Page 547 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

He considers me, arms crossed over his chest long enough for me to think maybe I’m losing my mind. Behind him, the sun’s rays filter through the window, tiny particles dancing on the streams, and the room is turning woozy and hot.

Maybe, really, maybe this is a dream, the variety that involves me being hospitalized. Maybe I was hit by a car and I’m in a coma?—

“Be Stalwart,” he says quietly.

I look up at him.

“It means be dependable.”

“I know what it means.”

“Loyal.”

“Mmmhmm.”

“Faithful, devoted, unwavering?—”

“I know what it means!”

“And?” His voice falls. “Are you?”

I blink at him. Open my mouth. Close it. “I don’t know.”

That’s when the room starts to pitch. Sideways, my head about to explode. I reach for the wall and find instead his hand on my arm, guiding me to a chair.

I dip my head forward, cradling it in my hands.

His hand falls on my shoulder. “Cold cases, you say?”

So he was listening. I nod.

“Unanswered questions, promises unkept.”

I draw in a breath. Look up at him. “Is this real?”

“Tell me. How did you find me?” Those blue eyes hold mine like a vice.

“We met before.”

He gives the slightest of nods. “Wewillmeet, then.”

I return the nod.

“And what do I tell you?”

“That…that the watch is working.”

He smiles. “Indeed.”

His hand squeezes my shoulder and a moment later, Sheila comes in with the lemonade. She hands it to me. “Fresh squeezed. Nothing artificial. But it’s a little tart, so be careful.” Then she grins and takes Art’s hand just like Eve has taken mine for the past million years.

I really miss Eve.

“Can I get back?” I whisper, taking a drink. It is tart, and my throat tightens, my eyes burning.

“Yes.” He pauses and draws in a breath. “I think so.”

A fist releases inside me.

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