I returned to the window. Rick and the dogs had disappeared from the dock. I listened for the door, smiling to myself, waiting to throw my arms around him. Nothing. Ten minutes later I abandoned the suitcases and headed outside. The boat was gone. How had he slithered noiselessly into the lake? Catch Me, Copper sounded like the Blue Angels were barnstorming every time Rick started the engine. It wasn’t like Mr. Military Precision to leave without checking in with me.

I started to worry after an hour went by. I’d packed everything I could until time to leave. I called Rick’s cell and got voicemail. I texted him twice. There was no answer.

I grabbed a glass of water and went to the dock to wait. Darby joined me, tail thumping the wood slats as she scanned the water. Fish jumped, birds screeched, mosquitoes buzzed my ears, and Darby panted in the heat.

“Come on, girl, I’ll get you a treat. Our favorite man has apparently deserted us for a while.” I was almost back to the house when Darby began barking frantically. I heard the boat long before I saw it. When I did, I struggled to breathe and construct a welcoming smile.

Rick was waving at me, two little boys at his side pretending to help steer.

eighteen

VIOLET

He shook her shoulder very gently. Violet knew Tolly wouldn’t leave for work until she spoke to him, no matter how repulsive she found it. She opened her eyes to find him bent over her, tears streaming down his face.

“My darling, I am so very sorry. I can’t believe I hurt you. Please forgive me, Violet. It will never happen again.” He ran a hand through his hair, and Violet noticed the gray for the first time. She shrank as he reached out to touch her face. “Please, Violet. I beg you. Give me a chance to make this up to you.”

“There is nothing you can do, Tolly.” She buried her face in the pillow. “I’ll be gone when you come home tonight.”

There was no response. Tolly left the bedroom, quietly closing the door. Violet turned over, every muscle in her body shrieking in pain, and went back to sleep.

She woke to the ringing telephone a little after ten o’clock. She answered on the third ring and heard Tolly’s voice. “Yes, she’s asleep upstairs, Genny. Violet’s running a slight fever and coughing. She’s likely coming down with a nasty cold or maybe flu.” He sounded so relaxed and confident. Violet recognized Doctor Mode.

Genny didn’t seem convinced. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Will you ask her to call me later? Maybe I’ll stop by with some chicken soup.”