“I’d planned on talking with Zoe’s roommate tomorrow as well. They lived together for a month. She must know some details about Zoe’s personal life.”

“Good idea. Now how about I walk the dog while you eat some dinner?”

“I’m not hungry yet.” She went to the closet for a pair of athletic shoes and the dog’s leash. “I’d rather we walk her together. I wish she’d eat more.”

“The vet said to give her a week or so. She’s had a rough time.”

“I suppose you’re right.”

They took the elevator downstairs to the lobby.

Gerome, the Rittenhouse doorman, stooped to pet Kirra. “I want all the dogs in the building to like me. If you ever run late or need her walked during the day, just let me know.”

Thinking about Conor’s dog and the possibility of future dog-sitting, Louisa put Conor on her approved guest list. With a pat on Kirra’s head, Gerome opened the door for them.

Conor took her hand as they crossed the street and followed the dog into the small park. A cool breeze swept through the neatly trimmed azaleas and wrought-iron fence that edged Rittenhouse Square. They strode along the circular walkway that ringed the park and turned onto one of the diagonal paths that ran from each corner and met at a rectangular reflecting pool in the center plaza. Old-fashioned lampposts flooded the paths and highlighted the Greek statues interspersed throughout the green space. It was nearly midnight, and the park was empty, except for a man walking a corgi on the other side of the square. Kirra led them down the walk, sniffing her way toward the center of the green space.

Louisa shivered.

“Are you cold?”

“No.” She glanced around. A cluster of people lingered on the sidewalk in front of a restaurant. She didn’t recognize anyone. No one was paying them undue attention, but Louisa couldn’t shake the creepy feeling. Next to her, the dog abruptly stopped sniffing and pressed against Louisa’s calves.

“What’s wrong?” Conor moved a step closer, scanning the area. The dog hunkered between them.

“I don’t know. Probably nothing.”

“Come on. She’s done.” He took Louisa’s elbow and steered her back toward the Rittenhouse.

She followed Conor back into the building, but she couldn’t shake the cramping sensation deep in her belly, the feeling that someone was watching.

CHAPTER 12

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