He tromped up a set of rickety-looking stairs, set the groceries down, unlocked the door, used a hip to shove it open, and went inside, shutting the door behind him.

I resumed my walk at a much slower pace, looking back every so often but not seeing any sign of Skyler.

So. Skyler drove a decrepit car and lived in an upper apartment of questionable quality. But he’d grown up with parents who had oodles of money, and since his parents’ money was from gas or oil, they must have been recession-proof.

Why, then, was he driving a car that looked older than I was and living in some of the cheapest housing in Chilson?

Chapter 17

The next morning, under Eddie’s curious and critical gaze, I rooted a large canvas bag out of the front closet and filled it with an object I’d wrapped in a thick blanket. “It’s not for me,” I said. “Okay, normally it’s for me, but I’m lending it to someone else. All part of the plan.”

“Mrr?”

“It’ll work,” I said. At least I hoped it would. Rafe hadn’t been so sure, but he had said it couldn’t hurt and had given his blessing on his way out the door an hour earlier.

“I have to try something,” I told Eddie, and that he must have agreed with, because he head-butted my shin and purred. “Thanks. It’s always good to have the Eddie stamp of approval,” which was not sarcasm, but the absolute truth.

After giving him a long pet, I sent him an air-kiss and walked out the front door, walking in through the front door of the sheriff’s office ten minutes later.

Chelsea slid the sliding glass window to one side. “Good morning, Minnie. Who are you looking for today?”

“You,” I said. “I’m lending you something. You can’t keep it, because long term I might crumple up into a sad and whining ball, but I’m lending it to you and I don’t want it back for at least a week.” I put the bag on the counter and pushed it her way. “Two would be better.”

“Mysterious Minnie,” she said, smiling a little. “Can I guess what it is?”

“Sure,” I said. “Five bucks says you won’t be even close.”

“Hmm. If you’re so sure about that, maybe I won’t bother guessing at all.” She took the bag and peered in. “You’re lending me a blanket?”

“Temporary protective wrapping. It’s around something breakable.”