Carolina Moon

through the park. Roses were blooming and pools of wax begonias spread in crimson and white. Trees cast long shadows and welcome shade, and a few people sat or stretched under them. Young people, Tory noted, not yet stone-set in the tradition of five-thirty supper. They’d go out for pizza later, or a burger, then flock somewhere with others like them to listen to music or their own voices.
    She’d done the same once, briefly. But it seemed like decades ago. It seemed like another woman entirely who had elbowed her way into a crowded club, to dance, to laugh. To be young.
    She’d already lost all that once. She would not lose the new life she’d just begun.
    Deep in thought, she came out of the line of trees and started across the green slope that led to the apartment building.
    Bee shot across the lawn like a bullet, yapping insanely.
    “You sure get around, don’t you?” Charmed, Tory crouched and let herself be attacked.
    “She’s been inside most of the day.” Faith strolled up, pleased when her pup deserted Tory to leap on her. “She’s got a lot of energy.”
    “So I see.” Tory glanced up, pursed her lips as she straightened. “That’s not your usual look,” she commented, studying the overlarge T-shirt over Faith’s linen slacks.
    “Still works for me, doesn’t it? I spilled something on my blouse earlier. Borrowed this from Wade.”
    “I see.”
    “Yes, I suppose you do. You have a problem with that?”
    “Why should I? Wade’s a big boy.”
    “I could say something crude about that, but I’ll let it pass.” Faith skimmed her sleek hair behind her ear, smiled broadly. “Tired of the solitude of the marsh? Going apartment hunting?”
    “No, I like my house. I’m just dropping by to see a potential employee. Sherry Bellows.”
    “Well, that’s a coincidence. I’m here to see her myself. Wade’s still tied up at his office, and he hasn’t been able to reach her all day. Her dog was hit by a car late this morning.”
    “Oh no.” Instantly the reserve fled. “She’ll be heartbroken.”
    “He’s doing all right. Wade went right to work on him. Saved his life.” It was said with such pride, Tory could only stare. “He’s not sure how well the dog’s leg will heal, but I’m betting it’ll be right as rain.”
    “I’m glad to hear it. He’s a beautiful dog, and she seems to love him so much. I can’t believe she’d go off for the day and leave him running loose.”
    “You just never know about people. Her apartment’s there.” Faith pointed. “I was around front, but she didn’t answer the knock, so I thought I’d poke back here. Her neighbor said she uses this door more than the front.”
    “Blinds are closed.”
    “Maybe the door’s open. We can slip in and leave her a note, anyway. Wade really wants to get ahold of her.” She crossed the patio, reached for the handle of the sliding glass door.
    “Don’t!” Tory gripped her shoulder, jerked her back.
    “What in the hell’s wrong with you? It’s not breaking and entering, for Christ’s sake. I’m just going to poke my head in.”
    “Don’t go in there. Don’t go in.” Tory’s fingers dug into Faith’s shoulder.
    She’d already seen. It had slapped in front of her face, jumped there almost gleefully, and the copper penny taste of blood and fear pooled in her mouth.
    “It’s too late. He’s been here.”
    “What are you talking about?” Faith gave her arm an impatient jerk. “Would you please let go?”
    “She’s dead,” Tory said flatly. “We have to call the police.”

Hope

“Hope” is the thing with feathers—
That perches in the soul—
And sings the tune without the words—
And never stops—at all—
—Emily Dickinson

21
    S he couldn’t go in. She couldn’t make herself leave.
    The deputy who’d answered the call had been both skeptical and annoyed, but he hadn’t been able to hold out against what he considered two overreacting females.
    He’d hitched at his belt, tugged on his cap, then had knocked loudly on the glass panel of the door. Tory could have told him Sherry was incapable of answering, but he wouldn’t have listened or understood.
    But two minutes after he’d stepped inside, he was back out again. And the irritated smirk was no longer on his face.
    It didn’t take long to get the wheels rolling. When Chief Russ arrived the scene was closed off with yellow police tape and those who moved in and out carried the tools of their trade and their