* * * *
“Wills, Theo. I thought I heard someone.” Alice hurried into the kitchen. “You’re here early.” She kissed Wills and hugged me. “I’m so glad to see you.”
“It’s good to see you again too.” What a nice woman she was.
“Where is everyone?” Wills stooped and ruffled the ears of the black Labrador retriever who’d hobbled in on three legs. Deety was JR’s dog. I hadn’t had the opportunity to meet her last year, since she’d been at the vet’s with a broken leg. Shortly after, she’d been diagnosed with osteosarcoma. The year Dr. Morse, their vet, had given her was almost up.
“Your father took Marti, JR, and Patrick to church. It’s Good Friday.”
“Really? Shouldn’t Dad be at work?”
“He’s his own boss.” Alice looked mysterious and Wills…he just looked puzzled.
“What about Jill? She usually does that.”
“She’s lying down.”
“Is she all right?”
“She’s fine.” Alice patted his shoulder at his concerned expression.