Taking a deep breath and smoothing her hair, Skye spoke across the counter. “Hello, my name is Skye Denison and I need to report some vandalism to my home.”

Crystal wrinkled her forehead “Like, okay, ma’am, but the, uhm, officer is out patrolling.”

“Could you radio for him to come in? I’ll wait.” Skye frowned. Ma’am? Do I look like a ma’am? How old does she think I am? I’ll never go to bed without putting on my face lotion again.

“Uhm, well, okay, but it could be a while.” Crystal sat down in front of her console and grimaced.

Skye took a seat in the cracked vinyl bench provided for those who had business with the police.

Only a few minutes had gone by and she was rummaging in her purse for something to eat, having missed lunch and not yet had dinner, when the door was flung open.

Officer Quirk marched past her and leaned across the counter. “Crystal, how many times have you been told not to mention names on the radio?”

Crystal chewed on a nail. “Sorry, I forgot.” Her face darkened. “Like, there are too many rules and things to remember. This is way harder than my last job.”

Quirk seemed to see Skye for the first time. “Her last job was of the fast-food variety,” he said. “She told us it was too much pressure.”

Skye followed Quirk to the back of the station into a room with a table and chairs. “So why did she get hired here? She’s obviously a few fries short of a Happy Meal.”

Quirk grabbed a pen and a clipboard with a pad of forms attached, then sat at the table. “Did you catch her full name?”

Sitting across from him, Skye pursed her lips. “No. What is it?”

“Clapp, Crystal Clapp.”

“That’s awful. So she was hired out of pity?” Skye arched a brow.

“No, she was hired out of self-preservation. Eldon Clapp, our beloved mayor, is her father.” Quirk sat back, his leather utility belt squeaking. “Now what can I do for you, Ms. Denison?”

Skye explained about the windows and reminded him that earlier in the week her tires had been slashed.

“Sounds like you’ve got an enemy. Can you think of anyone who would want to harass you?” Quirk didn’t look up from the form he was filling out.

Her mind flew to the Yoders, Hap Doozier, and the Underwoods before flitting briefly to the twins and her Uncle Dante. She took a deep breath. “Would you like the list alphabetically or divided by family versus workplace?”

CHAPTER 8

Ladybug, Ladybug, Fly Away Home

After finishing with Quirk, Skye called her insurance agent, a cousin on her father’s side. “Kevin, this is Skye. How’re you doing?”

“Fine, fine. Sorry to hear about your grandma.”

“Thanks.” Skye took a deep, calming breath. It was difficult to talk about her. “I’ll really miss her.”

“Yeah, I remember you were close to Antonia. When you were gone for so many years it seemed like, besides your parents and Vince, she was the only one you kept in contact with. I think our mutual grandma was a little jealous.”

“I sent Grandma Denison a postcard every week I was away.” Skye felt guilty she hadn’t been to see that grandmother in a while. “Anyway, the reason I called is business rather than family. The cottage I’m renting was vandalized.”

Kevin’s tone became serious. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. I wasn’t home at the time. On first glance it looks like they broke all the windows, but I didn’t go inside.”

“Did you report this to the police?” Kevin sounded concerned.

“I’m calling from the station. Officer Quirk is filing the necessary papers and has headed out to investigate. Can you believe he ordered me not to go with him?” Skye frowned at the memory.

“Yes, I can believe it. Especially after your adventure in investigation last fall. Let the police do the job they’re paid to do.” He paused, as if reluctant to ask the next question. “Did you ever get the check for your car?”

“Not yet, and I need it so I can give Grandma’s Buick back to the estate. Isn’t there anything you can do? The company did finally admit my car was totaled.”

“There was some hang-up because technically the damage didn’t occur due to an accident. Still, I thought they had resolved that issue. I’ll check on it tomorrow.” Kevin paused again. “Did I hear that your tires were slashed a couple days ago?”

“Yes.” She answered cautiously, wondering what his question was leading up to.

“Are you going to make a claim?” he asked.

“Shouldn’t I?”

“I wouldn’t recommend it. Your premium has already been raised because of the other incidents. And you’d barely get anything after the deductible. You really need to be more careful.”

“Yeah, right. Like I go around trying to get my property destroyed.” Skye abruptly changed the subject. “So, what’s the drill for my windows?”

Kevin sighed. “Get two estimates. Have the cheapest do the work. Send us the bill and the police report. If everything is in order, we’ll cut you a check.”

“That’s it? Where am I supposed to live while all this is done?”

“You opted for the cheap policy, remember? It doesn’t provide for motel stays or rental cars.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right.” Skye chewed her lip. “I just didn’t have the extra hundred at the time and I didn’t want to ask my parents for money.” Skye clutched the receiver. “So, that’s it, then. Anyone you can recommend to do the job?”

“We aren’t allowed to make suggestions. All we do is pay the bill. Provided you follow directions.” Kevin sounded uncomfortable.

“I see. So I’m covered with you guys as long as I don’t actually need anything.” Skye hung up the phone.

She looked around the police station. Its walls were painted a gray semigloss. Probably so they would wash down easily. The table where she sat was rectangular with a peeling wood-grained plastic top. Not exactly fancy, but imparting a certain comfort.

Skye was reluctant to make the next call, but she knew it would be better to break the news herself than let the grapevine get first crack at it.

Finally, she raised the receiver and punched in the seven digits that were as familiar as her Social Security number. “Hi, Mom, it’s Skye.”

May was quiet when Skye told her about the windows, distressed when she heard that the farmhouse had been searched, and sobbing when she was told about Mrs. Jankowski. She ordered Skye home immediately.

“But, Mom, I’ve got to go back to the cottage to pick up some clothes and toiletries.” She hesitated. “And, you do realize, I’ll have to bring Bingo with me.”

“Can’t you leave the cat there? It’ll be okay overnight.” The distaste sounded thick in May’s throat.

“There’s glass all over. He could cut himself. It’s either both of us or neither. Maybe it’d be better if I got a cabin at Uncle Charlie’s motor court.”

May sighed. “No. No. I guess you can bring that animal here. Your dad will meet you at your place in fifteen minutes.”

“Dad doesn’t need to come. Quirk is checking it out.”

May went on as if she hadn’t heard Skye. “Don’t go in without him.”

“Look, it’s silly to bother Dad. I’ll be at your house in twenty minutes, tops.”

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” May’s voice thickened with tears. “Wait for your father. Just this once, do it my way.”

“Yes, Mom.”

When Skye got back to her car, she found Bingo standing with his front paws on the window ledge, peering into the darkness. Gently moving him over so she could slide in, Skye felt his sides vibrating in happy purrs. As soon as she was settled, he tried to climb onto her lap.

Shifting him to the passenger seat, Skye put the car in gear and drove off.When they arrived at the cottage, Quirk was gone and Jed hadn’t yet shown up.

Skye stroked the cat’s lush black fur and let her thoughts tumble through her mind like clothes in a dryer. She had forgotten to telephone Simon again. When he heard everything that had happened he was going to be ticked that she hadn’t called him for help.