THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

going to be working on that angle, and you’re sure you’re okay, Von and I will get out of your hair—but just until the next lead.”
    “I’m fine. I’ll call if anything changes,” Kasey promised.
    Riley hugged her. “I’ll go talk to the boss.”
    “It’ll take a day or two to get access to the evidence. Can I call in that rain check for tomorrow morning?”
    “Rain check?”
    “Our fishing date,” he said.
    She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t think so. I’m not very good company right now.”
    “Come on. We’ll do some fishing, relax, pass the day away. You need to be well and strong for Jake. The fresh air will be good for you.”
    Kasey wasn’t interested.
    “Tell you what. If you feel up to it in the morning, just show up. The invitation is open.”
     

 
    Chapter Twenty-Nine
     
    Kasey twisted beneath the covers, then kicked them off. She repositioned her pillow, but less than twenty minutes later, she grew chilly and grabbed for the comforter.
    The trip to North Carolina replayed in her head. They’d been so close to finding Jake. What could they have done differently? If she’d left for Leighsboro sooner, would the events have played out differently?
    Tired of tossing and turning in bed, she went out to the couch and tried to sleep there. She tugged the handmade afghan Riley had given her as a housewarming gift over her legs. But there was no getting to sleep. The sun began to brighten the sky. She pushed the afghan aside and turned on the television. The meteorologist forecasted the day’s weather as sunny and bright, warm for this time of year. A day to be outside, he said.
    She switched off the television and went into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. She’d need the caffeine to get through the day. Too impatient to wait for the coffee to finish brewing, she poured a cup mid-way through the brewing process and swirled in a sugar cube and extra creamer. It was supposed to be a pretty day. Cardinals whistled as they flitted in the trees and vines in the back yard.
    Maybe a day on the water wasn’t such a bad idea after all. Sitting around the house wouldn't make the wait any more bearable, and Scott was easy to be with. She sure couldn’t take rehashing this stuff over and over again.
    She finished her coffee and went inside to change into jeans and a long sleeve t-shirt. The last time she’d been fishing, it had been with Nick and Jake. Jake caught a sunfish that was way too little to eat. Not even enough meat for a fish stick. She laughed at the memory. It had taken a lot of talking to get Jake to let that fish go, especially once he realized they’d be eating the fish that his daddy caught. Jake had always wanted to be just like Nick.
    With her keys in hand, she locked up the house, jumped in her car and headed to Scott’s house, making it there without one wrong turn. Maybe she was learning her way around the little town already. She must have paid better attention to the roads than she thought.
    She parked on the street in front of Scott’s house to not block him in. The neighborhood was quiet.
    I hope he’s awake.
    She looped her camera case over her shoulder then walked up the steep driveway to the side porch door. She stood there for a long moment, pondering her decision to come. It was early, but Scott had said he liked to get on the water just after sunrise. After wiping her sweaty palms on her jeans, she tapped on the screen door. She waited a two-count, and then turned to leave, regretting the trip over.
    Scott opened the door. “I thought I heard something.”
    “Oh. Yeah. I didn’t wake you, did I?”
    “No. I’m up, dressed. Come on in.”
    She paused in the doorway. “Is the invitation still open? I mean, you said last night that you might go—”
    “Yes, I was just getting ready to head down to the boathouse,” Scott said. “I’m glad you came. Did you bring a jacket? It’s cooler on the water.”
    “No,” Kasey said, feeling stupid. “I didn’t think about that.”
    A hooded sweatshirt hung on the hook next to the door. “Here, take this along just in case.”
    “Thanks.” Kasey lifted a thermos. “I did bring coffee, though.”
    “Ahh, you do have your priorities straight.” He smiled. “That was thoughtful. I’m ready. Are you?” He started to lead the way, then turned back. “Are you crying?”
    She dropped her hands to her side. “I’m sorry. I’m so tired. I feel wired, and I’m just a bundle of raw emotions. I