“Think you could maybe write me a note—sort of an official excuse or pass?”

Patricia laughed as she got into her car. “You’re on your own with that one, Tanner. Make your own excuses.”

“Well, if that’s the way it’s got to be, I’ll just make the best of it,” I said. “See you later this afternoon, yes?”

“Yes,” she replied. “This afternoon. See if you can stay out of trouble until then.”

“I’ll give it a try,” I said.

Patricia waved and wheeled away.

Damn, I thought as I watched her go. I’m glad to have her for a friend. And is that all she is to you, Tanner, just a friend? Because if the answer is “I don’t know” or “I’m not sure,” then that’s an answer in itself.

That’s too much to think about right now. Let’s have this conversation later.

Okay, but it’s not going to go away just because you’re uncomfortable. You can delay it, but you can’t act like the question doesn’t exist.

Yeah, but later. When I can give it the attention it deserves.

I climbed into the old Chevy and pointed her toward Dutch Island. “You’re a good car,” I said as I gave her a pat on the dash. “I think you saved my life.”

Fifteen minutes later, I pulled into the yard in front of the cabin.

The morning was clear and the day was bright as I switched off the engine, parked in front of the cabin, and got out. I heard work noises coming from the dock. Danny Ray and Parker were at it already. I really needed to lie down and catch a few hours’ sleep, but I’d feel like a real slouch if I did that while the guys were working on my boat. So, I went down to the dock to lend a hand.

Parker and Danny Ray greeted me perfunctorily and then stuck their heads back into their work. It was obvious they were consumed by what they were doing and had little time for social pleasantries. I acted as an additional set of hands and did what I was told. Then, checking my watch, I saw it was time to leave again. The guys barely looked up when I announced I was departing again.

“Sure, Kennesaw,” and, “S-s-see you,” they said.

I retrieved a change of clothes and my other CZ 75 from the bunkroom. Yeah, I have two of them. When I find something I really like, I always buy a backup. Then I went up to the cabin to shower and head out on my next errand. After that, I was determined to come back and take a long nap before meeting Patricia and taking her to see Amber.

Shaved and showered, I phoned Marvin MacAllistair and told him what I needed. When I arrived at his lot, he was waiting for me.