.”

“Hefavorsyou,Clay.”“That’swhatMamasays.”“She’sright.”“I’mafterabeer—Gilly’s

driving.Youwantone?”“I’mstickingwith

lemonadeuntilthisisover.”Stillheputanarmaround

hershoulders,turnedhersotheywalkedtothebigtubholdingthebeer.“Forrestfilledmeinonwhat’sgoingonwithyou.”

“Idon’twantyoutoworryaboutanyofthat.Youhaveanewbabytothinkabout,nottomentionGillyandJackson.”

Hekepthisarmaroundher.Hehadawayofhuggingyouin,andalwayshad,Shelbythought,thatmadeherfeelcherished.“I’vegotplentyofroomformysisterinmythinking-aboutbook.NobodywholookslikethisHarlowcharacter’scomebywork.Ihaven’tseenanybodylikethataroundtheneighborhood.Iknowthepolicearestilllooking—that’swhattheyhavetodo.

Buthe’smostlikelygone.Evenso.”

Hepulledoutabeer,poppedoffthecap.“Youbecareful,Shelby.IfeelbetterknowingGriff’slookingoutforyou.”

Instantlytheshouldershe’dsoothedtightened.“I’vedoneaprettygoodjoblookingoutformyself.”

Afteragulpofbeer,Claytappedafingertohernose—anotherlife-longhabit.

“Don’tgetyournoseoutofjoint.Ilikeknowingyoucantakecareofyourself.IlikeitbetterGriff’slookingoutforyou,too,sothere’snopointgettingpissyaboutit.”

“I’mnotgetting—”Thebabystirred,letoutaplaintivecry.

Clayglancedathiswatch.“Likeclockwork.Feedingtime.”

“I’lltakehimtoGilly.”Shewasn’tpissy,Shelby

thought.Alittleannoyed,yes,andentitledtobe.She’dgottenherselfintoamess,noquestionaboutit,butshe’dalsoputconsiderabletime,effortandcreativityintopullingherselfandherchildoutofthatmess.

Shedidn’twanttobe“lookedafter.”Itslidtooclosetowhatshe’dlethappenbefore.Hadn’tsheallowedRichardto“lookafter”her?Tomakeallthedecisions,run

theshow,leadherwherehewantedhertogo?

Itwouldn’thappenagain.Andshewasgoingtomakedamnsuresheshowedhernowfour-year-olddaughterwhatawomancoulddoifsheworkedhardenough,stoodstraightenough.

Ifshelookedafterherself.

•••

LATER,SHEDEALTwithparty

debris,cartinginleftovers,bagginguptrash.Inthekitchenhermotherandgrandmotherputthekitchentorights.

“I’mmakingupabigbatchoffrozenmargaritas,”AdaMaeannounced.“MamaandIhaveayenforsome.”

“Icouldhaveayenforafrozenmargarita.”

“Forrestandyourdaddywillprobablystickwithbeer.”Whilesheworked,

AdaMaepeeredoutthewindow,nodded.“Lookslikethey’veaboutgottheextrachairsandpicnictablesputaway.Idon’tknowwhatMattandGriffhaveayenfor,butexpectEmmaKatemightjoinourmargaritaparty.Yououghttoaskwhatthey’dliketohave.”

“Iwill.”“Ormaybethefourofyou

wanttogoonoutforawhile.Oh,lookhowsweetGriffis

withCallie.”AdaMaestoppedtobeamoutthewindownow.“He’styingballoonsonherwrists.”

“Shethinksifthere’senoughofthemonher,she’llliftrightofftheground.”

“Andseethere?He’sliftingherup,lettingherpretendshe’sflying.Thatman’sborntobeadaddy.Someare,”shesaidasshegotoutherbigblender.“YourbrotherClay,forone.He’sso

goodwithhisbabies.Iwishtheycould’vestayedawhilelonger,butlittleBeauneededtogohome,andJacksonwasreadytofallasleepstandingup.Callie,now,she’sstillgotenergyenough.”

“Chocolatecake,andtheexcitement.She’llbespinninguntilbedtime.”

“ShesuredoesdoteonGriff,andherightbackonher.Youcantellaman’scharacterbythewayhetreats

childrenandanimals,Isay.You’vegotawinnerthere,Shelby.Onewho’sgoingtolookafteryouright.”

“AdaMae,”Violasaidunderherbreath,castinghereyesheavenwardevenasShelbyspokeup.

“I’mlookingafterme.”“Ofcourseyouare,honey!

Justlookwhatabright,sweetchildyou’veraised,andonyourown,too.Itsureeasesmyworriesseeingyouwith

suchagoodman—fine-looking,too.WemetsomeofhispeoplewhentheycamedowntovisitandhelphimwiththeoldTripplehornplace.Fine,goodpeople.YoushouldgoonoutandaskhimtoSundaydinner.”

Shelby’sheartbegantothrob.SheknewwhatitmeantwhenasouthernwomantalkedaboutlineageandSundaydinners.

“Mama,I’veonlybeen

seeingGriffforacouplemonths.”

“Heputsalightinyou.”Cheerful,oblivious,AdaMaedumpedgenerousscoopsoficeintheblenderwiththetequilaandmargaritamix.“Putsoneinyourbabygirl,too.AndLordknowshelooksatyoulikeyou’rethedoublechocolatecreaminthecandybox.He’sgotaneasywaywithfriendsandfamily,andhashisownbusiness.

Youdon’twanttoletamanlikethatslipaway.”

“Letmehelpyouwiththat,AdaMae,”Violasaid,andhittheswitchontheblendertodrownoutanymorewords.

Shelbydidn’taskhimtoSundaydinner,orsuggesttheygooutwithMattandEmmaKate.Shetoldherselfshewasn’tavoidinghimoverthenextseveraldays—justthatshehadalottoseeto.

Justthatshehadapointtomakethatshecouldseetoherown.

ShedidjustthatwithCallieoffonaplaydatewithanewfriend,andtheafternoonfree.

Shetooktimetoworkonhernextplaylist—circlingbacktothesecondroundofthefifties.Andwiththeraiseshe’dgottentheweekbeforeatbothjobs,sheoptedtofunnelthatextraintoasingle

creditcardpayment.Ifshekeptbeingcareful—

didn’tbuyanymorenewdressesnomatterwhathermamasaid—sheshouldhaveanotherpaidoffbyherownbirthdayinNovember.

Thatwouldbethebestgiftshecouldaskfor.

Attheknockonthefrontdoor,sheclosedthelaptop,wentdowntoanswer.

Griffstoodontheporch,smiledather.“Hey.”

“Heyback.”Shetriedtofightofftheflutterinherbelly,andpolitelysteppedbacktolethimin—steppedbackjustenoughtoavoidahellokiss.

“Yourmotherwantsshelvesinthelaundryroom.”

“Shehasshelvesinthelaundryroom.”

“Shewantsmore.”“ThatsoundslikeMama.

I’llshowyou.”“How’sitgoing?”

“Good.Busy,likeIsaidbefore.Iwasjustworkingonthenextplaylist,anddealingwithpaperwork.Ineverseemtodigoutfromunderpaperwork.Hereyougo.See?Shelves.”

“Uh-huh.”Hesteppedintotheroomoffthekitchen,scannedthesetup.“Decentsize.Notmuchnaturallight.Plentyofshelves,but—She’ddobetterwithcabinetsoverthewasheranddryer.

It’shalfamudroom,isn’tit?”Drawnin,despiteherself,

ontheideaofredesign,shefrownedatthespace.“Iguessyoucouldsayitis.SheandDaddykeeptheirgardeningshoesandsuchinhere,andwinterboots,thatkindofthing.”

“She’ddobettertakingoutthoseshelvesthere,puttinginabenchwithopencubbiesunderitforshoesandboots.Sitdown,takeyourshoesoff.

Sitdown,putyourshoeson.”“It’sabetteruseofit,isn’t

it?She’dprobablylikethatidea.”

“Shelvesoverthat—highenoughyouwouldn’trapyourheadonthem.Alongerfoldingcounterunderthewindow.Ifitweremine,I’dwidenthatwindow,bringinmorelight.Anyway,longercounterwiththesinkonthefarsideinsteadofthemiddle,keepthehangingrodoverit,

butputbasecabinetswithpull-outshelvesunderit.”

Heshrugged.“Orshecouldjustgetopencornershelvesoverthereandbedonewithit.I’lldosomemeasuring.”

“Allright.I’llleaveyoutothat.”

“Dowehaveaproblem?”heaskedashetookhistapemeasureandpenciloutofhistoolbelt,pulledouthisnotebook.

“Aproblem?No.Why?”“Becausethisisthefirst

timeI’veseenyousinceCallie’sbirthdayparty,andyou’rebeingprettycarefultokeepatleastafootawayfromme.”

“I’vejusthadalottoseeto—likeIsaid.”

Hetooksomemeasurements,wrotedownsomefigures.“Don’tbullshitme,Shelby.It’sinsulting.”

“I’mnot.Ireallyhavehad

alottodealwith.”Buthewasright,itwasinsulting.“AndmaybeIneededtotakeabreathalongwithit.That’sall.”

“Okay.”Hewrotedownsomethingelse,thenthosecannygreeneyeslifted,zeroedinonhers.“DidIdosomethingthatfeltlikeIwasputtingpressureonyou?”

“No,youdidn’t—youhaven’t.Ijustneededto...Areyoulookingoutforme,

Griffin?”Hewrotedownmore

numbers,didaquicksketch,thenloweredthepadtolookatheragain.“SureIam.”

“Icanlookaftermyself.”Sinceitwastrue,shedidn’tcarehowsnippyordefensiveitsounded.“Ineedtolookaftermyself.Ican’t—justwon’t—getcaughtupagainsoIletsomebodytakeover.”

Shesawitinhiseyes,theflashoftemper,asurprising

sparkofheat.“Youknow,I’mallabout

accuratemeasurements.Youscrewupthere,youscrewupeverything.IfyouwanttomeasureyourselfbyRichard,bywhatwas,that’syourbaggage,Shelby.Ihopeyouworkthatout.Butifyou’regoingtomeasuremebyhim,that’sgoingtopissmeoff.”

“I’mnot.Exactly.WhatthehellelsedoIhavetomeasurewith?Sixmonths

agoIthoughtIwasmarried.”“Well,youweren’t.”Hesaiditsoflatlyshe

couldn’tsaywhythewordsmadeherwince.

“Anditseemstomeyou’vedoneagoodjobtearingdownthosewalls,startingtobuildthingsinthewayitworksforyounow.Ifthisdoesn’tworkforyou,thisyouandme?That’sgoingtobetoughtotakebecauseI’minlovewithyou.Butbeingin

lovewithyoudoesn’tmeanI’llstandhereandletyoucomparemetothesonofabitchwholiedtoyou,whousedyou,whobrokeyourtrustandyourspirit.Iwon’tstandforthat.AndIwon’tbepushedawaysoyoucanfuckingbreathebecauseI’mlookingoutforyouthesamewayanybodywhogavearat’sasswould.”

Heshovedthemeasuringtapebackinthepocketofhis

toolbelt.“Workoutwhatyouneedtoworkout.I’llgetbacktoyourmother.”

Hewalkedrightbyherandawaybeforeshecouldbegintogatherherself.He’dneverraisedhisvoice—infacthistonehadbeensocalmitchilledher,andshefeltthoroughlythrashed.

Hecouldn’tsaythosethings,couldn’ttalktoherthatway,thenjustleave.He’dstartedafight,that’s

whathe’ddone,andthenleftbeforeshecouldblockortossapunchofherown.

Shedidn’thavetoputupwiththat.

Shemarchedoutofthelaundryroom—andoh,sheintendedtohaveafewchoicewordsforhermamabecauseifthisdidn’tsmackofanAdaMaesetupsoshe’dhavetimealonewithhermama’schoiceofthemanofherdaughter’sdreams,shedidn’tknowAda

MaeDonahuePomeroy.Andshedamnwelldid.Frustratingly,she’dbeen

toosloworGriffhadbeentooquick,becausesheheardhistruckdriveoffbeforeshemadeittothefrontdoor.

Thatwasfine,shetoldherself,pacingbackandforth,thenstompingupthestairs.Thatwaslikelyforthebest.She’djustgetherselfcalmagainbeforeshesaidherpiece.Whateverthat

piecemightbe.Becausehercheeksfelt

hot,shewentintothebathroom,splashedcoolwateronherface.Herbrainstillfelthot,butthatwouldsimmerdown,too.

She’dmadehimseriouslyangry,andshe’dneverseenhimseriouslyangry.

Becausethey’donlybeenseeingeachotheracoupleofmonths,sheremindedherself.She’dbeenrighttoslow

thingsdown;she’dbeenrighttotakeasteportwoback.

Thenshepressedherfaceintothetowel.

He’dsaidhewasinlovewithher.Andthatjustfilledherupandemptiedheroutagain.Itmadeherwanttoshake,itmadeherwanttoweep.Itmadeherwanttoholdontohimasifherlifedependedonit.

Shecouldn’tthinkaboutthatnow,justcouldn’t.She

wastooworkeduptothinkaboutthat.Andhewastoomadtothinkstraightanyway.

She’dgoforawalk,that’swhatshe’ddo.Goforawalkandclearherhothead.Andshe’dtalktoEmmaKate.ShereallyneededtotalktoEmmaKate.

Shestarteddownstairsagain,alittledesperatetogetoutofthehouse.Whenshesawthefrontdooropen,sheallbutran.

“Nowyoulisten,”shebegan,thenstoppeddeadwhenshesawForrest,andthetwoblack-suitedmenbehindhim.

“Somebodygotyourredup,”hesaideasily.Andsincehe’dseenGriff’struckheadingintotownfromthisdirection,hecoulddeducewho’dgottenherredup.

“Iwasjust...goingforawalk.”

“That’sgoingtohaveto

wait.WhatwehavehereistheFBIspecialagentsBoxwoodandLandry.Theyneedaconversation.”

“Oh.Allright.I—”“Couldusesomething

cold,”Forrestcontinued.“Ofcourse.Y’allgoahead

andsitdown.I’llberightback.”

He’dsentherofftogiveherachancetocomposeherself,soshedidherbesttofollowthrough.Ithadtobe

bad,shethoughtwhileshefilledglasseswithiceandtea,addedoutofhabitsprigsofhermother’smint.IthadtobebadtobringtheFBItothehouse.Shesettheglassesonatray,addedthelittlepalebluenapkins,startedtogetoutaplateforthefrostedcookieshermotherservedtounexpectedcompany.

TheFBIwasn’tcompany,shethought,andpickedupthetrayasitwas.

SheheardForresttalking,somethingaboutwhite-waterraftingandhowhisbrotherClaywouldgivethemahellofarideiftheyhadtimeforone.

Thetallagentrosewhenshecamein,tookthetrayfromher.

“Appreciateit,”hesaid,andsheheardGeorgiainhisvoice.

Tall,shenoted,leantothepointofgangly,darkskinand

eyes,anddarkhaircroppedclosetothescalp.

Hesetthetraydown,heldoutahand.“SpecialAgentMartinLandry.MypartnerSpecialAgentRolandBoxwood.Weappreciateyouspeakingwithus.”

“It’saboutRichard.IthastobeaboutRichard.”ShelookedfromLandrytotheotheragent.

Boxwoodhadmoregirth,moremuscle.Hewasaslight

asLandrywasdark,withScandinavianblondhair,blue-iceeyes.

“Sitdown,Shelby.”Forresttookherhand,drewherdownonthecouchwithhim.“OurfederalfriendshereflewinfromAtlantatoday.”

“Atlanta,”shemurmured.“They’vegivenmethego-

aheadtobringyouuptodate.”Hegaveherlegaquickrub.“Isentwhatyouputtogether,whatGriffput

together,whatIputtogether.IboiledthatalldownandsentittothepoliceinMiami,inAtlanta,inPhiladelphia—andsoon.Andastheso-onsmadealotofsending,Isenttheboiled-downtotheFBI.”

“Yousaidyouwere...yousaidthat’swhatyou’ddo.”

“That’sright.Now,theirbosssenttheseagentsdowntotalktoyoudirectly.”

Whenshenodded,Landry

leanedforward.“Ms.Foxworth—”

“Iwasn’tever,Ionlythought...It’sPomeroy.Please.”

“Ms.Pomeroy,yousoldsomewatcheslastFebruary.ToEasterfieldonLiberty,inPhiladelphia.”

“Yes.Richardhadseveralwatches,soI...”Sheclosedhereyes.“Theywerestolen,weren’tthey?Ishould’veknown,Ishould’verealized.

Themanwhohelpedme,atthestore,hewouldn’thaveknown.Hewasjusthelpingme.I’llpaybackthemoney.Idon’t...”Shedidn’thavethemoney.Evenifshewipedoutthesavingsshe’dkept—thehousefund—shedidn’thaveenough.“IfIcouldhavealittletime,I’llpaybackthemoney.”

“Don’tworryaboutthat,Shelby.”

Fiercely,sheshookher

headatForrest.“Hestolethem,andIsoldthem.Iusedthemoney.It’snotright.”

“Thereareotheritems.”Boxwoodspoke.HehadagravellyvoicethatstruckShelbyasthreatening.“Cufflinks,earrings,anantiquehairclip.”

“Ihavethehairclip!Ididn’tthinkitwasworthanything,soIdidn’ttrytosellit.I’llgetit.”

“Justsit,Shelby.”Forrest

pressedahandonherleg.“Justsitfornow.”

“Alloftheseitems—theonesyousoldinPennsylvania,”Boxwoodcontinued,“matchitemsreportedstoleninburglariesintheAtlantaareafromMayof2011toSeptemberof2014.”

“Morethanone,”shesaidsoftly.“Morethanoneburglary.”

“Numerousotheritems

werereportedstolenfromthesecases.We’dlikeyoutolookatphotographs.”

“Yes,I’lllook.Ofcourse.Wedidn’tmovetoAtlantauntilthefallof2011.Wedidn’tlivethereinMay,but...Hetooktrips.Idon’tknow...”

“YoulivedthereinAprilof2012,”Boxwoodadded.

“Yes.Welivedthere.”“Canyoutelluswhereyou

wereonAprilthirteenthof

thatyear?”“I...No.I’msorry,I

don’tknow.Thatwasoverthreeyearsago.”

“Thinkaboutit,”Forrestsaideasily,thoughhishandstayedlightonherthigh.“ThatwasjustacoupledaysbeforeEaster.ItwasGoodFriday.”

“Oh.Easter,andCalliewouldhavebeennearlyayearold.Igotheranoutfit,abonnetandeverything.Itook

herforphotographsthatFriday.Ihavetheminheralbum.Theyhadprops—littlechicksandstuffedbunnies.Basketsandcoloredeggs.IsentcopiestoMama,andtoGranny.”

“Irememberthosepictures.”

“ThatwasFridayafternoon.Idon’trememberwhattime,exactly.ItwasatthisplacecalledKidography.Itwassuchaclevername.I

rememberbecauseItookCalliebackforotherpictures,thephotographer—hernamewasTate...Tate—ohGod—TateMitchell.I’msureofit,I’msurethat’stherightname.Andafter,thatfirsttimeontheFridaybeforeEaster,IchangedCallieintoplayclothesandtookherforicecreamasatreat.I’dbribedherwiththat,toldherifshewasagoodgirlI’dtakeherforicecream—eventhat

youngsheknewtheword‘icecream.’WewenttoMorelli’s.”

“BesticecreaminAtlanta,”Landrysaid.

“You’vebeenthere?Callielovedgoingthere.WewenttoMorelli’s,andIletherspoilherdinner.Irememberthat,Irememberthinking,Ohwell,she’snotgoingtowantagooddinnernow,soithadtobelateafternoon.”

“Whataboutthatevening,

thatnight?”Boxwoodprompted.

“Letmethink.”Shepressedherfingerstohereyes.“Letmetrytogobackandseeit.Therewastraffic—Irememberthat—andhowCalliefellasleepinthecar.Iwasworried,alittle,thatIwouldn’tgethomebeforeRichard.Hedidn’tlikeifhedidn’tknowwhereIwas.Ithoughtabouttextinghim,butIdidn’t.Hedidn’tlikeme

tocallortexthimwhenhewasworking.”

Loweringherhands,shetookasettlingbreath.“Wegothome,Ithinkitmusthavebeenaroundsixorso.Charlene—shedidsomecookingandlighthousekeepingforus—butshehadthelongweekendoff.SoCharlenewasn’tthere,andIwasgladtohavethecondotomyself.IlikedCharlenefine,Idon’tmeantosayIdidn’t

likeher.”“Buttheplacewasquiet,

justyouandyourdaughter.”ShenoddedatLandry.

“Yes,that’sit.Calliewasalittlecranky,whatwiththephotos,theicecream,thenapinthecar,butIsettledherdownwithFifi—herstuffeddog—andsomeblocks.Shelikedtheseblocksthatmadenoise.Ihurriedtoputdinnertogether.IswearIcan’trememberwhatIfixed,butI

hadittogetherbysevenorseven-thirty,andIwasrelieved.Buthewaslate.Richard.Iputitinthewarmer,andIgotCalliehermeal,coaxedhertoeatalittle,andshedidsinceI’dwaiteduntilshe’dworkedoffthaticecream.Igaveherabath,andreadherastory,andputhertobed.

“IdidtextRichardthen,justtosayhisdinnerwasintherefrigerator,andifIwas

inbedalready,hecouldheatitup.Iwasangry,Iguess,buttired,too.”

Sherubbedathertemple,rubbedandrubbedasshetriedtoseeitallagain.

“IwenttobednotlongafterCalliewasdown.Ineverheardhimcomein.Isawhiminthemorning.Ilookedin,andsawhe’dsleptintheguestroom.”

Itseemedsopersonal,wherehe’dslept,shehadto

fightoffablush.“He,ah,usedtheguest

roomsometimesifhegotinlate.IfixedbreakfastforCallie,andIputeggsontoboil.We’ddyeeggsforEasterlaterthatday.Hedidn’tgetuptillclosetonoon,andhewasinafinemood.Irememberthat,too,clearnow,ashewasinsuchafinemood,alljokeyandexcited.HemadeCallielaugh,Iremember.Iguesshe

couldseeIwasalittleputout,andhesaidsomething—Idon’trememberwhatbecausehealwayshadsomeexcuse.Latemeetings,couldn’tgetaway.Whateveritwas,thenhe...”

Trailingoff,shegrippedherhandstogether,tight,tight.“OhGod,thehairclip.Hesaid,herewasalittlesomethingforEaster,andhegavemetheclip.HesaidIshouldgofixmyhair,andget

Calliedressedup.Hewastakinghisladiesoutforlunch.HehardlyeverwantedtotakeCallieanywhere,andshewassohappyaboutit,Isetbeingputoutaside.Ididexactlywhathewanted.I’dgottenusedtodoingwhathewanted.Thehairclip.”Shepressedherlipstogether.“He’dstolenit,thenhegaveittome,likeyougiveaMilk-Bonetoadog.”

Shetookalongbreath.“I

guessyoucancheckonthetimeofthephotosandall,butIcan’tprovetherest.SomebodyprobablysawmecomeinwithCallie,butIdon’tseewhythey’drememberaftersomuchtime.Andnoonewashome.IfyouthinkIwaswithRichard,ifyouthinkIwaspartofwhathedid,Ican’tproveIwasn’t.”

“That’salotofdetailonadaythatlongago,”Boxwood

pointedout.“ItwasCallie’sfirst

Easter,andthefirstprofessionalphotographs.I’dwantedafamilyphotodone,aftershewasborn,butRichardneverhadtime.Sothiswasspecial.She—Tate—shetookoneofthetwoofus,andIsentittomyparents,special.She’dtakenherbonnetoff—Callie—andherhair’dgoneeverywhere,likeminewould.Ihadn’tgotten

tothesalontohaveminestraightenedthewayRichardlikedit.It’safavoritephotographofmine.”

Sherose,tookitfromthemantel.“ThisistheonewehadtakenthatFridaybeforeEaster.”

“Shesurelookslikehermama,”Landrycommented.

“WhenitcomestoCallie,”Forrestputin,“Shelbyremembers.”

“Iguessthat’strue.

Especiallythefirsts.”Shesetthephotoonthemantelagain,satbackbesideForrest.

“Oh!”Struck,shecamehalfoffthesofabeforeForrestnudgedherbackagain.“Iwroteitinherbabybook.Iwroteaboutthephotographs,andputoneoftheminthere.Icangetit.”

“Idon’tthinkthat’snecessary,fornow,Ms.Pomeroy.”

“It’snoteasytoadmityou

werestupid,”shesaidcarefully,“thatyouwereduped.Ineverknewhewasstealing,hewascheatingpeople,andIwaslivinginthatfancycondo,Ihadallthoseclothes,andsomeonetohelpwiththeworkbecausehestoleandhecheated.Ican’tgobackandchangeit.ShouldIgetthehairclip?Iknowjustwhereitis.Youcouldgiveitbacktowhoeverhestoleitfrom.”

“Webelievehestolethehairclip,oneofthewatchesyousold,andotheritemsvaluedatapproximatelysixty-fivethousanddollarsfromAmandaLucernBryce,ofBuckhead.HerdaughterfoundheronSaturdayafternoon,April14,2012.”

“Foundher?”“She’dfallen—orbeen

pushed—downthestairsofherhome.Herneckwasbrokeninthefall.”

TheblooddrainedoutofShelby’sfaceasshestaredatBoxwood.“She’sdead?Shewaskilled?Richard...Hewasinsuchagoodmood.HemadeCallielaugh.I’msorry,Ineedaminute.”Sheroseabruptlyonlegsthatshook.“Excuseme.”

Sherushedtothepowderroom,justleanedoverthesink.Herstomachpitchedandroiled,butshewouldn’tbesick.Shewouldnotbe

sick.Shewouldfightthatoff.

Sheonlyhadtobreathe.Onlyhadtotakeafewminutesandbreathe,thenshecoulddealwithwhatcamenext.

“Shelby.”Forrestrappedonthedoor.

“Ijustneedaminute.”“I’mcomingin.”“Ineedadamnminute,”

shesnappedwhenheopenedthedoor,thenshejustwalkedintohisarms.“OhGod,oh

God,Forrest.Hetookusouttolunch.Heleftthatwomanlyingthere,theonehestolefrom,andhecamehomeandwenttobed.Thenhetookusouttolunch.Heorderedchampagne.Hewascelebrating.Hewascelebrating,andhe’dleftthatwomanlyingthereforherdaughtertofind.”

“Iknowit.Iknowit,Shelby.”Hestrokedherhair,swayedwithheralittle.“One

dayitwould’vebeenyou.Iknowthat,too.”

“HowcouldIhavenotseenwhathewas?”

“Youdidn’t.Andyou’renottheonlyonewhodidn’t.Nobodythinksyouwerepartofthis.”

“You’remybrother,ofcourseyoudon’tthinkso.”

“Nobody,”herepeated,anddrewherbacktolookinhereyes.“Theyhavetodowhattheydo.You’regoingto

lookatpicturesofstolenarticles,ofpeoplehestolefrom.You’lltellthemwhateveryouknow.That’sallyoucandosothat’swhatyou’lldo.”

“Iwanttohelp.Theclothesonmyback,Forrest,theclothesIputonmybaby.Itmakesmesickknowingwheretheycamefrom.”

“Tellmewherethehairclipis.I’llgetit.”

“Thetoprightdrawerof

thevanityinthebathroomIsharewithCallie.Ihaveaboxinthere.Allmyhairclipsareinit.It’smother-of-pearlwithlittleblueandwhitestones.Ithoughtitwasfake,Forrest.Ineverthought—it’sahairclip,soInevergaveitathought.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.Ifyoudon’twanttotalktothemanymorenow,I’lltellthemyou’redone.”

“No,Iwanttotellthem

whateverIknow.WhateverIknowIdidn’tknow.I’llgobackinnow.”

“Whenyou’vehadenough,youjustsay.”

“Iwantitover.”Shewentback,andonce

againLandrystood.“I’msorry,”shebegan.“Don’tapologize.We

appreciateyourcooperation,Ms.Pomeroy.”

Shesat,pickedupthetea.Toomuchoftheicehad

melted,butitwascoolenough,andwetenough.“Didhekillotherpeople?Doyouknow?”

“It’spossible.”“Hewasneverviolentwith

meorCallie.Ifhehadbeen...thatwouldhavebeendifferent.Hedidn’tpaymuchmindtoheratall,andlessandlesstome.He’dsaythings,cruelthingssometimes,tome,buthewasneverviolent.”

Carefully,shesettheglassdownagain.“Ineversawwhathewas.IfIhadIwouldneverhavelethimnearmybaby.Ihopeyoucanbelievethat.Callie’sgoingtobehomeinaboutanhour.Ifwe’renotdone,Ineedustogosomewhereelse,orwaituntiltomorrow.Idon’twanthertohearanyofthis.Shejustturnedfour.”

“That’snotaproblem.”“Ifyoucouldgiveme

anotherdate.IfIcouldfigureoutsomethingaroundit,aholidayoradoctor’sappointment,somethingthatsticksout,ImightbeabletotellyouwhatIwasdoing.Whathewasdoing.Idon’tknowwhatelseIcandotohelp.Iwanttohelp.”

“Let’sstickwithAtlantafornow,workforward.”LandrynoddedatBoxwood.

“Augusteighth,sameyear,”Boxwoodsaid.

“Mydaddy’sbirthdayisAugustninth,andForrestwasbornonAugustfifth.Wealwayshadadoublebirthdayparty,theSaturdayorSundayclosest.Iwantedtocome.Ihadn’tbeenhomeinawhile,andIwantedCallietovisitherfamily.Richardsaidno.WehadacharitygalatoattendonthatSaturday,andIcouldn’tgorunningofftoDaddy.Iwashiswife,andexpectedtoattend,andact

likeIbelonged.ItwasattheRitz-Carlton,inBuckhead.”

“Saturday,Augusteighth,2012,sixfigures’worthofjewelryandrarestampswerestolenfromthehomeofIraandGloriaHamburg.TheyhadattendedagalaattheRitzthatnight.”

“LikeinFlorida,”Shelbyadded.“Jewelryandstamps.Itmust’vebeenlikea...specialtyofhis.”

“Youcouldsaythat.”

Landrysatback.“Tellusaboutthatevening.”

he’dknowntheHamburgs,alittle,hadattendedadinner

partyintheirhome.RichardhadplayedgolfwithIraHamburgafewtimes,andsheandRichardhadhosted

thematthecountryclub.They’dsocializedatothergalasorfund-raisersnowandthen.

Itwasn’thardtoremembersomeofthedetailsofthatparticularnightasshe’dpicturedherfamilyhere,inthishouse,celebratingbirthdays—andhadmissedthem.

SherememberedRichardbringingheraglassofchampagneatonepointand

tellingher,impatiently,tomingle,forGod’ssake,andstopsulking.Hewasgoingoutsideforabittohaveacigarandtalksomebusinesswithacoupleofpotentialclients.

Shecouldn’tsayhowlongshe’dmingled,wandered,putbidsonacoupleofitemsinthesilentauctionashe’dinstructedhertodo.Itcould’vebeenasmuchasanhour,shesupposed.

“Hewasinagoodmoodwhenhefoundme—saidhe’dbeenhuntingforme,andwhydidn’twegocheckonourbidsbeforetheauctionclosed.Ithoughthe’dgottensomebusinessbecausehewasinabettermood,andthenheputabigbidonthiswinepackage.”

“TheHamburgslivelessthanamilefromthehotel,”Boxwoodpointedout.

“Iknowit.”

Theyaskedheraboutothernights,days,times.Someshecouldremember,otherswerelostinafog.Fromthephotographs,sherecognizedcufflinks,thediamondstuds,athree-stranddiamondandemeraldbraceletRichardhadgivenheronce,thenaccusedheroflosingwhenitdisappearedfromherjewelrybox.

ForrestlingeredaftertheFBIsteppedout.

“Doyouwantmetostay?”“No,no,I’mallright.

MamawillbebackwithCalliesoon.Just...dotheybelieveme?Don’tanswerasmybrother,butasapoliceofficer.”

“Theybelieveyou.Theyplayedaversionofgoodcop/badcopwithBoxwoodtryingtotripyouuphereandthere,givingyouthehardeye.Buttheybothbelievedyou.Youwerehelpful,

Shelby.Thebestthingnowistoputitaside.LettheFBIdowhattheydo.”

“Isoldstolenproperty.”“Youdidn’tknowitwas

stolen,hadnoreasontothinkithadbeen.We’llworkthatout.”

“HowcouldInotsee—howcantheybelieveIdidn’tknow?Iswear,ifIdidn’tknowIdidn’tknow,Iwouldn’tbelieveme.”

“TheBTKkillerhada

wifeandraisedtwochildren,livedinacommunity,wenttochurch.Noneofthemknewwhathewas.Somepeoplewearmaskswell,Shelby,knowhowtocompartmentalizebeyondwhat’snormal.”

“Hewasn’tright,washe?Imean,Richardcouldn’thavebeenrightinsidetobeabletodoallhedid.”

“Thepoliceofficer’stellingyouhewasa

sociopath,andashrinkwouldlikelyhavealotoffancytermsforwhathewas.Butno,hewasn’tright.That’sdone—you’renevergoingbacktothat.You’regoingtohavetodealwithsomeofit,butmostly?Youneedtolookatthehereandnow,andthefuture.”

“I’vebeentryingto.Whatwasjustwon’tletgo.Ikeepfindingoutmore.”

“You’reaPomeroywith

MacNeeinyourblood.You’llstanduptoit.Youcallme,youhear,ifyouneedme.”

“Iwill.Idon’tknowwhatI’d’vedoneifyouhadn’tbeenwithmetoday.”

“That’sjustonemorethingyouneverhavetoworryaboutagain.”

ShelbythoughtifthewholeoftheRidgedidn’tknowabouttheFBI,thentheysoonwould.Soshetold

herparentseverythingassoonasshecould.

Theverynextmorningbeforethefirstcustomercameintothesalon,shetoldhergrandmotherandtherestofthestaff.

“Ithoughty’allshouldknow.”

“AdaMaecalledmelastnight,toldmeallthis,”Violabegan.“I’lltellyouwhatItoldher.Noneofthisisyourfault,notabit.Andwecan

lookatthatstormastherighthandofGodmakingsureyouandCalliewerewellridofthesonofabitch.”

“I’dratherhewasn’tdead,”Shelbysaidafteraminute.“I’dratherhewasalivesoIcouldtellhimwhatIthinkofhim.IhatethathediedbelievingIwasnothing.IhatethathediedknowingIneverhadaninklingwhathe’ddone.”

“Mysister’sexkepta

womanoverinSweetwaterforsixyears,”Vonniepipedup.“Hadanapartmenttherewithherandeverything.Noneofusknewathingaboutit—andthatmanwenttotheLutheranchurcheverySundayhewasintown.CoachedLittleLeagueandbelongedtotheElksClub.LydiamightneverhaveknownifthewomaninSweetwaterhadn’tcalledherupandtoldherallofitafter

shefoundoutLornehadtakenupwithathirdwoman.”

Vonnieshrugged.“Iguessit’snotthesamething,butI’mjustsaying,weallthoughttheworldofLorneuntilweknewtothinkdifferent.”

“Thankyou,Vonnie.I’msorryforyoursister,butIguessthatmakesmefeelbetter.”

“Wedon’talwaysknow

somebodythewaywethinkweknowthem.”Crystalreadiedherstationforherfirstappointment.“MygoodfriendBernadette’scousindowninFayetteville?Why,herhusbandembezzledtwelvethousanddollarsfromherdaddy’shardwarebusinessbeforetheyfoundout.Bernadette’scousinstayedwithhimafter,too.Andifyouaskme,anybodywho’dstealfromfamilyisn’t

worthspit.”“Hell,thatain’tnothing.”

Lorileefistedherhandsonherhips.“IalmostmarriedLucasJohnBabbott—y’allremember.AbouttenyearsbackIwasreadytowalkdowntheaislewiththatman.Somethingjustsaid,Don’tdoit,Lorilee,soIdidn’t,butitwasclose.AndIfoundouthe’dinheritedhisgranddaddy’scabinoverbyElkmont.Youknowwhathe

wasdoinginit?Thatmanwascookingmeth,andnowhe’sinjail.”

Otherspickedupthetheme,ranwithit.Violasteppedover,putanarmaroundShelby’swaist.“Peopleaskme,don’tyouwanttoretire,Vi?YouandJackcouldgotraveling,oryoucouldsitontheporchandsiplemonadeallday.AndIthink,Why,Iwouldn’tstepawayfromthisplacefor

alltheteainChina.Whereelseareyougoingtogetsuchentertainment—andaddtothetillwhileyoudo?”

ShekissedShelby’scheek.“Youdidrighttellingeverybodystraight-out.”

“It’sthesameasfamily.”“It’sjustthesame.

Crystal!Iseeyournine-o’clockcrossingthestreet.Yougirlsgetontoworknow.”

Thenextdayshemet

EmmaKateforadrinkafterwork—andaftershe’dspentasolidhourwithBitsy.

“I’mbuying.Ioweyou.”“Iwon’tsayno.”Shelby

pulledouthernotebook,openedit.“Allright,theengagementpartyfirst.It’sallset—time,place,date.Ididtalkherdownontheflowers,andthefood.Justgentlesuggestionsaboutsavingthebiggunsforthewedding.Whydidn’twemakethis

prettyandelegant,butsometimeseleganceissimple.Sinceyou’regoingwithyellowandorchidforyourweddingcolors,Isteeredherawayfromthat,too.Saidwhydidn’twegoforbridewhite—that’slikeyouwanted,right?”

“Yes.Allwhiteflowers.Yougothertoagree?”

“IshowedherpicturesI’dfoundinmagazinesandonline,andshegotsoexcited.

Then,sinceI’dalreadytalkedtothefloristandwe’dfigureditall,Isaidlet’sordertheserightnow!Gotherwhenherenthusiasmwashigh.”

Pleasedandproud,Shelbybrushedherpalmstogether.“It’sdone.”

“Ioweyoutwodrinks.”“EmmaKate,youoweme

somanydrinkswecan’tcountthem.We’redownfromthatorchestrashewantedtohireoutof

Nashville,tobookingRedHotandBlue—whichTansysuggested,andyouliked.”

“OhmyGod,we’renotgoingtohavemeninwhitetuxedosplayingwaltzes?MattandIbothreallylikedRedHotandBluewhenthey’veplayedatBootlegger’s.”

“It’llrocksome,andbeagoodchanceforyouandMatttoseeifyouwantthemforthewedding,wantsomething

elseorwanttogowithaDJ,sinceyouhaven’tdecidedonthat.”

Meticulously,Shelbytickeditoffherlist.“ThenIsaidtoyourmamahowI’dworkwiththehotelassheneededtobefreshandbemother-of-the-bride-to-beandgothertalkingaboutwhatshe’dbewearing,howshewantedherhair.AndI’dmadeuptheseposterboardsoftabledecorationsand

flowersandallthat.”Shelbygavehernailsan

exaggeratedbuffonhersleeve.“Ibowledherover,iswhatIdid,thendidn’tgivehermuchchancetowaffleonit.”

“Posterboards!”“IalsodecidedI’mnot

showingyou.You’regoingtotrustme,andbesurprised.Thewedding,you’reinoneverylittledetail,butthisisgoingtobeasurprise,andI

promiseyou’llbehappywithit.”

“Idon’thavetothinkaboutit?”

“Youdon’thavetothinkaboutit.”

“IfIdidn’tloveMatt,Imightchangemymindandmarryyou.Butthenhehascertainattributesyoulack,nottomentionbetweenhimandGrifftheycanfixanything.He’soveratGriff’srightnow,helpingoutfora

couplehours.Iexpectit’llruntothreeasMatt’sgotaheadofsteamworkinguponfindingtherightpropertyandbuildingahouse,ordoingwhatGriff’sdoingandfindinganoldplacetorehab.”

“Areyoureadyforallthat?”

“LikeItrustyoutomakeeverythinglookbeautiful,Itrusthimtofigurethatout.I’llhaveplentytosayabout

it,butI’lllethimgetgoingonitfirst.”

“Allright,then.”Shelbywiggledherbuttback,leanedforward.“Let’stalkweddings.”

Theyplotted,planned,withShelbytakingnotes.

“Putthatdownfornow.”Aftertwentyminutes,EmmaKatewavedatthenotebook.“It’sstartingtomakemyheadspin.”

“Wegotagoodstarthere.”

“Morethanagoodstart,andit’stimetochangethechannel.Iwanttoknowaboutyou.HaveyouheardanymorefromtheFBI?”

“No.Ikeepexpectingthemtocometothedooragain,withawarrantformyarrestasaccessoryafterthefact,orsomething.Buttheyhaven’t.”

“Iftheythinkyouhadanypartofallthat,theydon’tdeservetobespecialagents.”

Forrestsaidthesame,Shelbythought,butitsteadiedhergroundtohearitfromherbestfriend.

“I’mgoingtogooverallthepicturesandlettersagain.IneededtoputitawayforacoupleofdayssoIcouldstartfresh.MaybeI’llremembersomethingelse,orfindsomethingelse.”

“What’sthepointnow,Shelby?”

“Knowing.Justknowing.I

don’texpectI’mgoingtofindatreasuremaptowhathestoleinMiami,oranyoftheothersthatarestillunfound.I’msupposingthereareothersstillunfound.Butknowingfeelsimportant.”

“Iwishyou’dletitgo,butthegirlIgrewupwithwasn’tevergoodatlettingthingsgoiftheymatteredtoher.”

“Thismatterstome.WhatifIdidfindsomethingthatledtosomething,thattook

thepolicetosomewhereelseandtheyfoundthem?AtleastthatwomanandhersoninMiamiwouldhavethat.”

“Shelby.”EmmaKatetookherhand,squeezedit.“You’relookingforawaytopaythembacksomehow,likeyou’repayingoffallthatdebt.Andnoneofit’syours,noneofit.Andthat’soneofthereasons—Iknowyou—youslappedthebrakesonwithGriff.”

Shifting,Shelbygotbusytidyinghernotes.“That’snotexactlyso.”

“It’scloseenough.Youlookedhappytogether.Youlookedgoodtogether.”

“Ijustwantedtoslowthingsdownsome.”

“You’vegottomoveatyourownspeed,andI’dneversaydifferent.”

“Iguesshehadsomethingstosayaboutit.”

“Notmuch,nottome.Not

toMatt,either,orI’d’vegottenitoutofMatt.He’snotthevaultGriffis,andIknowthecombinationanyway.Iexpecthemightsaymoretonight,workingonthehouse,havingabeer,thatsortofthing.I’llgetthatoutofMatteasyenough.”

“Hewasawfulmad.It’shardtoknowhowtodealwithamanwhogetsmadso...reasonably.”

“I’dhatethat!”Emma

Katelaughed,satback.“Youcan’twinagainstreasonable,notreally.”

“Andwhatmakesitharder?HewentbythehousewhenIwasworking—he’dknowIwasworkingandMamahadCallie.MamasaidhowhewentoutbackwithCallieandspentnearlyanhourwithherontheswings,withthepuppy.”

“Well!Thatshowsyouwhatkindofdastardly

individualyou’redealingwith.”

“Allright,EmmaKate.”Shelbyletoutasigh.“Idon’tknowwhattodoaboutit,exactly.I’vegotarighttobemadaboutsomeofthethingshesaid.”

Sippingwine,EmmaKateliftedhereyebrows.“Reasonablethings?”

“Iguessfromwherehe’sstanding,butthatdoesn’tmakethemlessawfulfor

me.”“I’mtrustingyouonthis

engagementparty,andyouhaven’tletmedownyet.”

“AndIwon’t.”“That’swhyItrustyou.

Whydon’tyoutrustme?”“I—OfcourseIdo.Ido

trustyou.”“Good.Gooverthereand

talktoGriff.”“Oh,but—”“DidIsay‘but’onthe

party?Ididnot,”EmmaKate

saiddefinitely.“SoyoutrustwhatI’msayingtoyou,andgooverandtalktoGriff.Mattsayshe’sbeenstewingfordays.Icanseeyouare,too,maybeneededto,butstewingtime’sover.Gotalkitout.Onewayortheother,bothofyouareboundtofeelbetter,oratleastknowwhereyoubothstand.”

Shewasn’tgoingtodoit—wasn’titbettertojustletthingssitawhile?Buttheidea

satinthebackofherhead,nagging,throughdinner,throughthebedtimeritualwithCallie.

Shetoldherselftosettledown,spendtherestoftheeveninggoingoverthephotosandlettersagain.Butshecouldn’tsettle.

ShewentdownwhereherparentsheldtheirowneveningritualofTVandneedlework.

“Callie’salltuckedin.I

wonderifyou’dmindifIwentoutawhile?There’ssomethingI’dliketodo.”

“Yougoon.”Herfathergaveheranabsentsmilebeforehezeroedbackinontheballgame.“We’renotgoinganywhere.”

“I’mdraggingyourdaddyasfarasthefrontporchwhenthegame’sover.We’regoingtositandhaveourselvesaglassofteaandsmelltherosesramblingupthetrellis.”

“Youenjoythat,andthankyou.Iwon’tbeverylong.”

“Youtakeyourtime,”hermothersaid.“Andyouputsomelipstickon,fluffyourhairsome.Youcan’tgoovertoGriff’swithoutyourlipstick.”

“Ididn’tsayIwasgoingtoGriff’s.”

“Amamaknows.Youputsomelipstickon.”

“Iwon’tbelong,”Shelbyrepeated,andgotoutbefore

hermothersuggestedshechangeherclothes.

•••

GRIFFHADN’TSHOWEREDofftheday,becausehe’ddecidedthedaywasn’tdone.EvenafterMattleft,hekeptatit.Hebrokebriefly—letthedogout,fixedasandwich,letthedogin,butkeptfocusedonthework.

He’dfinishedthecloset,

andthankstoMatt,theinteriorwasdrywalled,haditssecondcoatofmud.Sohefocusedonthewindowseathe’ddesignedforthedoublewindowslookingoverthebackyard.It’dbeaniceplacetosit—withconvenientstoragebeneath.

Hesawtheroom,finished,prettyclearly.Andevenifthatimageirritatedhimhalfthetime,hewoulddamnwellstickwithit.

Hemadeahabitofsticking.

Oncehehadtheclosetsanded,thewindowseatfinished,thetrimfinished,alltheroomreallyneededwaspaintandagoodclean.Well,somepunchout—outletcovers,lightswitchcovers,andhefigured—andhadwiredfor—aceilingfanwithalightkit.

Hadtofindtherightone,onethatworkedwithhis

imageoftheroom.Maybehe’dplayaround

onlinetonight,seewhathefound.

Thentherewasthesmallensuite.Thathe’dtacklenext,andprobablywithinthenexteveningortwoashehadthetime.

Hehadmusicgoing,heardnothingelseuntilSnickersbegantobark.Whenthedogscrambledoutoftheroom,raceddownstairs,Griffpulled

outhisearbuds.Hepickeduphishammer,

testeditsweight,andstartedoutwithit.Heheardtheknockthen—hereallyneededtodoadoorbell—andthoughhedoubtedthelaptopinvaderwouldbotherwithaknock,heglancedoutthelandingwindow.

AndsawShelby’svan.Emotionsrolledup,

conflicting,contrasting.Pleasure—God,he’dmissed

justlookingatherface.Annoyance.Whosefaultwasithehadn’tseenherface?Puzzlement,asitwasn’tlikehertodropbyafternineatnight.Relief,tremendous,thatshehad.

Hesetthehammerdownonthesteps,walkedtherestofthewaydown,wherethedogbarkedandwaggedatthedoor.

Heopenedthedoorandwonderedhowhemanagedto

keephisheartfromjustfallingatherfeet.

“Ihopeit’sallrightIcameby,”shebegan.“Iwantedtotalktoyou.”

Andhewantedtopluckherrightofftheground,feelherhangontohimwhilehekissedthembothbrainless.

“Sure.”“Hey,Snickers.There’sa

gooddog,”shesoothedasshebentovertorubhim.“Lookhowhe’sgrownalready.

Maybewecouldsitoutside.It’ssuchanicenight.”

“Wecandothat.Youwantadrinkoranything?”

“No,don’tbother.You’reworking—yousmelllikesawdustandsweat,inagoodway.”

“Justfiddlingwithacouplethings.Icoulduseabreak.”

Hesteppedoutside,gesturedtooneofthechairs.

“Iknowyou’remadat

me,”shebeganasshesat,andkeptrubbingthedog,whoploppedhisforefeetonherknees.“Andyouwereclearastowhy.”

“Okay.”“Itriedtoexplainmy

reasonstoyou,butIdon’tthinkyouunderstand.”

“Iunderstand,”hecountered.“Ijustdon’tagreewithyourreasons.”

“Youhaven’tlivedmylife,Griffin.Onethatbrought

federalagentstothedoor.”“Iheardaboutthat,andI

heardtheyweregratefulforyourcooperation.”

“Forrest.”“Hewasn’tpassingon

statesecrets.Plus,theytalkedtome.”

“They...”Herhandsstilled;herheadwhippedaround.“Theycamehere?”

“Justforachat.It’salsonotastatesecretyouandIhavespenttimetogether

sinceyougotback.Itwasn’taproblem.”

Hereyessparked,flashed.Temper,resentment,frustration—hesawthemixclearlyenough.

“Whycan’tyouseeit’saproblemformethatthey’dcomehere,askyouquestionsaboutsomethingyoudidn’thaveanythingtodowith?”

“Youhaven’tlivedmylife,either,Shelby.Theyknewaboutthelaptop

business,sotheyfollowedthrough.ThewayIlookatit,havingthelocalsandthefedsinvolvedinthisisonlyagoodthing.”

“Hekilledsomeone.”“What?”“Theydidn’ttellyouthat,

andForrestdidn’tchoosetoimpartthatinformationinhisreportstoyou?”

“No,anddon’tbesosnottyaboutit.Yourbrother’smyfriend,”he

continuedbeforeshecouldtosssomethingelseathim.“Hedoesn’treporttome.Hetalkstome.”

Shehadbeensnottyaboutit,sheadmitted,but...Putitaside,sheorderedherself,andsaywhatneededsaying.

“Richardkilledawoman,inAtlanta.Orshefelldownthestairs,it’snotaltogetherclear,whilehewasstealingfromher.Heleftherthere,justleftherdeadordyingon

thefloorandwalkedaway.That’swhoIthoughtImarried,that’swhoIhadachildwith,that’swhoIlivedwithfornearlyfiveyears.”

“That’shardonyou,andI’msorryaboutit.Butwhathedid,whohewas,whathewas?Itdoesn’thaveanythingtodowithme.Itdoesn’thaveanythingtodowithyouandme.”

“Ithaseverythingtodowithme,sothatmeansithas

todowithyouandme.Whycan’tyouseethat?”

“Becausethisisnow.”Hesaiditsimply.“BecauseI’minlovewithyou.BecauseIcanseeyouhavefeelingsforme.Maybeyou’renotwhereIam,andIcan’targueaboutthat,butyouhavefeelings.WhatIseeisyoupushingthemaway,andmewiththem,becauseasociopath,aconman,athief,andapparentlyamurderingsonof

abitch,usedyou,deceivedyou,andyou’relettingyourselffeelguiltyandresponsibleforit.”

“Ihavetoberesponsibleformyownchoices,myactionsandtheconsequencesofthem.”

“Okay,”hesaidafteramoment.“You’rerightaboutthat.Now,whenareyougoingtostopbeatingyourselfupforthem?”

“Ican’tmakeanother

mistake.”“I’mnotamistake.”He

shovedupatthat,hadtostrideaway,pullhiscontrolback,gripit.“Don’thangthatonme.”

“No,no,it’sme.It’s—”“It’snotyou,it’sme?

That’saclassic.”“Oh,justshutupaminute.

Justshutup!Idohavefeelingsforyou,andthey’rescaringme.Ican’tjustrunwithmyfeelingsagain

because,yes,thisisnow.NowIhavealittlegirl.Ihavealifetomakeforher,forus.IhavetoknowI’mdoingright,notjusttakingwhatIwantforme.Ineedtotakeabreath,damnit.Ineedtosettledownandthink,notjustfeel.Ihurtpeople.Ihurtmyfamily,andI’mnever,nevergoingtodothatagain.Ihurtmyselfinthelongrun.”

Sheroseaswell,walkedtotherailontheothersideof

thestepsfromhim.Acrossthelawn,intothetrees,scoresoflightningbugsputonashow,countlesspulsesofwarmlightagainstthedark.

“I’mnotbeatingmyselfup,ornotmuchanymore.Orfeelingsorryformyself.I’mdonewiththat.Icamehome,andIbroughtmygirlhome,andI’mbuildingthatlifeforus.Thatfeelsright.Ifeelgoodaboutthat.Itwould’vebeenenough,Griffin,it

would’vebeenmorethanenoughforme.Thenyou...Ijust...Therewere—are—feelings.”

“Iplannedtogoslower.IfiguredtogetyoutogooutwithmeandEmmaKateandMattafewtimes,overacouplemonths,maybe.Getusedtobeingaroundme.ThenI’daskyouout.Ididn’tfollowtheblueprint.”

“Youhaveablueprint?”“Ialwayshaveablueprint.

Butthethingaboutthemis,sometimesyouseehowtoimprovethewholewithachange,orsomechanges.Soyoudo.Iplannedtogoslower,but...DidIpushyou?”

“No.”Itwaswrong,sheadmitted,itwasunfairandwrongtolethimthinkso.“No,youdidn’tpushme,Griff.You...appealed,andyou...”

Shelookedout,allthose

pulsesofwarmyellow.He’dputalightinher,shethought.Pulsesoflightagainstthedarkshe’dcarried.

“Howmuchyouappealedcaughtmeoffguard.Iwanted—want—tobewithyou.You’retheoppositeofRichard.AndIaskedmyselfifthatwaswhyyouappealedsomuch.You’resodifferentfromhim.Notflashyorshowy,just—”

“Dull?”

Sheglancedoverquickly,relievedwhenshesawhimsmile.“No,notdull.Real.IneededrealmorethanIcansay,andthereyouwere.Ihavefeelings,andtheyscareme.”

“Idon’tmindthat.Youtakethetimeyouneedtoworkthatout.Don’tmakeexcusesnottoseeme—bestraightaboutit.”

“Ididn’tknowhow.Ihadn’tfiguredouthow

becauseIdidn’twanttostopseeingyou.IfeltIshould,forawhile,butIdidn’twantto.”

“Hasitbeenawhileyet?”“Itfeelslikeit’sbeenalot

longerthanawhile.”“There’sapointof

agreement.I’vemissedthehelloutofyou,Red.”

“YoucamebytoseeCalliewhenIwasatwork.”

“Imissedthehelloutofher,too.AndCallieandIdidn’thaveafight.”

Withanod,Shelbystaredoutatthedark,thelight.“Ikeptthinkingyou’dcomebytoseeme,too.YoucametoFridayNights,butyoustayedawayfromme.”

“Youhurtme.”Sheturnedtohimquickly.

“Oh,Griff—”“I’mtellingyou,Shelby,

don’tstackmeupagainsthim,notinanyway.Ithurtsme,anditreallypissesmeoff.”

“I’msorryforthat.Ican’tpromiseitwon’thappenagain,butI’llworkonit.”

“That’sgoodenough.”“Youhurtme,too,and

reallypissedmeoff.”“I’msorryforthat.Ican’t

promiseitwon’thappenagain,butI’llworkonit.”

Thatmadeherlaugh,andmeanit.“Ireallyhavemissedyousomethingawful.Idon’tjustmeanthesex,thoughI’vemissedthat.Ijustmissed

talkingtoyou.But...”“Uh-oh.”“IthoughtIwasinlove

oncebefore,sofastitwaslikebeingsweptunderawave.ButIwasn’tinlove,notthewayitshouldcount.Maybeyouneedalittletime,too.”

“Ifhe’dbeenwhohepretendedtobewhenhetookyouunderthatwave,wouldithavecounted?”

“I...”Shecouldonlylift

herhands,letthemfall.“Youcan’tsaybecausehe

wasn’t.Hewasn’twhoyouthoughthewas,soyoucan’tknow.Here’swhatIknow.IwantedyouthefirstsecondIsawyou.Thatwasmoreaholyshitmomentthanwhatthey’dcallloveatfirstsight.Lookather.That’sthemostbeautifulwomanI’veseeninmylife.”

Shewantedtolaughagain,buthiswordscloggedher

throat.“Wetandmiserable,asIrecall.”

“Andsadandbeautiful.ThenyouandCallie,andyouwalkinghomewithher,pushingthatstrollerandallthosegroceriesupthosehills.You’resomad—atyourself—sowornout.Andshe’ssosweet.SoIwantedyou,thenIwantedtohelpyou.IfellforCalliefirst,I’lltellyouthatstraight-out.Shehadmewrappedupinabouttwo

minutes.”“Shehasaway.”“She’sgotyourway.I’m

surprisedyoudon’tseeit.Anyway,thenIheardyousing,andIstartedfalling.Iwatchedyousing,andIfellharder.ThenIhadyou,andthatputthecaponit.Butwhattwistedthecap,securedittight,was—”Hestuckhishandsinhispocketsashestudiedher.“Hell,youmightnotlikewhattwistedthecap

tight.”“Iwanttoknow.There

isn’tawomanintheworldwhowouldn’t.”

“Allright.Whattwistedthecaptight?YoupunchingMelody.Idon’tthinkI’maparticularlyviolentman,butwhenyoudidthat,allIcouldthinkwas,Well,hell,Griff,you’reinlovewithher.You’dbeafoolnottobe.”

“You’remakingthatup.”“I’mnot.”Hestepped

towardher,laidhishandsonhershoulders.“Ihadtopullyouoff—sortofwishedIdidn’thaveto—butIrealized,yeah,Iwanther.Iwanttohelpher.Icanfixsomethingsforher.Butgoddamn,awomanwhothrowsapunchlikethat?Shecanfixsomethings,too.Shecandowhateversheneedstodo.”

She’dthoughthearingthathewasinlovewithherrattledher.Butthatlast

sentence,thetoneofadmiration,juststunned.“Youthoughtthat?”

“Iknowthat.I’veseenit.Iadmirethehelloutofit.AndIloveyou.SoIdon’tmindscaringyoualittlebecauseyou’llhandleit.Butwhenyoulookatme,Shelby,you’dbetterseeme.Justme.Whenyouthinkofme,justme.”

“Idon’tthinkofanyonebutyouwhenyoukissme,whenyoutouchme.”

“ThenIshoulddomoreofthat.”

“OhGod,Iwishyouwould.”

Shewrappedherselfaroundhim,pressedhermouthtohis.

Andhedidalotmoreofit.“Comeinside.”He

couldn’tgetenough.“Cometobed.”

“Yes.”Sheranherhandsuphisback,thrilledtofeelhardmuscleagain.“Yes.”

Drewinhisscent—sweatandsawdust.“Yes.”

Theycircledtowardthedoor,andshesaid,“Oh.Wait.”

“PleaseGod,don’tturnthatintoano.”

“No—Imeanyes.”Stillwrappedaroundhim,shemanagedabreathlesslaugh.“Imean,IneedtotextMama.ItoldherIwouldn’tbelong,andI’mgoingtobelonger.”

“Okay.Textandwalk.”

“Icandothat.”Shetookoutherphone,workedtokeepherhandssteadyenoughtowritethequicktext.“SheknewIwascomingtoseeyou,soIdon’tthinkshe’llbesurprisedto—She’ssurequicktoanswer.”

They’dmadeitinside,tothestairs,hadstartedup.Shelbystoppedhalfway.

“Problem?”“No.No,notaproblem.

Shesays—”Shelbyletout

anotherquicklaugh.“Shesaysyou’llfollowmehome,sowhydon’tIsaveyouthetroubleofthat,staythenighthere.Thenshesays—Iguessyoucouldsaysheknowsme—don’tworryaboutCalliewonderingwhereIaminthemorning.Weshouldgetupearlyenoughformetobringyouhomeforbreakfast.She’llmakepancakes.”

“Ilikepancakes.”“Yes,but—”

“Text:Thankyou,Mama.We’llseeyouinthemorning.”

Henudgedherupanotherstepsotheywereeyelevel,thenlaidhislipsonhers.“Stay.Sleepwithmetonight.Wakeupwithmeinthemorning.”

Howcouldsheresist?Whywouldshe?Shetrailedherfingersoverhischeeks.“Iwasn’texpectingto.Idon’thaveathingtosleepin.”

“Ifthat’sanissue,Iwon’tsleepinanything,either.We’llbeeven.”

“That’sfair.”Shelaughedagain,alittlegiddy,whenhesweptherup,carriedhertherestofthewaywiththepuppyrunningtocatchup.

helbywoundherwayintothefifties,mixeduptheplaylistwith

bluegrass.Sheslippedinearlyto

rehearse,thoughtitwonderfulandamazingthatshealready

hadmorethanhalfadozenFridayNightsinherpocket.

Tansyapplaudedwhenshefinished“RollinginMySweetBaby’sArms.”

“Loveit!”“Ididn’tseeyouover

there.IthoughtI’dpunchinsomebluegrass,mixinthefolkandtraditionalwiththestandards.IthoughtI’dweaveinalotofPatsyCline.Likeafeaturedartist?”

“Ilovethat,too.It’sgoing

tobeevenbetterwhenwebringinsomemusicians,havearealstage.WhichwewillbySeptember—Octoberlatest,accordingtoMatt.Thepermitscameinthismorning!”

“Tansy,that’ssuchgoodnews.”

“Ican’twaittogetstarted.I’mscared,too,aswe’repouringalotofmoneyintothisexpansion.But...thelastfewweekssureshow

peoplelikecominginontheweekend,hearinglivemusic.”

“YoutalkedDerrickintotryingeverySaturdaynightforaband,didn’tyou?”

Raisingherjoinedhandsoverherhead,Tansyturnedavictorycircle.“We’regoingtotryitfortherestofthesummer,thenseeifthetakejustifiestheoutlay.You’reabigpartofwhywecandoallthis,Shelby.Idon’tknow

howlongitwould’vetakenmetotalkDerrickintotheexpansionifyouhadn’thititwithFridayNights.”

“Ilovedoingit,andyougavemeachance.Iguessit’sworkedoutprettydamnperfectforbothofus.”Shesteppedoffthelittlestage.“How’reyoufeeling?”

“Justalittlequeasyfirstthinginthemorningstill,butDerrickbringsmesaltinesandgingerale,andthat

usuallysettlesitdown.Andlook!”Sheturnedtotheside,cuppedherhandsonherbelly.“I’mshowing!”

“Mygoodness.”Shelbywidenedhereyesatthetiny,tinybulge.“You’reenormous.”

“Maybenotyet,”Tansysaidwithalaugh,“but”—sheliftedhershirt—“Ihadtojury-rigmypantswithacarabiner.Can’tbuttonthemanymore.I’mgoingtomove

intoyogapants,andbuymyselfsomematernityclothesfirstchanceIget.”

Shelbyrememberedwellthatfeeling,thatglow.“Theymakesuchcuteones,soyoudon’tfeellikeyou’rewearingatentoryourgranny’stablecloth.”

“I’vealreadygotsomeinashoppingbasketonline.IjustwanttomakeonemorepassbeforeIorder.NowIknowyouwanttogetbackto

rehearsing,butIwanttoknowhowyou’redoing.”

Itcouldn’tbeavoided,Shelbythought.Thepastdoggedherlikeashadowathighnoon.“I’msosorryyouhadtotalktothoseagents.”

“DerrickandIwerefinewiththat,don’tyouworry.”

“Forrestsaidthey’vegonebacktoAtlanta.Therewasn’tmuchIcoulddotohelpthemfindallRichardstole.Iknowit’ssilly,butIfeellikeifI

couldremembersomething,ortellthemsomethingthatleadsthemtofindingevenonemorething,I’dbebetteraboutitall.Whenitcomesdowntoit,theytoldmemorethanIcouldtellthem.”

“It’shard,whattheytoldyou.”

“Ittaughtmesomething.IfIwantCallietogrowuptobeasmart,strongwoman,someonewhovaluesfamilyandfriends,andrespects

herself,Ihavetoshowher.IfIwanthertoknowthesatisfactionofmakingsomethingofherselfwitheffortandwork,Ihavetoshowher.That’swhatI’mtryingtodo.”

“It’swhatyouaredoing.”“IfeellikeIhaveto

counterbalance—youknowwhatImean—allshe’sgoingtohearonedayaboutherfather.”

“Whenshedoes,she’ll

haveyou,andyourfamily.She’llhaveus,yourfriends.”

“SeemslikeRichardneverlearned,neverunderstoodthat’smorethanallthejewelshestole,allthemoneyheswindled.Iftheyearswithhimhadanygoodtothem,itwasputtingthatbonedeepinme.Itooktoomuchforgrantedbeforethat.”

•••

SHETOOKNOTHINGforgrantednow,notthelaughterinsidethesalonorthesighsofpleasureintheRelaxationRoom.

Shegavehergrandmotheraquick,impulsivehugaftershesetmoretowelsattheshampoostations.

“What’sthatonefor?”“Justforyou.I’mhappy

beingherewithyou.I’mjusthappy.”

“I’dbehappy,too,ifIhad

amanlikeGriffinLottlookingatmelikeIwastheVenusdeMilo,CharlizeTheronandTaylorSwiftallatonce.”Crystalpausedinherwork,snappedherscissors.“Iswear,Iwantamanforsex,butifCharlizeTheronwalkedinandsaid,‘Heythere,Crystal,howaboutwegoonovertoyourplaceandrollaroundinthesheets?’IbelieveI’dtakeherstraighthomeandgivethata

go.”Amused,Violarinsedoff

hercustomer’shair.“CharlizeTheron.Isshetheonlyonewho’dtemptyoutoswitchoverfromaman?”

“Ibelievesheis.Now,thatJenniferLawrence.She’sasprettyastheycome,andIdobelieveshe’dbenothingbutfuntositaroundandhaveadrinkwith.Butshe’snoCharlizeTheron.Who’dyouswitchwith,Shelby?”

“What?”“Who’syourfantasy

lesbianlover?”“Ineverthoughtaboutit.”Crystaljustcircledafinger

intheair.“Giveitaminute.”No,Shelbythoughtagain,

she’dnevertakethesecrazyfunconversationsforgranted.

“I’dtryMystique,”shedecided,andhadCrystalfrowningather.

“Who?”“She’sasupervillain—

fromtheX-Men.ForrestandClaywerejustcrazyfortheX-Men,remember,Granny?JenniferLawrence,theoneyou’dliketohaveadrinkwith,playsherinthemoviesnow.Mystiquecanchangeintoanybody,anyshape,anything.Soitseemstomearollinthesheetswithherwouldcoveraboutanythingyouwereafter.”

“Ibelievewehaveawinner,”Violadecreed,and

satherclientdowninthechair.

Acoupleofhourslater,shecuddledbabyBeauandwatchedCallieandJacksonplayontheswingset.Shethoughtitwouldrainbynightfall,shecouldscentit,seeit.Butforthismoment,itwasaboutasperfectalatespringeveningasshecouldaskfor.

Herfatherwasdelayedattheclinic,soClaysawtoa

fewlittlegardeningchores,andGillysatintheporchrocker,banishedfromthekitchenbyhermother-in-law.

“Itoughttobeillegaltofeelthishappy,”Gillysaid.

“I’mawfulgladit’snot.Today,I’dbesharingacellwithyou.”

“IsawGrifftoday.”She’dhavetogetusedto

peopleequatingherhappinesswithGriff.Andtheyweren’taltogetherwrong.“Youdid?”

“Itooktheboysforawalkthismorning,beforetheheatsetin,andhewasdowntheroadabit,fixingMizHardigan’sgate—thesheriff’smama.”

“Shewasinthesalontoday.”

“Istoppedforawhile.It’sniceofhimtogobyandseetolittlethingslikethatforher.Theydon’tchargeherforthoselittlethings.Iknow,’causeshetoldmeherself.

Shegivesthembakedgoods,andsheknittedthembothcapsandglovesforChristmas.

“LookhowbigJacksonis!Itwasn’tsolongagohecouldn’tgetuponthatswingunlessoneofusliftedhimontoit.”

AndGilly’seyesfilled.Shewavedahandinthe

airasShelbypattedherarm.“I’vestillgottoomanyhormones,Iguess.But...I

don’tthinkI’mgoingbacktowork,Shelby,whenmymaternityleaverunsout.”

“Ididn’tknowyouwerethinkingaboutthat.Iknowyouloveyourjobatthehotel.”

“Ido,andIwasn’tthinkingaboutit,notreally,until...”Shereachedover,strokedafingeroverBeau’scheek.“Ijustdon’tthinkIcanstandtoleavethemboth.Ijustwanttostayhomewith

themforawhile.Ayearmaybe.ClayandIhavetalkedaboutit.Weknowthings’llbealittletight,but—”

“It’shard.It’shardtochoose,it’shardtohavetochoose.”

“Ilovemywork,Ireallydo.I’mgoodatit,too,butIwantthisyear,that’sall.Iwantthisyearformyselfandmyfamily.Oneyearoutofalltherestdoesn’tseemlike

toomuch,butitwouldbeeverythingtome.”

“Thenyoushouldtakeit.You’veworkedatthehotelsincecollege.Ibetthey’dgiveyoulikeasabbatical.Maybetheycan’tholdyourjob,Idon’tknow,butIbetyoucouldgobackwhenyou’reready.Andyouwon’thaveanyregrets.”

“It’sputtingalotonClay.”“He’sgotstrongshoulders,

Gilly.”

“IneverthoughtI’dwanttostayhomefull-time,butIwantthisyear.Whataboutyou?Whatdoyouwant?”

“ItfeelslikeI’vegotit.”“Fortomorrow.”Shelbyglancedatthe

kitchendoor.“Iwasthinking,justthinking.Ihaven’ttoldanybodybutEmmaKateasyet.”

“Iknowhowtokeepquiet.”

“Youdo.OnceIgetmy

headallthewayabovewater,ifIcanfindmyownplace,andIcanfindoneIcanworkoutof?IwasthinkingmaybeIcouldstartupsomekindofdecoratingbusiness.Designingandcoordinating.”

“You’vealwaysbeengoodatit.”

“I’vebeentakingsomeclassesonlinetogetmoreexperienceandeducation.Justacoupletostart,”sheadded.“OnesI’vebeenable

tofitin.”“Youfitinmorethan

anyoneIknow—exceptGranny.”

“MaybeI’mmakingupfornothavingenoughtodoforsolong.Ithought,well,ifIcouldprovemyself,GriffandMattmightusemesome,ortalkmeuptotheirclients.”

“Suretheywould.Theyhavetoredoroomsandareasupatthehotelregularly,Shelby.I’dputinawordfor

you.”“Oh,Idon’tknowif—”“Thinkbig.”“IguessImightaswell.

It’sjustthinkingrightnowanyway.IknowIcouldrunabusiness—still,I’dtakemoreclasses.ButIsureknowhowtojugglemoney,keepaccounts.It’sawaysoff,butI’vestartedtuckingsomemoneyawayforbusinessclasses.”

“AnytimeIstarttoying

aroundwiththeideaofstartingupacakeandpastrybusiness,that’swhatstopsmedeadinmytracks,backsmeupandturnsmearoundtheotherway.Thebusiness,”Gillysaidwithaneyeroll.“Butyou’vegotthatMacNeeinyou.Youknowwhatelse?”

“Whatelse?”“I’vebeenwantingtogive

ourbedroomamakeover.BetweenJackson,thenBeau,

doingupthenurseryfreshandgettingJacksoninhisbig-boyroom,ourbedroomhasn’tbeentouchedinfiveyears.Itshows.”

“Makeovercanbealotoffun,but...”

“Yes,there’stheMacNee,”Gillysaidwithalaugh.“Clay’sthesame.Doingitovercosts.IfI’mgoingtostayhome,I’llhavetobefrugalaboutit,Iknowthat,butGod,Shelby,how

I’dlovetohaveagrown-upbedroom,aplaceformeandClaytobemeandClaynowandthen.Icanbefrugal,especiallyifyou’dhelpmeout.Youcouldpracticeonus.”

Gillyshifted,wrappedahandaroundShelby’sarmforemphasis.“Shelby,we’vestillgotthatmixofhisoldbedroomfurnitureandmineinthere,andthatawful,uglylampmyauntLucygaveus

asaweddingpresent.”“Thatisanawful,ugly

lamp.”“Ifshedidn’tclaimitwas

anheirloom,I’dhaveaccidentallyknockeditoverandmadesureitbrokeinadozenpieces.Idon’twantfancy.Ijustwantfreshandpeaceful.Helpme.”

“I’dlovetohelp.”Thelamphadtogo,but

thefurniture...refinishorpaint,newhardware.Itcould

work.“AndI’vegotplentyof

being-frugal-about-itideas.Sometimesit’snomorethanswitchingthingsaroundandrepurposing.Usingwhatyou’vealreadygotinanewway,addingsometouches.Andpaint.Paint’llchangealotforalittle.”

“NowI’mgettingfiredupinsteadofteary.Doyouhaveanytimethisweek?”

“Icouldcomeby

tomorrowmorning,afterItakeCallietoChelsea’s,beforeIheadtothesalon.Abouteight-thirty?Isthattooearly?”

“Nothing’stooearlywhenyou’vegotatoddlerandanewborn.IwaswonderingifIcould—Well,hey,Forrest.”

“Hey,Gilly.”Hewalkedoutfromthekitchen,bentoverthebaby.“When’shegoingtodosomethingbesidessleep?”

“Comeonoverandpayusavisitabouttwoa.m.”

Shecaughtthelookinhiseyesand,understanding,pushedup.“I’mgoingtotakehiminawhile—andpasshimofftohisgrandmother.That’llgivemesometimeinthekitchenwhethershewantsmethereornot.”

ShetookthebabyfromShelby,slippedinside.

“Ineedaminute,”ForresttoldShelby.

“Sure.Sitdown.”“Kidsallrightoutherefor

aminute?Clay’srightoverthereinthevegetablepatchplayingfarmer.”

“He’sgotDaddy’sknackforit,andthekidsarefine.”

“Thenlet’stakeawalkaroundfront.”

“Whatisit?”“Aroundfront,”he

repeated,tookherarm.“You’remakingme

nervous,Forrest,anddamnit,

Iwashavingareallygoodday.”

“I’msorryforthat,andsorrytodropthisonyouonareallygoodday.”

“AmIintrouble?DoestheFBIthink—”

“No,it’snothinglikethat.”Heguidedheraroundthesideofthehousetowardthefrontyard.Outofsightofthekids,outofearshot.“It’sPrivet,theFloridaPI.”

“IrememberwhoPrivet

is,”shesaidtestily.“Didhetellyouwhohisclientis,finally?”

“No,andhewon’t.Hewasfounddeadearlythismorning,byhissecretary.”

“OhmyGod.Whathappened?”

“Itlookslikehewaskilledbetweentenandmidnight,anditlookslikehewasshotwiththesamegunthatkilledWarren.”

Itshouldn’tcomeasa

shock,shethought,andstillitdid.“Hewasmurdered?”

“That’sright.Lookslikeabreak-in,ormadetolooklikeit.Likeasloppyone.Butthenyoufigure—fromthereportwegotfromtheinvestigatingofficers—hewasshotathisdesk.Hehadanine-millimeterinthedrawer.Therewasn’tanysignhewentforit,orputupafight.Headshot,likeWarren,too.Notacontactshot,butclose

range.”“Letmetakeabreath.”

Shetookitbendingover,handsonherthighs.“Ididn’tlikehim.HescaredmesomecomingintothehouseupNorththewayhedid,andfollowingmehere.Just...lurking.Butheleftmealonewhenyoutoldhimto.”

“Theyfoundpictureshe’dtakenofyouandofCallieinhisoffice,inhisfiles.”

“Callie.”

“Somenoteshe’dmade,anexpenseaccount.Notyetpaid,andoverdue,accordingtothefile.Theydon’thavethenameofthepersonwhohiredhimtoshadowyou.Thelocalsaretalkingtothesecretary,andtohisassociate,butsofarnobodyseemstoknowwhohiredhimforthisparticularjob.Andthere’snorecord.”

“Maybehedidn’thaveaclient.Maybehelied.”

“Maybe.”“But...yousaiditlooked

likeabreak-in,butwasn’t.”“Thedoorwasforcedfrom

theoutside,someelectronicequipmentwasmissing.Hiswatch,hiswallet,thepettycash.Thingstossedaroundsome.Youmightthinkitwasasloppybreak-in.Buthispersonaltabletandlaptop,theyweregone,too.Anditseemstheonesathishousearen’tturningup.”

“Someonewasinhishouse,youthink?”

“Slickerjobthereasthere’snosignofforcedentryatall.Butanythingtodowiththiscaseofhis,exceptforthosepictures,somenotesandexpenses,they’regone.”

Shestraightened.Herfacestillfelttoohot,herheadtoolight,butsheknewhowtofollowbasiclogic.“Youthinkwhathappenedtohimgoesbacktothatdamn

robberyinFlorida.”“Ido,ashebroughtitand

thefinder’sfeeuptomewhenIadvisedhimtomoveon.”

“SobacktoRichard—ortoHarlow,now.Harlowescapedfromprison,andheprobablyhadanewidentitysomewhere.HehiredthedetectivetohelphimfindRichard.ButhefoundmeandCallie.OnlymeandCalliebecauseRichardwasalready

gone.Hecamehere,andhesawhisotherpartner.She’dturnedonhim,sohekilledher.”

“Weknowhewashere.Yousawhimyourself.”

“ThedetectiveeitherthoughtHarlowwasreallyaclient,orwasworkingwithhim.Doesn’tmattermuch,Iguess,whichitwasnow.ButheprobablyletHarlowintotheoffice,sattheretalkingtohim.”

“AndeitherHarlowdidn’tlikewhatheheard,orhefiguredPrivetasalooseend.Hecutitoff,stagedabreak-in,tookwhatheneeded—whateverhefeltmightlinkhim—tookafewvaluables,somecash,andtookoff.”

“Hecan’tthinkI’malooseend,Forrest.HestoleallthatinformationsoheknowsI’mnotjustbrokebutindebt.Ifhe’sstilllookingforthosemillions,heknowsIcan’ttell

himwheretheyare.”“Idon’tknowwhyhe’d

comebackhere,butIwantyoutokeepbeingcareful.He’skilledtwopeoplenow.Miami’sgoingtokeepusupdated—professionalcourtesy.Thefedswillputanoarin,Iexpect.Thedamnthingis,Shelby,theycan’tfindanybodywho’sseenhidenorhairofthisguyexceptyou.”

“Heletmeseehim.”

“That’sright.”Sheglancedtowardthe

backyard,wherethechildrenplayedandherolderbrothertendedthevegetablegarden.“Ican’trun,Forrest.I’vegotnowheretogo,andithastobesaferforCallieherethananywhereelse.I’vegotnothingforthisman.Ihavetobelievehewasjust—likeyousaid—takingcareofalooseend.It’shorrible,butthat’swhathedid.”

“That’swhatitlookslike.Don’tgoanywherewithoutyourphone.”

“Ineverdo.”Shepattedherpocket,andthephoneinit,butForrestshookhishead.

“Anywhere.Youtakeashower,itgoesinthebathroomwithyou.And.”Hepulledasmallcanisteroutofhispocket.

“What’sthis?”“Pepperspray.You’vegot

yourSecondAmendment

rights,butyounevercouldshootworthshit.”

Becausehewasn’tfaroffinthatassessment,shebristled.“Iwasn’tthatbad.”

“Worthshit,”herepeated.“Andyoudon’twantagunaroundCallie.NeitherdoI.Soyouleavetheguntome,butyoutakethis.Youcarrythiswithyou.Youhavetrouble,aimfortheeyes.Putitinyourpocketfornow,”headvisedwhenshestudiedthe

canister.“I’lltakeit,I’llbecareful

ifdoingthatandsayingthatputsyourmindatease.He’snoreasontocomeafterme,especiallynow.Iwanttoputthisaside—thatdoesn’tmeanI’llbestupid—butI’mnotgoingtokeepitatthecenterofmylifeanymore.Now,Mamamadeherpartypotatoesandshe’sdoingupsomecollardgreens.Imarinatedthechickenmyself,

andDaddy’sgoingtogrillthatuponcehegetshome.Whydon’tyoucomeoninandeat?”

“Ihatetosayno.Ilovethosedamnpotatoes.ButI’vegotsomethingstodo.TellMamaI’llcomebylaterifIcan,scroungeupanyleftovers.”

“Iwill.Ineedtogetback,checkonthekids.”

“Yougoon,then.I’llseeyoulater.”

Hewatchedherwalkbackaroundthehouse.Thingstodo,hethought.ThefirstwastogobyGriff’s.Itwouldn’thurttogivehisfriendtheinformation.Hewantedasmanyeyesonhissisterashecouldget.

•••

ONHISHANDSANDKNEES,Griffsetthenexttileonthebathroomfloor.Thegolden

sandcolormadehimthinkofthebeach,sohethoughtthelittleensuitewouldbebothprettyandcheerful.

WhilehelistenedtoForrest,hesatbackonhisheels.

“Itcan’tberandom.BreakingintoaPI’soffice—thatPI’soffice,killinghim.Youguyswiththebadgescan’tthinkthat’srandom.”

“It’sbeinglookedinto.

No,”Forrestadded,leaningonthedoorjambwhileGriffworked.“Wedon’tthinkit’srandom.ThetrickisconnectingPrivettoHarlow,toWarren,tothatfuckerFoxworth,totheMiamicasebackfiveyearsago.OddsareHarlowkilledhim,butyougottaaskwhy.WhatdidthePIknow,orwhodidheknow,’causemaybethoseoddsdon’tplay.Maybethere’ssomebodyelsewe

don’tknowabout.”“That’snotacomfort.”“Nothingcomfortable

aboutanyofthis.”“WhathappenedinMiami

fiveyearsagoisn’tover.”“Nope.”“IfHarlowhadthetake

fromthatjob,he’dbegone.MaybethePIwasthelastthinghehadtocrossoff,andnowheis.Gone.”

Griffsetthespacers,movedtothenexttile.“Then

again,ifthePIknewwherethetakewas,itseemslikehe’dhavebeengone.”

“It’sapuzzle.”“You’reworriedthis

JimmyHarlowmaybemissingsomepiecesyet,andmaystillthinkShelby’sgotthem.”

Forresthunkereddown.“There’snotalotwecandoherebutkeephuntingforhimlocally,askingquestions,showinghispicturearound.

Thefederals,they’resniffingoutleads,butwhatIgetisthereisn’talottosniffatthispoint.They’vedugupsomeofFoxworth’spastassociates—sameonHarlowandWarren.Butnothing’sshakenoutofthat.Notthatthey’retellinguslocalbadges,anyway.”

“Doyouthinkthey’reholdingback?”

“Can’tsayforsure,anddon’tseewhytheywould.

Butyouneverknow.WhatIknowiswe’vegotanunsolvedmurderintheRidge,andthatdoesn’tsitwellwithanyofus.Mysister’sinthemiddleofit,andthatdoesn’tsitwellwithme,orwithanybodyinthedepartment.We’rekeepinganeyeoutforher,extrapatrolsandthelike.Butshe’snotinclinedtohavedinnerwiththesherifforspendthenightwithNobby.”

“Ifshewas,I’dendupinjailforassaultinganofficer.I’mlookingoutforher,Forrest.Shedoesn’tmuchlikethatterminology,butshe’sgoingtohavetolivewithit.It’llbeeasierwhenshemovesinhere.”

NowForrestsatbackonhisheels.“Isthatso?”

“Sureitis.I’vegotthatnewsecuritysystemin—painintheass,butit’sdone.I’vegotthisfierceguarddog.”

TheybothglancedovertowhereSnickerslay,snoringonhisback,feetintheair.

“Vicioussonofabitch,thatdog.”

“He’sjustrestingbetweenpatrols.”

“Uh-huh.IthinkyouknowImeant‘Isthatso?’aboutShelbymovinginhere,notaboutthesafetyofit.”

Griffcontinuedtowork.Layingarowoftilewasmethodical.Soforhimthat

madeitsoothing.“Ican’tpushthatbutton

yet.She’dbalk.Thefuckerdidanumberonher,andshe’sworkingherwaythroughitoroutofitfasterthanmostpeoplewould.Butshe’snotthereyet,sothewordofthedayis‘tenacity’withasideofpatience.Becauseyeah,that’sso.Iwantherhere,withme.IwantherandCallieherewithme.”

“Ifyougothereandwithyourpatienttenacity,son,talkherintomovinginouthere,mymama’sgoingtostartplanningawedding.”

“That’sfine,justthenextstepintheplan.Butit’sgoingtotakeShelbylongertogetthere.”

ForrestsaidnothingasGriffsetthenextspacers,carefullyappliedmoreadhesivetothesubfloor.

“Isitmyunderstanding

you’replanningtomarrymysister?”

Griffsatbackagain,rolledhisshoulders,circledhisneck.“Whatdoyouthinkofthisroom?”

Obliging,Forreststraightenedup,tookaturnaroundthebedroomarea.“Nicespace,windowsoughttogivenicelight,goodviews.Damnbigclosetforasecondarysortofbedroom.Windowseat’sanicetouch,

likehavingitsownbathroom.Thattileyou’relayingoughttogiveitsomeglow.”

“I’mthinkingofaslippertubforinhere,andavanitywithanunder-counterovalsink.I’mafterplentyofstoragewithasmallfootprint.Recessedmedicinecabinetoverthevanity—morestoragethere,butframeitintogiveitsomestyle.Andsomeblingwiththelighting.”

“Slippertubandbling?

Soundsfemale.”“Yeah.Pale,warmgreen

forthebedroomwalls,echooffthebathroomlightingfortheceilingfanwithlightkit.”

“Thebling.”“That’sright.I’mgoingto

doasmallbuilt-inforthecloset,alongwiththerodsandshelves.”

Nodding,Forresttookanotherturnaround,begantoseeit.

“You’reputtingthisroom

togetherforCallie.”“Green’sherfavorite

color,shetellsme.ThatShrekobsessionofhers,that’sboundtopasseventually.Butit’sagoodcolorforher,andforabedroom.Afewyearsdowntheroad,havingherownbathroom’sgoingtomattertoher.”

“Andyou’reamanwholooksdowntheroad.”

“Iam.I’minlovewith

bothofthem,andbeingatrainedobserver,youknowthatalready.Callie’stherewithme;Shelby’sjustgottacatchup.She’llcatchupquicker,Ithink,ifwecanputthisshitstormthefuckerleftherinbehindher.”

“Whatifshedoesn’tcatchup?”

“Iwait.She’stheone,sothat’sthat.AndCallie?Thekidjustlightsmeup.Shedeservesme.Theybothdo.

I’mahellofacatch.”“Shit,Griff,ifyouhadtits,

I’dmarryyoumyself.”“Thereyougo.”Seeing

he’dreachedthepointwherehe’dhavetomeasureandcuttile,Griffpushedtohisfeet.“I’mtakingabreak,tossingasandwichtogether.Youwantone?”

“Thanks,butI’vegotacouplemorethingstodo,andahellofalotbetterwaitinginleftoversatmymama’sonce

Idothem.”“We’llwalkdownwith

you.Comeon,Snick.Timeforpatrol.”

Thedogwavedhisfeetintheair,didanungainlyrollover,thenscrambledup.

“OneofthesedaysI’mgoingtogetmeadog,”ForrestsaidastheystarteddownwithSnickersracingdownthesteps,halfwayup,downagain.

“Snick’slittermatesare

gone,butIsawasignforbeaglepupsontheturnatBlackBearandDryCreek.”

“It’snotoneofthesedaysyet.I’mnothomeenough,andIdon’tthinkthesheriffwouldapproveofmetakingadogforride-alongs.”Forrestglancedatthesecuritypanelastheypassedit.“Whatdoyoufigureondoingifthisfancynewsecuritysystemgoesoff?”

Griffshruggedashe

openedthefrontdoor.“Callyou—andgetmypipewrench.It’sgotweight.”

“Ashotgun’sgoingtocarrymoreweightthanapipewrench,son.”

“Don’thaveone,don’twantone.”

“Cityboy.”Griffbreathedinthenight

whilethedogranoverthepatchofgrasstothevergeofthewoodswherethestreambubbled.

“Notanymore,butIstilldon’twantagun.”

Helookedwesttothefaintblushofpinkthesettingsunpaintedonthecloudsthatsmokedoverthemountains.“Ineverhadanytroublehere.WorriedaboutitsomewhenIhadallthatcopperforrewiringandplumbing.Thatstuff’slikegoldandeasytotransport.Butnothingbutthatonce,andthat’sdirecttothefuckerandtheshitstorm.”

Likehisfriend,Forrestlookedwest,towardcolorandcloud.“You’vegotagoodspothere,Griff.It’sgotafeeltoit,appealing,settled.Butit’safactit’dtakeasolidtenminutesforustorespondtothatnine-one-oneshouldyoucallforit.Youcanloadashotgunwithrocksaltifyou’refeelingdaintyaboutthings.”

“I’llleavethefirearmstoyou,Deputy.I’mdamngood

withapipewrench.”“Suityourself.”Hewould,Griffthoughtas

hestoodinthequiet,lettingthedogrunandsniff,watchingthefirststarwinktolifeinaskygonethecolorofpalepurplevelvet.

Suitinghimselfwasjustwhathewasdoing.Sohe’dgofixthatsandwich,thenfinishthetileinCallie’sbathroom.

“Frontporchswing,”he

said,andbenttorubthedogwhenSnickersracedbacktohim.“MaybeI’llbuildone.Thingsmeanmorewhenyoubuildthem.Let’seatandthinkaboutthat.”

Ifhe’dknownwhilehesatinthekitcheneatingasandwichanddoingsomeroughsketchesofswingsthatsomeonewaswatchingthroughfieldglasses,hemighthavechangedhismindabouttheshotgun.

ttooktimetofinishtheroomhewantedforCallie,tobuildafront

porchswing.ButhehadplentyonhishandsasShelbywaswrappedupintheplansfortheengagementparty.

Ormore,fromwhatshesaid,inkeepingBitsyundercontrol.

Hefilledeveningsandnightshecouldn’tbewithherchippingawayatprojectsonthehouse,andplanningfordowntheroad.

Whentheyfinallymanagedaneveningtogether,shevetoedhissuggestionofdinneroutforacasualoneathisplace.

Thatwasfinewithhim.

Hewasoutintheyardwhenshearrived,justhangingthetireswinghe’dmadeonasturdybranchofanoldhickory.

“Lookatthat!”shecalledout.“There’ssomethingCalliewillmakeabeelinefor.”

“Prettycool,huh?Gotthetirefromyourgrandfather.”

He’dbuiltithorizontally,choosingamid-sizetirethatwouldsuitalittlegirl’sbutt,

andhadfedthechainthroughagardenhosetoprotectthebranch.

“It’ssosweet.”“Wannatryitout?”“OfcourseIdo.”She

handedhimalargeinsulatedjug,leanedinwhenheslidanarmaroundherforakiss.

“What’sinhere?”“Hardlemonade.My

granddaddy’srecipe,andit’sawinner.”Shescootedontothetire,gavethechainsatug.

“It’ssturdy.”“Funcanbesafe,”hesaid,

gaveherapush.Sheleanedback,hair

flying,gavealaugh.“Anditisfun.Whatmadeyouthinkofsuchathing?”

Hedidn’twanttosay—yet—thathe’dbeenlookingatplansforbackyardswingsets,andhadstumbledacrosstheidea.“Justcametome.Ihadthisfriend—whatwashisname?TimMcNaulty—when

IwasaboutCallie’sage.Hehadoneoftheseinhisyard—setvertical.Thiswaymakesmoresense.”

“Iloveit.Sowillshe.”Asifhypnotized,thedog

satontheground,hisheadtiltingthisway,thenthat,followingShelby’srhythm.“Iswear,thatdog’sbiggerthanhewaswhenIsawhimafewdaysago.”

“Nextoutdoorproject’sadoghouse.Abigone.”

“He’llneedbig.”Shejumpedofftheswing.

“I’msorryI’vebeensotieduplately.IfeellikeI’vehadbarelyaminutewithoutsomethingthatneededdoing.”

“Iknowthefeeling.It’snoproblem,Red.Ourbestpalsaregettingmarried.It’salot.”

“It’dbeaMacy’sDayParadeifIcouldn’tkeepMizBitsydown,andthat’staken

everybitofcreativityandenergyIhave.She’sjumpingsofastfromthispartytotheweddingandbackagain,myhead’sonaconstantrevolution.ShegotitintoherheadEmmaKateshouldarriveattheceremony—venueyettobedetermined—inaprincesscarriage.Whitehorsesandacarriage,asEmmaKatehadthatonherweddinglistwhenshewasabouttwelve.Ittooksome

doingtonudgeheroffthatone.”

“EmmaKate’sgoingtooweyoufortherestofherlife.”

“That’sabenefit.Whydon’twe—Oh,Griff,yougotaporchswing!”

Speakingofbeelines,shemadeoneherself,twirledacircle,thefullskirtofhergrass-greensundressbillowing.“Ijustloveit!How’dyoufindonethis

wonderfulblue?”“Likeyoureyes.”He

followedherontotheporch.“Ipaintedit.Imadeit.”

“Youmadeityourself?Ofcourseyoudid.”Shesatdown,pushedoffgentlywithherfeet.“Andit’sperfect,justperfectforsittinghereonalazyafternoonoraquietevening.It’dbeextraperfectifyougotusacoupleoftallglasses,andsatdownherewithmesowecouldsample

thathardlemonade.”“Berightback.”Whenthedogtriedto

climbupwithher,sheheftedhimup—noeasytasknow.“You’realmosttoobig.”Butshehookedanarmaroundhim,swingingandthinkingshe’drarelyseenaprettierspot.

Allsogreenandprivatewiththeskyabluedomedashedwithwhiteclouds.Shecouldhearthestream,

fastandlivelyfromthelastrains,andtheinsistent,echoingrat-a-tat-tatofawoodpeckerbusysomewherebeyondthegreen,settingupthepercussionsectionforthechorusofbirds.

“He’sgotmyspot,”Griffsaidwhenhebroughtoutthedrinks.

“Hedidn’twanttobeleftout.”

Resigned,Griffsatontheothersideofthedog,who

wiggledwithabsolutejoy.“Therecouldn’tbeabetter

spotforaporchswing.”Shesampledthedrink.“IthinkIdidGrandpaproud.”

“I’llsay.”“Itgoesdowneasy,butit’s

gotakick.It’smadeforsipping.Andsippingonawarmevening,onaporchswing,isevenbetter.You’vegotyourownlittleEdenhere,Griffin.”

“Edenneedsconsiderable

workyet.”“IfAdamandEvehadput

sometimeintoworkingthegardeninsteadofpickingapples,theymightstillbethere.Gardens,houses,lives,they’reacontinualworkinprogress,aren’tthey?Istoppedprogressonmineforawhile,butI’mmakingupforit.It’speacefulhere.Thelight,theswing,thisveryfinelemonade.You,thissweetdog.I’mgoingtogetwhat’s

notpeacefuloutoftheway,thenwewon’thavetothinkaboutitagain.”

“Somethinghappened.”“Idon’tknowforcertain,

butIknownowyoudidn’ttalktoForrestthisafternoon.”

“No,nottoday.”“I’mguessingheknewI

wascomingover,andI’dtellyou.Thepolicethinktheymighthaveakindofwitness.Onthedetective.TheFBIagentsaregoingintotalkto

him.”“Whatdidhesee?”“They’renotaltogether

convincedhesawmuchofanything,oranythinguseful.Buttheman—aboy,really—wasinthebuildingthenightPrivetwaskilled.Hesaidhowheheardthispop.Justonepop,likeamuffledfirecracker,hesaid.Hedidn’tthinkmuchofit.Thetiming’sright,andmore,hesawwhotheythinkisthekillerleave.”

“Harlow?”“Theycan’tsayforsure,

buthe’sclaimingthepersonhesawwasn’tthatbig—tallorbroad.Nobeard,either.Hesaysblondhair—veryblond—andglasseswiththick,darkrims.Wearingadarksuit.Hesayshowhecan’tbesureofmuch,itwasonlyaquickglimpse—sawhimleavingthebuildingwhenhewaslookingoutthewindow.Sawhimwalkacrossthestreetand

getintoabigSUV.”“Wig,glasses,shave.”

Griffshrugged.“Ataglance,inthedark,it’shardtosayifitwasHarlowornot.”

“More,hewasalittlehighatthetime,andwhereheshouldn’thavebeen.That’swhyhedidn’tsayanythinguntilhewaspickedupforpossession,andnotthefirsttimeonthat.He’dbeenworkingasaphotographer’sassistantinthatbuilding,and

he’dgoneinlatebecausehewassettinguptoshootsomepornontheside.He’stryingtomakeadealsohedoesn’thavetogotojail.”

“Sohecouldbemakingituptryingtosavehisass.”

“Hecould,buthehasthetime,andthatsinglepop.Justone.Thepolicedidn’tsayhowmanytimesPrivetwasshot,howmanyshotsfired.Sothat’ssomethingtoconsider.”

Griffconsidereditwhiletheyglidedontheswingandsipped.“It’sastretchtothinksomebodyelseshotthePI.Samegun,that’swhattheysaid,astheoneusedtokillWarren.AndweknowHarlowwasinthearea.Butlet’sstretchit.Somebodyelseisinvolved,somebodyelsehiredthedetective.MaybesomebodyconnectedtotheMiamiMontvilles,ortheinsurancecompany,or

somebodyRichardworkedwithatsomepoint.”

“ItmakesmewonderifmaybethatsomebodykilledRichardandstagedtheboatingaccident.”

“Biggerstretch.”“Iknowit,buthewasso

determinedtogo,soI’mwonderingnowifitwastomeetsomebody,tofinallydealwiththejewelryhe’dstolen.Anotherdoublecross,butonhimthistime.”

“Whatwouldyoudoifyou’djustgottenyourhandsonmillionsinjewelry—nothotanymore—andhadkilledtogetyourhandsonit?”

“I’drunfastandfar,but...”

“Therearestilltwopeoplewhowantwhatyouhave,”Grifffinished.“Soyouhireadetective,andyouputhimonit.Andonyou,Red,incaseyouknewsomething.”

“Griff,it’smademethink

abouthowmanypeopleIletintothathouseupNorthinthoseweeksafterRichard’sdeath.Imighthavelethiskiller—iftherewasone—insidetogivemeanappraisal,totakesomethingaway.OrallthetimesIwasoutofthehouseforhoursatago.Someonewhoknewhowcould’vegottenin,lookedaroundalltheywanted.IfRichardleftsomethingbehindthatmatteredinall

this.“Idon’tknow.MaybeI’m

makingitmorecomplicatedthanitalreadyis.”

“It’sprettyriskytotrytostageaboatingaccidentinthemiddleofastorm.Whynotjustdumpthebody—orleaveitliketheothers?”

“Idon’tknow.”Butshe’dcheweditoverendlessly.“Iwasthinkingtobuytime.Ormaybeitwasanaccident—killingRichard,Imean.And

theresthappenedfromthere.Andthesimplestisusuallyright,”shefinished.“Richarddiedinanaccident.Harlowkilledthewomanandthedetective.Andthiswitnesswascokedup,gotnomorethanaglimpseoutawindow.I’mgoingtostopworryingaboutitasofrightthisminute.

“We’vegotthisbeautifulevening,andafewhourstoenjoyit.”

“Maybeyoucouldstay,juststayagain.Icouldgetanotherinvitationtobreakfast.”

Shesmiled,sipped.“IthappensIhaveanovernightbaginthecar,incaseIgotaninvitation.”

“I’llgetit.”“Thankyou.It’sonthe

floorofthepassengerseat.Oh,andthere’sablanketontheseat.Wouldyoubringthat,too?”

“Areyoucold?”heaskedasheheadedforthecar.“Itmustbeeighty,atleast.”

“Idoloveawarmevening.MakesmefeellikeI’llneverwanttogoinside,juststayout,watchtheskychange,thelightchange,hearthefirstnightbirdswhentwilightcomes.”

“Wecanstayoutaslongasyouwant.”Hestartedbackwithbagandblanket.“Ifellbackontheoldreliableof

steaksonthegrill.”“Thatsoundsperfect.For

later.”Shetooktheblanketfrom

him,gaveitaquickwhipintheairtoopenit.

“Where’dthedoggo?”“Oh,Iputhiminside,with

therawhideboneIhadinmypocket.Ithinkwe’llallbehappierthisway.”Shelaidtheblanketontheporch,straightened,shookherhairback.Smiled.“BecauseI

thinkit’stimeyougotmenakedontheporch.”

Shestaggeredhim.Arousedhim.Delightedhim.“Isthatwhattimeitis?”

“Ithinkit’spasttime,butIknowyou’llmakeupforit.”

“Icandothat.”Hesetherbagaside,pulledherintohisarms.

Hetookhistimesothekissaloneleftherlimp—allwaterykneesandmistythoughts.Hehadawayof

makingthatmeetingoflipsintoalong,slowshimmer.Akindlingratherthananexplosion.

Wrappedinhim,seducedwhenshehadthoughttoseduce,sheletherselfbeguided,letherselfbeglidedalongtheriverofsensation.Swayingtohim,withhim,ontheoldfrontporchwiththesunlightlikeshatteredgoldandtheworldtoostillforasingleleaftostir.

Heeasedthezipperdownatthebackofherdress,enjoying,lingeringovereveryinchofskinheexposed.Softassilk,smoothaslakewater.

Histotouch.Henudgedthestrapsfrom

hershoulders,gavehimselfthepleasureoflayinghislipsthere.Strongerthanshelooked,hethought.Shouldersthatdidn’tshirkfromliftingaload.

Hewanted—needed—tohelpherwiththeweight.

Fornow,hegavethedressalittlebrushsoitflowedlikeairtoherfeet.Theprettybitsoflacesheworeechoedthetendergreenofthedress.

“Iboughtthemspecial.”Shelaidfingertipsbetweenherbreastswhenhelookeddownather.“Ishouldn’t’vespentthemoney,but—”

“Wortheverypenny.I’llpayyouback.”

“I’mcountingonit,”shesaidbeforehismouthtookhersagain.

Alittlestronger,alittledeepernowsoherheadfellbacktoacceptallheoffered,togiveallheasked.

Hedrewherdownwithhimsotheykneltontheblanket.TheirlipsbrokeapartlongenoughforhertotugtheT-shirtheworeoverhishead;metagainasshetosseditaside.Hotfleshunderher

hands,thewaterandsoapofhisshowerteasinghersensesassheplayedkissesoverthecurveofhisshoulder.

Andstillthatfaint,lingeringscentofsawdust,remindingherasthecallousedpalmsremindedher,heworkedwithhishands.

Aquickshiverranoverherskin,ranintoherbloodwhenheflickedtheclaspofherbraopen.Thoseworking

handscuppedherbreasts,theroughpadsofhisthumbsstrokedacrosshernipples,wakingnewneeds,churningupastorminherbelly.

Everythinginhersofullnow,sotenderandalreadyyearning.Buthishandscontinuedtoplayoverher,findingmore,stirringmore.

Helaidherback,ranhisfingeralongtheedgeofthepanties,alongthatvulnerablelinebetweenthighandcenter.

Thatsoundinherthroat,notquitemoan,notquitesigh.Itcouldundohim.Hisownneedsgathered,butheheldthem,heldthem,floatinghispalmoverthelace,buildingtheheatunderthethinbarrieruntilherhandslosttheirgriponhim.

Herbreathquickened,deepened;thelidsloweredoverthemagicblueofhereyes.

Histotouch,hethought

again.Histohave.Heslippedthatthinbarrier

awayandtookherup,tookheroverwithhishands.

Itburstthroughher,lightningthroughthestorm,slashingpleasure,anewflashofdeep,drivingneed.Shedraggedathisbelt,impatientnowforall,totake,betaken.

Hedrewherupagaintohelpher,thentookherhandsinhistostillthemwhensheyankedathisjeans.

“Norush.”Herbreathinrags,desirea

singlemadache,shelookedathim—andsawthatsameneed,thatsameaching.

“MaybeI’minmoreofahurrythanyou.”

“Let’sjusttakeaminute.”Hekeptherhandstrappedinhis,tookhermouthagain.“Iloveyou.”

“Oh,God,Griff.”“Ineedtosayit,needyou

tohearit.WhileI’vegotyou

nakedontheporch.Iloveyou.Idon’thavetorushit.”

“Ican’tgetahandleonwhatIfeel,onwhatyoudoinsidemeevenwhenyou’renotthere.It’ssomuch.”Shepressedherfaceintohisshoulder.“It’sallsomuch.”

“Thatworksfornow.”Heeasedherbacksohecouldbringupherhands,kissthembeforeheletthemgo.“Itallworks.”

Heshifted,loweringtothe

blanketagainsoshelayoverhim.Hethreadedhisfingersthroughherhair,lovingthemassofit,thewildcurlsandcolor.

Shedidn’thavehispatience,butshetriedtofindsome,guidinghimnowthroughthekiss,lettingherhandsstrokeandstir,feelinghisheartkickunderherlips.

Whenatlasttherewasnothingbetweenthem,sheroseoverhim,tookhimin.

Filled.Surrounded.Joined.Shepressedhishandsto

herheartsohecouldfeelitdrummingwhileshesettherhythm.

Slow,shefoughttokeepitallslow,andfoundthestaggeringpleasureofthateasypace.Rollsofitflowinginlikeasea,buildinglayerbylayerlikeclouds.

Withtheairthickashoney,thesunlightstreaming,sherodehimoverthatsea,

higherintothoseclouds.Sheclung,clung,clungtothatbreathlesspeak.Thenletherselfbesweptaway.

Shecouldhearthebirdsagain,littletrillsandwhistlesthroughthecirclingwoods.Shecouldevenhearthefaintestrustleofthefaintestbreezethroughthetrees,likequietbreath,nowthatherheartwasn’thammeringinherears.

Andsheknewthepure,

satedjoyoflyinglimpontheporch,athoroughlysatisfiedwoman,besidethemansheinturnhadthoroughlysatisfied.

“IwonderwhattheUPSguywould’vethoughtifhe’dcomedrivinguptothehouse.”

Shelbymanagedasigh.“Areyouexpectingadelivery?”

“Youneverknow.Ididn’teventhinkaboutit.Whocouldthink?”

“It’snicenottothink.ItseemsIspendmosteveryhourofmydayhavingtodojustthat.Idon’tthinkwhenI’msinging,andIdon’thavetothinkwhenyoustartkissingme.Iguessit’slikeasong.”

“Iwasthinking.”“Mmmm.”“Iwasthinkingyoulooked

likesomesortofmountaingoddess.”

Shechokedoutalaugh.

“Goddess.Dogoon.”“Allthatcrazyredhair,the

moon-whiteskin.Soslimandstrong,andeyeslikeblueshadows.”

“Well,thatislikeasong.”Moved,andalittlenervouswithit,sherolledoveragain,proppedonhischest.“You’vegotsomepoetry,Griffin.”

“That’saboutit.”“It’smorethanenough.”

Shetracedafingerdownhis

cheek.“Youcouldbeagod,allthesehollowshere.”Anddowntheothercheek.“Thesun-streakedhair,allthosefine,finemuscles.”

“We’reaset.”Shelaughed,loweredher

foreheadtohis.“Howdeepisthatstreamofyoursthesedays,Griff?”

“Iguessabouttomid-thigh—yourthigh.”

“That’lldoit.Let’sgosplashinthestream.”

Heopenedoneeye,onecat-greeneye.“Youwanttosplashinthestream?”

“Withyou,Ido.Wecanfinishworkingupanappetite,andhaveanotherglassofthatlemonadewhileweputdinnertogether.”

Beforehecouldthinkofareasonagainst,shegotup,tuggedonhishand.

“We’restillnaked,”hepointedout.

“Nopointgettingour

clotheswet,isthere?Letthedogout,”shesuggested,thendashedaway.

Agoddess,hethought.Orwhatwasthatthing...asprite.Buthedidn’timaginespriteshadsuchlonglegs.HeletthedogoutasShelbyranoverhislawn,then,thinkingofthemorepractical,duckedintothehouse,grabbedacoupleoftowels.

Hewasn’taprude—andwouldhavebeeninsultedto

betermedone.Butitfeltprettydamnweirdtorushoverhisownfrontyardwearingnothingbutskin.

Beforehegotthroughtheflankingtrees,heheardthesplash,thelaugh,andthejoyfulyipofthedog.

Shemaderainbows,hethought,thewayshetossedwaterupsothedropscaughtthedappledlightandshoneintoquickcolor.Thedoglapped,barked,swamsome

inthedeeperwater,thenshookhimselfintheshallows.

Griffhungthetowelsoverabranch.

“It’ssowonderfullycool.Youcoulddropalineinhere,maybecatchsomething.Youfollowthestreamdownawayswhereitwidens,deepens,youcouldcatchyoursuppermostanyevening.”

“I’veneverfished.”

Shestraightened,nakedandobviouslystunned.“Inyourlife?”

“Igrewupinthe’burbs,Red,spentalotoftimewithurbanactivities.”

“Wehavetofixthattheveryfirstchanceweget.Fishing’sgoodforyou.It’srelaxing,andyou’reapatientmansoitshouldsuityou.Whatkindofurbanactivities?”

“Me?”Hesteppedintothe

water,andshewasright,itwascool.“Sportsmostly.Basketballinthewinter,baseballinthesummer.Ineverwentoutforfootball.Ihadaprettyskinnybuild.”

“Ilikebaseball.”Shesatdowninthewater,letitbubbleoverher.“Ibelievemydaddymighthavetradedmeforanothermodelotherwise.Whatpositiondidyouplay?”

“Didsomepitching,

coveredsecond.Likedplayingsecondbetter,Iguess.”

“Howcomeyou’renotplayingontheRaiderssoftballteam?TheRidgehasaprettygoodteam.”

“Imighttryitnextyear.Thisyear,freetime’sforthehouse.Aren’tyouworriedaboutrocksunderyourass,orsomefishswimmingup...whereIjustwas?”

Shelaughed,layback

enoughtodipherhairinthewater.“Youreallyarecitifiedyet.Iknowacoupleofgoodswimmingholes.Weoughttotryonesomenight.”

“MaybeI’llputinapond.Ithoughtaboutaswimmingpool,butthat’salotofmaintenance,plus,itdoesn’tfithere.Butapondwould.”

“Youcoulddothat?”“Maybe.Somethingto

thinkaboutdowntheroad.”“Ilovetoswim.”Relaxed,

evenalittledreamy,shetrailedherfingersbackandforthtoripplethewater.“IstartedteachingCalliebeforeshecouldwalk.AndwehadapoolinthecondoinAtlanta,sowecouldswimallyear-round.Whenshe’salittleolder,I’lltakeherraftingwithoneofClay’sgroups.She’sfearless,andshe’dlikethat.ButIwantanotheryearorsoonherfirst.”

Shecockedherhead.

“Haveyoutriedthat?”“Thewhitewater?Yeah.

It’sarush.IfiguredongoingagainwhenmyparentscomedowninAugust.”

Hertrailingfingersstilled.“Oh,they’recomingforavisit?”

“Workingvacation—they’llgivemeaboutaweekontheplaceinearlyAugust.I’vegotsomeworkIwanttogetdonebeforetheydo.AndIwantthemtomeetyou.”

Thathadnervesdancinginherstomach.

“IwantthemtoseeforthemselvesI’mnotexaggerating.”

“You’vetoldthemaboutme?”

Hegaveheralonglook.“Whatdoyouthink?”

“Well.”Shesatupagain.Thosenervesweredoinganenthusiasticclogdancenow.“Um.Well,myfamilyhasabigbackyardpartyearlyin

August.Ifthetiming’sright,andyouthinkyourparentswouldliketocome,they’dbewelcome.”

“Iwashopingyou’dsaythat.Areyoucold?”

“No.”Morethannerves,shethought,andglanced—suddenlyuneasy—overhershoulder.“Agoosewalkedovermygrave,Iguess.ButI’mgladyoubroughtthetowels.”Sherose,watersluicingoffherskin,reached

forone.“Ididn’tthinkaboutdryingoff.”

Hetippedherfaceup.“Doyouhaveaproblemmeetingmyparents?”

“No.Itmakesmealittlenervous,butthat’snatural,isn’tit?It’s...”Shehunched,shivered.“Somethingbetweenmyshoulderblades,andnowI’vegotthewilliesfornoreasonIcanname.”

Shewrappedthetowel

aroundherself,feltmarginallybetter.Sosheleanedintohim.“I’mnervousaboutmeetingyourparents,butI’mgladIwill.Ithinkit’snicethey’dcomedownheretohelpyouwiththehouse,spendtimewithyou.AndIthinktheymustbegoodpeopletohavemadesomeonelikeyou.”

“You’lllikethem.”“IbetIwill.Let’sgoin,

allright?Ican’tsettlethis

itchbetweenmyshoulderblades.”

Hetooktheothertowel,thenherhand.

Fieldglassesfollowedthemthroughthetrees,acrossthelawn.

helbylethermothertalkherintoafacial.Sheshould’veknown

betterasbeingnexttonakedontherecliningchairunderablanketwaskintobeinginaclosedboxwhendealingwith

AdaMae.“It’sniceGriffin’speople

arecomingdownthissummer.Itoldyouhowwemetthemlastfall.”Havingdonethecleansing,thetoning,thegentleexfoliation,AdaMaeusedhertrulyskilledfingerstoapplyathicklayerofenergizingmask.

“Theycouldn’thavebeennicer.Itookoverabasketoftomatoesfrommygarden,

andwesatdownandhadsomesweetteaonthefrontporchwherehismama’dbeenworkingonsomeofthegarden.Why,she’dhackedandcutanddugawayatthatscrubandtanglelikeawomanonamissionfromGod.Poisonivyinthere,too.Ishowedherhowyoupullupsomejewelweed,usethejuiceofitwhenyougetpoisonivyonyou.BeingfromBaltimore,shedidn’t

knowaboutthat.“Wehadagoodchat.”“Youtooktomatoesover

soyou’dgetinvitedtositontheporch.”

“Neighborlyis,neighborlydoes.I’msayingNatalie—that’shismama’sname—isagoodwoman.Andhisdaddy—that’sBrennan—he’safineman,fine-looking,too.Grifffavorshimtothelife,Iswear.Youknowwhatelse?”

“Whatelse,Mama?”

“They’rejustasfondofMatt,justlikehewasoneoftheirown,andEmmaKaterightalong,too.Thattellsmesomethingaboutaperson,thattheycanembracesomebodyintothefamily,bloodornot.Thismask’sjustgoingtosetawhile.I’mgoingtodoyourhandsandfeetwhileitdoes.”

Shelbymighthavesaidnottotrouble,butnooneintheworldgaveafootrublike

AdaMaePomeroy.“Youneedafresh

pedicure,babygirl.Anddon’tsayyoudon’thavetime.Everybodywhoworksherehastoshowofftheproductsandservices—youknowhowyourgrannyfeelsaboutthat.Youneedsomeprettysummertoes,that’swhat.WegotthatWistfulWisteria.It’sagoodmatchforyoureyes.”

“Allright,Mama.”She’d

seeifMaybelineorLorileecouldsqueezeherinforaquickone.

“Yourskin’slookingjustbeautiful,andsoareyou.Itdoesmyheartaworldofgood.”

“Homecooking,steadyworkandseeingmyownbabygirlthrive.”

“Andregularsex.”Shelbyhadtolaugh.“I

guessIcan’tsaythat’snotafactor.”

“Iknowyoustillhaveworries,butthey’regoingtopass.ThatJimmyHarlowperson,he’sthousandsofmilesawaydoingGodknowswhattowho.ButIsayiftheFBIhasn’tfoundhim,he’stakenhimselfofftosomewhereforeign.GonetoFrance.”

Eyesclosed,herfeetalreadyinbliss,Shelbysmiled.“France?”

“Firstplacepoppedinto

myhead.Buthe’sgone.”Sheslippedbootiesonto

Shelby’srubbed,creamedandveryhappyfeet.Andstartedonherhands.

“Justlikethatno-goodArloKattery’sgone,maybeforfiveyearsinjail,Ihear.AndMelodyBunker,too.WordIgetiswhenshegetsoutofthatfancyrehabplace,shemightbemovinguptoKnoxville,whereMizFlorence’sbrotherlives.”

“Idon’tcarewhereshegoesorwhatshedoes.Iswear,allthattroublefromherseemsyearsago.It’shardtobelieveitwasonlyweeks.Iwonderatsomeonelikeher,Mama,whothinkssomuchofherselfshecan’tseeshedoesn’tleavemuchofamarkonanyone’slife.”

“Shetriedleavingoneonyours.”

“Well,shedidn’t.”“You’redoingsomething

withyourlife,Shelby,andwe’reproudofyou.”

“Iknowyouare.Youshowmeeveryday.”

“Tellmewhatyouwant,baby.Iknowyou’vegotsomethinggoingoninyourhead.Icanseeit.”

Relaxed,drifting,Shelbysighed.“I’vestartedtakingsomeclassesonline.”

“Iknewitwassomething!Whatclasses?”

“Oninteriordecorating.

It’sjustacouplelittlecourses,butI’mdoingprettywell,andIlikeit.IthoughtI’dtakeanotherwhenit’sdoneandIcanaffordit,andabusinesscourse,too.Gettheexperienceandeducation.”

“You’vegotatalentforit.Yousignupforthoseothercourses,ShelbyAnne.YourdaddyandIwillpayforthem.”

“I’mpaying,Mama.”“Youlistentomenow.We

workedhard,yourdaddyandI,tosendyourbrotherstocollege.Theyhadtowork,too,butweborethebruntbecausethat’swhatparentsdo.Wedowhatwecan.We’dhaveseenyouthroughcollegejustthesame.Youtookanotherpathforawhile.Butifyou’relookingtogetmoreeducation,we’repaying.You’ddoitforCallie,anddon’ttellmedifferent.”

“Iwasn’tgoingtotellyoubecauseIknewthisiswhatyou’dsay.”

“Youaskyourdaddywhathethinks,andyou’llgetthesameansweryou’regettingfromme.You’renotsittingaroundlookingforustopayyourwaythroughlife.You’reworking,you’retendingyourownchild,andstrivingto...tohoneaGod-giventalent.IfIcan’tgivemyowndaughterahandup,well,whatkindof

motherwouldIbe?”Openinghereyes,Shelby

sawwhatshe’dimaginedinherhead.Hertall,occasionallyfiercemother,standingoverher,faceset.“Iloveyousomuch,Mama.”

“You’dbetter.Youcanpaymebackhelpingmefreshenupthelivingroom.Nowthatwe’vedonesomuchnewupstairs,it’slookingtiredtome.”

“You’llgetaroundDaddy

onthattellinghimIneedtheexperience.”

“Andyou’llgetit,whileI’llgetafreshlookinthatroom.”

SheslippedmittensonShelby’shands,wentaround,beganaslow,gloriousneckrub.“NowthatI’vegotyouwhereIwantyou,I’mgoingtosaywhenGriff’speoplecomevisiting,youshouldgooverthereonenight,cookthemdinner.Showthemwhat

agoodcookyouare.”“Mama—”“Iknowmostwomen

don’tlikeanotherwomanintheirkitchen.”Inhercheerfulway,AdaMaerolledrightoverobjections.“Butshe’llbevisiting,andworkingwhilesheis.IknowI’dappreciatesomebodysettingagoodmealinfrontofmeafteralongworkday.Don’tIappreciatewhenyoudoitforme?”

“Youdo,but—”“Yououghttomakethat

pastasaladlikeyoumadeforyourdaddyandmetheothernight,withthosefancychickenbreastsandgoodfreshpeas.”

“Mama,that’sweeksawayyet.”

“Timemoveswhetherwe’rewatchingtheclockornot.”

“Iknowit,andthat’swhyI’vegotEmmaKate’s

engagementpartythisweekwhenitseemsliketwominutesagoMattputtheringonherfinger.I’vegotsomuchtodoyet,tothinkaboutdoing.”

“Iwishyou’dletmetreatyoutoanewformalforit.”

They’dbeenthisround,Shelbythought,andshewasgrateful,butshe’dratherspendthemoneyondesignclassesandcontinuinghereducation.“Ilovethatyou’d

wantto,butIjustdon’thavecallforthatkindofdressnow,soit’dbewastedonjustonewearing.AndI’mgoingtoberunningaroundallnight,makingsureeverythinggoesjustasit’ssupposedto—andkeepingMizBitsyinline,moreorless.”

“Blessherheart,sheneedssomeoneto.”

“Andthat’smethisSaturdaynight.It’llbeeasierformedoingallthatifI’m

notwearingalongdress.”She’dhadenoughlong,fancydressesoverthelastfewyears,andsellingthemhadputsomeblackinkinherledger.“YouthinkIoughttowearmyhairupordown?”sheasked,knowingthatwouldcarveanewavenueforhermothertotravel.

“Oh!Mamacouldgiveyouawonderfulupdo,onethatmakesthemostofyourcurlsinsteadofhidingthem.”

SinceAdaMaewasoffandrunning,Shelbyjustclosedhereyesandenjoyedtherestofherfacial.

Shedidhavealottodo,andashorttimetogetitdone.Exchanginge-mails,calls,textswiththeeventmanageratthehotelateupconsiderableasthemanagerwasgratefultodealwithherratherthanthebride-to-be’s“enthusiasticandcreativemother.”

Shelbyreadthatsubtextclearly.

Shehadwhatshehopedwouldbethefinalconversationwiththefloristbeforetheactualeventsetup,andyetanotherwithBitsy.

Butshetookamoment—withhernewWinsomeWisteriatoes—tositonthelittlebackpatiowithhergrandmotherattheendoftheworkday.

“You’reglowing,girl.”

Shelbytookasipofsweettea.“Mama’sagenius.”

“She’sgotatalent,butshehadfinematerialtoworkwith.You’relookinghappythesedays,andthere’snobetterbeautytreatment.It’shardtobringaglowoutwithoutthehappy.”

“Iamhappy.Callie’sjustthriving,we’vegotanewbabyinthefamilytospoilandmybestfriend’sgettingmarried.Workinghere’s

broughtbacktomehowmuchIlovetheRidge.Thenthere’sthebigbonusofmyFridayNightsatthebarandgrill.”

Shetookanothersip.“Andlastbutfarfromleast,I’vegotmyselfaboyfriendwhomakesmeglowevenwhenhe’snotaround.Igotawfullucky,Granny.Somesecondchancescometoolate.”

“You’reworkingforyours.”

“Iwon’tbestoppingthatanytimesoon.NowthatI’vegotmyglowon,andmynailsallpretty,Iwantedtoseeifyou’dhavetimeSaturdaytodoupmyhairbeforetheparty.”

ViolaeyedShelbyovertherimofherglass.“Andyou’regoingtoletmehavemywaywithit?”

“I’dneverquestiontheexpert.”

“Good.I’vegotideas

there.Nowtellmewhat’sreallyonyourmind.”

Grannyalwayshadreadherlikeabook.“Theparty’sthemainfocusrightnow.DoyouknowIjusttalkedMizBitsy—andittooksomedoing—outofthelast-minutehiringofasmallstringorchestratoplayintheballroom?Godknowswhatshe’sgoingtocookupthatwehavetotossoutagainfortheweddingwhenitcomes.”

“Shedoeslovehergirl,butblessherheart,she’salwayshadfancyideasthatdon’tfitEmmaKateanymorethanBitsy’ssize-fiveshoeswould.There’sanotherfocusinthere,Shelby.Icanseeit.”

“Ireallydowantyouropinionandadvice.Ijust...I’msogratefultobeabletoworkhere,Granny,notjustbecauseIneededajob,butbecauseithelpedmecomeback.Helpedmefeelpartof

thingshereagain.IwantyoutoknowhowgratefulIam.”

“Ifyou’vegotanotherjoblinedup,Shelby,I’mnotgoingtobeupsetaboutit.Ineverfiguredthissituationherewaspermanentforyou.Runningthisplacewouldn’tfityouanymorethanBitsy’sshoes,either.Whatareyoulookingat?”

“It’snotyet.Probablynotforsixmonths.Maybelonger—probablylonger,”she

amended.“I’mtakingacouplesclassesonline,ondecorating.”

“You’vegotaknackforthatlikeAdaMaedoesforskin.Iusedtothinkyou’dmakeyourfameandfortunefromyourvoice—thenuseyourtalentfordecoratingonthebighousesyou’dhave.”

“I’mnotwillingtodoalltheworkamusiccareerneeds.Thenights,thetouring,the...well,the

focusagain.That’sjustnotformeanymore,forwhoIamnow.Idon’tgetasecondchancethere—Ithrewthataway,andI’mnotlookingtofinditagain.”

“Life’sjustacontinualstreamofchoices.You’remakinganotherchoicenow.”

“IthinkIcouldbuildsomethingformeandCallie,Granny.”

Lipscurved,eyessharp,Violanodded.“You’re

lookingforwardtowardacareer.Notajob,avocation.”

“Iam.I’mdoingreallywellwiththeseclasses,andI’mgoingtoaddinothers—oneonbusinessmanagement,too.”

Asshenoddedagain,Viola’ssmilespread.“You’vegotthatintheblood,buteducationaddstoit.”

“I’mnotgoingtorushit.IhelpedGillywithherbedroom,andEmmaKate

withsomeideasforherapartment,justtoseeifIcouldworkwithsomebody’sspace,andtheirneeds.NowMamawantsmetohelpherfreshenupherlivingroom.Ican’tsayhowDaddy’sgoingtofeelaboutthat.”

ViolareturnedShelby’sgrin.“Mendon’tlikechangeasarule,buttheygetusedtoit.”

Revvedupnow—nooneknewstartingabusinessfrom

thegrounduplikeViolaMacNeeDonahue—Shelbyedgedforwardinherchair.

“I’vegotsuchideasforoveratGriff’s.SometimesIbitemytonguebecauseit’shisplace,andhe’ssosmartandcleveraboutitalready.”

“Anyonesmartandclevervaluesanothereye,anotherperspectiveonthings.”

“Well,sometimesIdon’tbitemytongueintime,andhehasn’tgottenputoutbyit.

Anyway,I’mgoingtotaketheseclasses,getthecredentials,thenI’mgoingtotrytostartupasmallbusiness.I’llneedtokeepworkingtosupportmyselfandCallie,andgetthisdamndebtpaidinfull.Startingsmall’stheidea,likeyoudid—andGrandpa,too.Buildingsteady.DoyouthinkI’vegottherightdirection?”

“Doesitmakeyouhappy?”Violaheldupa

finger,thentappeditonthetable.“Don’tgodiscountingbeinghappyinyourwork,Shelby.It’shardenoughgoingtoajobeverydayanddealingwithabossifyou’renothappywithyourwork.Butwhenit’syourown,everything’sonyou.Ifitdoesn’tmakeyouhappy,you’rebetteroffdrawingthatpaycheckandleavingtheworrytosomebodyelse.”

“ThisisjustwhyIwanted

totalktoyoubeforeItooktoomanymoresteps.Itdoesmakemehappy,Granny.ItmademesohappyjustdoingthoselittlebitsforGillyandEmmaKate,seeinghowpleasedtheywere,knowingIcouldseewhatthey’dlikeandhowthey’dlikeit.AndIfeltsosillyhappywhenGriffusedthepaintcolorIpickedforthefrontroom,andhowheboughtthispaintedchestIsawoveratTheArtfulRidge

—it’ssurenicebeingabletogointherenow—andjustmentionedhowitwouldlookgoodatthefootofhisbed.Anditdoes.”

“Thenyoudoit.Dowhatmakesyouhappy.”

Onalongbreath,Shelbysatback.“Itakeastepforward,likewiththeclasses,thenItaketwoback.Atleastinmyhead.IthoughtRichardwouldmakemehappy.”

“Youmadeamistake,”

Violasaidflatly.“Itwon’tbethelastyou’llmakebeforeyou’redonewiththeworld.Notifyou’reluckyenoughtolivealong,full,interestinglife.”

“Icanhopeit’sthebiggestoneI’llevermake.”ShereachedforViola’shand.“Willyouhelpme?Idon’tmeanwiththemoneyI’llneedtogetgoing.Imean,whenI’mreadytostartthingsup,canIaskyouthehalfa

millionquestionsI’mboundtohave?”

“I’dbeinsultedifyoudidn’t.I’vegotaheadforbusiness,andyourgrandfatherdoes,too.Whodoyouthinkhelpedyourdaddygetthebusinesssideofhispracticegoing?”

“Ishould’vefigured.I’mcountingonyou.”

“I’llcountonyourightback.Well,lookhere,we’vegotusahandsomemancome

tocall.”“MizVi.”Mattwalked

overtothetable,bentdowntokisshercheek.“Excusethegrunge.WejustfinishedupforthedayoveratBootlegger’s.”

“Andhow’sthatcoming?”“We’vegotthefootersin,

readyfortheinspectortomorrow.Howareyou,Shelby?”

“I’mgood,thanks.Whydon’tIgogetyouacold

drink?”Heliftedthebottlehe

carried.“HaveGatorade,willtravel.”

“Aglasswithice,then.”“Realmendon’tneed

glasses.”Withawink,hechuggedstraightfromthebottle.“EmmaKatementionedyouwantedtotalktome.Justme.”Nowhewiggledhiseyebrows,madeherlaugh.

“Idid,butIdidn’texpect

youtomaketimesosoon.You’vegotalotgoingon.”

“Sodoyou.Iheardyoujustheadedoffastringorchestra.Consideryourfeetkissed.”

“Yousitondown,”Violatoldhim.“Takemychair,”sheaddedassherose.“I’mshufflingmytiredfeethome,andhavingmyselfadrinkwithmorekickthantea.Youbehaveyourselfwithmygirl,Matthew.”

“Yes,ma’am.”“I’llseeyoutomorrow,

Granny.LovetoGrandpa.”“Youhavehis,”Violasaid

asshewentbackinside.“IsthereanythingelseI

shouldknowabout—nowthatwe’veavoidedthecello?”Matttookaseat,stretchedouthislegs.Sighed.“God,thatfeelsreallygood.”

“AmanwhoworksashardasyououghttohaveVonnieforamassageeveryweek.

Keepyourselflooseandhealthy.”

“EmmaKate’salwayssayingthesamethingaboutyoga.I’dratherthemassagethantryingtotwistmyselfintoapretzel.”

Andhe’dverylikelyratherbehomenowthansittingherewaitingforhertogettothepoint.

“Ididn’texpecttotalktoyouaboutthisuntilafterthepartyorI’d’vehadmy

thoughtsmoretogetheronit.IwasjusttalkingtoGrannyaboutit.SheandmymamaaretheonlyonesI’vesaidanythingto.”

“Notabouttheparty,then.”

“No,notaboutthat.That’sgoingtobejustperfect,don’tworry.It’s...”Sheblewoutabreath.“It’sthatI’vestartedtotakesomeclasses,”shebegan,andtookhimthroughit.

“Griffsaidyouhadaneye.Youcan’talwaysbelieveamanwho’sgotstarsinhisown,butIgotasamplemyselfwithwhatyoudidatourplace.Anditcostundertwohundredtodoit.”

“Itwasmostlyjustusingwhatyoualreadyhadinadifferentway.”

“Itlooksbetter.Fresher.Andtheideaofmattingandframinghergreat-grandmother’scrocheted

doilies?Iwasn’tbigonthat—seemedtoogirly,toofussy,whenshetoldme.Buttheylookgreat.”

“Oh,they’redone?”“Shepickedthemuplast

night,andwehungthemwhereyousaid.EvenifIdidn’tlikeit—andIdo—thelookonEmmaKate’sfaceoncetheywereupwould’vebeenmorethanenough.”

“I’msogladtheideaworked,forbothofyou.”

“She’sitchingtodosomethingwiththerestoftheplacenow—I’dthankyouforthat,butitwouldbealie.I’mtryingtogethertoholdoffsincewe’regoingtolookatapieceoflandSundayafternoon.”

“Youfoundsomething?Where?”

“Hardlymorethanastone’sthrowfromGriff’s.Justunderthreeacres,sonotasmuchlandashe’sgot,but

thesamestreamrunsthroughit.”

“Ibetit’spretty.Ididn’tthinky’allwantedtomovethatfaroutoftown.”

“EmmaKate’salittlenervousaboutit,butIthinkshe’llcomearoundwhensheseesit.MaybeyoucouldsaveyourideasforheruntilIstartbuilding.”

“Actually...Iwantedtoaskyou—justyou,Matt,notGriff,notEmmaKate—if

youthink,onceIgetmycredentials,youcouldseeyourwaycleartousingme,ifIseemedrightandthejobcalledforit.Orjustmentioningmynametoaclientwhomaybewasthinkingaboutusingadecorator.Ihavetwoofmyclassprojectsrighthereonmyphone.”

Shepulleditoutofherpocket.“It’shardtoseethedetailsonthephone,but

you’dseeifyouthoughtitworkedoverall.”

“Youhaven’tsaidanythingtoGriff?”

“No.”Onceshe’dfoundtheprojects,shehandedMattthephone.“He’dsayyesbecausehewouldn’twanttotellmeno,andsowouldEmmaKate.That’snotwhatI’mlookingfor,that’snothowIwanttostartout.Igiveyoumyword,ifthisdoesn’tseemlikesomethingthat

you’dfeelcomfortabledoing,Iwon’tsayathingtohimorEmmaKateaboutit.Idon’twantyoutofeellikeI’mputtingyouinthemiddleofsomething.”

Shetookabreathwhilehestudiedherproject,thenflippedthescreentothesecondone.

“Yourwork,yoursandGriff’s,issogood.Andyourreputation,eventhoughyouhaven’tbeenaroundhereall

thatlong—notbyRidgestandards—isalreadysosolid.IthinkIcouldcontributetothat.Asanoutsideconsultant.”

Heflickedaglanceupather,thenlookedatthephoneagain.“Youdidthese?”

“Idid.Therearewrittenprojects,too,but—”

“They’regood,Shelby.Reallygood.”

“Honestly?”“Honestlyandseriously.

Griffdoesmostofourdesignwork,andhe’llstepatoeintodecoratingiftheclientwantssomeguidance.Youshouldshowthesetohim.”

“Iwill,butIdon’twanttoshowhimwiththeideahe’dfeelobligedto—”

“Showhim,”Mattinterrupted.“We’reateam,andwhenwemakeadecision,webothhavetobeinonit,havetoagree.It’showwework.SoIcan’ttell

youyesuntilhe’sseenthem.WhatIcantellyouiswhenItalktohimaboutit,afterhehas,myweight’sonyes.”

“Itis?Youmeanit?You—Wait.”Sheleanedin.“Lookrighthere,”shesaid,andpointedtohereyes.“Isthisafavortome?”

“Yeah.Ithinkit’sgoingtobeafavortoallofus.”

“Allofus.”Shesatbackagain.“Thankyou.I’llshowhim.It’sgoingtotakesome

timeformetogetthosecredentials,workupabusinessplan,butknowingyou’drecommendmetakesaweightoff.”

“Isthereanywayyoucandoalittlefreelancingnow?”

“Ihaven’tfinishedthefirstclassyet.”

“Tansy’sdrivingDerrickaroundthebendalready.Paintsamples,cutsheetsoflightfixtures,flooringsamples,morecutsheets.

Andwejustgotthefootersputin.Ifyou’dworkwithher,itwouldgivehersomedirection—she’sgotgoodideas,butthey’rescattershotrightnow,andmixedinwithherideasforthenursery.Anditwouldgivehimabreather.He’doweyou.”

“I’dbegladtohelpheroutifshewants.”

“Done.YouandDerrickcanworkoutyourfee.”

“Oh,I’mnotgoingto

chargethemfor—”Withashakeofhishead,

hehandedherbackthephone.“That’snotagoodbusinessplan.”

Shehuffedoutabreath.“It’snot,isit?”

“Doyouknowhowmanyfriends,relatives,casualacquaintancesandcompletestrangerswantedmeand/orGrifftobuildtheirdeck,painttheirhouse,re-laytile,guttheirkitchenwhenwewere

startingout?”“No.”“Meeitherbecausethere

weretoomanytocount.Taketheadviceofsomeonewho’sbeenthere,donethat,anddon’tgodownthatroad.IfTansywantstogetyouropiniononcribsorpaintforthenursery,pal-to-pal,that’sonething.Thisisexpandingtheirbusiness.You’llearnyourfee.”

“Allright,iftheywant

me.”“I’llgiveDerrickacall.If

he’sinterested,he’llletyouknow.I’vegottogetgoing.”

“Me,too.”Sherosewithhim.“MamapickedupCallie,butthey’regoingtobewonderingwhereIambynow.Thankyou,Matt.”Shehuggedhim,gavehimanextrasqueeze.“YousaveadanceformeSaturdaynight.”

“Absolutely.ShowGriffthoseclassprojects,”he

repeated.“Iwill,firstchance.”Shewentbackin.There

weresomecustomersstill—acoupleofwomenusingtheRelaxationRoomaftertheirtreatment,acouplemorewho’dcomeinforhairaftertheirownworkday.

ButShelby’sworkdaywasdone.

Shegotherpurse,saidhergoodbyes,thensteppedoutthedoor.

AndunexpectedlyintoGriff’sarms.

Thekisscaughtheroffguard,whichmayhaveaccountedforherheadgoinggiddy.

“Hi,”hesaid.“Hi.”“Isawyourvan,soIwas

comingintohuntyouup.”“Iwasjust...”The

giddinessclearedwhenshespottedCrystal,hercustomerandtheshampoogirlwho’d

stayedlatetosweepup,allwiththeirfacespressedtothefrontwindow.

CrystaljustflappedahandatherheartwhenShelbymadeshooingmotions.

“We’rethisevening’sfirstperformance.”

Griffonlygrinned,wavedtothewomenasShelbytuggedhimtowardhervan.“Workinglate?”

“Actually,IneededtotalktoGranny,thenIhadalittle

rendezvouswithMatt.”“Arendezvousinthe

Ridge.DoIhavetogopunchhim?”

“Notthistime.Youknow,there’ssomethingI’dliketotalktoyouabout,andsomethingsI’dliketoshowyou.”

“Aboutthebigparty?”“Notaltogether.Why

don’tyoucomehomewithme,comeontosupper?MamaandDaddywouldbepleasedtoseeyou.And

Calliewouldbethrilled.”“Threeredheads,adoctor

andafreemeal.I’dbecrazytosayno.”StillhelookeddownathisgrubbyT-shirt,dustyjeans.“Buttherewasdirtyworktobedonetoday,andIhaven’tgottenhometocleanup.”

“Youcanwashupatthehouse,andwe’lleatoutside.Wetendtointhiskindofweather.”

“ThenI’mrightbehind

you.”“I’lljustletMamaknow

you’recoming,soshedoesn’tgetcaughtwithoutherlipstick.”Evenasshereachedforherphone,itsignaledatext.

“Yourmama?”Griffaskedassheread.

“No.FromDerrick.”Itsaidonly:Yes,please

yes.Savemefromdecoratinghell.

“Somethingwe’lltalk

about.”Shewalkedtothedriver’sdoor.“What’reyoustilldoingintown?”

“ItlookslikeIwaswaitingforyou.”

Itmadehersmile.Thewholedamndaymadehersmile.

•••

THEBURLYSUVdroveslowlybyasshegotintothevan.Shedidn’tsomuchasglance

over,butprobablywouldn’thaverecognizedthedriver.

He’dchangedhislookagain.

Asshedrovetowardhome,hedroveupintothehills.

Heknewwhatheplannedtodo,andwhen,anditpleasedhimtoknowwhathadstartedinMiamiwasnearlyover.

henGriffwalkedintoVi’splaceonSaturday,

Snickersrockedthehouse.Women—stylists,customers,technicians—hunkereddowntoooohoverhim,torubhis

belly,strokehisears,andgenerallytosendthedogintoanapoplexyofjoy.

Hethoughtbacktohisearlytwentieswhenhe’droutinelylookedforwaystomeetwomen.

Heshould’verentedapuppy.

He’dcomein—underprotest,andunderEmmaKate’sorders—togethishairtrimmedup.Hehatedgettinghishairtrimmedup,butshe’d

beenalittlebitscaryintheintensityoftheorder.

“Youneedyourselfatrim,”Violastated,andmadehisshouldershunch.

“EmmaKatesaidIhadto,butyou’rebusy,so—”

“Nobody’sinmychairthisminute.Youcomeoverhere,Griffin,andsit.”

Thepupimmediatelyplunkedhisbuttdownandlookedpleasedwithhimself.Andthewomenchorusedan

awwww!“Amanshouldlookwell-

groomedforhisbestfriend’sengagementparty.”Violapointedafingeratherchair.“Begoodlikeyourdog.”

“Just,youknow,alittle.”Wishinghimselfprettymuchanywhereelse,Griffsat.

“HaveIevertakenwhacksatit?”

“No,ma’am.”Shewhippedacape

aroundhim,pickedupher

spraybottletodampenitdown.

“You’vegotafineheadofhair,Griffin.I’llseeyoukeepit.Isuspectyouweretraumatizedatthebarbershopasayoungboy.”

“Theybroughtinaclown—oneofthosecrazy-wiggedclowns.Itwasbad.Reallybad.DidyoueverreadIt?StephenKing’sbook?Thatkindofclown.”

“Noclownsaroundhereof

anykind.”Enjoyingherself,shegavehischeekarub.“Boy,youneedashave.”

“Yeah,I’lltakecareofitlater.”

“I’llgiveyouashave.”Whenhiseyeswentalittlewild,shejustsmiled.“Haveyoueverhadawomangiveyouagood,closeshavewithastraightrazor?”

“No.”“You’reinforatreat.”She

adjustedthechair,pickedup

herscissors.“Youhaven’taskedwhereShelbyis.”

“Iwascountingonyoutotellme.”

“She’sintheback.Wegotagroupofsixwomen,friendssincecollege.They’retakingalongweekendtogether,stayingupatthebighotel.It’snicehavingforeverfriends.You’vegotthatwithMatt.”

“Yeah,Ido.”Shekeptupaneasy

conversationwhileshedrewsmallsectionsofhishairupbetweenherfingers,snipped.Torelaxhim,heknew.Everycoupleofmonths,whenhetalkedhimselfintogoinginforatrim—orgotpushedthere—shedidthesame.

Helikedtowatchherwork—thequick,competent,precisemoves,thewayhereyesmeasuredthecutevenasshetalkedtohimortossedoutorders,answered

questions.Shecouldkeepupwith

halfadozenconversationsatonce.Heconsidereditarareskill.

“She’sgoingtobebeautifulallherlife.”

“Shelby?”Violamethiseyesinthe

mirror,smiled.“Waittillyouseehertonight.She’sgottogetoutofheresoon,getCalliesettled,thencomebackheresoIcandoherhairup.I

seeitinmyheadalready.”“You’renotgoingto

straightenit,areyou?”“Notabit.Shesaysshe’s

gottogetuptothehotelearly,soyouwon’tbeabletotakeher,andthat’sashamebecauseIbelievethepairofyouwouldmakequitetheentrance.

“Lorilee,I’maboutdonehere.WouldyougoheatmeupatowelforGriff’sshave?”

“Surething,MizVi.”

“Youreallydon’thaveto—”

“GriffinLott,howareyougoingtotalkmeintoleavingmyhusbandofneartofiftyyearsandrunningoffwithyouifyoudon’ttrustmenottocutyourthroat?”

Soheendedupcockedbackinthechair,amoisthottowelcoveringhisface—butforthenose.Hehadtoadmit,itfeltgreat—untilheheardthesoundsofherstropping

therazor.“Istillusemygreat-

granddaddy’srazor,”shesaidconversationally.“That’sforsentimentmostly.Hepassedittomygranddaddy,andhe’stheonetaughtmehowtoshaveaman.”

HeactuallyfelthisAdam’sappletrytoshrink.

“When’sthelasttimeyoudid?”

“IshaveJacksonmosteveryweek.”Sheleaned

downclose.“Wethinkofitasforeplay.”

Ashechoked,sheremovedthetowel.“Wewon’tthinkofthatasyou’rethinkingofthatwithmygrandbaby.Addedtoit,IusedtoshaveMayorHaggertyeverySaturdaymorning—beforeheretiredandmovedtoTampa,Florida.We’vegotawomanmayornow.”

Shepouredoilintoher

hands,rubbedthemtogether,thensmootheditoverhisface.

“Thisisgoingtosoftenyourbeardup,andgiveyouanicecushionbetweenyourface,thecreamandtheblade.Smellsnice,too.”

“Thatdoesn’tsoundlikeyourgrandfather’sshave.”

“You’vegottomovewiththetimes.”Busilyshelaidathicklayerofshavingcreamoverhisface,histhroat,using

awide,stubbybrushtowhirlit.“Sotogoback,Idon’tshavethemayorthesedays.Butthereareoneortwoaroundwholikeagoodbarbershopshaveregularwhocomein.OthersgotoLester’sBarbershop.He’salwaystalkingaboutretiring,andifheeverdoes,I’llbeexpandingmyservicesforgentlemen.”

“Alwaysthinking.”“Oh,Iam,Griffin.”

Hisgazeslidtowardthestraightrazorwithitspearlhandle,thenaway.

“Whatyoudo,”shecontinued,“isworkinshortstrokes,withthegrainofthehair.Then,ifyouwantagood,closeshavelikeI’mgivingyoutoday,yougobackagain,againstthegrain.”Gently,withherthumb,shepulledtheskinunderhissideburntight.“Don’tfeelmuchpressure,

right?Gottaletthebladedothework.Ifyouneedpressure,youneedasharperblade.”

Sheworkedmethodically,keepingupaflowofwords.Herelaxed,mostly,evenwhenhefeltthebladeagainsthisthroat.

“Areyouaimingtomarrymygirl,Griffin?”

Heopenedhiseyes,lookedupintohers.Hesawamusementinhers.“Assoon

asshe’sready.”“That’safineanswer.I

taughthertoshaveaman.”“Really?”“Shemightbeoutof

practice,butshehadagoodhandwithit.Andspeakingofthat,hereshecomes.”

Hewasafraidtomove,couldonlyshifthiseyes.Heheardthedogscrambleup,heardhervoice.Heardherlaugh.

“Fathomsdeep,”Viola

murmured.“That’swhatthepoetssay.You’refathomsdeep,Griffin.”

“Andstillsinking.”“Well,lookatthis!Ididn’t

knowyouwentforthebarbershopshave,Griff.”

“It’smyfirst.”Shelbystrokedtwofingers

overhisleftcheek.“Mmmm.Smoothasitgets.”

“Foreplay,”Violasaidagain,andhadShelbysnickering.

“Itdoesmakeyouthink,doesn’tit?Granny,I’msorry,butIhavetogo.IgotanSOSfromthehotelasitseemsMizBitsytookherselfupthereevenaftershepromisedshewouldn’t.NowIhavetoputoutacouplelittlefiresbeforeshegetsthemblazing.”

“Yougorighton.Itoldyoutotakethedayoff.”

“Ithoughtshe’dbebusyrightinhere.She’sgot

appointments,forhairandnails.I’vegottogetheroutoftheway,smooththingsdownandbebackhereinlessthanahalfhourtogetthegirls.IpromisedI’dtakethemtoStoryTime,andTracey’sgotplans.MizSuzannah’sgotadentistappointment.Ican’tletMizBitsyhaveherheadupthererightnow,andIdon’twanttodisappointCallieandChelsea.”

“I’lldoit.”ShelbygaveGriff’s

shoulderapatbeforeshehurriedtothefrontcounterforherpurse.“Idon’tdoubtyou’regoodatputtingoutfires,but—”

“No,notMizBitsy.I’llpickupthekids,takethemtoStoryTime.”

Aswiththepuppy,thisgeneratedachorusofawwsfrombystanders.

“Griff,I’mtalkingabout

twofour-year-olds.”“Igotthat.”“Anddon’tyouhave

work?”“Matttookoff—heand

EmmaKatewereabletograbanappointmenttolookatthisplaceforthewedding.”

“Whatplace?”“Idon’tknow.Some

weddingplace.I’vedoneaboutallIcandoonmyowntillaboutthree,whenwe’vegotsomemorematerial

comingin.”“I’msupposedtohavethe

girlsoveratMizSuzannah’sataroundthree.They’rehavingasleepover.”

“Thereyougo.I’llpickthemup,takethemtoStoryTime.Wecankickaroundintheparkorsomethingforanhour,whatever,ifyou’renotback.I’lldropthemoff,andbebackwhenthematerialgetshere.

“Youcantakemytruck.

I’lltakeyourvan.”“I’mnotsureifTracey

wouldfeelrightaboutyoutakingthegirls.”

“Oh,she’llbefine,Shelby.”Violaflickedthatideaaway.“She’sasensiblegirl,sheknowsGriff,andsheknowsyou’vegotyourplatefulltoday.”

“You’reright.Myhead’salreadyspinning.”Shedugherkeysoutofherpursepocket.“Thankyou,Griff.

I’llbebackassoonasIcan.”“Takeyourtime.Ifyou’re

notbackbythree,I’lljustgiveCallieanailgun,giveChelseaaskillsaw.It’llkeepthembusy.”

“You’reacomforttome.”“Keysareinmyrightfront

pocket.”Shearchedhereyebrows.

“Youjustwantmyhandinyourpocket.”

“Didn’tknowitwasanoptionwhenIputthekeys

there,butit’saniceone.”Sheslidherhandin,

hookedthekeys.“Thankyou,”shesaidagain,kissedhim,saidmmmmagain.“Y’allprayforme,”shecalledoutasshehurriedforthedoor.

•••

GRIFFSETTLEDDOWNatRendezvousBooks,whereapparentlyStoryTimeforthe

preschoolsethappenedonceamonth.Andwhodidn’tlikeStoryTime?heaskedhimself,leaningagainstoneofthestackswithaglassoficedcoffeewhileaboutadozenpint-sizerssatinacircle,listeningtoastoryaboutayoungboyandayoungdragonwithaninjuredwing.

HeknewMizDarlene—aretiredschoolteacherwhoworkedpart-timeatthe

bookstore.HeandMatthadputasmalladditiononherhousethepreviousfall,givingheracozyreadingroom.

Shedeservedone,hethought.Shereadreally,reallywell,doingvoices,addingjusttherightelementsofsorrow,joy,surpriseandwonder.

Shehadthekidsinthepalmofherhand.Andhewasprettyinterestedinwhatwas

happeningwithThaddeusandhisdragonGrommelhimself.

Fromsomewheredeeperinthestore,ababybegantocry.Hecouldhearawoman’svoicesoftlysoothing,thenthesoundofherstepsasshewalked,backandforth,backandforth,andthecryingstopped.

Sunlightstreamedinthefrontwindow,throughtheglasspanesofthefrontdoor,fallinginsquarepatternsof

lightontheoldwoodfloor.Thepatternchangedwhen

thedooropened;thebelljingled,thenthepatternfellbackintoplace.Changedagainwhenashadowcrossedoverit.Hebarelynotedthemanasmorethanthat—ashadowthatchangedthepatternbriefly.

Thenthestoryended,andCallieranstraighttohim.

“Didyouhear?Didyou?Grommel’swinggotbetter,

andThaddeusgottokeephim!IwishIhadadragon.”

“Me,too.”HereacheddownforChelsea’shand.

“Canwegetabook?”Calliewantedtoknow.“AboutThaddeusandGrommel?”

“Sure.ThenIsaywegeticecreamconesandheadtothepark.”

Theygotthebook,andsinceitturnedouttherewasalreadyasecondadventure

written,heboughteachgirlthenewone,thenicecreamthatdrippedinstrawberrystreamsfasterthanthekidscouldeatthem.

Heusedthewaterfountainintheparktodealwithstickyhandsbeforeheworkedofftheicecreamhighbychasingthegirlsaround,upanddownthebigplaystation.

Whenhedroppeddown,feigningdefeat,thegirlsrancirclesaroundhim.

CallietuggedChelsea’shandsotheymovedafewstepsaway,andbegantowhisper.

“What’sthesecret?”“Chelseasaysboysare

supposedtoask.”Hesatupcross-legged.

“Askwhat?”Morewhispering,then

Calliegaveaninnatelyfemaleheadtossandmarchedtohim.“IcanaskifIwant.”

“Okay.”

“Canwegetmarried?Wecanliveinyourhouse,andMamacancome,too.’CauseIloveyou.”

“Wow.Iloveyou,too.”“Sowecangetmarried

likeEmmaKateandMatt,andwecanallliveinyourhousewithSnickers.Forhappyeverafter.”

Undone,hedrewherin.“Letmeworkonthat.”

“Notickles,”shesaid,rubbinghischeek.

“Nottoday.”“Iliketickles.”Hedrewherinagain.

Fathomsdeep,hethought.“They’llbeback.”

Hetookouthisphoneatthesignal.Sorryittooksolong—fires

allout.Onmywayback.Hekeptanarmaround

Callieasheanswered.Inthepark,smoking

cigarettesandhavingacouplebeers.Wecanswitch

offfromhere.Heranswercamemoments

later.Don’tlitter.I’llbethereintenminutes.

Heslippedthephonebackinhispocket.“Yourmom’sontheway,Callie.”

“Butwewanttoplaywithyou!”

“Ihavetogotowork.ButbeforeIdo...”Heshovedup,grabbedupbothgirlslikefootballsandhadthemsquealingasheracedaround

theplaysetwithSnickersrunningafterthem.

Hecaughtsightofthemanwho’dcomeintothebookstore—orhethoughtitwashim—atthefarendofthepark.Foundhimselfholdingthegirlsjustalittlecloser.

Thenthemanglancedtotheleft,grinned,wavedandstrolledofftowardsomeoneGriffcouldn’tsee.

Kids,hethought,setting

thegirlsdownsotheycouldchasehim.Theymadeyoususpiciousofeverythingandeveryone.

•••

SHELBYZIPPEDTHROUGHtherestoftheday,doingtheswitch—kidsandcars—withGriff,droppingthegirlsoffatMizSuzannah’s.ShegaveCallieanextrahug,thinkingitwasherfirstgenuine

sleepover—oneoutsidefamily.

Backtothesalonforhair,andatCrystal’sinsistence,makeup.Whileshe’dhavepreferredseeingtoherownface,shecouldn’tfindawaytosaynowithoutinsultingCrystal.ButhernervesshowedenoughforCrystaltovownotto“tartherup.”

Itcertainlysavedtime,havingherselffussedoverlikeacelebrity,whileshe

sentandansweredtextsfromhotelcatering,fromtheflorist,fromEmmaKate.

AndtoomanytocountfromMizBitsy.

Theykeptherfacedawayfromthemirrorwhiletheyworkedintandem,thenswungthechairaroundwithaflourishforthebigreveal.

Alldoubtsvanished.“Why,Ilookamazing!”“Playedupyoureyesmore

thanyouusuallydo,”Crystal

began,“butkeptitsubtle.Soit’selegant,likeyourhair.”

“I’llsayI’melegant.AndIlooklikemewithaboost—notlikethetwoofyoufussedovermeforneartoanhour.Iloveit,Crystal,andI’llneverdoubtyouagain.AndGranny,myhairisjustwonderful.Thatthinbandforjustalittlesparklesetsoffthecurlsyou’vegottumblingoutthebunintheback.”

“Afewloosetendrils

aroundyourface,”Violaadded,fussingwiththemalittlemore,“soitdoesn’tlooklikeyouspentfiveminutesonit—justspenttherightfive.”

“Idon’tknowiftherestofmecanliveuptowhaty’allhavedone,butI’lltrymybest.Thankyou,thankyousomuch!”Shehuggedthemboth.“I’vegottogo.I’mdeterminedtobeatthehotelbeforeMizBitsy.I’llseeyouboththere.”

Shecalculatedshe’dhavethehousetoherselfforanhourbeforehermothergothome—twoifAdaMaeoptedtogetherhairandfacedoneupatthesalonfirst.

Shewouldn’tneedtwo.ShegrabbedaCokeoutof

thekitchen,tookabreath.She’dplannedonwearinghersimpleblackdress,butwiththeGrecianstyleGrannyhadcomeupwith,shereassessedasshewentupstairs.

Theblackdresswouldworkforanything,noquestion—andhadalreadydoneserviceatthreeFridayNights.She’dyettowearthesilvergrayoneshe’dbroughtwithherfromherclosetupNorth.Itjustdidn’tsuitFridayNights.Butforthis...

Takingitout,shehelditupinfrontofher,turnedtothemirror.Thelineswerealittlemorefluid,moreflowy,andwouldplayupthehair.

Nottheblackshoesnow,shedecided.They’dbetoostark.Butshehadthosebluesandalswiththelowheels—lowheelswouldbemorepracticalanywaywhenshe’dlikelyberunningaroundhalfthenight.

Andthedresshadslitpockets,soshecouldslipherphonerightin,haveithandy.

Decisionmade,shedressed,addedlongdanglingearringsandatrioofthin,

sparklybraceletsfromCallie’sdress-upbox.

Shepackedtoiletries,achangeofclothessinceshewashavingherownovernightatGriff’saftertheparty.

Inanhourflat,andfeelingprettydamngoodaboutherself,shegotbackinhercaranddrovetothehotel.

Shelbyfiguredshe’dspentmoretimethereinthepastthreeweeksthanshehadin

thewholeofherlife,butitstillmadehersmiletomakethatturnuptherisingroadandseethespreadofthebigstonebuildingthroughthetrees.

Sheparked,tooktheslatepathtowardthewidefrontveranda,wheretwobigwhitepotsheldredandwhitebegoniaswithsometrailingbluelobelia.

IfEmmaKateandMattdecidedtohavetheirwedding

here,sheimaginedthosepotsspillingwithyellowandlavenderflowers.

Someofthestaffgreetedherasshecrossedoverthewide-plankedfloorofthelobby,headedstraightfortheballroom.

Decoratingwaswellunderway,andshesaw,happily,thatshe’dbeenright.Thedeeppurpleclothsoverthewhiteaddedcasualelegance,theperfectcanvasforthe

bowlsofwhitehydrangeasandclear,squareholdersholdingwhitetealights.

Amixofhigh-andlow-tops,ofchairsandstools.

Sheplannedtoechothatontheterrace,addsomefreestandingurnswithwhitecallaliliesandroses,somepeoniesandairy,trailinggreenery.

ItwasallsoEmmaKate.Spottingtheflorist,Shelby

movedtoher.“Pointme

whereyouwantme.”Bythetimethefuture

brideandgroomarrived,everythingwasinplace—andshesawfromthelookonherfriend’sface,everyhourofwork,everydriveupandback,everybangingBitsyheadachehadbeenworthit.

“Oh,Shelby.”“Don’tstartwateringup!

You’llhavemedoingit,andwe’llruinourmakeup.Webothlookamazing.”

“It’ssobeautiful.EverythingIwanted,andmoreIdidn’tknowIwanted.It’slikeadream.”

“Itwasourdream.”ShetookEmmaKate’shand,andMatt’s,joinedthem.“Nowit’syourdream.Inowpronounceyouengaged.”

“Wehaveonemorefavor.”

Shelbyreachedinherpocket,pulledoutherfist.“Ihappentohaveonefavorleft

over,righthere.WhatcanIdo?”

“MattandIdecidedonoursong—atleastfornow.‘StandbyMe.’Youknowit,don’tyou?”

“OfcourseIdo.”“Wewantyoutosingit

tonight.”“Butyou’vegotaband.”“Wereallywantyouto

singit.”EmmaKatetookShelby’shandbetweenbothofhers.“Wouldyouplease,

Shelby?Justthatonesong.Forus.”

“I’dbehappyto.I’llspeaktothebandaboutit.Rightnowwe’regoingtogetyouadrink,andI’mgoingtoshowyouaroundbeforepeoplestartgettinghereandyoudon’thaveaminute.”

“Griff’srightbehindus,”Mattsaid.“Infact,hereheisnow.”

“Oh,well,my!Lookatyou.”Shebrushedahand

downthelapelofhisdarkgraysuit,andthoughthowluckyitwasshe’dwornthepalegraydress.“You’resodashing.”

“Goddessofthemountain,”hemurmured.“Youtakemybreath.”

Heliftedherhand,kissedit.Sheflushed—somethingshe’dtaughtherselfnottodo—asaredhead—whilestillinherteens.“Thankyou,sir.Thefourofusdolooknearly

aswonderfulastheroom.Ithinkweshouldhavethefirstglassesofchampagne.AndEmmaKate,Iwanttoshowyoutheterrace.We’vestrunglittlewhitelightsinthepottedtrees.It’safairyland.”

“Flowersandcandlesandfairylights,”Griffcommentedastheytouredthespace.“Allthesparkle,noneofthefuss.”

“IcutmilesoffrillsoutofMizBitsy’svision,butI

reallydothinkshe’sgoingtobepleasedwithhowitallturnedout.Wemighthaveastormcomingin,butnotuntilaftermidnight.”

Shetappedherpocketandherphone.“Ikeepcheckingmyweatherapp,andsofar,sogood.There’sMizBitsynow.Anddoesn’tshelookprettyinherlongreddress?I’dbettergotalktoher.”

“Wantbackup?”Shegrabbedhishand.“Do

Iever.”

•••

SHEDANCEDWITHHIM.Itdidn’toccurtoheruntillaterthatnotoncedidamemoryofotherformalpartiesandelegantdressintrude.SheneverthoughtofRichard,who’dwornatuxasifhewereborninone.

Everythingcenteredonthemoment.

Dancingwithherfather,whopulledoutsomeoftheballroommoveshe’dretainedfromwhenAdaMaehadnaggedhimintolessons.Andhergrandfather,whoswungherintosomeclogging—andtherehermusclememorywasn’taskeenashis—whenthebandkickeditupafewlicks.WithClay,whohadn’tinheritedanyrhythmatall,andwithForrest,who’dtakenClay’sshareofit.

“How’dyougetinhere?”sheaskedForrest.“You’renotwearingatuxorevenasuitandtie.”

“It’sthebadge.”Hecircledherinasmoothtwo-step.“ItoldMizBitsyIwasonduty.”

“Areyou?”Heonlygrinned.“I

considermyselfalwaysonduty,andIhaven’twornamonkeysuitsinceseniorprom.Ihopetocontinuethat

winningstreak.”“Nobby’swearingone.”“Heis,buthesworeto

backmeupontheon-dutyexcuse.”

“What’dyoubribehimwith?”

“Afancycoffeeandacouplebearclawsfreshfromthebakery.”

Shelaughed,circledwithhim.

“Youlookasgoodasitgetstonight,littlesister.”

“Ifeelasgoodasitgetstonight,bigbrother.Lookhowhappyeverybodyis.EmmaKatecouldlighttheplaceupallonherown.”

“Stealingherback,”Griffsaidashecutin.

“Icouldarrestyouforthat,butI’llletitgo.There’sablondeovertherewholookslikeshecouldusesomecompany.”

Shelbyglancedover.“Hername’sHeather.Sheworked

withEmmaKateatthehospitalinBaltimore.She’ssingle.”

“Thatworks.”GriffdrewShelbyinas

Forrestwanderedtowardtheblonde.“You’vegotahitonyourhands,Red.”

“Iknowit.”Sheslidherhandsuphisback,pressedhercheektohis.“Itfeelssogood—justlikeyou.Iwasjustsayinghowhappyeverybodyis.It’ssonice

knowingpeoplearehappyforEmmaKateandMatt.AndMizBitsy—Oh,thereshegoes,tearingupagain,andboltingtowardtheladies’.I’lljustgotakecareofthat.”

Shelbyturnedherhead,brushedakissoverhischeek.“Itshouldn’ttakelong—oritcouldtaketwentyminutesifit’sagenuinecryingjag.I’llprobablyappreciateanotherglassofchampagneonceIhandlethis.”

“I’llmakesureit’swaiting.”

Shestartedforthedoors,andtherestroomsbeyondthem.Andpulledoutherphonewhenitrang.

“MizSuzannah?Iseverythingallright?”

“It’snothingmuch,honey.It’sjustCallieforgotFifi,andshe’sheartbroken.Wedidn’trealizeituntilweweregettingthemintobed.I’vetriedsubstitutes,butshe’sjust

setonherFifi.”“Idon’tknowhowI

could’vesentherofftoyouwithoutFifi.Wedon’twantherfirstovernightspoiled.I’lljustruntothehouseandgetFifi,dropheroff.Itwon’ttakefifteenminutesformetogetthere.”

“I’msosorrytointerruptandcauseyouthattrouble.MyBillwouldgogetthedog,butIknowyourmama’sbeenlockingup.”

“Don’tworryaboutit.I’monmywaynow.TellCallieI’mbringingFifi.”

ShespottedCrystalonherwaytotheladies’.“I’vegotafavortoask.MizBitsy’sinthere,cryingalittle,justhappy,youknowhowitis,andemotional.I’vegottorungetFififorCallie.CouldyoujustsootheMizBitsy—oraskGrannyto—andletGriffknow,ifyouseehim,I’llbebackinunderahalfhour.”

“Sure,Iwill.YouwantmetogogetFifi?”

“Thankyou,butI’llbequick.”

“Oh,here!Imeanttogiveyouthisatthesalon.ThelipstickIusedonyou.”

“Thankyou,Crystal.Keepthispartygoing!”

“Youcancountonme.”Hurryingoff,Shelby

shovedthelipstickinherrightpocket,thephoneinherleft.Shecasthermindback

topackingforCallie.Sheknewshe’dhadFifirightthere,but...

Shesawitnow,Calliepickingupthestuffeddogtotalktoitabouttheirsleepover.

Andcartingthedogwithherwhenshe’dfollowedhermamaintotheotherbedroom.

“Onthewindowsill,”sheremembered.Howshe’doverlookedthat,she’dneverknow.

Thatwasallright—she’dbebackagainbeforeanyonemissedher.AndCallieandFifiwouldbereunited.

ShecutaroundtownasaSaturdaynightinthesummercouldbebusy,andmadeittothehouseinundertenminutes.Gratefulforthelowheels,sheranforthedoor.They’dscheduledhersongformidwaythroughtheevening,soshehadthirtyminutestospare.Butno

more.Shedashedstraight

upstairs,intoherbedroom.“Thereyouare,Fifi.I’m

sosorryyougotleftbehind.”Shepluckedthemuch-loveddogoffthewindowsill,turnedtorushrightbackoutagain.

Andhesteppedintothedoorway.Thedogslippedoutofhernumbfingersashemovedtowardher.

“Hello,Shelby.Longtime,

nosee.”“Richard.”Hishairwasdark,adeep,

unfamiliarbrown,andfellincarelesswaveswelloverhiscollar.Thickscruffcoveredthelowerhalfofhisface.HeworeacamoT-shirtandroughkhakipantswithscarredarmyboots.Acombinationhewouldn’thavebeencaughtdeadin.

OhGod.“They—theysaidyou

weredead.”“TheysaidwhatIwanted

themtosay.Itdidn’ttakeyoulongtogorunningbackhome,andspreadingyourlegsforsomecarpenter.Didyoucryforme,Shelby?”

“Idon’tunderstand.”“Youneverdidunderstand

muchofanything.Iguesswe’vegottohavealongtalk,youandI.Let’sgo.”

“I’mnotgoinganywherewithyou.”

Hereachedcasuallybehindhisback,drewoutagun.“Yes,youare.”

Theguninhishandstruckherjustasunbelievableasalltherest.“Areyougoingtoshootme?Forwhat?Idon’thaveanythingyoucouldwant.”

“Didhave.”Henoddedtowardthephotoonherdresser.Shesawnowhe’dtakenitapart.

“Iknowyou,Shelby.

You’resodamnsimple.Onethingyou’dnevergetridof—thatpictureyougavemeofyouandthekid.Iftheypickedmeup,they’dstillhavenothing.IkeptwhatIneededwithmylovelywifeanddaughter.”

“Behindourpicture,”shemurmured.“Whatdidyouhidethere?”

“Keytothekingdom.We’lltalk.Let’sgo.”

“I’mnot—”

“Iknowwheresheis,”hesaidquietly.“SpendingthenightwithherlittlefriendChelsea.Atthegrandmother’s.MaybeI’lljustgooverthere,payCallieavisit.”

Fearslicedthroughher,aknifetothebone.“No.No,youstayawayfromher.Youleaveherbe.”

“I’llkillyourightherewhereyourfamilywillfindyou.IfIhavetohandleitthat

way,thekid’smynextstop.Yourchoice,Shelby.”

“I’llgo.JustleaveCalliealone,andI’llgowithyou.”

“Damnrightyouwill.”Hegesturedheroutoftheroomwiththegun.“Sopredictable—alwayswere,alwayswillbe.IknewyouwereabornmarkthefirsttimeIsawyou.”

“Whydon’tyoujusttakewhatyoucameforandgo?Wedon’tmeananythingto

you.”“AndhowfarwouldIget

beforeyoucalledyourcopbrother?”Astheysteppedoutofthehouse,heputanarmtightaroundherwaist,pressedthegunintoherside.“We’regoingtowalkdownalittlebit,takemycar.Aminivan,Shelby?You’reanembarrassmenttome.”

Thattone,thatpityingtone.Howoftenhadsheheardit?“I’mnothingtoyou,

neverwas.”“Oh,youweresouseful.”

Hepressedakisstohertemple,madehershudder.“Andatfirst,hell,youwereevenfun.Godknowsyouwereeagerinthesack.Thisone.Getin,climbover.You’regoingtodrive.”

“Wherearewegoing?”“AlittleplaceIknow.

Quiet.Private.It’sjustwhatweneedforaheart-to-heart.”

“Whyaren’tyoudead?”

“You’dlikethat.”“Iswearonallthat’sin

me,Iwould.”Heshovedherintothecar,

forcinghertocrawlovertothedriver’sseat.

“Ineverdidanythingtoyou.Ididwhatyouwanted,wentwhereyouwanted.Igaveyouachild.”

“Andboredthecrapoutofme.Drive,andkeepittothespeedlimit.Yougoover,yougounder,I’llshootyouinthe

gut.It’sapainfulwaytodie.”“Ican’tdriveifIdon’t

knowwhereI’mgoing.”“Takethebackroads

aroundthathole-in-the-wallyoucallatown.Tryanything,Shelby,I’lltakeyouout,thenIgoafterthekid.I’vegottoomuchatstake,andI’veworkedandwaitedforittoolongtoletyoufuckitup.”

“YouthinkIcareaboutthejewelry,themoney?Takeitandgo.”

“Oh,Iwill.FirstthingMondaymorning.Ifyouhadn’tcomeintothebedroom,you’dneverhaveknownIwasthere.Asitis,we’llhaveareunionweekend,thenI’mgone.Justdowhatyou’retold,likealways,andyou’llbefine.”

“They’lllookforme.”“Andtheywon’tfind

you.”Sneering,hepressedthebarrelofthegunintoherside.“Jesus,youstupidbitch,

doyouthinkI’veoutwittedthecopsallthistimeandcan’tkeepaheadofabunchofBarneyFifesforaday?Takethisturncomingup,totheright.Niceandeasy.”

“Yourpartner’sbeenaround.JimmyHarlow.Maybehe’llhavebetterluckfindingyou.”

“Idon’tthinkso.”Histonefrozeherblood.“Whatdidyoudo?”“Foundhimfirst.Steady

ontheseswitchbacks.Iwouldn’twantthisguntogooff.”

Herinsidesquaked,butshekeptherhandssteadyasshenegotiatedthetightwindoftheclimb.

“Whydidyoumarryme?”“Itservedmypurposeat

thetime.Inevercouldsmoothyouout,though,nevercouldmakeanythingoutofyou.Listentoyou,lookatyou,Igaveyouplenty

ofmoney,taughtyouhowtobuytherightclothes,howtogiveadecentdinnerparty,andyou’restilltheignoranthickfromtheTennesseehills.It’samazingIhaven’tbashedwhatbrainsyouhaveoutbeforenow.”

“You’reathiefandaswindler.”

“That’sright,honey.”Hissneershiftedtoacheerfulgrin.“AndI’mdamngoodatit.You?You’veneverbeen

goodatanything.Takethisexcuseforaroadontheleft.Niceandslownow.”

Hemight’vethoughtherignorant,useless,malleable,butsheknewthehills.Andhadareasonableideawheretheyweregoing.

“WhathappenedinMiami?Allthoseyearsago,”sheasked,wantingtokeephimtalking,distracthimassheslidherlefthandintoherpocket.

“Oh,we’lltalkaboutthat.We’vegotalotofthingstotalkabout.”

Textingwhiledriving,shethought,strugglingnottogivewaytohysteria,wasdangerous.

ShehopedtoGodshemanagedtodoitright.

Becausewhilesheknewthehills,shethoughtsheknewthemanbesidehernow.Andshebelievedhemeanttokillherbeforehe

wasdone.

hecountry-darkroadtwistedlikeasnakeasitclimbed,and

gaveheranexcusetoeaseoffthegas.Sheletthefearshow—nopointinpride—andtheshowoffearcouldbeanother

weapon.Oratleastashield,shethought,assheslippedherhandintoherpocket,andprayedshecouldmanageacoherentmessage.

“Whydidn’tyoujustrun?”“Idon’trun,”hesaidwith

thatsameself-satisfiedsmileonhisface.“Inavigate.YouwerejustwhatIneededtomakemynewIDsolidaftertheMiamijob.Itdidn’ttakemelongtorealizeyou’dbeuselessonthegrift,butyou

madeforagoodtemporarycover.”

“Nearlyfiveyears,Richard?”

“Ineverfiguredtokeepyouaroundthatlong,thenyougotknockedup.Ithinkonmyfeet,”heremindedher.“Who’sgoingtolookforafamilyman,amanwithahickwifeandababy?AndIhadtowaitforthetaketocooldown.AndforMelindatogetout.Shemadeahellof

adeal—youhavetogivehercredit.I’dthoughtshe’dgetdoublewhattheygaveher,andthatwould’vebeenplentyoftimeforcoolingoffandcoveringmytracks.Butshealwayscouldsurpriseme.”

“Youkilledher.”“HowcouldI?I’mdead,

remember?Makethisright.Nearlythere.”

Nothingbackhere,shethought,butacoupleof

cabins—atleastthat’sallthere’dbeenwhenshe’dlefttheRidge.

ShehitSend—shehoped—becauseshehadtoputherlefthandbackonthewheel.

“Butyou’renotdead,andyoukilledher.”

“Andwhoaretheassholeslookingforoverit?Jimmy.I’mintheclear.I’mgoingtostayintheclear.AndwhenIpickupwhat’smineMondaymorning,I’llbeintheclear

withmillions.Long-rangeplans,Shelby,takealotofpatience.Thisonecostmealittlemorethanayearforeachfivemillion.That’sadamngooddealintheworldofbigpictures.Pulluprightbesidethattruck.”

“Whoelseishere?”“Nobodynow.”“MyGod,Richard,whose

placeisthis?Whodidyoukill?”

“Anoldfriend.Turnoff

thecar,handmethekeys.”Onceagain,hejabbedwiththebarrelofthegun.“You’regoingtositwhereyouareuntilIcomearoundforyou.Tryanything—anything—I’llputabulletinyou.ThenI’llgogetCallie.Iknowpeoplewho’dpayapremiumforaprettygirlherage.”

Shehadn’tknownhecouldsickenherevenmore.“She’syourchild.She’syourblood.”

“DoyouactuallythinkIcare?”

“No.”Herhandwasbackinherpocket,franticallytapping.“Idon’tthinkyoucareaboutanythingoranyone.Andthere’snothingIwouldn’tdotokeepCalliesafe.”

“Thenwhat’sleftoftheweekendshouldbeeasyonbothofus.”

Sheconsideredlockingthedoorswhenhegotout,justto

giveherselfmoretimetosendthenextmessage.Butitwouldonlyspikehistemper.Ithadtobebettertomakehimbelieveshewasutterlyhelpless.

Itwasn’ttoofarfromthetruth.

Whenhecamearound,openedherdoor,shegotoutcompliantly.

“Here’sourlittlehomeawayfromhome.”Heusedapenlighttoshineathinbeam,

showingthewaytoasmallcabin,roughlybuilt.

Hershoescrunchedontheshortgravelwalkleadingtoasaggingfrontporch.Acoupleofoldchairs,aricketytable.Nothingshecouldseethatcouldbeusedasaweapon.

Hedroppedthepenlightbackinhispocket,handedherakey.

“Unlockthedoor.”Shedidwhatshewastold,

andattheprodofthegun,

steppedoffthedarkporchintothedarkcabin.Shejoltedwhenheturnedonthelight—couldn’thelpherself.Itcameyellowanddullfromtheglobesonawagonwheeldroppedfromthepitchedceiling.

“IcallittheHickvilleDump.It’snotmuch,butit’sours.Sitdown.”

Whenshedidn’tmovefastenoughheshovedhertowardachairofred-and-green

plaid.Shecaughtherself,turnedtosit,andsawthebloodonthefloor,smearsofitleadingtoacloseddoor.

“Yeah,you’regoingtocleanthatup,thenI’vegotashovelwithyournameonit.You’regoingtoburyJimmy,savemethesweat.”

“Allofthisformoney?”“It’salwaysthemoney.”

Theexcitement,thelightthathadfirstdrawnhertohim,beamedout.Butshesawit

nowforwhatitwas.Hardandfalse.

“It’salwaysthemoney,”herepeated,“butit’stheride,too.It’sknowingyou’rethesmartestoneintheroom,nomatterwhatfuckingroom.It’sknowingifyouwantit,youcantakeit.”

“Evenifitbelongstosomeoneelse.”

“Especially,youmoron,ifitbelongstosomeoneelse.That’stheride.I’mgoingto

grababeer.”Hesentherawidesmile“Getyousomething,honey?”

Hebackedintothetinyopenkitchenwhenshesaidnothing.

Sosureshewasparalyzed,shethought,hedidn’tevenbothertorestrainher.Shekeptherhandsclenchedtogetherinherlap,theknuckleswhite.Butitwasasmucharisingfuryasfearnow.

Thelamp,shethought,theoneonthetablewiththeblackbearhunchedbythetrunkofatree.Itmightbeheavyenoughifshecouldgetherhandsonit.

There’dbeknivesinthekitchen.

SheimaginedtheWinchesterrifleoverthefireplacewasunloaded.Butmaybenot.

Andtherewasanengravedplateonthestockthatread

“WilliamC.Bounty.”Sherelaxedherfingers,

startedtoslideherhandtowardherpocket,letitliestillagainwhenRichardwalkedback,satacrossfromher.

“Isn’tthiscozy?”“Howdidyoudoit?How

didyousurvivetheboatingaccident?”

“Surviving’swhatIdo.Melindawasgettingout.Ididn’tcountonJimmy

bustingout,complicatedthingsabit.Ididn’tthinkhehadthatinhim.ButMelinda,Iknewshe’dbeaproblem.Shealwayswasadogwithabone,justneverletgo,soshe’dneedtobedealtwithbeforeIcashedin.”

Hesettledback,obviouslyrelaxed.“Ialwaysfiguredonthefiveyears—anditwascloseenough.So...alittlevacationwiththefam,tragedystrikes,andI’dbeoff

thegridagain.”“We’dhavebeenwithyou

ifCalliehadn’tgottensick.”Whenhiseyesgleamed,understandingstruckherwithtruehorror.“Youweregoingtokillus.Youweregoingtokillyourownbaby.”

“Youngfamily’sholidayvacationendsintragedy.Ithappens.”

“Youcouldn’thavegottenawaywithit.Iftheauthoritieshadn’thuntedyoudown,my

familywouldhave.”“NotifIdiedtryingto

saveyou.Itshould’veplayedoutthatway.I’dhavespentacoupledayspaintingusasahappylittlefamily—peopletendtobelievewhattheysee.Good-lookingcouple,prettylittlegirl.Thenwe’dmakeadayofitontheboat.Gooutfarenough,getsomewineinyou,waituntildusk.”

Hetookaslowsipofbeer,smiledather.“Itossthekid

over,andit’seasymoneyyou’dgorightoverafterher.Iwouldn’thavetoputamarkoneitheroneofyou.”

“You’reamonster.”“I’mawinner.I’dscuttle

theboat,getmyscubagear.WithmynewIDandachangeofclothesinawaterproofpouch,I’dhavemadeittoHiltonHeadinafewhours.WhichiswhatIdid—withoutyoualong.”

“Thesquall.”

“Unexpectedbonus.”“Youcould’vediedout

there.Whyriskdying?”“Youdon’tgetit,never

will.”Heleanedtowardher,thatlightglowingagain.“That’sthepoint,that’stherush.AllIhadtodowasdumpthetanks,catchacabandpickupthecarIhadwaitinginlong-termparkingattheairport.DrivetoSavannahandmydropboxthere.Wouldn’thaveneeded

thatifIdamncouldhavefoundthekeyformyboxinPhilly.”

Hewatchedherwhilehetookanothersipofbeer.“Yougotintothat.Wherewasthekey?”

“Inthepocketofyourleatherjacket,thebronzeoneIgaveyouforyourbirthdaytwoyearsback.Ithadgonethroughalittleholeandintotheliningofthejacket.”

“Well,sonofabitch.”He

gaveahalf-laugh,shookhisheadashemightoveramissedputtonthegreen.“Thatkeywouldhavesavedmesometimeandtrouble.Eitherway,I’mdead.Thewayitturnedout,yougottoplaythegrievingwidowforawhile.Howdidthatsuityou?”

“Iwishithadbeentrue.”Helaughed,toastedher

withhisbeer.“Comingbacktothebooniesbroughtsome

ofthatsassback.Let’sseeifalittlehouseworkknocksitbackoutofyou.”Herose,wentbackinthekitchen.

Whenhepickedupabottleofbleachandascrubbrush,shegottoherfeet.

“Youwantmetocleanuptheblood?”

“You’regoingtocleanuptheblood,unlessyouwanttocleanupyourownalongwithit.”

“Ican’t—”

Heswungoutwiththebackofhislefthand,quickasasnake,strikingheracrossthecheekbonehardenoughtosendherstumblingbackandintothechairagain.

Shedidn’tknowwhytheblowshockedher,nowthatsheknewhim.Reallyknewhim.Buthe’dneverhitherbefore.

“God!I’vewantedtodothatforyears!”Thefuriouspleasureonhisfaceicedher

blood.Hecould,andwould,domorethanknockherdownifshebuckedhim.Evenashesteppedtowardher,sheheldupatremblinghand.

Andagainitwasmoreragethanfear.

Butsheletonlythefearshow.“IjustmeantIneedabucket.Ineedabucketofwaterand—andamop.Ican’tgetitcleanedupwithjustthebleachandabrush.That’sallImeant.Please,

don’thurtme.”“Whythefuckdidn’tyou

sayso?”Sheletherheadhang,and

thinkingofneverseeingCallieagain,herfamily,neverseeingGriff,lettearscome.

Lethimseethetears,shethought,lethimthinkthat’sallthat’sinme.

“Youstartsniveling,I’llgiveyouworsethanalovetap.Gofindadamnbucket.

MakeamoveIdon’tlike,youwillbemoppingupyourownblood.”

Shewentintothekitchen,scanning,scanning.Noknifeblock,butsurelytherewasaknifeinadrawer.Andtherewasagoodcastironskilletstillonthestove,andacoffeepot.Filledwithhotcoffeethatwouldmakeaweapon.

Shelookedunderthesink,consideredheroptionsthere,

theninaskinnycloset.Thereshefoundabroom,mop,bucket.Someoldcord,somerustychain,butanelighterfluid,bugspray.

Sheconsideredgrabbingthebugspray,aimingforhiseyeswiththatasthepepperspraywasinthepurseshe’dleftinhercar.Buthewasnearlyontopofher.

Shetookoutthemop,thebucket,filledthebucketwithhotsoapywater.

Shecarteditovertothelargestsmearofblood.

“Ineedtousethebathroom.”

“Holdit,”headvised.“I’lldowhatyoutellmeto

do.Ijustwanttogetthroughthis,Richard,butIneedtousethebathroom.”

Henarrowedhiseyes.Shekepthergazedowncast,hershouldersslumped.

“Rightthere.Doorstaysopen.”

“Ifyouwon’tgivemeprivacy,atleastdon’tlookatme.”

Shewalkedtothetinybathroom—razorsmaybeintheoldmedicinecabinet?Awindowtoosmallforhertowigglethroughifshehadthechance.

Sheputtheseatdownonthetoiletwhilehehoveredinthedoorway.

“Justdon’tlookatme!”Sheletoutachokedsob.

“Thedoor’sopen,you’restandingrightthere.I’mjustaskingyounottowatchme.ForGod’ssake.”

Heleanedagainstthejamb,casthiseyesuptotheceiling.“Awfuldaintyforsomeoneonestepupfromanouthouse.”

Shesmotheredhersensibilities,liftedherskirt,pulleddownherpanties.Andshotherhandinherpocket.

PleaseGod,ifyou’re

listening,letthismakesense.Letthisgothrough.

Whenshewasdone,heatflushedherface.

“Jesus,lookatyou,sweaty,splotchy,yourhairlikesomethingaratwouldn’tnestin.Idon’tknowhowIevergotitupwithyou.”

Shedippedthemopinthebucket,wrungitout,begantowashuptheblood.

“Andwhat’syourpithycomeback?Hurtfeelings.”

Hemadecryingnoises.“God,you’reweak.Youthinkthatassholeyou’refuckingnow’sgoingtostick?”

“Helovesme.”Sayingit,knowingit,steadiedher.

“Love?You’reahandypieceofass.It’sallyoueverwere,allyou’deverbe.Ahandypieceofasswho’llsplasharoundinsomebackwoodscreek.”

Shefroze,andslowlyliftedhergaze.“Youspiedon

us,onme?”“Icould’vetakenyouboth

out.”Heliftedthegun,pointeditatherhead.Said,“Pow,pow.ButIwantedtolayitonJimmy’splate.Anice,tidycircle.”

“ButyoukilledJimmy.”“Unavoidablealterationin

plans.Don’tworry,I’vegotitcovered.Ialwaysdo.Putyourbackintoit,Shelby.”

Shewentbacktomopping,andbegantomakeplansof

herown.

•••

GRIFFGOTHUNGUPtalkingconstructionwithDerrick,losttrackofsometime.HehadShelby’schampagne,buthedidn’thaveShelby.AglancearoundshowedhimBitsywasback—alittledamp-eyedasshedancedwithherfutureson-in-law.

Shelbywasprobably

dealingwithsomeothersmallcrisis,hethought,butsetouttolookforher.

“Hey,Griff,hey!”Crystalcameover,pointedattheglassofchampagne.“Isthatupforgrabs?”Shetookit,drankdeep.“IneeditafterdryingMizBitsyup.Shewaswateringlikealeakypipe.”

“LookslikeyouandShelbygotitdone.”

“Oh,itwasjustme—that’swhyIwaslookingforyou,

butIgotwaylaidacoupletimes.It’sahellofaparty!Shelbyhadtorunhomeforaminute.GetFififorCallie.Sheshouldbebackbynow,Iguess.”

“Whendidshego?”“Oh,Idon’tknowexactly

sinceIwasdealingwiththeleakypipe,thenMizBitsy’ssister—theycallherSugar?—shecameinsothetwoofthemwereleakingtogether.Iguessit’sbeenabouttwenty

minutesorso.Sheshouldbebackoronherway.”

Maybeitwasthedregsofallthathadhappened,butthedreadjustdroppedoverhimlikeashroud.Heyankedouthisphone,intendedtocallher,anditsignaledanincomingtextinhishand.

“It’sShelby.”“Thereyougo.”Crystal

pattedhisarm.“She’sjustlettingyouknowshe’sonherwayback,Iexpect.Nocallto

looksoworried,honey.”Butwhenhebroughtup

thetextthebottomdroppedoutofhisworld.

“Where’sForrest?”“Forrest?Ijustsawhim

overthat-a-wayflirtingwithaprettyblonde.I—”

ButGriffwasalreadymoving,andfast.Hecutacrossthedancefloor,ignoringthosewhocalledoutagreeting.HespottedForrest,andwhathefeltmust

haveshowedonhisface.Afteracasualglanceinhisdirection,Forrest’seyeswentcold.

Heturnedawayfromtheblondewithoutaword.

“Whathappened?”“She’sintrouble.”Griff

heldoutthephone.richardlivehsgunmking

medriveblackdrangowstonbbrdkylicense529kpe

“Christ.”“What’sBBRoad?”

“BlackBearRoad.Wait.”ForrestclampedahandonGriff’sarmbeforehisfriendcouldtakeoff.“You’renotgoingtofindherdrivinghell-bentalloverthehills.”

“I’mnotgoingtofindherstandinghere.”

“We’renotgoingtobe.Nobby’soverbythebarthere.Gethim.I’mcallingitin.”

“I’mgoingafterher,Forrest.”

“Notsayingdifferent,butwe’regoingtogowiththebestchanceoffindingher.GetNobby.”

TheypulledNobbyoutside,andClayandMattwiththem.

“We’regoingtodothissmart,”Forrestbegan.“Twomentoateam.Thesheriff’sputtingmoretogetherrightnow.We’regoingtoblankettheareawestoftown.Oddsarehe’llkeeptotheback

roads.Clay,youlookhere.”Clayclampedahandon

Forrest’sshoulder,leanedintolookatthemaponhisphone.“YouandNobbyaregoingtocoverthissectionhere.Youkeepyoureyespeeledforthatvehicle,thatlicenseplate.Matt,yousureaboutthis?”

“Hellyes.”“I’mgoingtohaveyougo

intotown,hookupwiththesheriff,he’ll—”

“What’sgoingonhere?”Violasteppedoutside.“What’shappened?Where’sShelby?”

Griffonlywaitedabeat.“You’rewastingtimefiguringoutwhatyoushouldsayornot,Pomeroy.Richard’salive—Idon’tknowhow—andhehasher.We’regoingafterher.”

Thecolordrainedoutofherface,madehereyesblazelikebluefire.“Boy,ifyou’re

puttingapossetogether,yourgranddaddyandIaregoingtobepartofit.”

“Granny—”“Don’tGrannyme,”she

snappedatForrest.“Whotaughtyoutoshoot?”

“I’mgoingnow,”Griffsaid.

“Nobby,setitupfromhere,willyou?GriffandIaregoing.”

“Callie,”Violacalledout.“She’sfine,Griffchecked,

andwe’vegotamantheresittingonthehouserightnow.”Forrestkeptgoing,openedthelockboxonthesideofhistruck,tookoutaRemingtonrimfirerifle,aboxofammo.

“I’veseenyoushootsoIknowyoucanhandleit.”

TargetshootingwasasfarasGriffhadgone,ever,buthedidn’targue.

Forrestgotinthetruck,tookhisfavoredColtoutof

theglovebox.“We’regoingtogetherback,Griff.”

“Notsittinghere,wewon’t.”

“I’mcountingonyoutokeepacoolhead.”Evenashespoke,Forrestpunchedthegasandtheywereflying.“We’regoingtokeepyourphoneopen,incaseshe’sabletosendyouanothermessage.Useminetocoordinatewiththeotherteamsastheycomealong.

Thesheriff’salreadypulledinthefederals.Theygotequipmentwedon’truntointheRidge,andbettertechs.Shelbykeepsherhead,keepsherphoneon,they’regoingtotrackit.”

“Hehadtobewatchingher,orbeinthehousewhenshewentback.”

“We’llfindoutwhenwegetherback.”

“He’sgoingtobetheonewhokilledthewoman.”

Forrest’sfacewasstoneasthespeedometerinchedhigher.“Iwouldn’tbetagainstit.”

“Isawhim,Ithink.IgotabadfeelingabouttheguyIsaw—whenItookCallietothebookstore,thentothepark.Heplayedme.”

“Let’sworryaboutnow.”Thenowhadfeartearing

throughhisheart,hishead,hisbelly.“Hehastohavesomewheretogo.Shelbysaid

heneverdidanythingwithoutareason.”

“We’llfindhim,andwe’llgetherback.Safe.”

BeforeGriffcouldrespond,hisphonesignaled.“It’sShelby.Jesus,she’sgotnervesofsteel.”Hestruggledtoreadthejumbledtextastheyflewaroundswitchbacks.“OldHesterRoad,IthinkshemeansHester.”

“Iknowwhereshemeans.

It’sOddHester.Scatterofcabinsandoldcampsites,deerstandsupthatway.Remote.Yourelaythat,Griff,toNobby,andhe’lltakeitfromthere.”

“Whatthehelldoeshewantwithher?”

“Whateverhewants,he’snotgoingtogetit.”

Ice,sharpandjagged,pouredinthroughthetearingfear.“Howfarawayarewe?”

“Aways,butwe’re

travelingahellofalotfasterthantheyare.Bringtheothersalongnow,Griff.”

Hemadetherelay,yankedoffhisformaltie.

Hewouldn’tloseher.Hewouldnotloseher.Calliewouldnotlosehermother.Whateverhadtobedone,he’ddoit.Helookedattherifleacrosshislap.

Whateverhadtobedone.“She’ssendinganother.

Righthardpacktrackpast

mulberrystand.Singlecabin.Truck.There’satruckalreadyatthecabin.”

“Mighthavemorehostages.Oritmightbehisoldpartner.Lettheothersknow.”

Griffcouldn’tsayhowForrestkeptthetruckontheroad,notatthisspeed,notaroundturnssosharptheycouldcutbone.Morethanoncetheyfishtailedorthetireskissedthenarrow

shoulder.Andstillitwasn’tfast

enough.“She’ssending...it

says...William,shemeansWilliam.WilliamBunty.”

“Bounty,”Forrestcorrected.“Iknowwhereitis.She’sguidingusinfasterthanthefuckingfedsevercould.”

“Howfar?”“Tenminutes.”“Makeitless.”Withhands

coldassteel,Griffbegantoloadtherifle.

•••

SHELBYEMPTIEDthebuckettwice,refilledit.

Stalling,asnothingwasgoingtoremovethestainsfromtheoldwoodfloor.

Butshepouredapuddleofbleachfromthebucketonthestain,gotdownonherhandsandkneestoscrubatit.

“Nowthat’sthekindofjobyou’resuitedfor.”

“Scrubbingfloorsishonestwork.”

“Loserwork.Youlivedthehighlifeforawhile.Igaveyouthat.”Hegaveheranudgeintheasswithhisfoot.“Igaveyouagoodtasteofthehighlife.Youshouldbegrateful.”

“YougavemeCallie,soI’mgrateful.Youalwaysmeanttokillthem,didn’t

you,thepeopleyouranwith,thewomanwhoyoulivedwith—shesaidyoumarriedher.Didyou?”

“NotanymorethanImarriedyou.ThinkingIdidwasabouttheonlyreallystupidmomentshehadwhenweweretogether.Women,whatcanyoudo?They’rewiredtobesuckers.Butshewouldn’thavegivenup,eventhinkingIwasdead.She’dwantthescore.Shewas

gettingtooclose.Iwalkedrightoutbehindher,outofthatdivewhereyouweresingingtoabunchofrubes.”

Heshookhishead,circledherwhilesheworked.“Isavedyoufromalifeofembarrassmentthinkingyoucouldevermakeanythingwiththatmediocrevoice.AndMel’sfacewhenshesawme?Priceless.ItakebackwhatIsaid—thatwashersecondreallystupidmoment.

Sherolledthewindowdown,said,‘Jake.Ishould’veknown.’

“Thosewerethelastwordsshesaid,andyeah,sheshould’ve.”

“Shelovedyou.”“Seewhatlovegetsyou?”

Hegaveheranotherlittlekick.“It’sjustanothercon.”

Shesatbackonherheels,thenroseslowly,bucketinhand.“I’mgoingtoneedmorethanthistobleachout

thatstain.Istheremore?”“You’vegotplenty,right

there.”“Yes,butIneeditto—”Sheheaveditup,straight

bleachwithafainttingeofblood,intohisface.

Whenhescreamed,shehadachoice.Goforthegunorrunforthedoor.Andshewastoofireduptorun.

Shekicked,aimingforhisgroin.Thefloorwasjustwetenoughthatsheslippeda

little,andittooktheleadingedgeoffthekick.Butshemadecontact.Evenasshetriedtograbforthegun,hefiredit—wildandblind.

Herearsrang.Sheducked,snatchingatthemop,hopingtomakebettercontactwithhisballswiththehandle.Buthisflailinghandgotafistfulofherhair,firingstupefyingpainintoherskull.

Shejabbedherelbowintothesametenderarea,and

knewshehurthim,knewshegavehimpain.Buthewasaswildasshewasnow,andflungheracrosstheroomlikearag.

“Bitch,youbitch.”Sherolled.Shewasn’tsure

howwellhecouldsee,hopedhewasblind.Desperate,shewrenchedoffashoe,flungitacrosstheroom,prayinghe’dfollowthesound.

Buthewalkedslowlytowardher,thewhitesofhis

eyesshatteredandred.“I’mnotjustgoingtokill

younow.I’mgoingtohurtyoufirst.”Herubbedhislefteyewithhisfreehand.

Makingitworse,sheknew.Please,pleasemakeitworse.

“Let’sstartwithakneecap.”

Shebracedforthepain,thenscrambledbackinshockasthedoorwherethebloodstainsendedburstopen.

Richardwhirled,blinkinghisburning,blurryeyesasthebloodymountainofamanrammedhim.

Horriblesounds,thegrunts,snarls,thecrackoffistagainstbone.ButtheonlysoundthatmatteredwastheclatterofthegunasitleapedoutofRichard’shandonimpactandhitthefloor.

Sheboltedafterit,nearlydroppeditagainoutofhandssoapslickwithherown

sweat.Sheswayeduptoher

knees,bitdown,grippedtheguninbothhands.

Thebigmanwasbleeding,andwhateverforcehaddrivenhimintotheroomandatthemanwho’dshothimwaseatenawaynow.Richardhadhishandsaroundtheman’sthroat.Squeezing,squeezing.

“Dead.Thoughtyouweredead,Jimmy.”

Ithoughtthesameaboutyou,shethought,andsaidcalmly,coldly,“Richard.”

Hisheadwhippedaround.Shewonderedwhatshelookedlikethroughthoseburningeyes.ShehopedshelookedlikeVengeance.

Hebaredhisteeth,letoutashortlaugh.“Youhaven’tgotthespine.”

Helungedather.

•••

THEYHEARDthefirstshotsasForrestspunthetruckontothedirttrack.Allplanstogoinquiet,oneinfront,oneinback,whilebackuppouredinbehindthem,dissolved.

Heflooredit,fishtailedoverthegravelwalkasthenextshotsrangout.

“Goinfast,”Forrestshoutedastheyleapedoutofeithersideofthetruck.“Ifhe’sstanding,drophim.”

Theyhitthedoortogether.

Griffswungtherifleup.ButRichardwasalready

down.Shekneltonthefloor,

holdingthegunout,grippedinbothhands.Therewasbloodandbruisingonherface.Herdresswastornattheshoulderwheremorebruisesbloomed.

Hereyeswerecoldandfierce,herhairawild,tumblingtangleofflame.

Sheneverhadandnever

wouldlookmorebeautifultoGriff’seyes.

Sheswungtheguntowardthem,andhesawherarmstremble.Thenshedroppedthosetremblingarms.

“Ithinkhe’sdeadthistime.IthinkIkilledhim.Ithinkhe’sdeadnow.”

GriffshovedtherifleatForrest.Hisheartstartedbeatingagainwhenhehadhisarmsaroundher.

“I’vegotyou.You’reall

right.I’vegotyou.”“Don’tletgo.”“Iwon’t.”Heeasedback

onlytoprythegunoutofherstifffingers.“Hehurtyou.”

“Notasbadashewanted.Callie.”

“She’sfine.She’ssafe.She’sasleep.”

“Hesaidhe’dkillherifIdidn’tgowithhim.Hesaidhe’dgoafterher.”Shelookedoveratherbrother,whopressedfingersagainst

Richard’sthroat.“Ihadtoprotecther.”

“Youdidwhatyouhadtodo,”Forresttoldher.

“Ishedeadnow?”“He’sbreathing.Theyboth

are,buttheysureareamess.It’llbeuptothedoctorsandGodwhethertheymakeit.”

“Heshothim,shotthebigone—Jimmy—andthoughthewasdead,buthewasn’t.Ithrewbleachinhiseyes,butitwasn’tenough.Islippedon

it,Ithink,whenIwenttokickhimintheballs,andhegotmebythehair.Hewasgoingtoshootme,buttheotheronecameoutlikeademonfromhell.Igotthegun.Igotthegun,andthebigone,hecouldn’tfightanymorehewasbleedingsobad.Richardwaschokinghim.Isaidhisname.Isaid,‘Richard,’sohelookedatme.Idon’tknowwhyIthoughtthatwouldmakehimstop.He

thoughtlessthannothingofme.HethoughtIwasweakandstupidandspineless.Hesaidthat.HesaidIdidn’thavethespine,andhecameatme.Ihadthespinetoshoothimthreetimes.Ithinkitwasthreetimes.Hedidn’tgodownuntilthethirdtime.”

Forrestshifted,crouchedeye-to-eyewithher.“Youdidwhatyouhadtodo.”

Hereyeslostthefierceness,wentglassywith

tears.“Youhavetotakeitback.”

“Takewhatback,baby?”“ThatIcan’tshootworth

shit.”Weak-kneed,Forrest

restedhisbrowtohersamoment.“Itakeitback.Getheroutofhere,Griff.Igotthis.”

“I’mallright.”Ratherthanargue,Griff

justpickedherup.“Youcame.”Shetouched

hischeek.“Iknewyouwould,somehow.Ididn’tknowifthetextsweregoingthrough,orwhoIwastextingforsure.I’vegotthemalphabetical,soitwasgoingtobeyouorForrestorGranny,maybeGrandpa.Iknewiftheygotthrough,you’dcome.You’dfixit.”

“YoufixedityourselfbeforeIgotthechance.”

“Ihadto—Someone’scoming.”Herfingersduginto

hisshoulder.“Thelights.Someone—”

“Backup.You’resafenow.”Heturnedhisfaceintoherhair.“You’vegotthewholedamnRendezvousRidgeSheriff’sDepartmentandGodknowswhoelsecoming.”

“Oh,that’sallright,then.WillyoutakemetoseeCallie?Idon’twanttowakeherup.Idon’twanthertoseemeuntilI’vecleanedup,butI

needtoseeher.Well,myGod,that’sGrandpa’sdate-nightcar.Setmedown.Setmedownsothey’renotscared.”

Heputheronherfeet,butkeptanarmaroundher.Whenhefelthershivering,hestrippedoffhisjacket,drapeditoverhershouldersashergrandparentsgotoutofthecar.

“I’mallright.I’mnothurt.I’m—”Therestwasmuffled

againsthergrandfather’sshoulder.Shefelthimshaking,knewhewept.Weptwithhimalittleasothersdroveup.

“Whereisthebastard?”Jackdemanded.

“Inside.Ishothim,Grandpa.He’snotdead—again—butIshothim.”

Jacktookherfaceinhishands,kissedherwetcheeks.

“Letmeseethegirl.”Violapulledheraway,

studiedherface.“Youwereborntotakecareofyourselfandyours.Youdidwhatyouwereborntodo.Nowwe’regoingtotakeyouhomeand...”

Shepaused,steadiedherself.“Griff’sgoingtotakeyouhome,”Violacorrected.“YourmamaanddaddyareatSuzannah’swithCallie.Juststayingtherewhileshesleeps.Theyneedtohearyourvoice.”

“I’llcallrightaway.Ihadmyphoneinmypocket.HeneverknewIhadit.Heneverknewmuchaboutme,Iguess.Sheriff.”

Herheadfelttoolight,andthedarkcircledforafewsecondsasHardiganstrodeuptoher.

“Ishothim.HewasgoingtokillmesoIshothim.”

“Iwantyoutotellmeeverythingthathappened.”

“ShegaveForrestthe

outline,”Griffinterrupted.“Sheneedstogetawayfromhere.Sheneedstoseeherdaughter.”

SheriffHardigantappedhischeekwhereShelby’swasbruised.“Hedothat?”

“Yes,sir.Itwasthefirsttimeheeverhitme.Iguessit’sgoingtobethelasttime.”

“Yougoonhomenow,darling.I’llbearoundtotalktoyoutomorrow.”

Ittooksometime.Clay

rushedup,pickedherupoffherfeet,heldhersuspendedasifhe’dneverlethergo.TherewasMatt,whothrusthisphoneouttoherafterhe’dhuggedhersoshecouldspeaktoEmmaKate.

“TellForrestI’mtakinghistruck.”

Griffdroveawayfromthecabin,fromtheblood,fromthelights,thenjuststoppedattheturnontotheroad.

Hedrewheroveragainst

him,heldon.“Ineedaminute.”“Youcantakeallthe

minutesyouwant.”Shestartedtorelaxagainsthim.“Ohhell,Griffin,Iforgottotellthem.Richardhasakeyinhispocket—orIguessthat’swhereitis.Itwasinthatpictureframe,theoneholdingthepictureofmeandCallieIgavehim.HesaidhewasgoingMondaymorningtothebank,andIthinkhe

meansoneofthebanksrightintheRidge.It’swhereheputthejewelry,thestamps,too,Iguess.HeputitrightinthebankinRendezvousRidge.”

Keepinghiseyesclosed,Griffjustbreathedinthescentofherhair.“Who’dhavefiguredtolookforitthere?”

“Iguesshewascannyinthatway.Ihavetotellthem.”

“Youwill.Tomorrow’s

soonenough.They’vewaitedfiveyears.Theycanwaitonemorenight.”

“Onemorenight.Iwantahotshowerandagallonofwater,andIwanttoburnthisdress.ButIwanttoseeCalliemorethananything.”

“That’sfirstonthelist.”“Doyouknowthewayto

getbacktotheRidgefromhere?”

“Ihaven’tgotaclue.”“That’sallright.”Shetook

hishandinhers.“Ido.Iknowhowtogetushomeagain.”

SEpilogue

helbysleptlonganddeep,comfortedbythesightofher

sleepingchild,andherownmother’sfussing,herfather’sgentle,ifinsistent,exam.

Thesunbeamedhighandbrightwhenshewoke,turnedthehillsshelovedintoa

glimmeringgreen,bathedtoshiningbythestormthatblewthroughwhilesheslept.

Shemighthavewincedwhenshelookedatherfaceinthemirror,atthepurplingbruiseonhercheekbone.Andwincedagain,withanaddedhiss,whenshepressedtestingfingersagainstit.

Butsheremindedherselfitwouldhealandfade.

Shewouldn’tallowRichardtoleaveamarkon

her.Oronhers.Sheheardvoicesasshe

wentdownstairs,followedthemintothekitchen.

ShesawGriffleaningonthecountersmilingathergrandmother,andhergrandfathergivingMattsomeinstructionsoverahitchinhistruck.Hermotherputaprettytraytogether;herfatherdrankcoffeeinasplashofsunlight.EmmaKateandForrestwiththeirheadstogether,and

Clay,Gillyandthebabyhuddledtogether.

“Thislookslikeaparty.”Allconversationstopped;

alleyesturnedtoher.“Oh,babygirl,Iwasjust

fixingyoubreakfastinbed.Youneedrest.”

“Isleptjustfine,Mama,andIfeeljustfinenow.”Shewenttokisshermother’scheek,snatchedapieceofbaconofftheplateshedidn’treallywanttomakeher

mothersmile.“Party.Oh,EmmaKate,yourparty.”

“Don’tevenstarttogothere.”Jumpingup,EmmaKatehuggedherhard.“Youscaredme,Shelby.Don’teverscaremelikethatagain.”

“I’mhappytopromisethat.”

“Comeoverhereandsit,”herfatherordered.“Iwantalookatyou.”

“Yes,sir,Daddy.Butwhere’sCallie?”

“WetookJackovertoMizSuzannah’ssoshe’dhavemorecompany.”GillysmiledbutgrippedShelby’shandtight.“Weallthoughtyou’dsleeplonger.”

“I’msogladyou’reallhere.I’msogladIwokeuptoallofyou.”ShelookedatGriff.“Allofyou.”

Shesatsoherfathercouldturnherfacethiswayandthat,shinehislittlelightinhereyes.“Headache?”

“No.Notabit,Ipromise.”“Doyouhurtanywhere?”“No—well,mycheek’sa

littlesore.Tender.”“That’swhatthisisfor.”

Violagaveheranicepack,andakissonthetopofherhead.

“Feelsgood.”Likebliss,Shelbythought.“Hebackhandedmebecausehecould,andhepulledmyhairlikeagirlinacatfight.Mostlyhejusttriedtohurt

mewithwords,likealways.Buthecouldn’t.Nothinghecouldsaycould—Oh,goodLord,Iforgotagain.Forrest,Ihavetotellyouwhyhewashere,inthehousewhenIcametogetFifi.Hewasafter—”

“Akey?Safe-depositboxhe’sbeenpayingforunderthenameofCharlesJakesforaboutfiveyearsnow?”

Deflated,sheshiftedtheangleoftheicebag.“Yes,

that’swhatIforgottotellyou.”

“GrifffilledmeinlastnightwhenIcameby.Yousleptlate,Shelby.WefoundwhatthefedshavebeenafterrightintheFirstBankofTennesseeonHighStreet.”

“Allofit?Here?”“Mostofit.Theowners

andtheirinsurancecompany’llbenotified.That’sforthefederals.”

“Tellhertherest,Forrest.”

Hismotherpokedhim.“Istillcan’tbelieveit.”

“Whatrest?”HerstomachpitchedsoshereachedfortheCokehermotherhadputinfrontofher.“Ishedead?DidIkillhim?”

“Notthatpartoftherest.Hemadeitthroughthenight,andtheygivehimadecentshotofmakingitaltogether.”

Closinghereyes,sheletoutabreath.She’ddonewhatshe’dhadtodo,justas

Forresthadsaid,butdearGod,shedidn’twantakillingonherhands.EvenRichard’s.

“He’sgoingtolive?”“Theysayheis.Thenhe

canspendtherestofhislifebehindbars.Theotherone,he’sonetoughsonofabitch.They’regivinghimabetterthandecentshot.”

“Ididn’tkillhim.Idon’thavetolivewithhavingkilledhim.”Sheclosedhereyesagain.“Buthe’llgoto

prison.Hewon’tgetoutagain.”

“He’sgoingtospendwhat’sleftofhislifeinacell.He’snevergoingtotouchyouorCallie.”

“Tellherthegoodpart,”AdaMaeinsisted.“We’vehadenoughtalkofthatmaninthishouse.”

“Spendinghislifeinprison’saprettygoodpart,”Forrestsaid,butshrugged.Thengrinned.“There’sa

finder’sfeeforthepropertystoleninMiami.Standardtenpercent.There’sgoingtobesomepaperworkandsomehoopstojumpthrough,butSpecialAgentLandryfiguresyou’llgetabouttwomillionoutofit.”

“Twomillionwhat?”“Dollars,Shelby.Pay

attention.”“But...hestoleit.”“Andtheinformationyou

gaveusfoundit.”

“Weneedtohavemimosas.”WhenAdaMaeweptintoherhands,Jackputhisarmsaroundher.“Oh,Daddy,whydon’twehaveanychampagne?”

“They’regoingtogivemeallthatmoney.”Shelbyheldupherhands,struggledtotakeitin.“EnoughIcanpayofftherestofthedebt?”

“Don’tseehowit’syourdebttobeginwith,”Violasaid,“butyou’llbefreeand

clear.Theman’snotdead,ShelbyAnn,andyouwereneverhiswife.Unlessyou’vegotfoolsforlawyers,someofthatdebt’salreadygoingtobegone.You’llhaveenoughleft,ifIhaveanysayaboutit,togiveyouagoodstart.”

“Ican’timagineit.Ihavetoletitsettlein.Ijustcan’tbelieveI’dbefreeofthatweight.Freeofhim,altogether.”

“Iwantyoutoeatnow,

andrestsomemore.”“IneedtoseeCallie,

Mama.”“Whatareyougoingtotell

her?”“I’mgoingtotellheras

muchofthetruthasIcan.”“She’sgotMacNee,

DonahueandPomeroyinher,”Violasaid.“She’llstanduptoit.”

•••

LATERSHETOOKCallietoGriff’s.Shethoughtbothofthemcouldusesometimearoundamanwho’dneverhurtthem.Andshewantedsomequiettimeofherownwithhim.

ShesatontheporchwithhimwhileCallieracedaroundwiththedoginashowerofbubbles.

“Ican’tbelieveyouboughtheranotherbubblemachine.”

“It’snotanother.It’sone

forhere.”“I’msogladyousaidit

wasallrighttobringherhereforawhile.”

“It’salwaysallright,Red.”

“IguessIknowthat,too.Somuchwentthroughmymindlastnight,onthatawfuldrive,inthatcabin.I’monlygoingtobringhimuptosayDaddy’scheckedinwiththehospital.Theybothcameoutofit.Richard,he’stryingto

workadeal,butthey’renotgivinghimroomforone.Andtheotherone,he’sgivingthemchapterandverse.IthinkForresthadtherightofit.He’snevergoingtogetoutofprison.Idon’thavetoworryforCallieonthatscore.”

“I’dneverlethimnearher.”

Shehearditinhisvoice—thefiercenessandthelove.

“Ibelievethat,too.

Everythingfromlastnight’salittlejumbledtoday.Idon’tknowifItoldyoueverythingstraight.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.You’rehere.”

“I’dliketofixusanicesupperlater,thethreeofus.”

“I’llfixit.”Smiling,shetippedher

headtohisshoulder.“You’renotabadcookascooksgo,butI’mbetter.AndI’dliketodosomethingnormal.That’s

howIfeelwhenI’mhere.Ifeelnormal.”

“Thenstay.Stayforsupper,staythenight,stayforbreakfast.Stay.”

“IhaveCallie.”Hesaidnothingfora

moment,thenrose.“Wouldyoucomeinforaminute?Iwanttoshowyousomething.”Whenshelookedoutintheyard,heturned.

“Hey,LittleRed,willyouwatchSnickersforme,make

surehestaysrightintheyard?Weneedtogoinforaminute.”

“Iwill.Iwill.Helikesthebubbles!See,Mama,theymakerainbows.”

“Iseethem.YoustayrightintheyardwithSnickers.I’mjustinside.”

“Where’sshegoingtogo?”GriffaskedashedrewShelbyin.“Andyou’llbeabletoseeheroutthewindowanyway.”

“Didyoustartonanotherroom?”

“Mostlyfinishedone.”Heledherupstairs.ShecouldhearCallielaughingthroughtheopenwindows,hearthedog’sjoyfulbarks.

Normal,shethoughtagain.Safeandreal.

Onthesecondfloorheopenedadoor.

Thelightspilledinthroughthewindows,splashedontheprettygreenofthewalls.

He’dhungacrystallightcatcherinoneofthosewindows,andmorerainbowsshimmered.

“Oh,it’sawonderfulspace.Thecolor’slikebringingthehillsrightinside.Youdidawindowseat!”

“Thinkingaboutdoingsomeshelvesoverthere,buthaven’tdecided.Plentyofclosetspace.”

Heopeneddoubledoorsandmadehereyesgowide.

“Thisisamazing.It’sallsetup,allpaintedandpretty.Eventhelightinhere.Isthat...”Sheopenedanotherdoor.“Abathroom,soprettyandfresh.And...”

Shespotteditthen,thelittlesoapdish.AgrinningShrek.

Itfeltlikearmshuggedherheart.

“YoudidthisforCallie.”“Well,Ithoughtshe

neededherownspace,one

shecouldgrowinto.YouknowCallieandIaregettingmarried.Can’thaveyourbridebunkinginanunfinishedroom.”

Hereyesstung.“Shementionedthat.Howyou’regettingmarried.”

“Wantinonthat?”Sheturnedtohim.

“What?”“Badtiming.”Flustered,

frustrated,hescrubbedahandoverhishair.“Iusuallyace

thetimingangle.Mightstillbealittleoffbalance.Iwanthertohaveherownspace,thatmakesherhappy.Iwanthertobecomfortablehere.Sometimesyoumightwanttostay,andshe’dhavethisforherself.Liketheofficeyou’dhaveonthethirdfloor.”

“Office?”“Ihaven’tstartedonityet

becauseyoumightwantitsomewhereelse,butIthinkit’sagoodspace.It’dbe

acrossfromwhereI’mgoingtoputmine.First-floor-officeideawasgood,”headded,“butthethirdfloortakesworkawayfromthelivingspace.”

Shehadn’tquitecaughtup.“You’regoingtobuildmeanoffice?”

“Howareyougoingtorunabusinessifyoudon’thaveanoffice?”

Shewalkedtothewindow,watchedCallieandthedog.

“Inevertalkedtoyouaboutanyofthat.”

“MizVidid.”“Ofcourseshedid.You

believeIcandothat?Startupandrunmyownbusiness?”

“Ithinkyoucandoanything.Youhavealready.What’sgoingtostopyou?Anyway,you’dbothhavespace,andyoucouldspendmoretimehere.Seehowitworksforyou.”

“Howaboutyou,Griffin?

How’sitworkforyou?”“Iloveyou.Icanwait

awhile.You’vehadahellofatime,Shelby.Icanwaitawhile,butIwantthetwoofyouhereasmuchasIcanget.Iwantyoutobemine.Iwant—”

Whenhecuthimselfoff,sheshookherhead.“Sayit.You’veearnedit.”

“IwantCallietobemine.Damnit,shedeservesme.I’mgoodforher,andI’m

goingtokeepbeinggoodforher.Iloveher,andsheshouldbemine.That’sthesecondpartofthis,Iguess,butit’sjustasimportantasthefirstpart,justasimportantasyouandme.”

Shesatonthewindowseat,tookabreath.

“I’mgoingtobethereforthetwoofyou.That’swhereIdrawtheline.Youknowwhatfearis—youdo,becauseyouwentthroughit.Thekind

offearwhereyoudon’tthinkyou’vegotanybloodleftinyourbody.Whereeverything’sdrainedoutofyou,butfear.That’swhatitwaswhenhehadyou.Icanbepatient,Shelby,butyou’regoingtoknowwhatyouaretome.WhatyouandCallieare.”

“Iknowfear.Iknowfearlikewhatyouspokeof.Ifeltit,too,andwithitaterrible,blindingrage.Bothsotangled

theywereonethinginme.Thatfearandragethatifhedidwhatheplannedtodo,I’dneverseemybabyagain,ortuckherinatnight,orwatchherplayandlearn.Neverdryhertears.AndafearandrageI’dneverseeyouagain,orhaveyouholdontomeortakemyhandthewayyoudo.Somanythings,Ican’tsayallofthem.Itwouldtakealifetime.

“ButIknewyou’dcome.

Andyoudid.”Shedrewanotherbreath.

“I’veneversaidIloveyou.”“You’llgetaroundtoit.”“Howaboutnow?”Shewatchedthechange,

sosubtleinhisface,inhiseyes.Andherheartjustsmiledinsideher.

“Nowworksforme.”“I’veneversaidIloveyou

becauseIdidn’ttrust.Notyou,Griffin,Icametotrustyousoeasily,andthatscared

mealittlesoIdidn’ttrustme.”

Crossingherhandsoverherheart,shesworeshecouldfeelitswell.“It’sallbeensofast,soI’dthink,Ican’tgetcarriedawaywithallthis.Ican’tletmyselfgo,justridethiswave.ButIdid.Iam.Iloveyou,Ilovewhoyouarewithme,withCallie.Ilovewhoyouare.Itmight’vebeenfearandragethatmadeitcomesoclear.Butitisclear.

YoumadeCalliethisroom—forher.She’salreadyyours.SoamI.”

Hesteppedtoher,tookherhands.“Wasthereayesinthere?”

“Therewasawholebunchofthem.Weren’tyoupayingattention?”

“Igotalittlelostafter‘Iloveyou.’”Hedrewherin,tookherunder,tookthembothunderwiththelightsplashingandrainbows

circling.“Idoloveyou,”she

murmured.“Itfillsmeup,lightsmeup.LikeCalliedoes.Ididn’tknowanyoneelsecouldmakemefeelthatway.Butyoudo.”

Overcome,herockedher,rockedthemboth.“I’mnevergoingtostop.”

“Ibelieveyou.IbelieveyouandI...we’regoingtobuildwonderfulthingstogether.Withyou,Icanlook

pasttodayandtomorrowintoweeksandmonthsandyears.”

“I’vegottogetyouaring.IshouldgetCalliearing.”

Herheartjustmelted.“You’reright.Shedoesdeserveyou.I’mgoingtokeepyoufilledupandlitup,too.”Sheeasedback,framedhisface.“Iwantmorechildren.”

“Rightnow?”“Prettymuchrightnow.I

don’twanttowait.We’regoodwithchildren,youandme,andCallieshouldhaveabig,noisy,messyfamily.”

Hewasgrinning,andthoseclevereyesshiningwithit.“Howbig?”

“Threemore,that’llmakefour.”

“Four’sdoable.It’sabighouse.”

“Ihavesuchideasaboutthishouse—I’veheldback.”

“Really?”

“Really.AndI’mgoingtobeferociousonsomeofthem.”Shethrewherarmsaroundhim.“I’mgoingtoworkwithyouonthishouse,onthisfamily,onthislife.Andwearegoingtobuildsomethingstrongandrealandbeautifultogether.”

“Ithinkwe’vealreadystarted.Ifyou’regoingtohavealltheseideasandgivemeallthishelpwhenitcomestothehouse,you

shouldmoveinprettysoon.”“How’stomorrow?”Shelovedseeingthe

surprise,thenthejoy.“Tomorrow’salsodoable.

Wordoftheday.‘Doable.’It’salldoable.”

“Whydon’twegotalktoCallieaboutit?”

“Let’sdothat.Stayforsupper,”hesaidagainastheystarteddownstairs.“Staythenight,stayforbreakfast.IknowIdon’thaveabedset

upforheryet,butI’llfixsomethingup.”

“Iknowyouwill.”Theywalkedoutsidethe

oldhousethey’dmaketheirs.Walkedtowherealittlegirlandanungainlypuppyracedaroundinawhirlofglisteningbubbles,wherethehillsrosegreenandthecloudssmokedovertheminaboldbluesky.Andthewaterbubbledmusicallyoverrocksindappledlightandshadow.

She’dfoundherwayhome,Shelbythought.

Allthewayhome.

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