“It’s okay, Duchess.” Holt bent and scratched the dog’s ears. “Gran is still here to keep you company today.”
The dog whined but sat obediently, her eyes shining with despair as Willa herded the two teenage boys toward the door. “Come on, boys. We need to get moving.”
They headed for the door to a chorus of “Have fun” and “Be careful” from Holt and Rad. Tyler threw a quick grin over hisshoulder. Andy said goodbye as they rushed through the door. Duchess gave a theatrical sigh and flopped dramatically onto the floor the second the door closed behind them.
Silence and calm once again settled over the kitchen.
Holt picked up his coffee and took a sip. “How are you feeling, son?”
Rad glanced over from the counter where he was sliding eggs and bacon onto a plate for his father.
“Fine. And before you say it, I really didn’t need to spend the better part of a day and night in the hospital.” Rad handed the plate to Holt. “Tyler didn’t get to dishing up for you.”
“Thank you.” Holt took the plate from him and slid onto a counter chair. “Smoke inhalation is not a minor inconvenience. Ask Dean Parker.”
“Dean’s condition is from years of doing what he did for a career.” Rad sat across from him with his own coffee. “Since we’re talking about healing, how is your side?”
“It’s healing well enough.” Holt cut into the eggs. “Lucy seems satisfied, which is usually the standard that matters.”
Rad nodded, then watched him for a moment over the rim of his mug. “You were out late last night. Were you at the police station?”
Holt kept his expression neutral. “I was working a lead. Investigating a possible angle into Lacey’s accident.”
That was not a lie. It simply omitted the rather unpleasant dinner date.
“Do you think Lacey’s accident is linked to Dr. Vernon’s accident?” Rad’s brow furrowed.
“We have no concrete evidence of that.” Holt took another sip of coffee. “But my gut is definitely screaming that it is.”
“That makes two of us.” Rad looked down at the table for a moment, then leaned back in his chair. “I got June to update me on the case last night,” he admitted. “At least, she gave me the basics. I’m pretty sure she was still holding a lot back.”
Holt couldn’t help the small smile that touched his mouth.
That sounded exactly like June. She had always known where the line was, even when she bent rules in every other direction. If she had given Rad enough to keep him informed without handing over everything, then she had drawn the line with precision.
“June has good instincts,” Holt said.
“She does.” Rad nodded, watching Holt with narrowed, suspicious eyes.
“Do you have any insight into Lacey’s accident or the four major fires so far? The campground, Henderson’s farm, the vet clinic, and then Teacups.” Holt set down his fork and leaned his elbows on the counter.
Rad shook his head slowly.
“Nothing concrete. No piece I can stand up in front of anyone official and say here, this is it. But instinctively…” He exhaled. “My instincts are screaming that they’re all connected.”
“Yes, if only we could get a conviction on instinct.” Holt sighed and picked up his coffee mug.
“I know.” Rad held his father’s gaze for a beat. “I have to confess. We went with June last night.”
Holt’s eyes narrowed. “With June where?”
“To Cedar Key. We were trying to find out what we could about Dr. Vernon.” Rad didn’t flinch as he held Holt’s eyes.
“I told June not to go there.” Holt’s shoulders stiffened, and his jaw clenched as his fist tightened slightly around the mug.
“I convinced her to go,” Rad said calmly. “And I’m glad I did, because we think we found Judy Vernon’s smartwatch.”
“Where?” That caught Holt’s attention, and he put the mug down.
