“I think you have an extraordinarily demanding job, this is a very busy time of year, and I would understand if you missed it.” Lily laughed lightly. “After three days with no word from you, I had reconciled myself to seeing the sights solo.”

Chase pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, you wound me. How little faith.”

Lily laughed again, the sound a delighted one. “I doubt very much I’ve dealt a lethal blow.”

“Then let me say that I would be very disappointed to miss you tonight.”

Lily sipped her drink and met Chase’s eyes again. This time her gaze held an invitation that did nothing for Chase’s composure. It was going to be a long night.

“I didn’t say I wouldn’t be disappointed that you couldn’t be here,” Lily said.

“Then all my wounds are healed.”

Lily shook her head. “Far too easy.”

“Where you’re concerned.” That earned Chase an eye roll, and she added, “I would have gotten word to you if I could have. I hoped Nat would.”

Lily squeezed her hand. “I know. And Sarah kept me up to date as much as she could.” She paused. “I was worried. I know there’s no need to be—I think it’s mostly I don’t know what you’re doing. I only know it’s potentially hazardous.”

“You don’t need to worry,” Chase said softly. “I had a very good reason to get back here on time and in one piece.”

“I’m very glad for both.” Lily gestured at the campers, parents, and staff crowded along the rails and sitting in the central seating area. “This really is fun.”

Chase nodded. “How are things going?”

“Well, I think. Quite a number of families showed up, and the campers seem happy to see them, which in and of itself is a miracle considering that teenagers usually aren’t keen to spend a night out with their parents.”

“I think when the kid’s been away half the summer at camp, they’re secretly glad, although they probably don’t say so.”

Lily tilted her head toward the far rail where Marty stood with Ford. “Their families didn’t come, but I saw Julia with another woman who I think is also Ford’s security.”

Chase grimaced. “I guess someone thought Ford would be a flight risk if she left camp. I don’t get that feeling, do you?”

Lily shook her head. “I don’t. She seems to have settled in, especially since she and Marty have become friends. The two of them have been doing a lot of the activities together, and Shannon and Ford don’t seem quite as tight any longer.”

“I don’t think I saw Shannon on my way through,” Chase said, “but I wasn’t looking for her either.”

“She was on the first deck with Derek. I think the two of them have a thing going.”