He drove back to Mason and went past Vera’s house. There were two cars there: Nella’s and Forey’s. It looked like both Vera and Kelly were out. Vera had been home last night for the dinner, so where was she now? He hadn’t thought to check the paper for news of upcoming protests. For all he knew, she’d gone to Saint Louis. It was only about three hours away.

Adam thought about going home, but instead he went to the local barbecue place and got ribs and Cokes. His next job called for food. He needed to apologize to Kelly.

But first, he had to find her. The vet clinic was closed on Sundays and Dr. Carl took care of any overnight animals. Adam wasn’t sure where Kelly would be but he had an idea.

He parked his truck off the road, grabbed the bag of food and walked to the frog pond.

She was sitting on the ground, surrounded by wild ducks. With any other human, the creatures would be running away, but not with Kelly. Her medical bag was open beside her, she had a duck on her lap and she was doing something to its foot. The other ducks were nudging her legs, walking quickly around as though they were nervous, or some were being still and watching.

Kelly was talking to them. “He will be fine. It’s just bumblefoot and you caught it early. I’m glad you brought him to me. There! Now it’s clean and I put antiseptic on it. I’m going to bandage it and I want you to leave it on. Got that?”

Adam was sure a couple of ducks nodded their heads.

She put the injured duck on the ground. “I know it’s a lot to ask, but please keep him out of the water for the rest of the day.” She watched as they all waddled off, the bandaged duck in the middle. They did not get into the water.

Adam was smiling at them and didn’t realize Kelly had seen him. She certainly didn’t look happy at his intrusion. He held up the bag. “Peace offering.”

She didn’t reply.

“It comes with an apology.” Still no reply.

“And I’ll apologize to Miguel and Vera and promise to never again be a jerk.” There was a tiny flicker of a smile on her lips.

“What’s in the bag?”

“Ribs.” When she nodded acceptance, he grinned, went to her, handed her the bag, then sat down about six feet from her. “Think he’ll stay out of the water?”

“I hope so. If not, I’ll have to put him in a cage for a few days.” They spread the food on white papers and started eating.

“Do you have a reason for searching for me? Last night wasn’t enough?” Kelly asked.

Adam grimaced. “I really am sorry.”