“I’m also guessing that’s why you didn’t talk to him about Todd. It’s one thing if Todd gave you proof he was innocent, but it would be hard to say to Gabriel that you feel he’s innocent. He won’t understand.”

“And he’d think I was being foolish.”

Ricky made a face. “I wouldn’t go that far. He just won’t get it. Either way, maybe you should push harder on your parents’ case—”

The jangle of “Big Boss Man” cut him short. In the past, when that ring tone sounded, Ricky would roll his eyes, but when he answered there was always a warmth in his voice that belied the grumbling. I’m sure I used to do the same when my dad called—no matter how inconvenient the timing, I was always happy to hear from him. Now Ricky tensed, like a deer spotting a shotgun.

“You should answer it,” I said softly.

“I know.” He did, saying, “Hey.” His face stayed tight as he listened and then said, “Actually, we were heading up to the cabin early. Liv has the day off.” As Don replied, Ricky relaxed. “Okay, sure.” A soft laugh. “Yeah, I know. I set out a few traps when we were up the last time.”

I walked to the pond to give him privacy while I checked my own phone. No texts. No messages. A few e-mails, the last from Gabriel. Changing his mind about giving me two days off? God, I hoped not.

I opened Gabriel’s e-mail so I could shoot back a quick response before we hit the road. Then I read his message.

I’ve tried calling, but you aren’t answering your phone. Something urgent has come up. I need you to meet me as soon as possible. It’s in regards to the Larsen case and not something I wish to put in an e-mail. I’ll be at the address below. I’ll expect you there within the hour. This is important, Olivia.

I checked the call log. While it was not impossible that I could have been too, um, preoccupied to hear my phone ring, there weren’t any missed calls. But my cell service fluttered, the bars rising and falling.

I called Gabriel. It went straight to voice mail. I hung up and walked back to Ricky, who was on his feet, tugging on his T-shirt.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yep. I suspect something came up and he was hoping I could get to it before I headed out. When I said we were leaving right away, he just wished us a good trip and asked if I’d pop into town to check messages tonight and tomorrow morning, in case he needs to contact me. Which is protocol anyway.”

“So situation normal?”

“For now. Let’s hope it stays that way.” He looked down at the cell still in my hand.

“Gabriel,” I said.