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There was no aroma like the blend of grilled oysters and seafood gumbo, and Paradise realized she’d skipped breakfast after

doing her PT. Their table at Billy’s Seafood had a view of the marina with its boats bobbing in the waves, and the place was

full.

Hez slipped his arm across the back of Savannah’s chair. “I’m glad we’ve got a minute. I had an unexpected call last night—the

box containing the evidence collected after the Alden murders turned up. I ran up to Bay Minette and picked it up. It turned

up some interesting information.”

Paradise tensed beside Blake, and he put his hand on her knee. “Steady,” he whispered.

Paradise had thought she was ready to hear it, but Hez’s somber expression caused acid to churn its way from her belly to

the back of her mouth. “What did you find?”

“The Nike shoe belonged to Sheriff Davis. My informant believes that’s why the evidence box was buried in the basement. There

are witness statements that his truck was parked down the street and a neighbor saw him running from the house before law

enforcement arrived.”

Finally, an answer to the question she’d wrestled with for twenty years, yet somehow it left her feeling cold and bereft. Shouldn’t a resolution carry a sense of peace? “So that’s it then. It’s over.”

“I can bring this evidence to McShea so the truth is out.”

“Then what would happen?”

“People would know the truth.”

“Truth.” Bea’s sorrowful face in her memory segued to her beam of pride about her grandchildren. She’d kept quiet to protect

her family. Did Paradise want to explode the peace they’d found by saying this was the truth? “I’m not sure truth is what

I wanted. I think it was justice, and Davis is already dead and gone. Digging up these bones would hurt his wife and children

who did nothing.”

Hez nodded. “It would be a bomb exploding in their lives, but it might be worth it for the case to be wrapped up with no more

questions.”

“It wouldn’t be worth it to Bea and her kids who have gone on to build their lives. She’s so proud of her grandchildren. The

truth would trash the memories they have of Gerald, and it wouldn’t change anything for me. My parents are still gone. I think

I’d rather focus on finding my brother, no matter how long it takes.”

Blake’s approving smile warmed her and maybe even crept a bit into that cold space where the memories of the night of her

parents’ murder had begun to stir. “Hey, Savannah, can you get into the TGU enrollment records?” He laid out the story of

the student digging on the property.

“My sister can. I’m happy to get it for you. Or you can meet me at TGU tomorrow if that works better in case you have more

questions.”

“I’d like to meet you there, if that’s okay. I might have more questions. Is eight too early? That would give me time to get back for the park opening.”

“That’s fine.” Savannah gave him directions for where to meet.

The server brought their food, and they chatted over lunch. Paradise liked Savannah more and more. Maybe she’d found a new

friend in the area.

By the time they finished their meal, Savannah had a text from Nora. “Your van’s ready for you to take.”

Blake’s phone sounded with a message too, and he glanced at it. “Mom says the boys are dying to go fishing, so I guess our

afternoon is planned out for us.”

Paradise was ready for a day of mindless fun with the boys so she could evaluate how she felt about this turn of events. The

resolution of one question had come, but finding her brother might prove to be even more difficult.

***

Tupelo Grove University was showing its age and lack of funding. Blake noted the overgrown landscaping and weedy walkways.

The massive tupelo trees in the quad needed limbs removed. He parked in the lot on Oak Lane. Only a few students were out

and about.

He and Paradise got out of his truck, and he pointed out a gator sunning itself by the pond in the greenbelt. “There’s Boo

Radley.”

She gasped and a delighted chuckle emerged. “He’s still here? He’s grown a lot.”

“He’s an icon around the school, and I think the students feed him even though they’re not supposed to.” He examined her face. “You got a little sun yesterday out fishing. I’m going to cook up our fish for dinner tonight.”

He pointed out the administrative building to Paradise and steered her that direction with a light touch on her elbow. They

entered the wide hall with its soaring ceilings and followed the signs to the CFO’s office. A young woman in her early twenties

greeted them. “May I help you?”

“We’re supposed to meet Savannah Webster here to chat with her sister. I’m her cousin, Blake Lawson.” While she and Hez weren’t

remarried yet, it wouldn’t be long.

The secretary nodded. “I’ll let them know you’re here.” Her sneakers squeaked on the marble floor as she went to the tall

door to Jess’s office and vanished inside.

Seconds later, the door opened and Savannah exited with a welcoming smile. “Blake, you made it. Come on in. Ms. Legare has

a few minutes before her first meeting of the day, and I was about to clue her in to the issue.”

Jess’s secretary exited behind Savannah and stood out of the way for them to enter the office. Blake knew Jess and Savannah’s

family ties ran deep at TGU. Jess rose from behind the desk. She wore a green sleeveless dress that contrasted with her blonde

hair and deepened the flecks of green in her hazel eyes. Piles of paperwork covered her big desk and a window overlooked a

green space with park benches under towering live oak trees.

Blake shook her hand. “This is the park’s vet, Paradise Alden.”

Jess indicated for them to have a seat in the chairs facing her desk. Savannah perched on the corner of the desk since there

were only two seats.

“Welcome to TGU,” Jess said. Her curiosity about their visit hung in the air.

“I’ll try not to delay you, but I wondered if you could help us. I’m sure you know about the constant barrage of attacks at The Sanctuary.”

“Oh yes. I’m sorry you’re having to deal with it.”

“We had a new wrinkle over the weekend.” He told her about Nicole Grant and her claim she was working on a school project.

“Her story could be true, but it seemed a little too convenient.”

Jess frowned. “And if it was for a school project, she should have contacted you or your mother and asked permission. We certainly

wouldn’t condone her taking coal or digging on your property without authorization.”

“Have you heard whether there might be a project like that in your geology department?”

“Hang on, let me see what classes she’s taking. I can direct you to her professor.” She jiggled the mouse on her desk and

leaned toward her computer screen. After a few moments of study, Jess leaned back in her chair. “We don’t have a student named

Nicole Grant. We have no Grants at all and no Nicoles. I checked in case she gave a false name.”

“I had a feeling her story was bogus.”

Savannah hopped off the edge of the desk and came around and hugged him. “You’ve been so good to Hez, and I’m grateful.”

“He’s like a brother instead of a cousin. I’m glad to see things are going so well for both of you.” He released her.

She turned to Paradise and hugged her too. “I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of each other, Paradise. I’ll walk the two of you

out.” Savannah waggled her fingers at her sister. “Thanks, Jess.”

He and Paradise added their fervent thanks as well, and moments later the two of them stepped out into the sun as Savannah

headed back to her office.

“I like her so much,” Paradise said.

“She’s great. I’ll tell you more about their story sometime. They’ve traveled some rough roads together and made it to the other side.” He walked with her back past the greenbelt toward his truck. “I’ll shoot Hez that plate number and see what he can discover about Nicole Grant.”

He opened the truck door for Paradise, and she slid in. He shut the door and noticed a man watching them. He climbed under

the wheel of his truck. “See that guy across the pond? Do you recognize him? The tree shadows are hiding his face, so it’s

more his shape that’s familiar.”

Paradise stared through the windshield at the figure who continued to watch them. “Let’s go find out.” She hopped out of the

truck and started that way.

Blake followed and stepped in front of her. “Let me go first. He could have a weapon.”

“I don’t think he’s dangerous. He’s not running and doesn’t seem to mind that we’ve seen him.”

The man stepped out of the shadows, and Blake recognized him instantly. “It’s Clark Reynolds.” Had he followed them to continue

his vendetta against Blake?