Page 10 of Forever Gone

“Good,” Connor answered. “She still checks in at her group, and she’s delighted to have Selena back. They’ve been spending a lot of time together. Jessie’s getting onto me about avoiding her.”

Connor glanced toward the kitchen. Diane had gone quiet, though there was no telling how much she could hear from there.

“Selena came back for good,” he said. “She and Diane’ll have to deal with each other eventually.”

“Unless both of them decide avoiding the matter is easier. People can manage that for a lifetime when they put their minds to it, unless they have someone who knows better whispering in their ears.”

Robert’s words carried no accusation, but Connor felt one anyway.

He studied the floor between his boots. “I don’t think Selena needs me involving myself in her relationship with Diane.”

“Well, perhaps you could give her a little push.”

Connor raised his head. “Do you really think anyone can push Selena around?”

Robert considered that, then gave a reluctant nod.

“That’s a good point.”

The kitchen door swung wider. Diane entered carrying a mug on a saucer. She crossed the room and held it out to Connor.

“Coffee. Little cream. That’ll be fifty bucks,” she said with a smile.

“Thank you.”

Diane did not release the saucer immediately.

Connor met her guarded expression.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing.”

“That usually means something.”

“It means drink your coffee before it gets cold. I know what you two are talking about. I don’t want to speak with Selena.”

She let go and turned back toward the hallway.

Robert watched her leave, then turned back toward the chessboard. “And they said having girls is easier.”

Connor lifted the mug. The coffee was hot and stronger than he usually made it, with a pale swirl of cream near the surface. He took a cautious sip.

Robert reached toward the chessboard on the small table between their chairs. The pieces had been left in their starting positions, ready for a game.

“You have time for one?” he asked.

Connor checked the clock.

“Maybe a quick one.”

Robert began turning the board so the white pieces faced Connor. “We’ll start. If duty calls, we can finish it another day.”

Static burst from the radio clipped to Connor’s belt.

Both men paused.

Connor laughed. “I think he heard you.”