There was one picture of the twins, sitting on either side of Christine on that same sofa. Another of Norm with his arm around Della. And a final one of Della bouncing Shallie on her knee.

Putting the photos down, Shallie knew she was going to cry. She sniffled and dragged the back of one hand across her face. She’d finally seen real evidence of her childhood, her earliest years. And the letter from Christine had changed some of her feelings about this woman, her mother. Who hadn’t simply deserted her. Who’d loved her.

“The pictures and the letter—they’re for you to keep. You could scan them or get Cord to do it and email ’em to Eddie. But they’re yours.” He shook his head. “I have no idea why Della never gave you these photos. She probably forgot she even had ’em.”

“We’ll never know. Doesn’t matter anymore.” The tears were more persistent now. “Thank you,” she said in a shaky voice.

“Here.” He stood up to get the box of tissues on his desk. She accepted one with another “Thanks,” and gave Russ a hug. He returned it, his own arms loose around her. Then he stepped back, picked up his glass and held it out. “Here. For strength,” he joked. “Not that it ever gave them much strength.”

Shallie forced a laugh and took a small sip. “I should go. Carly’s waiting for me. I’ll send her a quick text that I’m on my way.” She did, then glanced up at him again. “Russ, I’m so grateful.”

“Hey, we’ll see each other soon. And meanwhile, I’ll keep looking.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

ON HER BRIEF walk to the café once Shallie had dropped her off, Carly checked her cell, leaning against the building’s corner. No emails from anyone she cared about. A few ads and sales “alerts,” the usual stuff, which she deleted. As she scrolled through news highlights, she suddenly heard a distressed sound from behind the Bean. A high-pitched shriek. Then, “Quit it! I know you did it. Don’t threaten me!”

The girl’s voice sounded familiar. Was that Lindsey Morgan? Carly wasn’t sure, but darted into the narrow alley between the Bean and the flower shop next door, phone held in front of her. She slipped behind the building, where the garbage and compost cans were kept. And yes, it was Lindsey. With Eric Worth standing directly in front of her.

Eric was muttering something about how Lindsey “better not say anything.” At least, Carly saw with relief, he wasn’t touching her. She ran toward them, yelling, “Let her go!” He kind of scared her, but she acted instinctively because Lindsey needed her help.

“Get lost,” he snarled.

“No, you get lost! ’Cause I’m calling the sheriff. And you know what’s going to happen then.”