He pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the write-up. “Thanks for passing this on. It does sound right up Noah’s alley. It’s kind of last-minute, though. The class may be full.” And who knew whether Noah’s foster parents would have the time—or inclination—to shuttle him back and forth, especially on such short notice?

“Couldn’t hurt to ask.” Charley refolded the paper and slid it back under his arm. “Beth appears to be recovering well from her surgery, don’t you think?”

Steve squinted at him. Had Charley forgotten their conversation at the studio—or had the man somehow gotten wind of Sunday’s visit?

“Have you seen her?” He sipped his latte. One handy deflection skill he’d learned as a cop was to answer a question with a question.

“I stopped by yesterday. We had a most pleasant chat.”

About what? And had Beth mentioned his visit?

“I’m sure she appreciated the company.”

“That was my impression. I noticed the beautiful flowers, by the way. I assume they were from you.”

Ah. That helped explain Charley’s earlier question. While one of Beth’s friends could have sent the flowers, the sort of lavish bouquet he’d brought would be more apt to come from someone who cared deeply—like a husband.

But that didn’t mean he’d hand-delivered them.

“Yes.” Nothing wrong with admitting he was the sender.

“A thoughtful gesture—and flowers communicate a powerful message.”

“If the receiver is receptive. She didn’t seem to be.”

As his response spilled out, Steve cringed. That was more or less an admission he’d been there.

“You may be surprised.”

What did that mean? Did Charley have inside information?

“Why? Did she say something to you to suggest that?” Since Charley had already picked up on his visit, why not see what more he could learn from the man?

“Actions speak louder than words.” He motioned toward the growing line at the counter. “If I don’t join the queue, my muse will get antsy. Talk to you soon.”

He took off before Steve could follow up on his actions comment.

Geez.

Charley was as adept at evading questions as a hardened criminal—but without the guile.

He tapped his cell and gave the photo he’d snapped of the art program offering another read.

Being stuck in a holding pattern with Beth was the pits, but at least with Noah he could be proactive. All he had to do was confirm a spot was available in the class and call the boy’s foster dad. See if Will Butler or his wife could shuttle the boy to the class for six Saturdays.

He had his first answer in less than a minute. There was room in the class for Noah.

His second call was more problematic. While Butler didn’t give the suggestion a thumbs-down, there were logistical issues.