Page 68 of The Anniversary Party

“It gets better. As it turns out, Dr. Graham is the county coroner. The dispatcher has to know that, so most of these transmissions, including the most recent one, are for our benefit. They’re going to the farm manager’s house first. It’s closest to their route. Officer Duncan will formally take control of the scene. Doctor Graham asked for Bodhi to meet him there to collaborate on the cause of death. Bodhi’s reputation precedes him once again.”

“Or Aroostine was talking me up,” Bodhi said from the foyer.

“I’m going to escort Bodhi to the house. Aroostine and Carl will drop off the doctor and the police officer, warm up for a while, and then bring Hatty and John up here.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. I’m coming with you.”

“There’s no need.”

“Yes, there is,” Leo said.

He had a reason of his own for wanting to go to the house.

Hank shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

“Let me just let Sasha know the plan.”

“Okay, but if you’re not ready to go soon, we’re leaving without you. It’s getting colder and darker out there by the minute.”

“Understood. Just give me two minutes.” He raced back up the stairs and opened the door to the bedroom. The room was empty.

“Sasha?” he called.

No response.

He ran to the next room and yanked the door open. No Sasha and Maisy. He didn’t have time to search the entire second and third floors for them. Hank Richards was not a bluffer. He’d leave without Leo in a heartbeat.

He barreled back down the stairs and into the kitchen, where he grabbed Naya by the arm.

“Jeez.”

“Sorry. Did Hank tell you the plan?” he asked, catching his breath.

“He did. Seems like this nightmare is almost over. Did Maisy find you and Sasha to tell you we’re going to get people set up in bedrooms?”

“She did. But I don’t know where those two have gone. I left them in the blue and yellow bedroom, but they aren’t there. I’m going over to the other house with Hank and Bodhi. I’ll be back as soon as I can. When you see Sasha, will you let her know?”

“Sure thing, flyboy.”

He was about to hurry back to the front hallway, but something in her strained expression stopped him in his tracks. “Are you okay? You look tense.”

“It’s been a long day.”

“That’s true.” He eyed her more closely. “And maybe you’re worried about Carl?”

“Maybe a little,” she allowed. “But Carl’s a smart man. He can take care of himself. I’m just really tired of these bickering couples. It’s like being trapped in the studio audience of one of those therapist TV shows.”

“Let’s just hope nobody throws any chairs.”

“I make no promises,” she said.

“I meant them, not you.”

“My statement holds.”

He laughed. He was still laughing when he grabbed his coat from the coat rack and shoved his arms through the sleeves.

Hank handed him a flashlight and nodded. “Ready?”

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