Page 165 of Homecoming

Ellery’s kids played with Kendra’s girls, who chased the little ones, making them scream with laughter that added to the sounds of the gulls that flew overhead, looking for scraps.

Buster had strung lights over the yard that added to the glow of the bonfire he’d built from old traps and other scraps he’d been saving for such an occasion.

Full to the brim with seafood, potatoes and other yummy things, Kara sat next to Dan, holding hands as the sun set over the water.

“I love it here,” he said. “We have to come all the time.”

“We will. Considering the reason we came, I never expected this to be such a great trip.”

“It’s been great to see where you grew up and to meet all your people.”

“They love you almost as much as I do.”

“Check out the lovebirds over there,” Dan said, using his chin to point to Renata and Myles, who were wrapped up in each other in a dark corner of the yard.

“They’re too cute.”

“They sure are. I have a feeling we’ll be back here for a wedding before too much longer.”

“You may be right about that. I’m so happy for her.”

“Hey, I heard there was a party over here.”

At the sound of Kirby’s voice, Kara got up to greet him with a hug. “You made it.”

“I did.”

“Are you hungry? Buster outdid himself with the food.”

“I could eat something.”

Kara took him by the hand. “Right this way.”

He was stopped no less than ten times by friends and family who wanted to hug him and express their relief that the charges had been dropped. “Sheesh,” he said when they were finally inside. “They’re treating me like a celebrity.”

“Everyone is so thankful to see you and to have this awful stuff behind you.”

“No one more so than me. I’m trying to get back to normal, but it hasn’t been easy.”

“I’m sure it hasn’t. People are being nice to you, though, right?”

“Oh yeah. Everyone says they knew it was bullshit from the get-go. With me, anyway. They weren’t so sure about Keith.”

Kara smiled as she made a plate for Kirby. “That’s sort of how I felt, but it makes me feel guilty now.”

“Nah, don’t feel guilty. He’s been raising hell his whole life. No one knew what to think.”

“It’s a big leap from hell-raising to murder, and I shouldn’t have let myself even wonder.”

“Everyone wondered. Don’t feel bad. Did you hear the ex-boyfriend was arrested in Connecticut?”

“No! When?”

“Earlier today.”

They sat together at Bertha’s kitchen table while he ate.

“I’m relieved for her family, but sad all over again. It’s such a waste that ruins two young lives.”

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