Chapter 26.2

Instantly his pickup echoed with little-girl chatter. In the short trip home he learned every important thing that had happened that day at Tribute Elementary. The chattering and giggling, even the arguing, was music to his ears. Especially the squeals of delight when he told them Amy was coming to supper and afterward would tell them a story about their mother.

Brenda, thank you for sending Amy for the girls. They needed whatever pieces of their mother Amy could provide. Riley tried to tell them as much as he could, but Amy knew a part of Brenda that he didn’t. He was probably more eager to hear about it than the kids.

The doorbell surprised him. He wasn’t ready. He’d wanted to clear her out of his mind before facing her again. Too late now.

“It’s Sergeant Amy,” Pammy called from the front hall.

He heard Amy answer, heard Jasmine and Cindy chime in. Laughter.

Giggles.

Riley washed his hands at the kitchen sink, and, still drying them, sauntered to the front hall to greet their guest.