“You heard anything on the grapevine as to what that’s all about?” Jeff asked.

“No, I haven’t.”

“Why would they ask us about something like that? Because we’re from Cleveland?”

“That could be. Or it could be a coincidence. What’d Reddick tell you?”

“That it was routine, a query from another jurisdiction.”

“That sounds right. They’re likely working with other agencies, running down Loften’s history. They give you any details on this Cleveland case, anything about evidence or suspects?”

“No, nothing.”

“Interesting. Something would’ve triggered the Cleveland query on Loften.” Dillard took a slow sip of his beer. “I’ll ask around, see what I can find out for you.”

Lisa was in the kitchen with Nell drinking wine and helping with potatoes, vegetables and a salad.

Nell topped off their glasses with the bottle Lisa and Jeff had brought.

“I’m so sorry. Please don’t feel obligated to drink this,” Lisa said. “I should have thought before bringing wine.”

“Why?”

“Well, your condition, your treatment.”

Nell, wearing a head scarf, print shirt and slacks, waved off her concern and took a large drink. “Doctors told me that I’m so far gone, life’s too short to deprive myself of a little happiness.”

Lisa took quick stock of Nell as she expertly sliced and chopped vegetables with a large, serrated knife. Even though she was sick, and with her oversize glasses emphasizing her emaciated appearance, her motions and dexterity were fast and strong. It all conjured up an image of Nell assisting at an autopsy in the morgue, one which Lisa dismissed.

“All right, then.” Lisa raised her glass to toast. “To life!”

Their goblets chinked when Nell raised hers. “To life!”

After another swallow, Nell looked at Lisa. “So, you knocked up yet?”

Lisa blushed. “Not yet.”

“It’ll happen and soon. Trust me, I’ve got a feeling,” Nell said, her knife flashing as she cleanly divided a tomato.

By the time they sat down to dinner, it was near sunset.

Nell had dimmed the lights in the dining room, and they ate by candlelight. Small talk, beer and wine flowed.

At Nell’s insistence, Jeff explained the South American project, then talked about possible travel overseas. Lisa talked about her work, then how she admired the Dillards’ home and their gardens.

“I saw you outside the other day with Roland,” Lisa said to Nell. “I think it’s great that you’re so active, you know, good that you get out to places like the Palm Creek Mall.”

“The Palm Creek Mall? What do you mean?” Nell asked.

“Well, we didn’t see each other, but you were there with Roland a few days ago.”

Nell shook her head. “I haven’t been to the Palm Creek Mall in months.”

“But I—” Lisa threw a questioning look to Dillard.

“Nell’s medicine sometimes causes her to forget,” Dillard said.