“I imagine caring for a semi-invalid wife is stressful.”

“Yes, but in light of your tip I wonder if there are other stressors in his life. I assume he earns a decent living, but he could be dealing with massive medical bills. Insurance doesn’t cover everything. Particularly long-term-care expenses.”

“You’re thinking there could be a financial motive in this case.”

“Except neither Fred nor Mavis had a great deal of money.”

“That we know of.”

He had a point.

“Excellent caveat.”

“I’m planning to talk to Dave early next week. Stop by his office unannounced.”

Frowning, she picked at a loose thread on the cushion in the window seat. “Much as I want to solve this, I hope he’s not involved. I can’t imagine what that would do to his wife.”

“Innocent parties always get hurt when crimes are committed.”

“I know.” She sighed. “Depressing, isn’t it?”

“Yes. So let’s switch gears and talk about a more upbeat subject—like our dinner date. I’d ask you out for tomorrow, but aside from the fact it’s short notice, I’m on evening shift. Could we make it a week from Saturday?”

“I’ll pencil it in.”

“Write it in ink. In the meantime, would you be free for lunch tomorrow?”

Dang.

“I wish I was, but I volunteer to help prepare meals one Saturday a month for the meal delivery program sponsored by several area churches. We provide dinner three nights a week for older adults. I’ll be tied up from eleven to three.”

“That shoots tomorrow.” He sounded as frustrated as she felt. “Let’s see if we can work in a coffee date one evening next week.”

“I’d like that. Will you keep me in the loop on the two new developments?”

“Count on it.” In the background, a phone began to ring.

“I’ll let you get that. But I have an invitation for you too. You can think about it and let me know. I’m in the market for a date for my sister’s wedding on July 27, and I wondered—”

“Yes.”

Despite the long shadows on the field behind her backyard cast by the setting sun, the day suddenly got brighter. “Are you sure you don’t want to check your calendar and—”

“No. If there’s anything on it for that day, I’ll cancel it.” A muffled noise came over the line as the other phone continued to ring. “I have to take this call.”

“No worries. Talk to you soon.” She pressed the end button, lips bowing as she weighed the cell in her hand. Telling her sisters about this would be fun.

She tapped in a text to Cate.

Add 1 to guest list. I have a date for the wedding.

Twenty seconds later, her sister’s response pinged.

Details!

Forthcoming.

Is it the sheriff?

Yep.

Does he have a name?

Nate Cox—and don’t run any intel.

Would I do that?

Is the pope Catholic?

Ha ha. Okay, he’s on the guest list. When do I get details?

Soon. Night.

No response.