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The upshot of visiting my mother in jail was that it was a big mistake, like I had always known it was going to be. But at least it’s made my mind up about one thing: I’ve decided to tell Hayden the truth about his family. My mother can spin the facts until she throws up.

Back in the parking lot I’m still soaking up the A/C when my phone rings.

“Megan, are you at home?”

I avoid the question. “What’s up, Ronnie?”

“Can you come by my place?”

I hadn’t told anyone where I was going and Ronnie’s place is at least forty-five minutes away. It’s my day off, but being a detective means I’m subject to being called in at any time. This doesn’t sound like a work thing, and I’d promised the Sheriff I’d look into his councilman issue.

I say cautiously, “I’m about an hour away and Tony needs me for a project.”

“Oh. I just…”

“What is it, Ronnie? I’m heading home first.” I’m not. I’m going to get a stiff drink.

She says, “I’d really appreciate your help with something.”

“Can you tell me now?” I’m hoping to get tipsy and maybe call my therapist, Dr. Karen Albright. The meeting with my mother has left me unsettled. In truth I’m wrung dry from conflicting emotions and don’t feel like dealing with anything else today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day.

“It can wait until I see you again, Megan.”

I was so caught up in my mother issues I didn’t recognize the need in Ronnie’s voice. Now I feel guilty. “We can meet at Moe’s if that works for you.” That will cut about fifteen minutes off my travel time, and I’m relieved when she agrees.

The drive to Port Townsend and Moe’s takes me up State Road 16, through thick forests that sometimes almost block out the sky. As I head north and the road curls around Sinclair Inlet, I catch a magnificent view of the Puget Sound Naval Yard, the late-morning sun glinting off the hulks of the ships in the yard. It almost makes me want to pull over and take a picture. But then I remind myself I’m not the “stop and take a picture” kind of person.

I skirt the inlet by hopping on State Road 3 at the little town of Gorst, located on the shores of the Puget Sound in an area of primarily antique stores, clothing stores, car dealerships and espresso stands. My mouth waters at the smell of espresso but I don’t stop. Ronnie will be waiting for me at Moe’s.

Recently, Ronnie met my baby brother, Hayden, and though I’ve tried to discourage her from going down that path, she’s persisted in her interest. They’re not dating yet, but he seems to show up wherever Ronnie and I are having drinks or when we’re at my apartment discussing a case, and I see the looks they give each other.

They’d make a perfect couple but I have selfish reasons I don’t want them to get together. Mostly because Ronnie already has a paramour. His name is Marley Yang, divorced, two kids, a very nice nerd, and he’s the supervisor of the crime lab. Ronnie is beautiful and can get Marley to put us at the head of the line and sometimes to unofficially look at evidence. Her infatuation with Hayden will only hurt my chances of having priority at the lab.

I come out of auto drive when I reach downtown Port Townsend and spot Ronnie’s tiny car parked outside Moe’s. I’m emotionally drained from the confrontation with my mother so I hope Ronnie’s issue is an easy fix. And then I remember it’s Ronnie I’m talking about. Nothing about her is ever simple.