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I’m not suresounded like maybe Jack did have a theory.

Ellery said cautiously, “I’m overreacting, aren’t I? You’ve found Dolph?”

Jack said slowly, “No. We haven’t found Dolph yet. You’re not necessarily overreacting, but there could be a benign explanation. For one thing, you’ve got a house full of practical jokers. Right?”

A wave of relief washed over Ellery.Of course. Of course that was the most obvious explanation. Either Tosh, Lenny, or (more likely) Chelsea had hidden the hatchet to freak him out. This was exactly the type of prank they’d used to pull on each other.

Granted, they’d never been in circumstances quite like these.

But it wouldn’t have mattered if they had.

“Yes.” Ellery gave a relieved laugh. “You’re right. That’s exactly what this is. I’m being ridiculous.”

“No, you’re not. You’re being cautious, which I completely approve of. Better safe than sorry.”

“True. But they’remyfriends. I should have thought of that. It’s the obvious explanation.”

“No worries.” Jack’s tone changed again. “Other than the case of the disappearing hatchet, everything okay?”

“Yep. Everything’s fine. I just brought the guys back from the ferry a little while ago. Watson was acting out, so I thoughtI’d take him for a quick walk and then I’ll see what everyone wants to do. Any chance you’ll make dinner tonight?”

“I can’t promise, but yes, there’s a chance.”

“Do you think Dolph made it to shore?”

“That boat was smashed to pieces. I don’t think so. And the officers who grew up on this island don’t think so. But until we’ve got a body, I’m not taking anything for granted. Please be extra vigilant on your walk. Maybe don’t go too far from the house.”

Ellery sighed. “Right. Well, be careful. It’s snowing, by the way. For real.”

“I know. I’ll talk to you later.”

“Love you,” Ellery said.

He heard the smile in Jack’s, “Love you, too.”

As Ellery disconnected, he realized that the blessed and sudden silence surrounding him was the result of Watson no longer barking. He looked around. Watson sat at his feet, head cocked, doing his best impersonation of a good dog.

“What was all that about?”

Watson brightened, wagged his tail.

“You’re turning into the little dog who cried wolf. I don’t know when I should take you seriously.”

Watson flung himself on the snowy grass, rolled over twice, and jumped up in the air.

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Ellery said. “Come on. Let’s go back inside and show Freddie and Oscar where they’re sleeping tonight.”

“Hey, Ellery. I hear congratulations are in order,” Freddie said when there was a pause in the conversation.

Ellery and his houseguests were having a light lunch in the dining room: wine, tapas, cheese, and charcuterie boards.Through the tall windows they could see the snow lazily drifting down, casually, as if in afterthought, carpeting the garden.

“Thanks.” Ellery, topping up Lenny’s wine glass, smiled. His smile froze when Freddie added, “I couldn’t believe it when I read inVarietyyou were coming back for theHappy Halloweenreboot.”

“What?”Tosh stared at Ellery. “You haven’t said a word.”

“That’s terrific,” Flip said. “But I thought you said you wouldn’t—you weren’t—”

Lenny interjected, “I thought you hated those movies?”