Page 78 of Exposure of Murder

“He’s exhausted and might be sleeping when we get there.” She looked at her watch. “I’ll give him another hour before waking him up.”

“Did he say anything to you?”

She shook her head. “I feel so bad for him. Losing his girlfriend and best friend, going to prison, released with no job prospects, being hired here and now this … ending up in the hospital.”

Ethan enveloped her in his arms, pulled her toward him, and gently kissed the top of her head before tilting it to meet his gaze. “Bucky’s a survivor. And so are you. We’re going to catch whoever did this and put them away for a long time.”

Ethan’s phone rang, and he released her to answer it. “Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Great.” He hung up, a small smile on his lips.

“More police work?”

Ethan raised his brows. “Nope. I called a demolition company to take away the greenhouse once Scotty has made his determination. They’ll come out whenever you’re ready.”

He must have noticed the surprise on her face, because he frowned.

“Damn.” He grimaced. “I shouldn’t have assumed. I can cancel it if you already have somebody.”

She shook her head. “Ethan, that’s so sweet of you.” She let out a deep breath. “Unfortunately, it’s going to have to wait. I don’t have cash now, and the insurance company might take time to pay me.”

“It’s not a problem,” he replied. “The company is used to dealing with insurance companies, so they’ll handle all the paperwork and payment details.”

Jane felt thrilled and relieved by the unexpected news, knowing that she didn’t have to handle it. She didn’t know how much it would cost to have the debris taken away or if she even wanted another greenhouse.

Oh, heck, yes, she did. The greenhouse gave her the opportunity to grow her own food. When she was out there working in the soil with her hands, inhaling the earthy scent offresh dirt and planting seeds—planting her future, as it were—she felt at peace.

Ethan followed her into the house. They walked back to the kitchen, the warmth enveloping them.

“Want a sandwich?”

“Only if you’re making one for yourself,” Ethan said, leaning against a counter. “Otherwise, I’m fine.”

Jane opened the fridge, pulled out cold cuts and cheese, lettuce, pushed some items around and found the homemade pesto. From the bread box, she got a loaf of bread. “I made rosemary and garlic bread. Does that sound okay to you?”

Ethan shrugged. “Never had it, but it sounds delicious.”

She offered him a choice of mustard, mayonnaise or red pepper pesto. “I’ll make one for Bucky, too. I bet he’ll be hungry since he didn’t eat yesterday.” She nodded toward a cabinet. “Grab some plates, will you?”

Ethan got up and placed three plates beside her. She finished making the sandwiches, choosing mustard for Bucky’s and wrapping it in plastic until he was ready for lunch.

She handed the sandwich to Ethan and joined him at the table. “Sorry, I don’t have chips to go with it. If I have them in the house, I can’t stop eating them.”

Ethan laughed. “That’s been my problem, too.” He took a bite of the sandwich. “Yum. The pesto really livens up the sandwich.”

“Right?”

They talked about mundane things for a while, which was perfect for Jane. Her brain needed a reprieve from talking about the devastation. After they finished their sandwiches, Jane stood and brought the plates to the sink.

“I have double chocolate brownies, if you’d like one,” she said, glancing over her shoulder.

“I’d like one,” said a faint voice from the hall.

“Bucky! You’re up,” Jane exclaimed as he entered the kitchen. “Just in time for lunch.”

Ethan rose to shake his hand. “How are you feeling?”

“Crappy but better.”

Bucky’s face had a little more color on it. He’d changed into a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved flannel shirt with only socks on his feet.

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