The Summer of No Attachments (The Summer Friends #2) - Lori Foster Page 0,109

possible, so I appreciate you making time for me.”

“No problem.” Ivey hadn’t realized that the discontent of her breakup with Geoff had lingered, until they put it all to rest. She’d begun to feel bad about how she’d handled things, especially in light of how Geoff had taken it. Seeing him not only fully recovered but happily involved in this new phase of his life truly set her heart free.

All the stars had aligned—she loved Corbin and Justin, and the future loomed bright.

By the time she left the clinic, she felt like dancing. It was late, but Mrs. Tassie had rushed right over to collect her kitty once he’d recovered from his anesthesia. Ivey gave her instructions on how to care for the cat, then took another few minutes to close up the clinic.

It was nearing nine o’clock and the sun hung low on the horizon for her drive home. She should make it in time to visit with Justin before he had to go to bed.

Her new sense of peace shattered when she pulled into the driveway and saw the police car. Heart hammering, she gathered her belongings and jogged in.

The house felt unnaturally quiet, no animals running to greet her, no chatter from Justin—in the kitchen, expression grim, Corbin spoke quietly with two officers. His gaze briefly met hers, and she saw his torment.

Going through her routine by habit, she put her cell phone in her pocket and her purse on the foyer table. She left her shoes to the side of the door and slowly went into the kitchen.

The officers gave her polite nods, but they, too, looked solemn.

“Justin?”

“He’s upstairs with Lang.” Corbin pulled her close. “Darcie overdosed again.”

Her stomach bottomed out. “How bad?”

“She’s...gone.”

Oh, dear God. Tears burned her eyes. “Does Justin know?”

“We didn’t talk in front of him, but the look on his face...” His mouth flattened. “I think he’s guessed.”

“Do you need anything?”

“No. I’ll be done here in just a minute.” He touched her cheek. “I’m worried. Would you check on Justin?”

Nodding, she said, “I’ll go to him right now.” On impulse, she went on tiptoe and hugged Corbin. To the two officers, she nodded her thanks that they had given the news in person.

Not knowing what she might find, she took the steps upstairs two at a time. At the moment, seeing Justin, ensuring that he was okay, seemed the most immediate concern.

Justin’s bedroom door was closed, likely so he couldn’t overhear. Ivey lightly tapped her knuckles to the wood, then turned the knob and stepped in.

Lang stood with Justin at the window, looking out at the lake.

“Hey, guys,” she said softly, aware of how Justin hunched his shoulders.

Lang turned with a forced smile. “You really ran late today. Everything okay at the clinic?”

With a questioning look, she said, “Yes, just had a few last-minute things to do.” She came farther into the room. “Justin?”

Lang shook his head, indicating that Justin didn’t want to talk.

Unsure how to proceed, Ivey came closer.

In a raw whisper, Justin said, “Police are here.”

She stopped in her tracks. “Yes, I saw them.” Emotion tried to choke her, but Justin didn’t need her to be weepy. “You okay, honey?”

“I’m not a baby,” he snapped, and then he sniffled, wrapping his arms tightly around himself.

She reached out to him, but Lang took her arm and urged her to follow him to the room she shared with Corbin across the hall. Very near her ear, he said, “I think he’s guessed, but I haven’t confirmed anything. Corbin needs to be the one to talk to him.”

“I agree, but we can’t leave him alone.”

“Why don’t you stay with him? I’ll go downstairs with Corbin.” He frowned. “Or vice versa. Whichever you want.”

“I’ll stay with Justin.” At the moment, wild horses couldn’t have dragged her away. The urge to comfort him, to shelter his feelings, to help him believe that a bright future was ahead whether he could see it right now or not, flared inside her.

Going back into his room, she pasted on a smile. “Guess what? I had to do some quick surgery on a cat today.”

Grudgingly, Justin glanced at her. His eyes looked red but dry. “Is the cat okay?”

God love him, could there be a more compassionate little boy? As she’d hoped, the cat’s welfare drew him out of his own misery. “Yes, honey. He’s fine. He’ll probably be groggy for the rest of the day, though. Odds are, he’ll throw up a time or two.” She sat on the