Clancy wasn’t sure he’d heard right. “Of course I did. For a very long time.”
“Then why the hell didn’t you ever write me back?”
He took a step away. Apparently, she was serious, which made absolutely no sense. Tears began to flow down her cheeks. He was baffled. “I’m sorry . . . what?”
“Clancy, I’ve missed you. I think I’ve missed you my whole life.”
His pager went off, and before he could answer it, his cell phone rang. Clancy shook off the mind-blurring confusion and retrieved his utility belt off the deck chair. He answered the phone at the same time he checked the beeper.
“Flynn here.”
“Chief, it’s Jake. They’re on their way from the Vineyard. ETA is fifteen minutes. We’re meeting them at the airstrip.”
Clancy spun around on his heels, checking out the horizon. At the same time he motioned for Evie to go inside. “I’m on my way.”
“We were told to expect media, too. Everybody’s got a helicopter these days.”
“Great.” He opened the door for Evie and placed his hand on the small of her back, hurrying her along. She flashed him a confused look but didn’t resist.
“And the congressman is traveling with the FBI.”
Ugh. “On my way.”
Once they were inside, Clancy locked the double doors and jogged into his bedroom to batten down the dog door. He found Evie standing in the kitchen, leaning up against the cabinets, arms crossed.
He walked right over to her. “Listen to me.” Her eyes widened. “Do not leave the house. Do not answer the door for anyone but me.”
“What’s happening?” Her voice sounded shaky.
“Come over here a second.” He took her hand and pulled her with him into the living room. “Look, I’m sorry to be dragging you around but I’ve got very little time.” Clancy yanked on his police department cap and grabbed his keys from the hook, then picked up the costume bags.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a mermaid costume for you and a pirate costume for Jellybean. If, for whatever reason, you think you absolutely must leave the house—as in a dire emergency—these will give you something to hide behind. I don’t know when I’ll be back. You should be able to find stuff to eat.”
“Who was that on the phone?”
He wouldn’t bullshit her. “The FBI and Wahlman are on their way. Please lie low.”
She pulled her lips tight.
“Do you have any hard evidence about how Wahlman gamed the custody system?”
“Not yet.”
He nodded. “We’ll continue our conversation later.” Clancy grabbed her by the upper arms and kissed the bejesus out of her. “But there’s one thing you need to hear before I leave. Please listen to what I’m telling you.”
“Okay.”
“I never got a letter from you, Evie. I didn’t write you back because I never heard from you. I thought you weren’t interested in me. I’m sorry, but I have to go.” He gave her a quick peck on the cheek and was gone.
A bewildered Evie stood in the doorway. He waved to her as he peeled out from the gravel drive.
* * *