Page 327 of A Matter of Time

“Why not?”

I shrugged. “I dunno,” I said, stepping back from the SUV as he slammed the rear door. “We just sort of lost touch.”

“Why?”

“I think after he and Kai broke up⁠—”

“That was the guy you set him up with.”

“Yeah. That lasted over a year.”

“Wow. Impressive matchmaking skills you got there.”

“No. If they were so great, they’d still be together.”

“You did your best, J. At some point it depends on the two people involved.”

“I guess.”

“Go on. They were together, and when they broke up, what?”

“Well, after that, Nick wanted to see me, and when I wouldn’t, that was it.”

He nodded.

“What made you think of Nick?”

“I dunno, J. The doctor was around a long time, and he’d sure as hell know how to cut somebody up, wouldn’t he?”

“There’s no way,” I assured him. “Nick Sullivan is not a killer.”

“I’m gonna check on the doctor anyway.”

“You do that.” I grinned at him.

“And I’m gonna go with you to pick up Dane and Aja.”

“The hell you are.” I laughed at him. “I don’t want you to miss Sunday dinner with your mom. Besides, Bambi’s on the menu, remember?”

“What?”

“You remember. Your uncle is bringing back deer from his hunting trip.”

“That’s right.”

“See? So⁠—”

“My folks will live. They just saw us two days ago.” He sighed. “Besides…this is way more important.”

“You’re insane,” I assured him. “It’s gonna be a bloodbath.”

He walked by me and kissed my forehead. “I gotta back up my partner.”

“Yeah, but Dane might just murder you.”

“He can try.”

I shook my head as I followed him up the front stoop of my building.