Page 87

“Now that we have that settled, what's this silly idea with you and Graham staying here to watch over me?” Miss Laverne asked.

“We figured you shouldn't be alone,” I said. “In case this guy tries to use you to get to me, or something.”

“That's sweet, honey. But now that you’ve explained things, I’ve decided to stay with the Wylies. I’ve been wanting an excuse to watch over Delilah, so this works out well.”

“I don’t want my troubles to chase you out of your own home.”

“You’re not. You’re allowing me to do the neighborly thing, without Jerome feeling like he can’t handle things on his own.”

I mulled this over and realized she had a point.

Miss Laverne took another sip of milk. “Besides, you and Graham need some time alone to figure things out.”

Heat crept up my neck. “Miss Laverne.”

“I'm old, not dead, Joy. That boy looks at you like you hung the moon.”

Roxie grinned. “He's completely gone for her.”

“It's mutual,” Ava added.

“Can we please not discuss my love life right now?”

“Why not?” Miss Laverne asked. “It's the best part of this whole mess.”

Before I could respond, Roxie's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, and her expression shifted into a goofy grin.

“What is it?” I asked.

“Text from Hart.” Roxie looked up at me. “He says to tell you that you're starting the day shift tomorrow. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it.”

“Absolutely not.” I shook my head. “I told Graham I won't ask you for favors.”

“You're not asking. I'm telling.”

“Roxie, you needed someone for nights. I can't just abandon my shift.”

“You're not abandoning anything.” Roxie's voice carried the authority I'd heard her use with difficult pet owners. “I've got it covered.”

“How?”

“There's a tech at the emergency clinic in Franklin who's been wanting to earn the pay shift differential by working nights. I was going to talk to you about switching when she could get moved, but she won’t mind starting earlier.”

“I can't let you rearrange your whole clinic for me.”

“Joy.” Roxie's expression softened. “You're not letting me do anything. I'm choosing to help because that's what friends do. Anyway, it was always my intention to move you to days. Face it, you’re not alone in this.”

Miss Laverne beamed. “See? I told you that's how Jasper Creek works.”

The sound of heavy footsteps on the porch interrupted us. The screen door creaked open, and Graham's voice carried into the dining room.

“Ladies, we need to talk.”

Ava muttered under her breath. “Here we go.”

“Whatever they've planned,” I said, “I'm glad you're all here.”

“We're not going anywhere,” Miss Laverne said.