He squeezes his mouth with his hand. “It’s just that Jay always worried that Hayes had a thing for you. He wasn’t jealous or anything, just kept a wary eye on him.”

My breath stops. “That’s crazy. Hayes and I are friends. Period. Was Jay really worried?”

Cal tips his head. “A little. But then he was super protective of you, you know that.”

The thought that Hayes is interested in me for more than friendship never crossed my mind. True, he doesn’t date much, but I figured he was being sensitive about Alice. It’s just too out there to comprehend.

“Well, I’m fine. Hayes is fine. I’m certainly not interested in a relationship with anyone.”

“Just thought you should know. Forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes.” Cal jumps up and gets another beer out of the fridge. “Have the cops found anything?” he asks.

I shake my head. I don’t want to get into it. “Nothing important. They’re totally distracted by that necklace.”

He sighs and pops the top on his beer. His melancholy shows in his eyes, the set of his shoulders. “I still can’t believe it. I wake up every morning and have to remind myself that he’s gone.”

“Me too.”

Cal takes a long pull on his beer, looks out the back window to the ice rink. “Who’s going to keep us all sane now?”

I wish I knew. “I guess we’ll have to rely on each other and family too.” I sip my wine. “Do you see your mother often? I’ve never heard you mention her.”

A grimace flits over his face. “She died a few years ago.” He points at my glass and stands. “You want a refill?”

“No. Thank you. I’m driving.” I get up, and Sadie rises too.

Cal squeezes my shoulder. “Stay well, Molly,” he says as I let myself out.

CHAPTER 31 - Molly

CHAPTER 31

Molly

THURSDAY MORNING, I HEAD UP TO THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE. THE road is covered in a light layer of fresh snow as I follow Detectives Myers and Fuller, who are driving a police cruiser. Coming up over the rise, I see several sheriff’s cars lined up on the side of the road next to the house. It looks like more than routine, and I wonder if I should’ve contacted a lawyer. Corrine thought it would be a good idea. But we’re here now. If I’d said no, they would’ve probably gotten a warrant anyway. Besides, if this can clear up the necklace mystery and get the cops back on the trail of Jay’s murderer, maybe it will be helpful.