problems or gas. Tried to go on that bus trip to see Mamma Mia! It was painful. Abba songs and girly stuff the whole time. It’s like they’re all halfway to the grave.”
Stone shook his head. “That’s tough. Can you live on your own? Have any family members to help you out?”
“Nah, I had to sell my house because of the diabetes. It was time. Can’t drive anymore anyway. My granddaughter already does too much for me. She’s a good girl.”
Ray set down the beers. Stone nodded his thanks. “Good to have family who cares.”
“Maybe I can set you two up? She needs a decent man.”
Alarm bells rang. “Sorry, Pat, I seem to do better with the bad girls.”
Patrick laughed and raised his Guinness. “I did once, too. Maybe you just need to try a good girl for a change.”
“Tell you what. Devine over there knows the right way to treat a woman. Why don’t you ask him?”
Patrick nodded. “Seems like a handsome guy. She picks me up here a lot, so we’ll see.”
“We’re playing a game. You want in?”
“How much?”
Stone grinned. “How much you got, old man?”
“More than you’ll ever take from me. Might as well empty your pockets now.”
“You’re on.” They walked over to the table and Patrick greeted the other men. “You got a ride tonight from your granddaughter?”
“Nah, don’t want to bother her. I’ll walk.”
Stone looked outside. It was getting dark earlier with the change of season. “I’ll drive you later.”
Patrick agreed, and they spent the next few hours playing pool and darts and trading war stories. By the time Stone dropped Patrick off at the center, he felt more relaxed. It was nice to make a new friend, especially one who seemed to get his rough sense of humor. He fit right in with the cops, being used to the blue-collar talk from his military past and having been a mechanic. Plus, he’d gone nuts over Stone’s muscle car, declaring it one of the finest automobiles he’d ever seen, and the man knew his cars.
Stone turned the car toward home, then decided to stop and get some Munchkins at Dunkin’. He picked up a pumpkin spice coffee, too, and realized he was close to Bluebird. He’d mentioned the property and missing dog to Devine, who promised to do a drive-by, but they’d gotten backed up and it had fallen off the docket. Maybe he’d cruise over and see if there was any suspicious activity.
Munching on his donuts, he turned on the dead-end street and saw a familiar Fusion parked on the corner. Slowing down, he studied the sea-green color. Waited a few beats.
Son of a bitch.
Arilyn Meadows was there.
Cursing, he parked and cut the engine. His body temperature shot up to inferno range. What the hell was she doing? His heartbeat increased as he slid the flashlight from the glove compartment, praying she was okay. Darkness bathed the property. The moon was full and leaked enough light to make out the gate, doghouse, and fire pit.
Stone began foot patrol, straining his ears for any sound. A chain rattled. Holding the flashlight steady, he walked deeper into the shadows and caught a flash of black. Tall, lean. Ski hat. The person perched on top of the dilapidated gate, hunching over as if to protect something in the jacket. Senses pricked, he ducked and stood behind a large tree, waiting.
The person climbed down and jumped to the ground.
Shaking with fury, Stone desperately reached for the stupid breathing exercises before he killed her. He stepped out from behind the tree.
“Stop right there.”
The person froze. Taking a few steps closer to make sure he was right, he confirmed the criminal and whipped his voice like a lash. “Take off the mask, Arilyn.”
Slowly, she peeled off the knit material. Her strawberry hair was twisted up in a knot. Even with the darkness, he caught the flash of her grass-green eyes, the stubborn lines of her face. Then his gaze dropped to her prize.
The dog was more like a rat. Hardly any hair except for a few tufts on his head. Open wounds scattered over his tiny body. Batlike ears poked up from his bulletlike face. His eyes were the worst, though. Dead. Like he’d seen too many bad things out there and decided to check out. Uneasiness coursed through him, and Stone jerked his gaze away. “What the hell are you doing?” he gritted out.
She stood up from the ground. “Why are you here?” she whispered. “I didn’t make any