“In theory.”
Jack frowned. “What does that mean?”
Oops.
Leave it to her detective brother to home in on an ambiguous answer.
“I haven’t seen much of him.”
“Why not?”
“I guess he’s busy keeping the grounds. Natalie has a fair amount of land.” No need to mention the sheriff’s comment about the man having issues. That would only activate Jack’s overdeveloped protective instincts. “So tell us when you’re leaving for the FBI National Academy. I’m beyond thrilled you got one of the coveted spots after County nominated you.”
“Me too. We start October 1. It’s going to be tough to be gone from Lindsey for ten weeks, but she knows it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and is fully on board.”
“Good woman.” Bri lifted her glass in salute.
“Tell me something I don’t know.”
They continued to chitchat for another hour after relocating to the living room, but finally Jack looked at his watch. “We have to drive back to St. Louis, and you have to drive back to the hinterland.” He nudged Bri’s shoulder as they sat side by side on the couch. “You ready to go?”
“Yeah. I suppose it’s time to break up this gab fest. We’ll miss you while you’re in Quantico.” Bri nudged him back.
“But think of all the great stories I’ll have to tell at our future get-togethers. We may have to schedule an extra one to catch up.”
“I’m game if the spouse and fiancée are.” Cara stood. “Let me get your plate.”
They were waiting for her at the door after her detour to the kitchen.
“Just because our brother here is taking off doesn’t mean we can’t meet up while he’s gone.” Bri hugged her.
“That’s true. And we have our every-Saturday-morning phone calls too.”
Jack gave her a squeeze. “It’s not like I can’t stay in touch. Watch for texts from me on a regular basis.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“You may.”
She waited at the door until they drove off, then wandered back to the kitchen. As usual, they’d pitched in with cleanup after eating, leaving her with nothing to tidy up in the spotless space.
Meaning she had time to stop in at the studio for an hour before she drove back to Natalie’s. After yesterday’s class, it was clear even a week off from her routine had a noticeable impact. She’d have to clear a space in the cottage for a daily stretching session and build a strenuous walk into her schedule.
And hope Micah—or whoever had been lurking around her cottage on Friday—kept his distance in the future.
“HEY, LYDIA!When are you cooking dinner?”
As her brother banged on the door of her bedroom, Lydia tipped down the screen of her laptop. “I don’t know.”
“We always eat on Sundays at two.”
“Not today. I’m busy.”
“I’m hungry.”
“Why don’t you go over to Ashley’s? Let her feed you?”
A beat passed. “I’m going over later. But she doesn’t cook like you do. You could be a chef.”
