Page 70 of Sycamore Circle

She nodded. “We made homes for them in jars.”

“You did. But then we had to listen to Miss Knepp and give it a real nice place to live. With lots of branches and leaves and such. Remember?”

“Yeah.”

“Do you remember what happened to that little guy?”

“He made himself a cocoon.”

“He did.” Remembering Chloe’s worry, she added, “You checked on him every morning and every evening before you went to bed. And then...”

“And then one day he was a butterfly.” She smiled at the memory. “I was so shocked.”

“You really were. And then we had to let him out in the backyard.”

“And I started crying. I didn’t want to let it go.”

“But it was the right thing to do, right? Because no matter how hard we wanted him to be happy in that little container, he was different. He’d changed. That’s what life is all about, Chloe. Sometimes people grow together, and their home is always good. But sometimes it’s just not like that. Sometimes they grow apart instead.”

“Like you and Dad.”

“Yeah. Like me and Dad. And like you having your pretty room and not sleeping in a crib. I thought you were really cute in there, but it’s not the right place for you anymore.” She took a deep breath. “Just like in a couple of years you’re going to go off to college and your room here isn’t going to be the best place for you.”

“I get it.”

“Good.”

“Are you mad at me for asking you about you and Dad?”

“I’m not pleased with your father for getting into my business, but I’m not mad at you. Not even a little bit. You can ask me anything.” She smiled—and heard the doorbell ring. “I guess the detective is here. We better get up.”

Even if it was uncomfortable, it was time to get everything out in the open. She’d put it off long enough.

CHAPTER 24

After double-checking who was at the door, she let in Bo and a nice-looking man with a worn tan and some deep wrinkles around his eyes. Like he smiled a lot and went out fishing every time he had a spare afternoon.

“Miss Howard? I’m Detective Kevin Heilman. It’s nice to meet you in person.”

She shook his hand. “I feel the same way. Thank you so much for coming over. I’m Joy and this is my daughter Chloe.”

Chloe stayed by her side. “Hi.”

“It’s nice to meet you too.”

After Bo and Chloe seemed to share a long look, Bo said, “Where would you like to talk about everything that’s been going on, Joy?”

“At the dining room table. I left something there for you to see.”

“This new?”

“Yes. It was in today’s mail.” She hated how her voice had suddenly taken on a tremor. Clearing her throat, she added, “Chloe, are you sure you want to stay here?”

“I’m positive.”

“All right then.” After getting glasses of water for everyone, Joy noticed that the detective had out a pen and paper and an iPad—and that the envelope hadn’t been touched. That surprised her.

Bo stood up and gestured to the chair next to him. “Come have a seat, sweetheart.”

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