“No. Just thinking about what she might be up to.”
“I’ll find out. I’ll stay until you decide how you want to handle it.”
“I know exactly how I want to handle it. I want to confront her.”
He hesitated. “And your husband?”
“Ex,” she said coolly. “He’s none of my concern.”
“Good to hear.” Though his expression suggested otherwise.
Aftyn turned back to the photographs spread across the table. She lifted one and traced the edge. “Her hair’s darker now. It used to be this color. Like mine.” She set it down.
“What did the police do?”
She exhaled slowly. “Said they’d put a detective on it. When I never heard back I decided to find hermyself. I have copies of the bank records; same ones I gave them. Maybe they don’t consider it serious enough.” Her jaw tightened. “It is to me. I want to see her face when I tell her I reported her.”
“She’ll try to talk you out of pressing charges,” he said carefully.
“I know.” Her voice was steady. “But I’m not backing down this time.”
He slid the photos back into their folder. “Pauline told me Avery’s done this before and got probation. She won’t this time. You need to be sure you want to go through with it.”
“She stole from our aunt and was likely sleeping with my ex while we were still married. I’m sure.” Aftyn’s jaw tightened.
He snapped the briefcase shut and rose, offering his hand. “I’ll report back soon. Could I get your number in case you’re not here?”
She recited it, watched him punch it in, then dial immediately. Her phone buzzed in her pocket.
“That’s me,” he said when the call connected. “Day or night.” He handed her a business card.
“Thanks.” She slid out of the booth. “I should get home. I smell like the diner.”
He chuckled. “Not a bad smell at all.”
“You’d feel differently if it were you.” She smiled. “Have you talked to the local sheriff?”
“Not yet. That’s your move to make.” He picked up his briefcase. “I’ll be in touch.”
She watched him stride out through the glass door, then turned to find Connie perched on a stool at the counter.
“How’d it go?”
“He found her but lost her in the crowd. He thinks she might be at the motel.”
Connie nodded. “Makes sense. The B&B and Bur Oak Guest Ranch have a two-year waiting list. The motel’s the only place you can walk in without a reservation.”
“We’ll see.” Aftyn untied her apron. “I need to call Aunt Ping and then get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Talk to Sam before you do anything else,” Connie said firmly. “He’ll help you.”
“I will. I promise.” Aftyn grabbed her keys from her pocket and slipped out the back door, hearing the lock turn behind her. She climbed the stairs slowly, her feet aching, her mind already quieting.
****
Cole strode across the parched yard, his sweat-stained T-shirt clinging to his back. The sun beat down on his neck as he took the porch steps two at a time and pushed through the door into the blessed cool of the kitchen. Late August. He was so ready for September.
Ollie’s nails clicked rapidly across the floorboards.
