I took the back streets through town.

When I turned onto Elm Street, two bright headlights were parked across my gravel driveway.

A white township cruiser was idling by my front steps.

Officer Reed got out, adjusting his heavy leather duty belt with both hands.

He hadn’t turned on his red flashers, but the yellow running lights threw long shadows.

“Evening, Megan,” Reed said, pulling his collar tight against his throat.

“Did Rebecca call you from her house?” I asked.