“I’m driving into town before my ten o’clock appointment,” I said.

“Don’t go stirring up old dust your first week home,” Evelyn said, sliding the skillet into the porcelain sink with a sharp hiss of water.

“I’ll be back before supper,” I said.

Vance shifted in the oak chair, making the old frame creak against the pine floorboards.

“Leave the blue truck in the driveway,” Vance said.

“Richard needs the keys to haul some drywall this afternoon.”

“The keys are in my pocket,” I said, walking past the kitchen island toward the front hall.