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“There were so many names on that list… I don’t remember a Buckley. It might be there. Can’t really trust my recall.”

He kept pace with her as they made their way to the café, but neither reached for the other.

They claimed a table by the window. Through the glass, they watched more kegs come and go, vegetables and fruits being delivered, but no Mrs. Buckley.

Addison craned her neck to see the street better. “I don’t see her. How long do we even wait? What if she doesn’t show up?”

Oliver didn’t look concerned. “She’ll be here.”

They stretched out breakfast as long as they could, but eventually they had to pay.

“Okay,” said Addy. “She’s not coming.”

But Oliver focused on something at the back of the restaurant. She twisted around to see. In the doorway, the back door left open, stood Mrs. Buckley.

As she stepped inside, two women Addison didn’t know streamed in behind her.

And bringing up the rear, a very not pregnant Sylvia.

Chapter 48

Addy’s brain must have short-circuited, because seeing Mrs. Buckley and Sylvia together felt like snapping together two pieces from completely different puzzles that somehow managed to fit.

“Is that…”

Across the table from her, Oliver cursed. Yep, she wasn’t hallucinating. That really was Sylvia.

Sylvia’s hair was spiky and platinum blonde now, her now-brown eyes heavily lined with purple shadow. Another disguise or finally in her element?

Lifting her chin, Mrs. Buckley led the charge toward them.

Who were the other two women? What the hell was happening?

Unable to sit still, Addy lifted to her feet. Oliver rose too as the group stopped in front of them.

Addy spoke first. “Mrs. Buckley, what is this?”

“I think you know well enough,” said Miriam. “It’s high time your brother paid for what he’s done.”

Her brother…

So Mrs. Buckley wasn’t married to him? Wasn’t covering for him?

Oliver waved over the waitress. “Let’s pull up another table. Sounds like we have a lot to discuss.”

Sylvia stepped closer, extending her small, bejeweled hand to Addison. Reflexively, Addy shook it.

“My name’s Plum.”

Plum… “Not Sylvia. And not Flicka.”

Plum beamed. “Nope. But sounds like you’ve heard about my second alter-ego.”

“Why the different names?” asked Addy.

Mrs. Buckley answered for the younger woman. “Plum does theater. She enjoys a bit of drama.”

“The search for your brother has been miserable.” Plum shrugged. “Might as well have some fun with it. This is Caroline and Laura. They used to date your brother, too.”