Johnny sat back. “I’ll talk to Fred. Assuming he’s on board, we’ll get started tomorrow. I’ll call Bob Davies to run the camera.” He grinned. “It’ll be nice to get out of the station for a few days, anyway.”

Tully laughed. “That’s great.”

The screen door banged open; Marah rushed out into the yard. “Can I go with you, Daddy? There’s no school tomorrow, and you said you wanted me to see you work sometime.”

Tully took Marah’s hand, pulled her goddaughter down into her lap. “That’s a fantastic idea. That way you’ll get to see what a great producer your dad is and your mom won’t have to worry about you while she’s volunteering at school.”

Beside her, Kate groaned.

She turned to her best friend. “It’s okay, isn’t it, Katie? It’s just a few days. And besides, it will show Marah how lucky she is to have you for a mom. I’ll have her back in time for school on Monday. I promise.”

Johnny stood up and flipped his cell phone open. Punching in numbers, he walked into the house. His voice started strong and trailed away as he went inside. “Fred? Johnny here. Sorry to bother you, but . . .”

“Kate?” Tully said, leaning close. “Tell me it’s okay.”

Her best friend’s smile was slow in coming. “Sure, Tully. Take my whole family if you want.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHAPTER
TWENTY-SIX

“You always get hurt by her,” Kate said, hours later, when the lights of Seattle, shimmering between the black Sound and the starless sky, had begun to darken.

Tully sighed, staring at the foamy rope of water breaking along the shore. It was barely visible. Finishing her third margarita, she put the empty glass on the grass beside her. “I know.”

Tully fell silent. In truth, her head was spinning and she was beginning to worry about this idea of hers.

“Why Johnny?” Kate finally asked. She sounded hesitant, as if perhaps she hadn’t meant to say it out loud.

“He’ll protect me. If I say cut, he’ll cut. If I say throw it in the trash, he will.”

“I don’t think so.”

“He will. For me. And d’you know why?”

“Why?”

“You.” She lurched awkwardly to her feet, unwilling to analyze this decision anymore.

Kate was beside her in an instant, steadying her.

“What would I do without you, Katie?” Tully said, leaning against her best friend.

“We’ll never have to find out. Come on, now, I’ll help you to your room. You need some sleep.”

Kate maneuvered her into the house and down the hall to the guest bedroom.