Gloria twisted and Aunt Erma’s arm dropped away. “You know, Telly’s wanted to clear out the shed for years. One less thing for him to do.”

“Really? If I was you, I’d be tossing his crap right in the middle of it. Whatever he left behind.”

Gloria frowned. “Why would I do that?”

“ ’Cause he took off? ’Cause he’s out there messing around? ’Cause it might make you feel the tiniest bit better?”

“He’s coming back.”

I stopped poking the fire with my stick.

“Since when?” Aunt Erma said.

“I ran into him this morning getting a few groceries. You know, it’s funny, I don’t usually go all the way out there. But Belinda was nice enough to lend me her car, and—and before I went to work, I just felt like going somewhere different.”

“You saw him, what, buying milk?”

“I know. Telly’s never been in a supermarket in his life.”

“Was she there?”

“Oh, she was. Trying to keep him on a short leash, I’ll tell you that. And he didn’t even look at her, Erm, when he talked to me. Not one glimpse. I could tell he’s getting tired of her. Trying to be whatever she thinks he should be. It’s just not Telly. He’s getting worn out with it. I’m expecting a call any day.”

“Well, it’d be good to have him back, wouldn’t it? You two need to grieve together. I mean, my heart’s broken for both of you.”

The fire was starting to get small when a car crunched down the driveway. It stopped in front of our house. The porch light was on and I could see the star on the door. I stood. My heart went up in my neck.

The glow came on inside the car. There were two people inside. One got out. It was the man with the funny ties, but it was too dark to see what one he was wearing.

Gloria went over. “Detective Aiken? Did something happen?”

“Rowan.” I whispered it out loud by accident. Darrell must’ve heard me. He reached down and he held my hand. My cheeks got hot.

“I don’t want you to be alarmed, ma’am.” The man shook his head. “This is not pertaining to Rowan.”

“Well, what is it then?”

“Mrs. Janes.” He wiped his nose. “We’ve had a complaint. Normally I’d have one of my officers handle this sort of issue, but I thought to drop by myself. Sort this out.”

“Complaint? Sort out what?”

“Your ex-husband has some concerns.”

Gloria did a snort. “I don’t have an ex-husband, Detective. I have a husband. He just don’t live here right now.”

“Well, your estranged husband.”

Aunt Erma took some steps closer to Gloria, but Gloria waved her hand and Aunt Erma stopped. “What’s Telly been saying?”