Page 122 of The Case of the Missing Love Stone

Honey’s expression remains gentle. Her thumbs stroke Scarlet’s knuckles. “It came because someone wanted to frighten you.”

“They chose your house.”

“And they found a house with locks, cameras, dogs, and two men who treat storm preparation like a sacred duty.”

Callum looks toward her. “The hurricane checklist has never failed us.”

“You laminated it.”

“Water resistance matters during hurricanes.”

Micah looks at me. “There are three copies.”

“Redundancy saves lives,” Callum says.

Honey smiles at them, all fondness, and returns her attention to Scarlet. “We are all right. My pack is safe, and I’m standing right here with you. You don’t need to disappear to prove you love me.”

Scarlet’s eyes shine.

Honey smooths a strand of auburn hair behind her ear. “You have already spent too much time alone.” The words come with the same care Honey uses when sliding coffee across the bakery counter.

Scarlet’s mouth trembles before she leans forward and rests her forehead against Honey’s. “Best friends, pinky swear tight,” Scarlet sings.

“Day and night,” Honey sings back.

Micah walks to me while Callum gives the women room. “They have been friends since elementary school,” he says.

“I can tell.”

“Honey decided Scarlet needed adopting when they were little.”

From across the room, Scarlet says, “I heard that.”

Honey smiles. “You were eating lunch behind the greenhouse.”

“I preferred the greenhouse.”

“You were hiding.”

“I was cultivating mystery.”

“You had mustard on your cheek.”

Scarlet laughs, the sound watery around the edges, and slips her arm around Honey’s waist.

Tom appears at the kitchen door and removes his rain-spotted hat. “The box is clear of explosives and mechanical devices. We are setting up a controlled examination on the porch.”

Scarlet releases Honey reluctantly. “Can I watch?”

“From inside, through the front window. No one crosses the marked line.”

Wes steps beside her. “Agreed.”

She glances at him. “You’re enjoying this a little too much.”

“Enjoying what?”

“Being right.”