Jaclyn grabbed the edge of the suitcase just as I reached for the zipper pull.

“You think you’re so clever with your prison guard background, Agnes, but Clay loves me,” Jaclyn said.

I ran the zipper past her fingers and pushed the metal clasp down.

“He’ll bring me straight back here the minute his shift is done,” she said.

I lifted both suitcases by their heavy nylon handles.

I carried them down the front hall and set them down hard on the damp concrete porch.

“Your car key’s on the counter,” I said.