He always packed the same outfit when he came to Clifton Bend to see his dad. It eliminated at least one lecture, and his dad never noticed he’d worn the same clothes for a dozen visits. If he’d had any sense, he would have driven his Audi up from Houston, but he couldn’t quite conform that much.

He loved roaring into the valley, circling Honey Creek on a bike, just as he’d ridden out at eighteen. It had been twenty years ago, but he wanted to let his dad know he was still wild. The preacher would never win.

As he walked past the nurses’ desk, heading toward Miss Remington’s room, Hank noticed a woman in a navy suit waiting just outside the librarian’s door.

“You Miss Amelia’s friend?” she asked as if she’d already figured out the answer.

Hank frowned. He didn’t know Amelia Remington well enough to be a friend, but since he was taking her home, it would make more sense to say yes. “I am. Is everything all right with Millie?”

“Of course. I have her discharge papers ready. The nurse is making the final check now. The doctor ordered our ambulance to take her home. He thought it might be easier than getting her into a car.”

Hank nodded, feeling like the village idiot. He hadn’t even thought of how to get her home. He’d walked from the hotel to the hospital. He doubted Clifton Bend even had a taxi.

He guessed her car was still at the college, parked somewhere in the faculty parking lot, but he had no idea where the keys were.

If he was the only friend she had, Millie didn’t have much.

“Any problem if I ride along?” He could walk, but he wanted to be with her.

“Of course not.” The woman made a note. “We’ll make sure she has crutches and a wheelchair. The doctor reminded me to tell you that she’s to put no weight on her left leg until she comes back in three days.” The lady in the suit finally smiled. “You may have to carry the librarian around, unless she’s in the wheelchair.” The clerk studied him up and down. “You look like you can handle that job.”

“Understood.” Hank didn’t smile. The last thing he wanted was someone starting rumors. He’d had enough of that the year before he’d left town.