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enter. He slid out of his overcoat and hung it on the peg beside the door. He was so tall and good-looking in his navy slacks and red shirt stretching over his chest and flat stomach. His honey-blond hair had been tamed, revealing the slight graying at the temples. She resisted the urge to reach up and release the riot of waves.
    Gabe headed straight for Sadie and, to Kris’s amazement, handed her the flowers. Even as disappointmentcascaded through her, her heart sighed at the sweet gesture. Sadie’s face lit up with delight as she gathered the blooms close and breathed in.
    â€œThese are lovely,” Sadie said, her eyes watery. “Thank you, young man.”
    â€œYou’re welcome,” Gabe replied. His gaze sought Kris.
    For a second she thought she saw a question in his eyes. Was he seeking her approval? She smiled and nodded her thanks and was gratified to see him relax. Interesting, and something to definitely think about later. But she had some other questions and wanted answers.
    â€œSo, what happened with Frank? Did you arrest him? Did he admit to selling pills? Did he do something to Carl and Lena?”
    Gabe held up a hand. “Hey, there. Slow down. I did bring Frank in for questioning. He said the pills were over-the-counter stuff he was giving to a friend who couldn’t afford any. He claims not to know anything about Carl or Lena. And since we haven’t established anything has happened to Carl or Lena, or that the pills in the photo aren’t what he claims they are, I had to release him.”
    Kris’s shoulders dropped. “Well, what have you found out about Carl and Lena?”
    â€œNot much. I visited the retirement center again and spoke with Ms. Faust. She’s sticking to her story that both left on vacation. I saw their rooms, still full of their stuff. Ms. Faust said she’d fax over their itineraries as soon as the center’s computer system came back online. Apparently they’re shut down for some upgrades.”
    Sadie sighed, though her eyes looked troubled.“Maybe she is telling the truth. I mean, she wouldn’t risk lying to the police, would she? I’m just a senile old woman who is reading too much into things.”
    â€œBut you found Carl’s wallet in Frank’s cart. What did he have to say about that?” Kris asked.
    He shrugged. “Found while cleaning the dining hall and was going to turn the wallet over to Ms. Faust but it disappeared.”
    Kris hated thinking that they’d really been chasing the shadows of Sadie’s imagination. But that’s how it looked. And by the sympathetic look in Gabe’s eyes, he thought so, too.
    Needing to lighten the mood and distract Sadie, Kris said, “These are such beautiful flowers, Gabe. It was very thoughtful of you. Let me put them in a vase.”
    Sadie handed over the flowers with shaky hands. Kris put them in a green ceramic vase and added some water before setting them on the coffee table. “Perfect. How about we go get that ice cream?”
    Gabe met her gaze, approval flashing in the warm depths. “Good idea.”
    â€œSounds like a very good idea,” Sadie agreed as she struggled to stand.
    Kris and Gabe both rushed to help. As they left the apartment, Gabe supporting Sadie, he said to Kris, “Who knows, I might even try a new flavor today.”
    Kris arched a brow. “It will be good for you.”
    Once they reached the street, Gabe jogged over to his black vehicle to move it closer to the curb for Sadie.
    â€œHe’s a keeper, Krissy girl,” Sadie said, with a grin.
    â€œGrams!”
    Sadie gave a delicate shrug of her thin, hunched shoulders. “I’m just saying.”
    Heat burned Kris’s cheeks. A keeper indeed.
    Â 
    Later that night as Kris worked in her studio printing off the latest batch of photos for a sportswear ad campaign, her phone rang. She glanced at the clock. Who’d call at this