Sky High (A Nicki Valentine Mystery Book 2) by Susan O'Brien Page B

them through flights with crap. Oops.)
    “You’re staying at Smyth Lodge?” I asked Dean before we parted ways.
    “Yep. They’ve got lots of rooms. Want me to reserve one for you?”
    “That would be great. Non-smoking. Let me give you a credit card.” Probably not the best way to start a relationship.
    He paused but accepted my shiny new company Visa. If he checked my balance or spending habits (which would not only be nosy, but also against the law), he wouldn’t learn anything too incriminating. My biggest splurge—raised-print business cards—was defensible, I thought. A lot more defensible than my actual credit card bills, which revealed a weakness for new health foods, especially desserts. Amazing that it’s possible to ease and create a guilty conscience all at once.

      
    I was glad my kids’ definition of “fun” included riding in a “new car” with “new seats.” (The booster seats smelled and looked innocent, but I used my last two precious antibacterial wipes to clean them off anyway.) I blasted the kids’ favorite satellite radio station and opened our windows for what we nicknamed a “wind party,” although it wasn’t the same without our minivan’s sunroof. While we waved our hands in the air like we just didn’t care, I kept an eye out for Dean on the highway, wondering what he’d think of our traveling celebration. As always, no one relieved my stress like Jack and Sophie. No one worried me like they did, either. Which is why I didn’t want to arrive at Liz’s, only to say goodbye.

Ten

      
    Liz’s rectory, which was relatively child-safe except for the giant ocean outside, brought back memories of my childhood visits, when I’d cherished our conversations and the activities at church next door. Thanks to our Skype visits and her recent stay in Virginia, Jack and Sophie seemed comfortable enough with her. Liz would be wonderful company, I knew, but once the excitement faded and bedtime came around, their attitudes might change.
    “How is Mia doing?” I asked, knowing the answer would also shed light on how Liz was feeling.
    She looked away and then back at me. “She’s almost too upset to speak. Thank God she has her parents, Lydia, and her bridesmaids. Everyone’s staying a few more days.”
    “How about Lydia?” I asked. “How’s she doing?”
    “She’s moving forward with having Mia tested as a donor,” she said. “I’m extremely concerned with how little she can eat. Worrying about Bruce might sap all the energy she has left.”
    “Has there been any more talk about whether her mediumship can help?”
    “So far, it’s not providing any leads, and that’s really hard on everyone. I don’t know what to think about it.”
    “I’m sorry. She and Mia can call me anytime,” I said. “Please tell them that. And you’ll keep me posted on anything you hear, right?”
    “Oh, you can count on it.”
    We spent two hours unpacking, eating dinner, and reviewing everyone’s needs and schedules. Then I reminded Liz that she could reach out anytime, day or night, too. I wasn’t sure whether hearing from her or not hearing from her would scare me more.

      
    Not long after I pulled away from the cottage, she called. I answered with the rental car’s Bluetooth, which I’d set up before I left.
    “Everything’s fine,” Liz assured me. Phew. “Jack just wants to know where you put Super Teddy.”
    Oh, no. Everything was not fine. In my rush, I’d forgotten to bring his favorite stuffed animal. He’d been sleeping with it when I packed, just like he had for almost his whole life. How would either of us sleep knowing I’d made such an awful mistake?
    My first instinct was to turn the car around, but that wouldn’t solve much. Super Teddy was a thousand miles away in Virginia, and I was no substitute.
    What could I tell Jack? That Super Teddy, who wore a red cape, was afraid of flying? Or that his superpowers might throw a plane off-kilter? Maybe Kenna