Several weeks passed and for the first time in years I woke without reaching for a notebook full of clues because there was no new coded messages waiting on my phone, no anonymous envelopes sitting outside the door and no fresh names for Casey to add to the evidence board.
The silence still felt unfamiliar and Drake walked into the kitchen carrying two mugs of coffee.
“You were smiling.” Drake said as I accepted the mug.
“Was I?” I asked.
“You were. I haven’t seen that nearly enough.” He said and I laughed softly.
“I’m still getting used to normal.” I said.
“I think we all are.” He said.
Outside the morning sun stretched across the rebuilt property while people went about ordinary routines that had once seemed impossible.
Repairs continued, neighbors stopped by to visit and
