“Hi Paul,” I say brightly, “it’s Mallory Aldiss. I’m in Bay Bluff—yup, back after all this time visiting with Dad and Anne—and a ton of memories. You were always part of our life here. I’d love to touch base.” I give him my cell number, add what I hope is nonchalant encouragement, and disconnect.

Next up is Shelly Markham. She isn’t on the list by the phone, so I open the drawer where Mom always kept the town directory. Unfortunately, the one here is for the current year, and there’s no Shelly Markham in it … because she’s in Florida.

I Google her name on my phone, but nothing comes up.

I can ask around for contact information, at the very least the town in Florida where she lives.

But no. I can’t. Not without stirring up dust.

I’m trying to come up with a plausible excuse for asking someone in town about her, when my cell rings. Seeing a Rhode Island area code, I answer with care. “Hello?”

“Mallory? It’s Paul. What a treat to hear your voice. Visiting in Bay Bluff, are you?”

My caution vanishes. His voice is as warm as my memories of him. “I am. It’s overdue, I’m afraid. But I hadn’t seen Dad in a while.”

“Is he all right? I mean, other than the usual?”

“Yes, he’s fine, other than that.”

“Are you here with your daughter?”

“You know about her?”

“Of course. I see your father often, and what he doesn’t tell me, Anne does. It’s Joy.”

“Yes, and true to her name. She’s been wanting to spend time with Dad. I figured we should do it before he gets much worse.” My voice thickens with concern. “Can we talk in person, Paul?”

“Not today. I’m sorry. I’m not in Bay Bluff. I bought a place in Lenox a few years back. The Berkshires are different from the shore, and then there’s all the music here.”

Another memory returns, making me smile. “You love music. Longhair Paul. We used to tease you. I’m sorry for that. I love classical music now. So does my daughter.”

“Both of you? That’s good to hear. And yes, I’d like to talk in person. I’m driving home tonight. Maybe tomorrow?”

We agree to meet Monday for a late lunch in downtown Westerly. By that time, I reason, Mike Hartley will be close to finishing the bluff plantings, Joy will be with Jack or Anne or Margo, and Lina will be with Dad—all of which leaves me free for a clandestine meeting.