like he called the office and lured Engle to his house. Catherine is good, though. She might work it.”
Ray leaned his back against the kitchen countertop. “Not to change the subject, but Danny called to remind me that it was our turn to bring the team snacks. I doubt if I’m going to be able to make the game tomorrow, but I can run over to the grocery store and pick up some sports drinks and granola bars now. Do we need anything else?”
“Nothing I can think of. Do you think Brennan—”
Ray held up his hand. “Enough. I’m not going to talk about this with you anymore. You know if you and Cory weren’t involved, I’d be on this case.”
“I know, Ray. I’m sorry. I really am.” If Cory and I hadn’t gotten involved, Wayne Engle might still be with us, too. That would be tougher for me to forgive and forget.
My dismay must have shown on my face, because Ray’s expression softened. He moved closer to run his thumb over my lower lip then brought his lips close to my ear. “Hey, we’re definitely home alone tonight. While I’m out, maybe you’ll think of ways to make it up to me.”
His hot breath sent chills through me. My mouth felt dry. “I’ll wear your Christmas present from last year.”
He pulled away and smiled wickedly. “I forgive you already.”
I admired the view his tight jeans provided as he headed for the front door. God, I loved following the man through the grocery store, taking in that view. How fortunate that he still loved and wanted me, too—even if I did cost him a big case. Ray was never one to hold a grudge.
He paused before leaving the house. “Check the mail. I think you’ll find it interesting.”
I went over to the wicker basket we kept by the back door and flipped through all the unsolicited catalogs, bank card offers, postcards for oil changes and new mufflers, the request for a water meter read, and a few unwanted bills. A single blue envelope was left.
I flipped open the already torn flap and pulled out the card from inside. Confetti spilled from it to my floor.
Balloons decorated its face. The card cover read, “A Really, Really Big Surprise!”
Inside in blue script, the card said, “You’re invited to a surprise party of monumental proportions. Isabelle and Jack are cele-
brating their ten-year wedding anniversary. Please join us for the celebration to end all celebrations.” A popular party house near their home was the site for the celebration, on a Friday night two weeks away.
A list of local bed and breakfasts was included for out of town guests with a handwritten note from Jack, indicating he had blocked rooms at all of them. I felt certain the one he visited today was included.
Another handwritten note fell to the floor. I picked it up. It said, “Jolene, please, please keep this party a secret from Isabelle. She does so much for me, and I really want to surprise her. I didn’t give you that much notice about the party so you won’t have to keep the secret as long. I can’t wait to see Isabelle’s face! Thanks, Jack.”
I couldn’t wait to see it either.
NINETEEN
SUNDAY I STOOD ON the sidelines of Danny’s first football game, surrounded by a group of parents who were even more excited than their kids. The fathers analyzed every play and call, yelling out advice to their sons. Mothers shrieked words of encouragement and triumph every time a play went off successfully and groaned each time the opposite was true. For the most part, the players ignored them, undoubtedly playing their best and hoping not to be the one who messed up during the game. They all wanted to be the one to make the winning touchdown and be carried away on the shoulders of their peers. I knew Danny did.
He’d chattered nonstop on the drive over. Every topic started with, “You know what, Jolene?” Then he’d proceed to tell me about his team or the coach or the professional football games he watched with Ray and how his team tried to emulate some of the plays. He talked about the different football positions and why he was a running back. He repeated dozens of things Ray had told him, making me feel all the more guilty to be the one with him at the game instead of Ray, stuck on patrol because of me.
Although I’d done my best to make everything up