Kate reached down and stroked the feline. He extended his head so she could scratch his neck for him. ‘This is Harry,’ she introduced.
‘Nice to meet you,’ Troy saidwith a wink.
The cat flicked its tail in clear irritation.
‘He’s a rescue. He’s not too fond of men,’ Kate explained apologetically.
‘At least he didn’t have to meet Crane,’ I joked.
Kate grinned back at me. ‘That would have been animal cruelty.’
‘Not a fan of the guy, huh?’ Troy asked.
‘He’s a complete asshat,’ Kate confirmed.
Troy chuckled. ‘Noted.’
‘He’s good at his job though,’ I had to admit. It was the sole thing Crane had going for him. ‘Talking of which, just a few more questions so I can finish mine. While you were waiting in your truck, Troy, did you see anything? Hear anything?’
Troy reddened. ‘To be honest, I was listening to the radio and doing a bit of doom-scrolling on my phone, just wasting the time away, you know? I was nervous. I just wanted tonight to go well.’ He sighed. ‘We’ll reschedule, right, Kate?’
‘Of course we will.’ After a moment’s hesitation she took his hand in her far smaller one.
He smiled, eyes soft.
I cleared my throat. ‘And Kate, did you hearanything?’
She shook her head. ‘I had music on while I was getting ready. The dogs started to go nuts, and Beth hollered at them to shut up.’
‘Did they?’
She laughed ruefully. ‘No. They were as excited as they get at the postal hour.’
‘What were they barking at?’
Kate shrugged. ‘I assumed Troy. They do that with strangers sometimes, though they’d met him before and been fine. But that was at the park, never at our house. I guess they’re just feeling a bit territorial.’
‘How long were the dogs barking before Troy knocked?’
‘A minute? Two? Long enough for Beth to get annoyed.’
‘Thanks.’ I stood. ‘I’ve taken enough of your time.’
‘Don’t be silly,’ Kate fussed. ‘You’re welcome any time.’
I told Troy I might need to speak to him again, and then Kate saw me to the door.
‘I’m sorry your date’s been a bust,’ I murmured.
‘Me too, but it’s been a far worse night for that poor dryad.’
‘True. You’ll reschedule your date?’
‘Yeah, I’m not feeling so amorous now.’ She sighed. ‘I guess I’ll watch that movie alone.’
Reassured, I nodded. ‘Okay, call me if you think of anything? Otherwise, I’ll get out of your hair.’
She waved me off and shut the front door behind me.
