“I said I’d wait, and I will. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to use whatever comes along to get you back. It occurs to me, Lil, I never had to work for you before. Could be interesting.”

“I didn’t come by to talk about this. God, you frustrate me.” She yanked her hands from under his. “I wanted to tell you Brad thinks we’ll have the security up and running by the end of the day.”

“Okay. Good.”

“I’m going to let everyone know we won’t need patrols. That includes you.”

“I’m there until Howe’s in a cell.”

“That’s your choice. And I won’t pretend I’d rather not stay in the compound alone at night. You can keep your drawer and your share of the closet. I’ll sleep with you. For the rest, I don’t know.” She started to walk away, then stopped. “I want to know everything Willy’s shared with you, because I know he’s kept you up on the investigation, the manhunt. I want to see those files you’ve been so careful to keep away from me. You want a chance with me this time around, Coop? Then you’d better understand I expect to be trusted and respected. On every level. Good sex and yellow tulips aren’t nearly enough.”

FARLEY WAS PACING a trough in the sidewalk in front of the jewelry store when Lil arrived. “I didn’t want to go in without you.”

“I’m sorry I’m late. I got hung up.”

“No problem.” The hands in his pockets jingled loose change. “You’re not late. I got here early.”

“Nervous?”

“Some. I just want to make sure it’s exactly the right one.”

“Let’s go find it.”

There were a scatter of customers and a lot of glitter inside. Lil raised a hand in a wave to the clerk she knew, then hooked her arm through Farley’s. “What did you have in mind?”

“That’s why you’re here.”

“No, just tell me what you think.”

“I… Well, it’s gotta be special, and kind of different. I don’t mean fussy or…”

“Unique.”

“Yeah, unique. Like she is.”

“So far, you’re exactly right, according to her best friend.” She drew him over to a display of engagement rings. “White or yellow gold?”

“Oh, shit, Lil.” And he looked as panicked as if she’d asked if he’d prefer cyanide or arsenic in his coffee.

“Okay, that was a trick question. Given her coloring and her personality-and her appreciation for the unique-I think you should go with rose gold.”

“What the hell is that?”

“Like this.” She gestured to a band. “See, it’s warm, and a little soft. Glows, I think, rather than glitters.”

“It’s still gold, right? I mean, it’s good-it’s not less, I don’t know, important? It’s got to be important.”

“It’s still gold. If you don’t like it, then I’d go with yellow gold.”

“I do like it. It’s different, and it’s, yeah, warm. Kinda rosy. Rose gold, ha, that’s why.”

“Relax, Farley, it’s all good.”

“Right.”

“Just take a quick scan, pick the one that pops out to you first.”

“Ah… That one? It’s got that pretty round diamond in it.”

“It’s beautiful, but the trouble with that one is how it sticks up from the band.” Lil held her thumb and index finger a little apart to show him what she meant. “Tansy works with her hands a lot, with the animals. That’s going to catch.”

“That makes sense. So she’ll want something that doesn’t stick up so high.” He shoved up his hat to scratch his head. “There’s not so many with this color, but still a lot to figure from. That one’s nice, with the working on the band, but the diamond’s kind of puny. I don’t want to go on the cheap.”

As Lil leaned forward for a better look, the clerk bounced up.

“Hey! Do you two have something to tell me?”

“We can’t keep our great love for each other a secret any longer,” Lil said and made Farley blush. “How are you, Ella?”

“Just fine. So you’ve dragged Farley in here for your cover? If you see what you want, I’ll be glad to steer Coop to it when he comes in.”

“What? No. No, no.”

“Everybody’s just waiting for the two of you to make an announcement.”

“There is no announcement. Everybody’s just… off.” Flustered, she felt her own color rise. “I’m just here as consultant. Farley’s in the market.”

“Really?” Ella all but squealed it. “It’s always the quiet types who run deep. Who’s the lucky lady?”

“I haven’t asked her yet, so…”

“It wouldn’t be a certain exotic beauty I’ve seen you dancing with a time or two? The one who lives a couple blocks down, where your truck’s been parked pretty regularly these past weeks?”

“Ah…” This time he shifted his feet.

“Oh, my God, it is! This is huge. Wait until I tell-”

“You can’t. You can’t tell anybody, Ella. I haven’t asked her yet.”

Ella laid a hand on her heart, held the other up to swear. “Not a word. We’re experts at keeping secrets here. Though I may just pee my pants with this one if you don’t ask her quick. Let’s get down to business. Tell me what you have in mind.”

“Lil thinks this rose gold.”

“Oh, lovely choice for her.” Ella unlocked the case, and began to set a small selection on a velvet pad.

They discussed, debated, with Lil helpfully trying on each contender. After considerable time and worry, he gave Lil a pained look. “You have to tell me if I’m wrong. I like this one here. I like how the band’s wide-looks substantial, you know? And how the little diamond things ride up against the round one in the middle. She’ll know she’s got it on. She’ll know I put it there.”

Lil rose on her toes and kissed his cheek, as Ella stood behind the counter and sighed. “I was hoping you’d pick that one. She’ll love it, Farley. It’s just exactly right.”

“Thank the Lord, ’cause I was starting to sweat.”