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could stay with me if you want.”
    “Thanks, but when I move out of Cheri’s, I’ll be on my way south.” I paused. “What would you think about Cheri telling people I’ve left town? I could lay low for a few days at her place. If somebody is waiting for a chance to torment her, they might think the coast is clear.”
    “If there is anyone.”
    “And if not, we’ve nothing to lose.”
    Dad turned his head away from me and thought it over. “I guess there’s no harm in it if Cheri agrees. We could put this all to rest before you head off again. Either the nut will come out of the woodwork, or Cheri has given up acting likesomeone’s out to get her. With a chance of Jimmy and Evan returning, she’s getting what she wanted. My money’s that she returns to normal.”
    “You’re probably right. Although Cheri and normal aren’t two words I’d use together as a rule.”
    Dad smiled. Then his face turned serious. “You’re sure Cheri’s front bumper was free of damage?”
    “Not even a scratch. It was replaced after her accident with the tree. Any damage would have been easy to spot. She didn’t hit Hannah Jones with her car. There’d be evidence.”
    Dad sighed. “I’ll be really happy when all this is over.”
    “You and me both, Dad.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN
    J immy was in his office at the police station when I dropped by. He looked good in his dark blue uniform. Too good. He was working at his computer. He looked up when I knocked. His face broke into a smile.
    “I can’t stay,” I said. “I’m just heading out of town.”
    “You stayed longer than I thought you would. Where are you going now?”
    “Back to Texas. I like the heat in the winter. Plus I have a good job waiting for me.”
    “Cheri told me you’re working in a bar.” He grinned.
    “Not just any bar. This one serves dudes.” I waved my hand toward the door. “My plane leaves in a few hours but I wanted to say goodbye.” Lying to Jimmy felt good.
    Jimmy stood. He made like he was going to hug me. I turned and rushed out of his office as if I hadn’t noticed.
    *********
    My next stop was Cheri’s office. A plump man with white hair was working the security desk. I stopped in front of him.
    “Is Jada Price on a day off?” I asked.
    “Jada’s quit. She handed in her notice last week. You want me to tell her anything from you?”
    “Just tell her Anna Sweet said best of luck and goodbye. I’m heading back to Texas.”
    The guard looked at me over the top of his glasses. “Anna Sweet you said? Jada asked me to give you her card if you came by. She wants you to call her.”
    I took the card and tucked it into my pocket. “Thanks. I’m not sure I’ll have time this trip. Maybe next time I come back.”
    *********
    Betty Zimmer was packing up a box of files when I walked into the main office. “We’re moving toa bigger office next week,” she said. “Three new lawyers are starting and we’re so busy. You can go right in. Cheri’s in her office.”
    “I’ve just dropped by to leave Cheri her house key. I’m heading home to Texas in a few hours.”
    “Texas? How lovely. I have a sister who lives in Miami. I plan to move there when I retire next year.”
    “You won’t miss the snow.”
    “I should say not.”
    Cheri came out of her office. “So, you’re on your way?” she called as she walked toward me.
    “Yes, my plane leaves in two hours. I just wanted to return your house key. Thanks for putting me up the last few weeks.” I spoke loudly. The offices were close together and I had no doubt everyone could hear me. I could see Roger Little and Janet Chan working at their desks. Bob Cahill’s office door was partly open.
    Cheri hugged me. “I’m going to miss you.”
    “You’ll be too busy to miss me.”
    Cheri laughed, loud and happy. “You’re probably right.”
    She linked arms and walked me to the elevator. “How’d I do?” she whispered.
    “Perfect. See you at home.”
    “I’ll be leaving here