Page 35 of Key West Homecoming

Emma looked at the time.

She’d been away from Hibiscus Lane for forty-one minutes.

“I should go.”

Tess glanced at the clock.

“You just got here.”

“I promised someone I’d be back within an hour.”

Tess looked at her for half a second longer than necessary.

Emma stood before she could ask.

“Tell Maeve I’ll call her later.”

“I will.”

Emma headed for the door.

Behind her, she heard Leah say something to Tess in a low voice followed by Tess complaining about Leah’s tone.

Emma smiled and shook her head.

Jake was sitting on the porch step when Emma returned to Hibiscus Lane.

The bandana was gone, and he’d changed his shirt. His hair was still damp near his forehead. A beer rested beside him.

Emma came through the gate and held up the envelope.

“Less than an hour.”

Jake stood.

“I noticed.”

She handed it to him.

He checked the envelope, although Emma wasn’t sure he realized he’d done it.

“You copied it?”

“Yes. And photographed it.”

“What did your friend say?”

Emma thought about Maeve’s text.

“She said it matters.”

Jake looked at her.

Emma could see the questions forming.

“I know that isn’t enough.”

“No. It’s not.”