“Mom?” Maddie yelled.

 “I think we’re coming out of the closet,” Jock said. “Unless you have a better idea.”

 “Mom? You went to bed? I thought you’d wait up to hear about the—” She stood in the doorway. Her mouth hung open; her eyes were big and round. “Dad?” she asked, confused. “What are you doing?”

 “Hmm. Well, we couldn’t find the Scrabble game...”

 * * *

 Late Sunday morning, Riley went to Emma’s little bungalow. She knew the address from her employment records and she wasn’t going to do what she had to do at work. She immediately thought it was so cute, sitting on a street with a lot of little houses, big trees and old people—not a child in sight. She parked on the street and recognized her brother’s SUV in front of the house. Hmm. That should make things easy. Sort of.

 She tapped on the door and Emma opened it wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She jumped in surprise when she saw Riley.

 “Sorry for the shock,” Riley said. “Sorry I didn’t call ahead. I didn’t want you worrying about what I wanted. I didn’t want you to waste a lot of energy trying to prepare yourself. Can we talk?”

 “Adam’s here,” Emma said almost shyly.

 “I saw his car.”

 Then there he was, right behind Emma, his hand on Emma’s shoulder. And he was frowning. “Riley?”

 “I just wanted to talk to Emma for a moment. And you, also. Okay?”

 “Sure,” Emma said. “Of course. I just fixed a cup of tea. Would you like one?”

 “That would be nice. If you’re sure it’s all right...”

 “Come inside, Riley,” she said, holding the door open.

 “I’ll get that tea,” Adam said.

 Riley looked around the pleasant little room and smiled. It was very understated, comfortable and homey. “You must really like it here,” she said to Emma. “But what a difference for you.”

 “A very positive difference. Riley, I wasn’t intentionally keeping my relationship with Adam a secret. It felt as if... Well, as if you really didn’t want to know.”

 “One of the many things I probably should work on—that control thing. Emma, we’ve worked well together...”

 “Despite the fact that I can’t seem to follow the rules...”

 “I’m not here about that. A long, long time ago I did you wrong and I’m sorry. I wasn’t just being a terrible girlfriend, an untrustworthy friend. There was a bit more to it—I fell for Jock. I don’t blame you at all for being furious, for ending our friendship. It’s what I would have done.”

 “It was a long time ago,” Emma said. “My feelings were hurt and I was angry, but if I’m honest I have to admit, I’d already moved on from Jock. I think I kept up the grudge for so long because I’d lost you.”

 Adam handed Riley a cup of tea, but she put it on the small sofa table in front of her. “I think we were all collateral damage. Jock and Adam and Mom, too. A couple of girlfriends, friends for life, fell out over a guy and there were dead bodies everywhere. I’m here to tell you again, I’m sorry for what I did to you. And I’d like another chance.”

 “Of course,” Emma said. “Why now?”

 “Because Jock and I are back together. After sixteen difficult years.”

 Emma actually stood up from her chair. “Really?” Then she slowly sat. “Really?”

 “Jock’s always been a good father to Maddie, when I’d let him. And when he was in the accident and I saw how terrified Maddie was I decided I’d waited way too long to have a closer look, to make an effort with Jock. He loves Maddie so much. He’s not the same kid who messed up our friendship, Emma. He’s a good man. And I find I still care about him.”

 “Oh, that’s so sweet,” Emma said. “What could be better? Yes, of course we should give ourselves another chance. But don’t worry—I will remember you’re my employer when we’re at work.”

 “I’m not worried about that. I have a feeling you won’t work for me much longer. You have too much talent...” Riley took a breath. “So? You two are official?” she asked of Emma and Adam.

 “More than official,” Adam said. “We’re pregnant.”

 “Are you kidding me?” Riley said. “Does Mom know?”

 “We have to take care of that,” Adam said. “Easier now that you know.”

 “And you’re getting married?” Riley asked.

 “We’re still kind of in shock, but probably.”

 Riley got a little teary. She felt the emotion welling up inside her. “We should’ve worked on this a long time ago, let go of the baggage and grudges—”

 There was suddenly a hard knocking at the door and they all froze. There was something about it that signaled it was not an ordinary visitor. Certainly not Penny. Adam opened the door and was met with two badges. “We’re looking for Emma Shay.”

 Riley stood. “Logan?”

 “Riley,” he said with a nod. “Ms. Shay, we’ve met. I’m Logan Danner. This is my partner, Georgianna Severs. We have some questions for you and would appreciate your cooperation.”

 “What kind of questions?” Adam demanded.

 “Yeah, what kind of questions?” Riley chimed in. “What are you doing here?”