“No, I can take . . . my nap later, honey. Don’t rush on my account. I’m not . . . that tired.”

That was a lie.

Her shoulders were sagging, and even from a distance the lines of strain etched in her face were evident.

Much as Grace wanted to hit the road and avoid any contact with Dave’s wife, now that she knew the man was in Nate’s sights, how could she ignore the lesson of the Good Samaritan story?

She couldn’t. That would be wrong. Besides, the Mullins home wasn’t far out of her way, if she was correctly remembering the address she’d noticed in the new church directory a few weeks ago.

Detouring toward Kimberly, she lifted a hand as she approached and mouthed “I can take you home.”

“Honey . . . hang on a minute. I may have a . . . ride.” Kimberly lowered the cell as Grace joined her.

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation. I’d be happy to give you a lift home.”

“I hate to put you to any . . . trouble.” Indecision flickered in her eyes.

“It’s no trouble. I can have you home in fifteen minutes.”

Gratitude and relief smoothed the tension from her features. “Thank you.” She put the phone back to her ear. “Dave? Grace Reilly is going to take me home. Don’t rush with your client . . . All right, I promise . . . Love you too.” She ended the call and reached for her cane.

“Can I help you?” Grace moved closer.

“I appreciate the offer, but I’m supposed to do . . . as much as I can myself. I’ll be glad when I can . . . drive again, though. I hate to bother . . . anyone.”

“Think of it as giving people an opportunity to practice the Golden Rule.”

“I’ll keep that in mind—but I miss . . . being independent.” She started toward the door, and Grace fell in beside her, shortening her stride to accommodate the other woman’s slower pace. “I probably shouldn’t have . . . come today. Dave said I was pushing myself . . . too hard. But it’s a worthwhile effort.”

“I agree.” She opened the outside door and motioned toward her Civic. “I’m over there. Shall I pull the car up?”

“Not unless you’re in a hurry. My doctors recommend . . . walking as much as possible. But I do tend to . . . slow people down.”

“No need to rush.” If she had to skip one of her errands, no big deal. The only critical stop was the grocery store.

“That’s what . . . Dave always says too. I don’t know what I did to deserve . . . such a wonderful husband.”

Not a subject Grace wanted to dwell on, thanks to the tip Nate would be following up on—perhaps as soon as tomorrow.

“I’m glad he’s been there for you.” She depressed the autolock button on her keychain and opened the door for Kimberly.