What was wrong with Jeff? She was talking to him about the most important thing in their lives, and he ignored her? Then he refused to tell her why.

As she walked, she struggled not to scream in frustration.

What’s he keeping from me?

She closed her hands into fists and stifled a sob as she rounded the corner of her block and approached the Dillards’ home.

Oh no, I should’ve gone the other way. She didn’t want them to see her this way—not like this, not now.

Too late.

Roland was in the front yard, working in the garden, and noticed her just as she cupped her hands to her face and swept away her tears.

“Lisa? What’s wrong?”

Dillard left his flowers and moved toward the sidewalk. She accomplished a weak smile with a measure of composure.

“I’m okay.”

“You seem upset.”

“I was just thinking about something sad, that’s all.”

“Maybe I can help?”

“No, thanks, Roland.” Lisa blinked a few times, checked the yard. “How’s Nell?”

“Oh, pretty much the same.” He tugged off his gloves. “She’s resting now.”

“The other day when you were with her at the Palm Creek Mall, I saw only you in the parking lot, and you drove away alone. I was worried that something had happened to her because you had indicated she was in the restroom.”

Dillard’s face held a question as if searching to understand, then he found the answer.

“Oh, yes. Nell was tired and went to the front entrance. It was a shorter walk. I got the car and drove around to get her.”

“I see. I was worried I didn’t see her, and I guess I thought that because of her condition you’d have a permit to park closer.”

“No, she didn’t want to get one, always prefers to make the walk whenever she can.” Dillard took stock of Lisa. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seemed troubled.”

“I was thinking that I’m so lucky that you and Jeff got the guy who attacked me and he’s in jail. Do you think he’ll get bail?”

“Loften?” Dillard shook his head. “Not likely.”

“How do you know?”

“From what I heard, he’s a drifter with no ties to Florida. That makes him a flight risk. He’s facing more charges. He’ll be jailed right through to his trial or his sentencing if he pleads. Don’t worry, that guy’s going to be locked up for a long time.”

“Good.”

Dillard looked at her, trying to make eye contact.

“That’s not all that’s troubling you, is it, Lisa?”

“Oh,” she exhaled, looked off and released a little laugh. “I just had a little disagreement and needed to clear my head.”

“Well, it’s none of my business, but did you disagree with Jeff?”

She met his probing blue eyes and nodded.