“What do you think was the trigger?” She asked.

“What set Todd off?” He thought it over. “You and Annie both mentioned something in his life that changed. The only thing I know of is that Lisa was spending a lot more time on the job, a lot less at home, and becoming a lot more assertive. A lot more confident, more sure of herself. Did that carry over at home, too? Maybe. I don’t know. Todd’s the only one who can answer that, and his lawyers aren’t letting him talk.”

“Sooner or later, he will. They all do. They can’t help themselves. Smart of Hal, shooting to wound, not to kill. Shooting would have been too easy a way for Todd to die.”

“Agreed.” He nodded. “So, you think you’ll be around for a while.”

“Connor’s back and isn’t sure how long before his next assignment. He needs his space. It’s his house. Besides, he said something to me about finding a place where I feel at peace. In spite of everything that happened here, I like St. Dennis. I like the people I met here…Vanessa, Hal…you. I feel at home. I’d like to see if there’s something more for me here.”

“Besides a job?”

“A job is a good place to start.”

“How about ice cream?” He stood up.

“I love ice cream.” She pushed out of her chair.

“Soft-shelled crabs?”

“One of my favorites.”

“Which would you like first?”

“Oh, ice cream, definitely.” She reached out her hand and he took it. “Life’s short, Beck. I’m thinking dessert first…”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARIAH STEWART is the bestselling author of numerous novels and several novellas. She is a RITA finalist for romantic suspense and is the recipient of the Award of Excellence for contemporary romance, a RIO (Reviewers International Organization) Award honoring excellence in women’s fiction, and a Reviewers’ Choice Award from Romantic Times magazine. A native of Highstown, New Jersey, she is a three-time recipient of the Golden Leaf Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey Romance Writers, of whose Hall of Fame she is an honoree. Stewart is a member of the Valley Forge Romance Writers, the New Jersey Romance Writers, and the Romance Writers of America. She lives with her husband, two daughters, and two rambunctious golden retrievers amid the rolling hills of Chester County, Pennsylvania.