Page 58 of Royal Agenda

“Thanks,” she released her hold over the stones.

“Well,” Harry leaned forward, “I saw the whole thing happen. His big Viking of a friend came in, and the two of them took off like a shot.” He smacked his palms together and then shoved one forward.

Don nodded. “That’s how I saw it. They moved like they were under fire.”

“I could excuse an emergency, but he hasn’t answered her calls.” Nancy tugged on her jacket. This tracksuit was one of her favorites and always helped her feel in control.

“Whatever he’s running from, he needs to face it.” Don slapped his thigh with his palm. “And we’ll help him.”

“They need to get together and talk things out.” Polly was a level head with a big heart.

They all thought for a moment.

“Bowling!” Winnie shoved a finger in the air in an ah-ha gesture. “You get little breaks when you bowl, but you’re stuck together until the last frame.”

Harry considered her. “The atmosphere is fun—keeping it light.”

Rosa nodded. “And sometimes they dim the lights and turn on the disco ball. Aya! So romantic! Let’s get them bowling.”

“How?” Nancy prompted.

Don pulled out his cell phone. “I’m calling Sean. They’re friends, and if I tell him to be at the bowling alley tonight, they’ll be there.”

“What if he doesn’t bring Ryker?” asked Nancy.

Don narrowed his eyes. “He will. Or he’ll have to answer to me.” He winked, stepped out of the kiddie pool, and away from the group, his massive calves dripping water as he went, to talk to his grandson.

Polly’s eyes widened. “Does anyone else feel sorry for Sean right now?”

They all nodded.

“I’ll bring Grace. She could use a break from work.” She hadn’t taken time to think over the things Grace shared with her about hearing voices and creating families. It was . . . different. Then again, Grace had always marched to the beat of her own drum. That was to be admired. Nancy snapped her notebook closed. “Who feels like going bowling?”

Rosa shook her head. “We have the nietos until tomorrow morning.”

“I’m out too.” Harry patted his stomach. “Virginia and I are going to dinner with one of her old college roommates.” He grimaced. “I’m not supposed to call her old.”

Polly elbowed him. “We are old.”

“Yep. But you can’t tell my wife that,” Harry replied.

“I’m out too,” said Winnie. “I’m working on a new design project.”

Nancy nodded to her. “That leaves Don, Walt, Polly, and me.”

“I’ll drive,” offered Don as she hung up and rejoined them.

A lump of fear lodged in Nancy’s throat. Don drove his car—and golf carts, and anything on wheels—like he was driving a tank: everyone better get out of his way or else. Polly and Winnie found it thrilling, but Nancy preferred to avoid near-death experiences. Without a reason to object, she’d have to deal with it.

In matchmaking, sacrifices must be made.

She did love it when the team came together like this.

Twenty-Two

Ryker glared at Sean sitting in the waiting chair in the barbershop. He was not here for a haircut–he was here as a bodyguard.

“Can’t you cut hair faster?” Sean asked, checking his phone for the 100th time that afternoon. “I could be on a dive.”

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