It fell on the wooden bedside cabinet with a delicate clatter and a hiss of the chain. At my questioning look, Caro’s expression tightened. “It’s the only gift Helena ever gave me. I’ve had to wear it every day for ten years, shackled to her, not to Christianity, just as she always intended.”

I released a slow, heavy breath. “I hope this doesn’t sound condescending or patronizing because believe me it’s not meant to be taken that way . . . but I am so, so proud of you.”

The right corner of her mouth quirked up. “You made me brave enough to do this. All of you—you, Roane, Viola, even Patrick. I—I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“You could have,” I disagreed. “And I think you’ve been thinking about this for a really long time. This didn’t just happen overnight, or because we offered you support to do it. You’ve mentally prepared yourself for this moment and finally got yourself to a place where you could do this. The credit is all yours.”

She released a shaky sigh and gave me a small nod. “Let’s go see how Roane and Patrick are faring.”

Roane and Patrick were waiting for us in the hall, Roane holding a manila folder in his hand. Shadow loped forward at the sight of us, and Caro reached for him gratefully. As if he knew she needed him, Shadow was loyally sticking by her side. That’s what I loved about dogs. Some were very attuned to our emotions and offered their loyalty and love in return for the same.

Affection wasn’t a game with dogs like it could be with humans, who often withheld it out of pettiness or in one-upmanship and doled it out when it suited their purposes. I guess that’s why I liked dogs more than I did some people. You always knew where you stood with a dog. Either they liked you or they didn’t.

“Got everything?” Roane’s voice was gentle, but his expression was not.

Caro nodded and he put his arm around her. “Then let’s go.”

I followed them out, thankfully without having to lay eyes on Helena again.

“You call if you need anything else,” Patrick said once we drew to a halt at the vehicles.

“Thanks, Trick.” Roane held out his hand to shake his friend’s. “I owe you.”

“You owe me nothing. It was my pleasure”—he shot the house a dirty look—“believe me.”

“Thank you,” Caro offered shyly.

“You’re going to be fine, Caro.” Patrick gave her a soft smile, nodded at us, and then got into his car.

“Let’s go.” Roane held open the passenger-side door for Caro while I got in the back with Shadow and Caro’s small, lonely suitcase. Before Roane put on his seat belt, he handed the manila folder to his cousin.