“Hell, yes,” J.P. agreed, and Eli chimed in, adding, “That would certainly fit.”

“And anyone who doesn’t respect animals,” Carly said, “anyone who could do this for whatever screwed-up reason, really pisses me off. Something has to be done. And the rest of us are counting on you to do it.”

“Hear, hear!” Glasses were lifted again.

“And, J.P., that reminds me,” Cord said—obviously not wanting to go in the Eric direction. “Are you willing to take part in one of the patrols?”

“Definitely!” He nodded at Mitch, sitting beside him. “We were talking about that earlier. So, Amos is organizing everyone?”

“Yep. He’ll give you a call.”

“Uh,” Russ murmured just as people were standing up to leave the table. “I’d like to help with the patrols. Can you ask him to call me, too?”

“You bet!” Eli said, satisfied with the evening from start to finish.

THE NIGHT HAD gone well and ended well, Shallie reflected as she drove Russ back to the motel. He sat quietly beside her for about half the ride, then thanked her for inviting him, asking her to thank Cord, too. “This is the best time I’ve had in ages. I hope we can get together again soon.”

“We will,” she promised. “Plus I’ll keep you posted on anything I learn about Christine. We’ll make sure you meet Eddie, too.”

“After you and I talked, I decided to start looking for Bethanne. I’ll try to get in touch with her husband.”

“I’m glad.” Shallie was even more conscious of the fact that Russ was a decent guy, and smart. She regretted their complete loss of touch—and regretted some of her previous assumptions about him. His apparent self-involvement was more about his isolation and a fundamental loneliness; his lack of social comfort came from an understandable and lifelong shyness.

“Do you have anything to work with?” she asked. “Any more information?”

“No more than we already discussed. But I do have time.”

“I’m glad you’re using it—some of it, anyway—for this.”

“Thanks.” He paused. “Nice guys, Cord, Eli, J.P. I remember them, sort of. We weren’t friends, but I liked spending time with them tonight. And believe it or not, I’m kind of excited about joining those patrols.” He laughed briefly. “Never thought I’d become pals with the sheriff.”

“Hey, no reason why not. That would be a useful connection for a businessman, in case someone tries to break in or rob you or something like that.”

“I wouldn’t need to be friends with him in that case. I could just call 911.”

“True…”

“I’m interested in getting to know all of them—and getting to know you better.”

“Thank you. Me, too.”