NORAROBERTS

HotIceSacredSinsBrazenVirtueSweetRevengePublicSecretsGenuineLies

CarnalInnocenceDivineEvil

HonestIllusionsPrivateScandals

HiddenRichesTrueBetrayalsMontanaSkySanctuaryHomeportTheReefRiver’sEnd

CarolinaMoonTheVilla

MidnightBayouThreeFatesBirthright

NorthernLightsBlueSmokeAngelsFallHighNoonTribute

BlackHillsTheSearchChasingFireTheWitnessWhiskeyBeach

TonightandAlwaysTheCollector

SERIES

IRISHBORNTRILOGY

BorninFireBorninIce

BorninShame

DREAMTRILOGY

DaringtoDreamHoldingtheDreamFindingtheDream

CHESAPEAKEBAYSAGA

SeaSweptRisingTidesInnerHarbor

ChesapeakeBlue

GALLAGHERSOFARDMORETRILOGY

JewelsoftheSunTearsoftheMoonHeartoftheSea

THREESISTERSISLANDTRILOGY

DanceUpontheAirHeavenandEarth

FacetheFire

KEYTRILOGY

KeyofLightKeyofKnowledgeKeyofValor

INTHEGARDENTRILOGY

BlueDahliaBlackRoseRedLily

CIRCLETRILOGY

Morrigan’sCross

DanceoftheGodsValleyofSilence

SIGNOFSEVENTRILOGY

BloodBrothersTheHollow

ThePaganStone

BRIDEQUARTET

VisioninWhiteBedofRoses

SavortheMomentHappyEverAfter

THEINNBOONSBOROTRILOGY

TheNextAlwaysTheLastBoyfriendThePerfectHope

THECOUSINSO’DWYERTRILOGY

DarkWitchShadowSpellBloodMagick

eBOOKSBYNORAROBERTS

CORDINA’SROYALFAMILY

AffaireRoyaleCommandPerformanceThePlayboyPrince

Cordina’sCrownJewel

THEDONOVANLEGACY

CaptivatedEntrancedCharmedEnchanted

THEO’HURLEYS

TheLastHonestWoman

DancetothePiperSkinDeep

WithoutaTrace

NIGHTTALES

NightShiftNightShadowNightshadeNightSmokeNightShield

THEMACGREGORS

TheWinningHand

ThePerfectNeighborAllthePossibilitiesOneMan’sArtTemptingFatePlayingtheOdds

TheMacGregorBridesTheMacGregorGroomsRebellion/InfromtheCold

ForNow,Forever

THECALHOUNS

Suzanna’sSurrender

Megan’sMateCourtingCatherineAManforAmandaFortheLoveofLilah

IRISHLEGACY

IrishRoseIrishRebel

IrishThoroughbred

BestLaidPlansLovingJackLawless

SummerLoveBoundaryLinesDualImage

FirstImpressionsTheLawIsaLady

LocalHeroThisMagicMomentTheNameoftheGame

PartnersTemptation

TheWelcomingOppositesAttract

TimeWasTimesChangeGabriel’sAngelHolidayWishes

TheHeart’sVictoryTheRightPathRulesoftheGameSearchforLoveBlitheImagesFromThisDaySongoftheWestIslandofFlowers

HerMother’sKeeperUntamed

Sullivan’sWomanLessofaStranger

ReflectionsDanceofDreamsStormWarning

OnceMoreWithFeelingEndingsandBeginningsAMatterofChoice

NORAROBERTS&J.D.ROBB

RememberWhen

J.D.ROBB

NakedinDeathGloryinDeath

ImmortalinDeathRaptureinDeathCeremonyinDeathVengeanceinDeathHolidayinDeath

ConspiracyinDeath

LoyaltyinDeathWitnessinDeathJudgmentinDeathBetrayalinDeathSeductioninDeathReunioninDeathPurityinDeathPortraitinDeathImitationinDeathDividedinDeathVisionsinDeathSurvivorinDeath

OrigininDeathMemoryinDeathBorninDeath

InnocentinDeathCreationinDeathStrangersinDeathSalvationinDeathPromisesinDeathKindredinDeathFantasyinDeathIndulgenceinDeathTreacheryinDeath

NewYorktoDallasCelebrityinDeathDelusioninDeathCalculatedinDeathThanklessinDeathConcealedinDeathFestiveinDeathObsessioninDeath

ANTHOLOGIES

FromtheHeart

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MoonShadows(withJillGregory,RuthRyanLangan,

andMarianneWillman)

THEONCEUPONSERIES(withJillGregory,RuthRyanLangan,

andMarianneWillman)

OnceUponaCastleOnceUponaStarOnceUponaDreamOnceUponaRose

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ClaireCross)

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DeadofNight(withMaryBlayney,RuthRyanLangan,andMaryKayMcComas)

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InDeath

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andRuthRyanLangan)

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McComas)

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McComas)

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KayMcComas,andR.C.Ryan)

ALSOAVAILABLE...

TheOfficialNoraRobertsCompanion

(editedbyDeniseLittleandLauraHayden)

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

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Version_1

ForJoAnne,theamazingforeverfriend

ContentsOtherTitlesbyNoraRobertsTitlePageCopyrightDedication

PARTI|THEFALSEChapter1Chapter2Chapter3Chapter4Chapter5

Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Chapter13Chapter14Chapter15Chapter16Chapter17Chapter18Chapter19

PARTII|THEROOTSChapter20Chapter21Chapter22Chapter23Chapter24Chapter25Chapter26Chapter27Chapter28Chapter29

PARTIII|THEREALChapter30

Epilogue

I1

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.

S2

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.”

S3

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.

I4

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

ROSE!

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.

S5

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.

G6

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.”

A

7

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.

B8

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.

S9

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.”

S10

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.

C11

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.”

T12

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.

S13

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.

S14

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.

S15

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.”

S16

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.

S17

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.”

S18

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.”

J19

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.”

T20

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.

A21

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.

S22

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.”

S23

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.

T24

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.”

S25

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.

S26

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.

I27

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.

S28

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.

W29

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.

T30

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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