Charlie had spent the last several weeks at the academy with his nose in police procedure manuals, and being the new man on the force meant he was going to be pulling the night and weekend shifts for the foreseeable future—especially now.

“Long day?” A familiar southern drawl steered Charlie’s attention to the white fence in his backyard. His Aunt Byrdie emerged out of the darkness, stepping through the gate with a covered dish in her hands. Bane yipped, his nails scratching at the laminate flooring as he raced to meet their guest. Aunt Byrdie rolled her eyes. “I still can’t believe you kept this dog.”

Neither could he, but Charlie grinned when his aunt pulled a dog bone from her pocket and tossed it to Bane. The dog attacked the treat and trotted off a safe distance to enjoy it.

“I brought you dinner.” His aunt handed him the plate. “Meatloaf, garlic mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans.”

Charlie peeked beneath the foil and an aroma met his nose, sending his stomach roaring. He was famished. “It smells delicious. Thank you.”

“I figured you’d appreciate a home-cooked meal after the day you’ve had.” His aunt looked up at him and gave a wistful smile. “It’s pretty convenient that you moved in behind the Way Station Café.”

“Convenience had nothing to do with it.” Charlie lifted the plate of food. “Strategic reconnaissance.”

His aunt smiled again, and this time it stretched to her eyes. “Well, whatever it is, I’m glad you’re here, and I hope you plan on staying a while.”

Charlie started to answer, but his cell phone rang.

“I won’t keep you.” His aunt waved her hands in the air and turned to leave before pausing. “When you finish your dinner, you can stop by and grab a bowl of peach cobbler.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Charlie picked up his cell phone and shook his head. His mom. It’d only been, what—an hour since her last call? He’d let them all roll over to voicemail, but if he didn’t answer soon she would probably be calling the sheriff.

“Hey, Mom.” Bane, finished with his treat, followed Charlie inside the house and immediately found his green ball and nosed it toward Charlie’s foot. Charlie kicked it and watched the dog slip across the wood floor as he chased it under a table.

“Finally. I was about to call your uncle.”

Charlie snorted. “I was working.”

“All day? It’s almost ten o’clock. I was hoping you were out . . . with friends.”

His mother did nothing to hide the concern in her tone. Bane found the ball and dropped it. He waited for Charlie to continue the game. He decided it probably wasn’t best to inform her that his only friend at the moment was a stray dog. Charlie kicked the ball down the hallway this time.