“I had to park three houses down. The people across the street have birthday balloons on their mailbox. I assume there’s a party in progress.”

Eve pressed a hand to her chest. “I think you took a year off my life.”

Cate crossed the room, detouring around Grace to stop in front of her. “I’m not the one who seems intent on doing that. How are you holding up?”

“I’m fine. Or I was, until you almost gave me apoplexy.”

After a swift, skeptical once-over, Cate pulled her into a tight hug. “Look who’s talking about apoplexy. You’re keeping me awake nights, you know.”

Eve hugged her back. “You need to stop worrying. I can take care of myself. You’re the one putting your life on the line every day. And aren’t you taking a chance by coming here?” She eased away to study her sister. “Couldn’t this blow your cover?”

“I worked it out with my handler. I’m good for thirty minutes. Fill me in on everything that’s happened.” She flipped the tail of her long, dark auburn ponytail over her shoulder.

“You want to eat while we talk?” Grace motioned toward the island. “I brought more than the two of us can finish.”

Cate sniffed and surveyed the food. “Do I detect sweet and sour pork?”

“Yes.” Grace retook her seat.

“I’m in.”

While Cate helped herself, Eve got her a Diet Sprite and set it on the table.

“Thanks for keeping my favorite on hand.” Cate slid onto a chair and lifted the can in salute.

“You’re welcome.”

“Be thankful I don’t have exotic, expensive tastes like our sister does.” She tapped the bottle of Tazo mango iced tea sitting in front of Grace.

“Can I help it if my palate is more discerning than yours?” Grace sniffed.

Cate scooped up a forkful of rice and shook her head. “What can you do? The baby of the family is always spoiled.”

Grace stuck her tongue out at Cate.

“I rest my case.” Cate grinned at her.

“Hmph.” Grace sent a pointed look toward their eldest sibling. “At least I’m not a control freak, like certain people I could name.”

“Truce, you two.” Eve stifled a smile. The good-natured bickering between her older and younger sister was always a hoot.

“I’ll second that.” Cate continued to eat. “Now tell me everything.”

Her sister listened while Eve recounted the events of the past five days, ending with the response to her blog post earlier in the day.

“And here’s another news flash. The detective handling the case has gone above and beyond to keep Eve up to speed.” Grace smirked at her. “He even dropped by the station early this morning.” She gave Cate an elbow nudge and waggled her eyebrows.

“It was a professional visit, and he didn’t stay long.” Eve sent Grace a silent back-off glare.