Relief flooded my veins. “It’s me. How are you?”

“In the future, when someone yells ‘snake,’ I’ll be on the dinner table with you.”

“That bad?”

“It’s no picnic, but the doctors say I’ll be fine. What’s happening there?”

“Deputy Harden and I talked to Bill.”

“Those conversations are never easy.”

“It was awful. Because he cheated on her, I didn’t realize Bill had feelings for Buffy. He loved her, at least in his own way, and I don't think he killed her.”

Bear nudged me, and I scratched behind his ears.

“Also, Buffy lied about her whereabouts yesterday morning. She wasn’t asleep. She followed Bill.”

“Why?”

“Why did she follow him or why did she lie?”

“Start with follow.”

“Good. I have an answer for that one. She suspected Bill had planned a rendez-vous with Misty.”

“Had he?”

“Nope. No rendez-vous. He tried to pick her up. She shot him down. As to why Buffy lied…”

“Buffy saw the killer.” Anarchy reached that conclusion much faster than I had.

“It sure seems that way.”

“What’s Harden doing now?”

“I left him with Bill.” No need to tell Anarchy about my mad dash to the phone.

“Have him question everyone.”

“I will. Although, they’ll say they were sleeping.” I switched to Bear’s other ear. “You’re sure you're okay?”

He chuckled. “You’re not getting rid of me this easily.”

“I’m counting on at least fifty years with you.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

A goofy smile touched my lips. “I don’t know how far away the hospital is, but I'll be there as soon as I can."

He cleared his throat. “Would you do something for me?”

“Anything.”

“Don't come.”

The smile disappeared. “What? Why not?”

“Stay there. Catalog your impressions, your observations. You notice things.”

“But—"

“Please?”

He was alone in a po-dunk hospital run by an idiot. He needed me. “Everyone is supposed to be leaving after brunch.”

“That was before Buffy died. The sheriff will want to talk to them. Please. Stay. You’re our best chance of solving these murders.”

I wanted to see him with my own eyes. “You’re not hiding anything? You’re truly okay?”

“Truly.”

“I love you.” Almost losing him had reminded me how much.

“I love you, too. Stay at the club. Observe. Ask questions if you must. And be careful. Two people are dead, and I’m not there to protect you.”

“I’ll do it. I’ll stay. But the moment everyone heads back to Kansas City, I’m coming.”

“Fair enough.”

“You sound tired. You should rest.”

“I love you, Ellison. So much. I’ll see you soon.” He hung up.