“I’m not feeling very optimistic after listening to the interviews he did with Janelle for her podcast. I know that he and Alice’s sisters have a lot of doubts, it might be difficult to sway their opinions. That said, I’m hoping once I lay things out for them, they will be more inclined to believe the truth.”

“And what do you believe the truth is?”

“That Charles is the person responsible for Alice’s murder, and I don’t think it will be difficult to convince a jury of the same thing if we are able to go to trial.”

“I don’t either.” She passes me all the papers I’ve given to her while we’ve spoke. “You’ve done a good job. I’m looking forward to sitting in on your meeting with Greg this afternoon.”

“Thanks, Mary.” I get up and start for the door. “I’ll see you at twelve-thirty.”

“See you then.”

When I get back to my desk, I go through e-mails and catch up on the work I put off last night. As I’m checking on a few files, my cell beeps with a text, and I find a message from Clay asking if Franny and I would be willing to watch Rowen tonight so that he can take Willow out to dinner.

Dialing Franny’s number, I put the call on speaker as I click through files on my computer.

“Hey, is everything okay?” she answers and just the sound of her voice makes me relax.

“Yeah, I just wanted to check with you about something.”

“What’s that?”

“Clay asked if we’d look after Rowen tonight so he can take Willow out to dinner.”

“Of course, I’m free after our doctor’s appointment, so I’ll be home.”

“I have a staff meeting scheduled for five, but I should be home not long after that.”

“Perfect.” I hear the smile in her voice as she says hi to someone.

“Are you out with PJ?”

“Yeah, I was trying to work, but he got the zoomies and almost knocked over my easel. I brought him out to run off some of his energy.”

“Sorry, I should have taken him out for a walk before I left this morning.”

“We were a little busy,” she whispers, and I grin. My plan was to let her sleep this morning because I know she’s been extra tired lately, but two minutes into my shower, she joined me, and I took full advantage of her being wet and naked.

I look up when there is a knock on my office door, and Jamie pokes her head inside.

“Greg is here.”

“Thanks, Jamie. Can you call Mary and let her know he’s here and get Greg a coffee or whatever he wants?”

“Sure.” She leaves, closing the door behind herself. “Sorry...”

“You gotta go?” Franny says softly, cutting me off

“Yeah, I’ll see you at three.”