“He’s putting a fortune into our pockets is what he’s doing, letting me in on this deal,” Bob said. “If you don’t want us to be millionaires, just say the word.”

That shut Gloria up, at least long enough for me to make my entrance.

“I have a proposal,” I said. All eyes turned to me. I think they were a little stunned, and embarrassed, that I’d been a witness to their squabbling.

“What might that be?” Bob asked.

“I’ll take Jeremy for a couple of days.”

Gloria said, “Take him where?”

“First, away. I’ve got him packing his bag now. Your number-one concern is Jeremy’s security. Instead of trying to make this place safe so he can stay here, it’s easier to take him someplace else.”

Bob was nodding. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“The whole country knows he’s in Promise Falls. Why not let them keep thinking that? You’re all big enough to look after yourselves.”

Gloria looked unconvinced. “I don’t know. I don’t like letting him out of my sight. I didn’t know this was what you were thinking.”

“I’d take good care of him.”

Gloria set down her wine glass. “Okay,” she said. “I guess it would be okay. I better go help him get ready.”

I held up a hand. “Like I said, he’s on it.”

She looked hurt. “He might forget something.”

“He’s doing great. If we’re missing something, we’ll pick it up on the way.”

“Where will you go?” Bob asked.

“I’m thinking about that. Maybe we’ll do a road trip, keep moving.” I looked at Madeline Plimpton. “You have my number if anyone needs to get in touch.”

She nodded, then said to her niece, “I guess you two can go back to Albany.”

“We can hang in for a few more days,” Gloria said. “It’s always lovely spending time with you, Madeline.”

Whatever stuff Jeremy had, it all fit into his backpack. He dumped it into the trunk of my Honda, which was still parked on the street. He was about to get into the front seat when his mother came out of the house. We’d already said our goodbyes inside, but evidently it wasn’t enough.

She threw her arms around him and pulled him close to her.

“You be good,” she told him. Over his shoulder she said to me, “You take good care of my boy.”

“You bet,” I said.

Gloria put her mouth to his ear and whispered some sweet nothing. I decided to give them a moment of privacy and got into the car. Jeremy joined me in the passenger seat fifteen seconds later. His face was flushed red with what I guessed was embarrassment.

“Have to go by my place first to get a few things,” I said, keying the ignition.

“Like a gun?” he asked.

“Like socks and underwear.”