‘Frank? Not sure how much I can tell you. I was pretty young when we moved away. I haven’t seen him since his birthday party when I was a kid. Frank teased me the entire time and I told my mom and dad I didn’t want to go back there after that. We were never close and I didn’t like him, to be honest. He was a bully.’

I wondered if I could trust this opinion since it was in direct contrast to the image Cris and Rosie had painted of Frank. Thinking back though, Cris did say that Frank wasn’t happy that Adam came to the birthday party. But kids could be unkind and still grow up to be better adults. Maybe it was just a misguided childhood rivalry.

‘Oh dear, would you look at that?’ he said. ‘I have plans and I’m running late. I’m afraid I have to go.’

One last try couldn’t hurt. ‘Oh sure, I’m sorry to keep you. Would you be willing to meet up on a day when you have more time? I could come to you, if it’s easier. I promise it won’t take long, I just—’

‘Oh sure, sure, Lizzie. Look, I’m on my way out of town for the weekend so why don’t you call around next week and we’ll figure it out.’

‘Oh okay, where are you headed? I’m traveling to Connecticut for a work event and may have some downtime, if you’re not too far away maybe our paths could cross?’

‘Connecticut? Oh, um, well I’m going to this boat show in Rhode Island but my schedule is very tight. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have the time. Just give me a call next week and we’ll work it out.’

‘Do you know a day that may—’

‘I really have to go, honey, but call me next week. We’ll talk soon. Bye now.’

The click as he ended the call resounded in my ear, followed by silence. I pulled the phone away and looked at its blank screen, cringing at the honey. I was torn after that call. On the one hand, he was fairly forthcoming and agreed to meet up. On the other, he had given me sleazy, used car salesman-type vibes in how he addressed me and needled for personal information before giving up any of his own. And why was he rushing me off the phone so quickly? Something told me that I should look up that boat show he mentioned to see if it was really happening.