“I might have suggested that it wouldn’t take much encouragement for you to hare off asking for a transfer—which you know you would get—to some municipal posting downstate.” Sarah bit her lip. “I’m sorry. I just can’t stop meddling when I’m worried about you!”

“Did she scream and run off at that scenario?” Chase hesitated. “I might not tell you everything I’m planning, but I did vow a long time ago not to lie to you. I can’t say I haven’t considered the idea.”

“She screamed—at least, what amounts for a scream for Lily. She raised her voice and proclaimed you were to do no such thing.”

Chase smiled.

“What?” Sarah said. “What don’t I get about this?”

“Lily knows me.” Chase shrugged. “I’d try it—you’re right—if she asked. If I thought she wanted me there. Hell, who knows. Maybe I’d even like it.”

Sarah snorted.

“Okay. No. But I’d trade what I have here for her.”

“Lily would never forgive you,” Sarah said.

“I know. She’d never be happy.” Chase shook her head. “I wouldn’t do that to her.”

“This is a mess,” Sarah said. “How are you really?”

“You don’t have to worry,” Chase said.

“That’s not an answer, but I love you. And I trust you.” Sarah pulled an envelope from her back pocket and held it out. “Lily left this for you.”

Chase stared at it. This she hadn’t expected. She’d expected Lily to leave, even when she’d hoped she hadn’t. Now Lily’d surprised her again—just like she’d been doing all summer. She reached for it. “Thanks.”

“Chase,” Sarah said, “I’m sorry.”

Chase smiled. “Don’t be. I wouldn’t have traded this summer with her for anything.”

“That’s quite a statement.”

“Lily is quite a woman.”

Chase turned and headed back for her Jeep. She sat behind the wheel with the envelope in her hand for a few minutes before she finally opened it and read the single line. Her hand shook as she read it again and then a third time.

There’s always another summer.

Chase leaned back and closed her eyes. Sarah’d said Lily had talked about returning for another season. Next year. Summer flings were supposed to end, and they sure as hell weren’t supposed to turn into love. One thing she’d never be able to do was pretend another summer with Lily would ever be enough. She couldn’t do it.

Summoning the will that had gotten her through every other trial set in front of her, she radioed Nat. “Fielder, reporting back.”

“You’re off rotation for a week unless we get an emergency,” Nat said.

“Not necessary,” Chase said. “I’m good.”

“Not optional.”