The Lost Women of Lost Lake by Ellen Hart Page B

middle-aged, medium build, dark hair, and has been seen wearing a White Sox cap—black with white letters.”
    â€œOkay.”
    â€œIf you can locate him, I’d like you to follow him, see what he’s up to, and then report back to me if you learn anything.”
    â€œThat’s all?”
    â€œFor now.”
    â€œHe some kind of threat to you?”
    â€œPossibly.”
    â€œI’m sure I could find a way to convince him to leave.”
    If it was only that simple. “I wish you could.”
    â€œJust say the word.”
    â€œHe won’t go. And if you could convince him, he’d come back with the police in tow.”
    Fontaine frowned.
    â€œThis is serious. I can’t really say any more.”
    Standing, he nodded. “No need. I’ll find the information you want.”
    She reached for his hand. “You’re saving my life.”
    â€œJust returning the favor.”
    *   *   *
    Tessa was practicing with her crutches on the steps down to the garage when Jill strolled up the paved driveway holding a pie. “What are you doing out here?” she demanded. “You’re supposed to rest, keep your leg up.”
    â€œNot every minute,” said Tessa, thumping down the last step. “You’re early. We don’t need to leave for another half hour.”
    â€œThis is crazy. You could fall and hurt yourself.”
    Tessa was winded, but pleased to see that Jill had remembered the pie. “What is it? Blueberry?”
    â€œStrawberry rhubarb.”
    â€œAwesome, as Jonah would say. Have I told you lately that I love you?”
    Jill rolled her eyes.
    â€œNo, really,” said Tessa, turning all the way around to face her. “You … make my life worth living.” The sentiment was way too Hallmark card. Probably residual effects from last night’s pain killers. Tears filled her eyes.
    â€œAre you crying?”
    â€œAt my horrific use of clichés.”
    Jill leaned forward and cupped her hand under Tessa’s chin. “Earth to Tessa. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
    It was amazing that the touch of Jill’s hand could still cause her heart to speed up. “I’m so sorry.”
    â€œGood.” Clearly thinking there might be more to the apology, she said, “For what?”
    â€œThe way I’ve been behaving. I’ve been taking all my frustration out on you.”
    â€œI wasn’t sure you’d noticed.”
    â€œAm I that thick?”
    â€œSometimes. You took some of your frustration , as you call it, out on Jane and Cordelia last night, too.”
    Tessa caught the amused gleam in Jill’s eye. “I know. I’ll apologize. Do you forgive me?”
    â€œI’ll consider it.”
    When they kissed, Tessa lost her balance and ended up sitting down somewhat askew on the steps.
    â€œSee,” said Jill. “You shouldn’t be outside alone.”
    â€œI’m not. You’re here.”
    â€œI’m going to throw the pie at you.”
    Waiting a beat, Tessa asked, “What do we do with Jonah?”
    Jill’s shoulders drooped “I called my brother this morning.”
    â€œAnd?”
    â€œWe had a long talk. Apparently Jonah was suspended from school a couple of times last year. Once for smoking pot. Once for getting in a fight. It sounded like it was a bad one. Jonah completely lost his temper. Gavin says he’s been doing it a lot lately. He thinks he’s acting out because of all the problems at home, which is why he agreed to let him spend his senior year here with us.”
    â€œScore,” said Tessa, thrusting her fist in the air. “He’s a good kid with a great heart. He just needs to get away from all that strife.”
    â€œMy brother wasn’t happy that Jonah left the way he did or that he lied and then hitchhiked all the way up here. It sounds like things have gotten pretty