was Margaret’s mom back with the kids. I hadn’t wanted to leave Margaret alone feeling sad and vulnerable so I was glad to see the car park.

“I should thank you, Kate. A job well done. You got the information I requested. It wasn’t what I hoped for but . . .” She rose. “Let me write you a check. We’ll call the case closed.”

“Don’t you want to know who killed Helene?”

Margaret shrugged, her body listless. “What does it matter now? I guess we’ll let the cops handle that.”

When I got home, all the lights were out. Jim was asleep on the couch with Laurie in his arms. Laurie had her little hands folded on her chest. She looked like a miniature version of a praying monk. I gently picked her up out of Jim’s arms. They sighed in unison.

I clutched Laurie to me and kissed her soft cheeks a dozen times. She remained asleep so I set her down in her bassinet and squeezed onto the coach next to Jim.

Still sleeping, he rolled onto his side to make room for me. I kissed his lips. “I love you.”

“Glad you’re home safe, honey,” he murmured. “Laurie and I were waiting up for you . . .”

I smiled. “I see that.”

I hugged him. I was sad after leaving Margaret. Her marriage was over and I suspected Sara’s was in distress, not to mention that obviously Bruce and Helene’s life together had been less than perfect and now she was dead. I felt so fortunate to have my family intact. Tears filled my eyes and I pressed myself against Jim. “Love you forever,” I whispered.

His soft sleepy breath filled my ear and the last thing I heard before falling asleep was “Love you, too, honey.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

Rooting

To Do:

1. Thanksgiving Prep!!!

2. Order turkey.

3. Get pie recipe from Paula.

4. Stuffing? Check online.

5. Potatoes—same old boring mash?

6. Cranberries—canned or fresh?

I woke up with a stiff neck from sleeping too long on the couch with Jim. I hadn’t remembered moving to the bedroom, but somehow Jim, Laurie, and I were all safely tucked in.

I stretched my neck and contemplated coffee. Laurie started moving her head from side to side. Rooting. I picked her up and played my favorite game. Kissing her cheek so when she automatically turned toward me, I turned my head and her mouth landed on my cheek. I did this over and over, pretending she was showering me with kisses.

Laurie didn’t like the game this morning and let out a howl, telling me she meant serious business.

I squeezed her. “Love my little bunny girl!”

Laurie’s cry escalated into a high-pitched wail.

“Okay, I know you want service.”

I took her into the nursery, and after changing and feeding her, I put her up on my shoulder and rubbed her back, waiting for the inevitable burp. She was asleep again before I could even place her back into the bassinet.

I slipped on jeans and a sweatshirt, then scribbled a note to Jim. I headed to the café and tried to sort out my feelings.

Last night Margaret had effectively terminated me, but technically I was still working the case for “The Grizzly.” I thought about my report to him. Now more than ever he would think Margaret was guilty or at least try and build a case against her—anything to steer attention away from Bruce.

With the toxicology results available now, I thought it was just a matter of time before McNearny arrested Bruce.

I pushed open the door to the café. Kenny was seated at a table near the counter, earphones securely in place and feet drumming out a rhythm.

“Kate! Got time for chess?” He pulled the earphones out and reached for the chess set that was on a nearby bookshelf.

I ordered a decaf latte and perused the pastry case.

How many calories did a biscotti have?

Ooh! They had chocolate-dipped ones today.

I ordered two and put one in a bag to take home to Jim.

I took a seat across from Kenny. “I don’t have time for games, Kenny. I’m working on serious business.”

“Cool,” he said, ignoring me and setting up the board.

“Shouldn’t you be rehearsing or something?”

He looked confused. “I was.”

I laughed. “You were listening to your iPod drinking a cappuccino. How does that count for rehearsal?”

He looked offended. “No, no. Not just listening. I was visualizing playing!” He continued to set up the chessboard as the barista brought my coffee.

“Yeah? You can visualize yourself playing chess, too, because I just told you I have serious work I need to do.” I