She’d really done the work. I was impressed.

I was also let down.

I didn’t know why, because I didn’t know what I expected to find.

Perhaps all the firehouses in towns like Magdalene had crappy microwaves, outdated kitchens and old TVs (until someone got new donated, that was).

Even though I didn’t know what drove me to check, I was glad I did it if only to know there actually wasn’t anything suspicious about it. That said, I wouldn’t have minded if there was something meaty to sink my teeth into so the guys would could demand a decent kitchen.

But it was what it was.

And therefore I’d give it some time seeing as there hadn’t been much since my last efforts bore fruit. Then I’d get some of the other MFD wives, girlfriends and husband-boyfriend (as the case may be with Misty) together to sort out a fundraiser for a new kitchen.

All we needed were appliances and cabinets. With Mickey’s foreman skills, the boys could do the fitting.

And with my skills at fundraising, that would be easy.

“Thanks, sweets,” I said to Robin.

“Major letdown,” she replied. “I was hoping for something juicy. Amelia Hathaway exposes corruption in a small town in Maine.”

“Personally, I’m glad there is no corruption in a small town in Maine since I live here.”

“I hear you,” she replied, and when she did I heard the smile in her voice. Then she asked, “Hey, since I got you, Lawr called me while I was at Pilates. I’m gonna call him after I get off with you, but do you know why he’s calling?”

At her news, my heart skipped a beat.

“I…can’t imagine,” I lied.

“Maybe he’s coming to town,” she said absently. “Usually when he comes to town, you’re here so I know through you and you set up the fun. Now you’re not here.”

“Maybe,” I hedged.

“Hope he’s coming and I love it that if he is, he thought of me even without you being here. He’s one of the three good ones, the other two being my dad and, hopefully, your hottie.”

I loved it that she loved that, and I loved it that she thought that about Lawrie.

“My bestie and my big bro, getting together even without me. Love that too,” I stated benignly but, if only to myself, leadingly.

“I just hope he doesn’t bring the ice queen,” she mumbled.

I decided not to reply.

“Anyway, I’ll give him a buzz,” she finished.

“Good, sweets. Now I gotta go. Plans with Mickey and his kids.”

“Wonderful, darling. I’ll let you fly.”

“All right. Talk to you later.”

“You too. Have fun,” she bid me.

“Thanks. Let me know what Lawr says.”

“Will do. Later.”

“Later, Robin.”