“I would never ask someone to break the law on my behalf, Charlie” was all Dylan said. “I need some information from you, and when we get back to the house I’ll make a call.”

“Really? Oh Dylan, I would be so grateful.”

“I don’t know what I can do, but I know a few people who know a few people.”

“You sound like a mob boss.”

“It’s always been something I’ve aspired to.”

“I hear it’s hard to get insurance.”

He snorted. He remembered this about Charlie. She had a dry sense of humor when she let go.

“Is Ava talking to you?”

“Nope. In fact, I think it’s fair to say she hates me,” Dylan said, digging in the side pocket of his door. Coming up with some wet wipes, he handed them to her. “You look like a panda.”

She flipped down his visor and looked at herself in the mirror. The sound she made was like a wounded animal.

“You couldn’t have said something sooner?”

“Sure, but where would the fun be in that?”

“Those women must think me crazy. I barely spoke to them when we went hiking, then again in Maggie’s house. I then told them that not everyone lives their life like an episode of Friends.”

“Why?”

“They were asking about my life in Dallas and I got defensive. Then I have a breakdown over a phone call, and you come and rescue me.”

“It does make you sound crazy.”

She swung her bag at him, hitting him in the chest.

“Ouch. Why did you go hiking with them?”

“I was in the art gallery.” She pointed to a sign that said Artsy Fartsy.

“Nice name.”

“Maggie Winters owns it. Anyway, I was browsing and she started talking. I told her I was going to hike up Roxy, she asked to join me, and I didn’t know how to say no.”

“Because?”

“We were once friends.” Charlie exhaled loudly.

“They all seem like nice people.”

“They are, it’s just that I’m not used to that.”

“That being?”

“Interacting with others. I spend most of my time working, and if I socialize it’s usually through work.”

Her life sounded exactly like his.

“Piper seems nice,” Dylan said, because he wanted to know what his sister thought of her.

“She exudes confidence.”

“In a good way?”

Dylan started the car and headed back to their parents’ house.

Charlie sighed. “I’ve never been like that. She can just walk in a room and have everyone’s attention, and I don’t think she cares very much what people think about her either. She’s just happy with who she is.”

“Has she always been like that?” He was shamelessly questioning his sister about a woman he’d decided he needed to avoid.

“Pretty much, although when I first met her she was a bit more withdrawn.”

“You two close in school?”