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“Ha! Tell me about it.”
They trudged up the dune, arm in arm, talking about the missing baker.
“There always has to be something,” Pam said, scowling.
Inside, the dogs were excited to see Ryan, yipping and jumping up on him.
“It’s just life,” Ryan replied, scratching the dogs behind their ears. “Why should it be easy?”
“I think we’ve paid our dues.”
“I’ll be paying until I die,” Ryan said.
“It’s the man of the hour,” Hocus said, greeting Ryan.
“You didn’t need to feed me, Hocus,” he said, kissing her cheek.
“Look, salad and chicken. You’ll lose weight just trying to digest this.”
Pam scurried around, pouring coffee while Hocus served Ryan’s lunch.
Ryan glanced up her, smiling. “So, madam, what’s your take on the missing baker?” he asked Hocus.
“Off the record, she’s a goner.”
“Hocus! No way,” Pam cried.
“Yes, ma’am. Still water runs deep with our baker friend. I’ll deny saying anything, but mark my words, she’s got a crowd of women who wish her dead.”
“So it’s a crowd now and not just one person?” Ryan asked, amused.
“Oh, yes. Her parents practically groomed her for this. They were strict and judgmental racist homophobes. Someday, maybe not until they reach the pearly gates, they will realize their responsibility. It’s sad, actually. I’m glad I don’t have kids.”
“Why? It’s wonderful when it’s not horrible,” Pam said, getting cream for their coffee out of the fridge.
“I don’t have the tolerance for raising kids,” Hocus said. “What about you, Ryan? How’s parenthood going for you?”
“I’m a terrible parent.”
“Ryan, stop it! You are not,” Pam said.
“Ask Alison. She won’t let me forget that I don’t see Morgan enough. I really don’t need to because Adam Marchand is always there, like a tick.”
“When she’s older and over at the house with all the other kids my daughter cares for, you’ll see her plenty. Cut yourself a break, will you, please? I can’t stand this self-recrimination.”
Ignoring Pam, he pointed at the food. “This is delicious, Hocus. Thank you.”
“You’re quite welcome. I have to get into town for some soothsaying, so I’ll bid you farewell.”
“Hocus, I thought you said Adam told you to lie low,” Pam said.
“I never listen to him,” Hocus said, grabbing the keys to Jack’s Lexus off the key rack. “See you two later. Clean up the dishes, too.”
“We will,” Pam said.
“You let her drive Jack’s car?” Ryan asked after Hocus had left.
“Of course. I do it on purpose so Sandra might see it. I heard it drives her nuts.”
