Page 60 of At First Catch

It’s Bailey, which leaves me both disappointed and relieved.

Bailey

Emergency.

Me

Define emergency.

Bailey

Ivy and I are coming over with coffee.

I blink.

Me

I already have coffee.

Bailey

You can’t ever have enough coffee.

Oh no.

Absolutely not.

Me

Don’t.

Bailey

Too late.

The screen door slams outside less than thirty seconds later. I stare toward the front door in horror.

“Jesus Christ,” I mutter. “Do either of them believe in warning people?”

Rook’s tail starts wagging enthusiastically. Of course, he’s excited. He thrives on chaos.

The front door swings open without knocking because apparently privacy is a myth among my friends and family.

Bailey enters first, carrying a cardboard coffee tray. Ivy follows in oversized sunglasses and chic linen pants despite the fact that no paparazzi have ever appeared at Otter Creek Farm.

“You left your door unlocked again,” Bailey announces.

“Because I live on family property.”

“That’s how murder documentaries start.”

Ivy removes her sunglasses dramatically. “Honestly, Bailey’s watched three episodes of Dateline, and now she thinks she’s law enforcement.”

“I’m vigilant.”

“You’re nosy.”

“Both can be true.”