Jack grimaced at the too-casual inquiry.

He should never have told Steve that he and Beth lived in the same apartment complex. It prompted awkward questions like this. And it wasn’t as if he knew her all that well. Her unit was at the far end, and other than their brief exchange at the funeral last June and a few casual encounters in town since she’d opened her shop, they’d had little contact.

But it was clear that despite whatever had happened to break up their marriage, Steve loved his wife. Wanted to stay connected, even if it was through a third party.

“No. You know how police work can be. I come and go at odd hours.”

“I hear you.” Steve motioned toward the street as a Hope Harbor cruiser pulled up. “Your reinforcement is here.”

End of conversation about Beth.

Jack expelled a relieved breath. It wasn’t that he lacked sympathy, but what could you say to a man who was grieving his son and missed his wife?

Officer Jim Gleason parked and joined them. “Sorry I was delayed. Emergency run with Methuselah to the vet in Coos Bay for Eleanor Cooper. The life of a small-town police officer.” He gave a good-natured shrug.

“How old is that cat anyway?” Jack pulled out his keys.

“Not as old as Eleanor. I hope I’m as spry if I make it to ninety-four. I’m happy to report Methuselah should be fine—and I got a piece of Eleanor’s legendary fudge cake as a thank-you.” Jim grinned.

“Lucky you. Where was Luis?” Her housemate usually took care of such matters.

“Working.” Jim surveyed the scene. “What have you got here?”

Jack gave him a quick briefing, said goodbye to Steve, then headed for his patrol car and slid behind the wheel. On any normal Saturday, he’d go straight home and sleep. But today was far from normal—and he wasn’t tired.

Besides, if he did manage to fall asleep, he could have another replay of yesterday’s dream.

The mere prospect of that sent a shudder through him.

Why not swing by The Perfect Blend, treat himself to a large cup of the decadent Mexican coffee Charley had gotten him hooked on? After the turmoil of the past two days, a pick-me-up was in order—and a caffeine infusion would help fortify him as he tackled the logistics of how to accommodate a ten-year-old girl in his life.

A surge of panic swept over him at the enormity of that task, and he picked up speed toward The Perfect Blend. Yes, he was delaying the inevitable—but a brief respite in the pleasant oasis of the coffee shop before chaos descended again wasn’t too much to ask, was it?