“I’m staying for a while, you know that. Though I do need to check in on my cat once in a while.” She hadn’t realized she would be gone too much to care for a pet, even a cat, and was grateful for her neighbor Allie, who would probably end up keeping the cat. She couldn’t bring Sudoku here because Owen was allergic. That’s all he needed.

“You don’t need to stay on account of me.”

“Owen, please, I want to. It’s been so long. I want to be here with you and Gramps.”

Maybe she should move back in. There was plenty of room. Gramps hadn’t liked that she’d rented her own place when she’d come back to the area a few months ago.

Owen pulled out a head of lettuce.

She dropped her bag on the counter. “I’ll let Gramps know I’m here. Are you making a salad?”

“Yeah, I’m not much for rabbit food, but Gramps insists he needs a good steak and fresh vegetables to keep up his health. He has big plans, you know.”

“I’m happy to do it.” She sidled next to him and stole the lettuce.

He handed over the knife.

She started chopping and immediately cut herself. Terra grimaced and peered at her sliced, bloody finger.

“Let me see.” Owen grabbed her hand to look. “Good job, Terra.”

She retrieved her hand. “I’ll be fine. Could you get me a bandage?”

He nodded and disappeared.

She ran her finger under the faucet, turning the water hot, and her thoughts went to Jim’s body again. Stabbed. By now the deputy coroner probably knew more about the weapon they should be searching for.

Gramps stomped in from outside with a plate of steaks. “Oh, honey, what happened?”

“Nothing. Just a nick. Owen’s taking care of me.”

Owen entered the kitchen, opened the bandage, and pressed it over the cut. His bright demeanor when she’d first arrived had now diminished. She focused on finishing the salad.

“Forget the salad. I’m ready to eat,” Gramps said.

“No, there’s plenty. I’ll just toss it in a bowl.” She finished up and gathered extra bowls, then sat at the small kitchen table with her grandfather and Owen. Just like old times. Sort of. Owen had been deployed most of the time she had lived with her grandfather.

Gramps gave her a sympathetic look. “Any news about the murder?”

“I’m not part of that investigation unless they ask for assistance. A few rangers and forest service law enforcement are helping look for a murder weapon.”

“A needle in a haystack, that.” Gramps cut into his steak.

She agreed and closed her eyes as she took a bite of steak, savoring the flavor and relishing the company.