When I pull into the driveway, the sun is already disappearing, the winter dark descending. The snow flurries have stopped, and the skies are clear, which means an even colder night. Emily and I used to take turns cooking dinner, and I want to believe all I have to look forward to is going inside and making my not-so-famous spaghetti and meatballs. We’d pair it with a bottle of semi-cheap wine and watch Jake roll his eyes at us as we laughed at our not-so-clever jokes.

Instead, I psych myself up for walking Grendel and getting back inside, battening down. Maybe eat a turkey sandwich or make a frozen meal in the microwave. I haven’t prepared the meatballs in five years.

But an unfamiliar car waits for me in the driveway when I pull behind the house.

“Shit.”

Madeline?

But would she be so obvious? She came without a car the night before. It’s too cold for the driver to wait around outside, so it isn’t until I step out that I see it’s Bowman. She climbs out and nods at me as I approach her, her hands tucked deep into the pockets of her coat.

“I hoped you’d be here soon,” she says. Mercifully, the wind is calmer, sparing us the worst of the windchill effect. “I considered going up to Goodlaw, but then I thought that might be a little too embarrassing for you. Who wants a cop showing up at their place of employment?”

“Thank you for that,” I say. “Is there something you need to ask me?”

“Oh, yes,” she says. “A few somethings.”

“Would you like to come inside?”

“I thought we’d talk down at the station,” she says. “My car’s running and warm. And I’ll bring you back when we’re finished.”

“At the station? Is that necessary?”

“It is.”

I try not to stutter. “Yeah, but I don’t know—”

“It won’t take long.”

My eyes roam longingly to the back door of the house. Inside are warmth, sanctuary, calm.

“I have to let Grendel out,” I say. “He’s been alone all day.”

“Go right ahead,” Bowman says. “He might burst if you don’t. I’ll wait here.”

Bowman stays rooted in place, watching me while I approach the door. I’m hoping like hell Grendel barks when my key goes in the lock. It wouldn’t be the best look to have Madeline sitting inside the house waiting for me with Bowman standing in the driveway.

But Grendel barks, just like it’s any other day, which it certainly isn’t.