Nell, in light wide-leg pants with a paisley-pattern top and matching bandanna, looked strong, almost healthier. But it could’ve been makeup. Roland, in khakis and a navy polo shirt, let a smile grow on his rugged face as he presented Jeff with a bottle of wine.

Dinner went smoothly. The salad and lasagna turned out beautifully, and the conversation remained light.

“That was absolutely delicious, Lisa,” Nell said.

Roland had indulged in a full second helping and a large slice of key lime pie for dessert. Afterward, Jeff topped everyone’s wineglass, with the exception of Lisa, who was having water.

“And how are you doing, Nell?” Lisa asked.

“Good days, bad days. On bad days, I just go to my chair, rock and pray the pain away.”

With a gun at your side? Lisa thought, wondering if Nell was contemplating taking her own life, before pushing the thought away.

“Roland, do you think they’re any closer to catching Loften?”

Dillard peered into his wineglass, as if the answer was there. “Sooner or later they’ll find him.” He swallowed some wine.

“You hear anything more from your sources about any link to Loften and the woman murdered in Cleveland?” Jeff asked.

Dillard stared at him for a few seconds, then shook his head. “And how are things going for you in the high-pressure world of advertising and marketing?” he asked. “Is that South American deal working out all right?”

“Yes, it is. Work is good.” Jeff nodded. “Busy, but good.”

“How about everything else, Jeff?” Dillard cooled slightly as he stared at him, then he shot Lisa a quick, subtle glance before drinking from his glass.

“Everything’s fine.” Jeff’s gaze bounced to everyone. “As a matter of fact, Lisa and I are going to Europe in a few weeks.”

“Oh, that’s splendid,” Nell said. “I saw some travel books in the kitchen.”

“London, Paris, Dublin and Edinburgh. It’ll be exciting,” Lisa said.

Jeff raised the wine bottle. “More wine?”

As he poured, Nell glanced at Lisa. “You’re only drinking water—why’s that, dear? If you don’t mind me prying.”

Lisa blushed, smiled and looked to Jeff who nodded. “I’m pregnant.”

Nell clapped her hands and laughed. “Fantastic!”

“Congratulations.” Dillard raised his glass, inviting the others to join him in a toast. “Here’s to the best for Lisa, Jeff and their gift from heaven!”

Nell got up and hugged Lisa. “You see, I told you it was going to happen.”

The conversation shifted to baby talk—names, schools and a variety of other child-rearing subjects. Jeff loved the sparkle in Lisa’s eyes when she talked, something that had been missing for too long. What made him uneasy was the way Dillard was watching her. Something seemed off.

“Roland,” Jeff said, “how are things going for you? Are you consulting or traveling much?”

“A little bit of both. Mostly I’m preparing.”

“Preparing?”