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“I prefer my best friend’s term, cockapoodle-do.” Her smile turned into a bashful laugh. “Her name is Henrietta.”
Nutsbe turned his attention to the picture window and looked out front toward her car. He had never seen Olivia at that house; he’d remember. And the car didn’t seem familiar either, though she could keep it in her garage. That the car didn’t ring a bell wasn’t that unusual; Nutsbe didn’t normally memorize cars in driveways along his run. The bright raspberry door, though, stood out against the reliably neutral colors in his mid-century neighborhood.
“That’s a brightly colored door,” he said.
“When I left my soon-to-be ex-husband. I moved into my rental property and never got around to repainting that door. It’s not my style, but it’s also a low priority. It was the real estate lady’s idea for curb appeal, making the house stand out as memorable.”
“She was right,” Nutsbe agreed. “I knew exactly the door you were talking about. Big fence at the back of your backyard?”
“Very big. Poor Henrietta has a serious case of fence envy.”
“Why’s that?” Nutsbe was relaxing into the warmth of Olivia’s smile, and after the sound of female sobs jangling his nerves, this felt like a refreshing dip in the pool on a blistering day.
“My marital house has a fenced-in yard. She used to like to hang out in the back, make friends with the butterflies, and sleep in the sun rays.”
“Ah, well, that’s my fence,” Nutsbe said. “So not just neighbors but we abut.”
“Seriously?” She tipped her head back and looked at him as if she didn’t believe it.
“You have a back patio with blue urns. They’re empty, though. I can see them from my bedroom window.”
She laughed nervously. “So that’s right. Huh.” She paused. “They say it’s a small world. I shouldn’t be shocked at all that you’re my behind-me neighbor. At least for the moment, anyway. Divorce court is Tuesday. It all depends on what the judge says. I’m hoping—since my husband left me for another woman, then got mad that I wouldn’t take him back—that things will go pleasantly in my direction.”
The grandfather clock in the entry chimed.
Olivia leaned toward Candace, who was now quietly curled against Beowolf’s stomach with her eyes closed. She looked like she was asleep. “Six o’clock, Candace,” Olivia sing-songed.
Candace blinked her eyes open as if she was surprised and momentarily disoriented.
“How are you feeling down there?” Olivia asked. “Will going to court tomorrow with Beowolf at your side gives you a little more confidence? Make you feel safe?”
Candace shifted around until she was sitting up with crossed legs. “Yeah. How does all that work?”
“Would you like me to pick you up?” Nutsbe asked.
“I’d prefer to drive by myself,” Candace hugged herself tightly.
“Okay, I’m going to meet you here, then,” Nutsbe said. “And follow you to the courthouse. Once we’re there, we’ll park side by side. We’ll go through security together.” He pointed at her boots. “Steel toes?”
Her blush was made more vivid, surrounded by carrot-orange hair.
“They may set the metal detector off. I’m not sure of the rules at the federal court.” He turned to Olivia.
“I’ve never had it come up.” She faced Candace. “Do you have another pair of shoes you could wear? Something comfortable? But also, the judge is a little old-fashioned. And under such circumstances, every little strategic move can be important.”
“You’re saying I should dress like a demure lady?” She touched the spiked collar at her neck.
Olivia looked decidedly ill at ease with that characterization. “Do you want to go up and get something you think might be court-appropriate and bring it down? Maybe I can help you choose something, and then I have to get going.” She leaned forward. “Listen, Candace, I want you to be you. I want you to be comfortable.”
“But you also want us to win.” She pushed herself to stand. “Right. Me too.” Candace started out of the room, then turned. “Can I take Beowolf up with me?”
“Sure,” Nutsbe said. “Beowolf follow.” He pointed.
Beowolf shambled to his feet. He gave a whole-body shake, then the two trudged up the stairs.
Olivia leaned his way. “Do you have any questions about tomorrow?”
“I’d like to be near Candace the whole time,” Nutsbe said.