Page 50 of Sycamore Circle

“Ah.”

“Why?”

“No reason.”

She wondered if that was the truth—or if he was trying to see if she’d spent the day at the police station. Which she had not. “What are you up to?”

“Nothing too much. Just work stuff. I’ve got a guy about to be released from here and I’ve been talking him through some things.”

Pushing off her worries, she focused on him. “You really do a good job.”

“Sometimes, I don’t know. Not like you. Chance couldn’t say enough good things about you, by the way.”

“He’s sweet. I’m seeing him again tomorrow.”

“Where?”

“At the library again.”

“Ah. Good to know. So, did you stop by the police station?”

“No, I didn’t.”

She could practically see him trying to weigh his words. “All right.”

Ironically, she now felt guilty. “I had a lot of things to do, but I did hear what you said. I’ll go by there later this week.”

“I hope so.” He lowered his voice. “I’m not trying to boss you around, honey. It’s just important, yeah? You want to keep safe.”

“Joy?” Her mother was standing just two feet away.

Joy jumped. “Um, I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go.”

“I’ll text you later, girl.”

She got little chill bumps every time he said that. “I hope so. Bye.”

“Bye.”

What was it about that guy? Without even trying he could lift her spirits and make her feel warm all over.

“Was that Bo?” Chloe asked.

Oh... oh, crap. “Um, yes, it was.”

As expected, her mother pounced on that tidbit. “Who is Bo?”

Chloe smiled. “Grandma, Mom met a man named Bo and he’s been texting her.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“You didn’t tell me you were dating, Joy.”

“I’m not. I’m just, ah, testing the waters.”

“What’s he like? And is he French?”

French? Where did her mother get that? “Uh no. Why?”

“Beau—or is it short for Beauregard?”

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