It was Rachel’s turn to nod. “Hawley was like the son Dad never had. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this—even after Mom died. It’s different; that was pure grief. But this . . .” She hesitated, fumbling for exactly how to put it. “This is something else entirely,” she said, finishing the thought.

Everett was quiet for a moment. “Anger?” he finally suggested.

“Yes. I think that’s it exactly,” agreed Rachel. “I’ve just never seen it before.”

“Probably a long time coming,” said Everett. “At least since your mum died.”

Rachel felt the tears coming again. She linked her arm through Everett’s and they moved forward. “Did I tell you how happy I am to see you?”

“Yes, but I will never tire of hearing it.” He smiled and motioned toward the rear of the house. “Let’s see if we can cheer up the old man and keep him from burning down the house.”

“Oh God.” She managed a laugh. “He’s cooking?”

“Attempting.”

They took a couple of more steps. Then Everett stopped. “You do know that I’m very friendly with Mattie’s family.”

“I know you and her father teach together on occasion.”

“And that the whole family heads to Saint Moritz to ski each Christmas.”

Crap. So much for pulling stories out of thin air.

“You didn’t tell Dad, did you?”

Everett gave her a big grin. “Your secret—whatever it might be—is safe with me, darling.”

Rachel was glad to see some things hadn’t changed.

But as they resumed heading toward the kitchen, she knew she wasn’t ready to tell Everett about Detective John Frankel.

Not just yet.

“How is Matilda?” asked Grant as he set a plate down in front of Rachel.

“She sends her love.” Rachel glanced out the breakfast nook window at the narrow canal to avoid lying directly to her father or catch the gleam she knew had to be in her uncle’s eye. When she turned around, Everett was already digging into the eggs Benedict his brother had prepared and served them.

“Delicious as always,” Everett said. “The one good thing you know how to make.”

“The only dish I’d dare serve.”

“Reminds me of our childhood. Have I mentioned that before?”

“Only every time I make it,” Grant responded.