He nodded, but the clench of his jaw told her he was as worried as she was. This wasn’t going away until they could prove someone else was guilty.

“Dylan and his friend, plus Cubby, went and talked to Chief Blake about what’s been happening. He was pissed they hadn’t clued him in earlier.”

“I bet.”

“But now he knows, he’s working with them, and hopefully soon it will all be cleared up.”

“I don’t want him to die, Joe.” The words came out softly. “I may not want him in my life anymore, but I don’t want him hurt or... or worse.”

“I know, baby.” He hugged her hard. “And we’re going to make sure that doesn’t happen by keeping a watch over him.”

“Hey.”

Dylan’s friend Mickey appeared, dressed in bright orange thermal leggings, green shorts, and a brown sweatshirt.

“Don’t tell me.” Joe held up a hand. “Your mom got those for you and you don’t want to offend her by not wearing them, right?”

Mickey didn’t look offended, simply smiled. His hair was pulled back in a braid, eyes alert behind the frames of his glasses.

“Now, Joe, no need for jealousy, we can’t all be masters of style.”

Everyone hooted with laughter over that.

“Hello.”

She didn’t want to tense up, and fought the reaction by inhaling, but it still happened as she heard Dylan’s voice. Making herself look his way, she also saw Charlie—and surprisingly, Ava.

“Hey.” Piper moved closer. “How are you feeling?”

“Okay. I’ve got a way to go, but I’ll get there.”

Neither of them said a word about the drugs, but Piper knew Ava was aware she knew. Putting an arm around her shoulders, she hugged her close.

“You have your family at your side now, and mine if you need it, Ava. Plus, I’ve been in the position you are, and would be happy to talk to you about it at any time.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Thank you, that means a lot.”

“You running?”

“I am, but slowly. More of a walk, actually. The doctors said it would be okay, as long as I took it easy.”

“I’d be happy to run with you, Ava. I took a fall off a horse a few days ago, and have to say I’m still a bit stiff.”

“That would be cool, but I guess we have to see who Mayor Gripper pairs us with.”

“Sure. Fingers crossed we’re together.”

She stood with Ava while the others talked, then excused herself. Piper wasn’t exactly avoiding Dylan, she wanted to see if she could persuade Mayor Gripper to pair her with Ava, but it was a good excuse to avoid him.