Maria held her smile, but her mind searched furiously for clues to what might be going on. What things could Rachel be referring to? And did they involve pursuing Victor? Had the Shepherds been tipped off about Victor’s secret plans—plans he’d not seen fit to read her in on? But in her heart of hearts she knew. He was going to hit the Shepherds where it hurt the most. The only question was when . . .

“That’s so funny—we’re definitely on the same wavelength today.” Then, probing for more information, she asked, “Do you think the guys will be back in time to join us for dinner?”

“I doubt it,” Rachel said. “I think it’s gonna be just us girls tonight. Which is fine by me. We can have the bottle of wine I bought all to ourselves.”

“Amen to that,” Maria said, feeling a little burn in the scar on her abdomen. “Should we open it now?”

“Honestly, if we did that, I’d probably fall asleep on you,” Rachel said with a chuckle. “I know it’s late for coffee, but I could use one, and we can save the wine for after I have some food in my stomach.”

“Perfect.”

“David bought this new, fancy machine, so I can make you a latte or cappuccino or anything you want. I even have the flavor syrups.”

“Oh, that sounds great,” Maria said and realized she meant it. “I would love a latte. Do you have low-fat milk?”

“Skim okay?”

“Perfect.” She followed Rachel into the kitchen.

While Rachel made the coffee, Maria tried to make small talk, answering questions about what it was like back at work. She looked about the kitchen, searching for clues as to where David might have gone, but of course finding none. She would give anything to have Victor’s ability to reach inside another person’s mind. Her chest remained a tight band, her detective’s gut telling her she better find a way to please him or her time on earth could be drawing to a close.

And any afterlife that may exist for me will not be good . . .

“So . . . how are things with Jed?” Rachel asked, grinning behind the frothy latte she’d just prepared.

Maria had already told her about their first kiss when they’d met for lunch the other day. Rachel’s immediate reaction to Maria’s gossipy confession had been a speechless, stone-faced stare—which had been telling in and of itself—but she’d seemed to warm to the idea. Maria sensed a torrid history existed between Jed and Rachel. Well, torrid was probably a gross exaggeration with these two Puritans. One step above platonic was probably more like it. The thought made her chuckle.

“That juicy, huh?” Rachel said.