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his behavior, Connor wants to be more than friends. He acted downright jealous.”
    I shifted uncomfortably on the couch. I’d thought much the same thing. “He’ll have to deal with it. Laura’s not interested.” I figured that was safe enough as a response to her blatant curiosity.
    “He’s an intense young man,” Sarabeth said. “That comes through in his plays.”
    With her long tenure in the department, she probably knew far more about modern playwrights—Connor included—than I did. “I’m not familiar with his work.”
    “He’s gifted.” Her tone turned sour as she continued. “But he has all the tact and personality of a buzz saw, andthat may do him in. At some point he’ll meet somebody he can’t run over.” She glanced at her watch. “You’ll have to pardon me, Charlie. It’s been nice chatting with you, but I have something I need to take care of.” She rose stiffly from the sofa.
    I stood and earned a faint smile from Sarabeth for my old-fashioned courtesy. “I look forward to seeing you again.” She nodded before she turned and walked away.
    I surveyed the room. I spotted a couple of slightly familiar faces in the crowd, but there was no one I had a burning desire to corner for a conversation. Instead I ambled over to check out the food on the dining table.
    The spread consisted of the usual cocktail shrimp, cheese and crackers, and fruit and raw vegetables with spinach dip. I picked up one of the small plates and helped myself to a snack. I returned to the sofa to munch and finish my wine.
    I emptied my plate within minutes and contemplated heading back for more. I could easily fill up on cheese and crackers—the reincarnated mouse in me—but I figured Stewart would be making dinner, as he often did. Whatever he cooked, I wanted to be sure I had room for it.
    I deposited my empty plate and wineglass on a tray near the table. As I turned back Laura was approaching, her new conquest, Frank, in tow.
    “Dad, would you mind if I went to dinner with Frank?” She smiled, and I detected a tinge of guilt in her tone.
    I was disappointed. I’d hoped to spend more time with her tonight. But I also found it difficult to deny my daughter the chance to have fun with someone her age. I felt heartily thankful Connor Lawton wasn’t on her arm. Frank Salisbury looked like a far better prospect to me, even on such limited acquaintance.
    “No, honey, y’all go on and have a good time. Did youbring your key with you?” I could always stay up until she came home and let her in myself, but I knew how well that would go over.
    “It’s in my bag.” She leaned forward and kissed my cheek. She whispered in my ear, “Thanks. You’re the best. And don’t worry.”
    “Thank you, sir.” Frank Salisbury regarded me with a serious expression. “I promise to bring her home safe and sound.”
    For a moment I felt like we had time-warped into the 1950s. Frank had a gravitas I seldom experienced with Laura’s dates, and I respected him for it.
    “I appreciate that,” I said with a stern smile.
    Laura winked before they turned away and headed for the door.
    I scanned the room for my host. With Laura gone, I didn’t see much point in staying. Ralph had disappeared. Perhaps he was ministering to his wife upstairs.
    No sign of him in the kitchen either. I’d done my best to behave like a proper guest, but with no host in sight, what else could I do?
    Outside, the humid August evening hit me, and I shrugged off my jacket. I took a few steps down the walk, and then the sight of a man standing on the sidewalk in front of the house next door stopped me.
    Why was Connor Lawton still hanging around? He swayed a little, seemingly transfixed by the neighboring house. Did he see something I couldn’t?
    I decided I wasn’t curious enough to accost him for answers. Instead I headed down the walk and turned away from Connor toward my car.
    “Hey! Hold on a minute.”
    I muttered, “Damn,” and turned to see