Chapter 20

Molly isn’t at the reception desk when we pass by, and I almost think we might make it to my office without her noticing, but then she steps out of the break room with a fresh cup of coffee in one hand. She’s blowing on the hot java and glances up at me, then does a double-take when she sees Derek.

Lowering her mug, she widens her eyes. “My word, Derek Duran,” she says with a slow smile. “Look at you, all grown up.”

Derek ducks his head and scuffs his sneaker on the carpet, suddenly ten years old again. “Mrs. Miller, hey.”

“It’s Hunter now,” she corrects him. “Cancer took my Johnny what, eight years ago now?” She looks at me as if seeking confirmation. Like I keep a running tally of all the people I’ve buried.

Derek’s reply is automatic. “I’m sorry.”

With a wave of her hand, Molly says, “Oh, don’t be. In the end it was a blessing, really. What are you doing back in town?”

I cough into my hand, embarrassed. “Molly, his mother just passed away, remember?”