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“No problem.” Ellery lifted the pot of boiling potatoes and moved to the sink, carefully pouring the potatoes and steaming water into a large colander. His cell rang. He set the pot aside,pulled out his phone. Jack’s photo flashed up. Ellery sighed. He pressed the green button.

Already resigned, he said, “You’re not going to make dinner, are you?”

Jack’s pleasantly deep voice was apologetic. “I’m sorry. You know I wanted to be there.”

“I do know, yep. No worries. Is everything okay there?”

“Everything’s fine,” Jack said firmly.

Too firmly.

An impression confirmed, when Ellery asked, “Isit?”

“Yes. That said, do me a favor and don’t take your friends for any moonlight strolls.”

“Uh... Okay.”

“And go ahead and set the security system now.”

“Now?”

“Yes.”

Ellery took a moment to absorb that before asking carefully, “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“Mm-hm.” Jack added in a carefully neutral tone, “That’s a qualified yes. There’s no actual confirmation, but it’s looking more like a possibility.”

“A possibility? How strong a possibility?”

Jack’s tone stayed neutral despite the alarming words, “Maybe more probability than possibility.”

“Fantastic.”

“I know. But it’s not for sure. There’s no need to worry your friends.”

Ellery rolled his eyes. “Riiight.” If Jack imagined for one minute that Ellery was going to withhold from his friends the information that there was even achancea dangerous mental hospital escapee was loose on the island, he was very much mistaken.

“At the same time, there’s also no reason not to take extra precautions.”

“Got it,” Ellery said.

For once Jack failed to read the room. Seemingly under the illusion that he had reassured Ellery that everything was under control, he said, “I still plan on driving out tonight. But it might be late. I definitely won’t make dinner.”

“Yeah, well. All things considered, I’ll be delighted if we see you this weekend at all.”

Jack laughed. “No, it’s not like that. We’re being extra vigilant. That’s all.”

“Uh huh.”

“Don’t worry. And don’t worry your friends. Everything will be fine. I’ll see you later tonight.”

“Okay.Pleasebe careful.”

“Absolutely. And that goes both ways.” Someone spoke in the background. Jack said quietly, “Gotta go. I love you. I’ll see you later.”

“Love you,” Ellery said quickly.

The phone on the other end clicked. Ellery sighed, disconnected. When he glanced up, he found the room was silent, his friends staring at him with open alarm.