Page 198 of Buried Too Deep

“That’s the plan, Cora Jane,” Val said as she merged onto Rampart Street. “I’ll be glad to have Molly relieve me tonight, not gonna lie. This has been one long-ass day.”

“It really has.” Cora turned to Phin, who’d been quiet throughout their interview with Clancy, only speaking when spoken to. His hand had never left SodaPop’s back, the dog plastered to his side.

But he’d made it through with no major mishaps. At least none that Cora could see.

“You okay?” she murmured, and he turned to meet her eyes.

“Yeah. Just can’t stop thinking about Jenny. How her father dumped her in that place and never came to visit.”

“Your family would never have done that.”

He nodded. “I know that. Kind of had an epiphany, there in Jenny’s room.”

“I figured. I could see the moment it hit you.” He’d physically reeled in shock but had rallied quickly. He’d been so good with Jenny. So sweet and calm. “What was the epiphany?”

“That my family’s always loved me unconditionally. I knew it in my head, y’know? But I think I finally got it today.”

Cora smiled at him, cupping his cheek in her palm. “Good.”

“You still going to see them for Christmas, Phin?” Val asked.

He nodded. “I am. Scared to death over it, but I’m going.”

Cora took his hand. “I’ll go with you if you want me to.”

His shoulders seemed to uncoil. “Yes. I’d like that.”

“I usually spend Christmas with Tandy and her father,” she said sadly. “Guess that’s over forever.”

“I’m sorry,” Phin said. “So sorry.”

She got that he was sorrowful, not apologizing. “Thanks. So…new traditions have to begin, right? What does your family do, Phin?”

He started to tell her, lulling her with the deep rumble of his voice while Val drove them through the darkened streets of the Garden District.

Her home for her whole life. She didn’t want to leave, ever. And now that Clancy had what he needed to arrest Alan, Sage, and Patrick, she could start thinking about her plans for the house that was far too big for one person. She could start planning for the way to best help Phin’s people.

Vets who needed housing security, who needed a fresh start. A hand up.

She selfishly hoped Phin came back to New Orleans with her after reuniting with his family. She didn’t want to start such a huge endeavor on her own. She could do it alone. She was sure of that.

She just didn’t want to.

“What the hell?” Val muttered as they approached her house.

There was a car parked in the driveway, blocking access to the gate.

Cora sat up straighter. “That’s Tandy’s car.”

Tandy was here. She’d come back.

For what purpose, Cora didn’t know. Right now, she was just happy to see her friend’s car.

Val parked behind Tandy, and Phin got out to look in her car, returning a moment later with a frown on his handsome face.

“She’s not in her car, Cora.”

But the lights weren’t on in the house. It was totally dark.

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