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Buddy.”
    She caught herself. She’d just called Simon, Buddy, the name of her black Lab that she’d lost last summer. Was Simon a replacement? Well, as much as one animal could replace another, she guessed he was. She hugged him tighter and he didn’t protest.
    She’d get a motel for the night after one last check on Dan and picking up her luggage. A good night’s sleep was in order and a shower—none too soon. They could talk plans in the morning if Dan was up to it. She knew him; he wouldn’t take it easy but would want to continue to Wagon Mound and the investigation. She couldn’t change him and what was another two or three days? Ireland would still be there next week.

Chapter Four
    The woman standing in the doorway to Dan’s room could have been a Bette Davis stand-in—with an Audrey Hepburn pixie haircut—in red…bright, almost neon, red. Stonewashed boyfriend jeans rolled to mid-calf, a black leather boyfriend jacket over the boyfriend white shirt, tail out, and silver ballet slippers which matched the big silver hoops at her ears—had she missed dressing for effect in middle school? And now at seventy-something, she was making up for it?
    Elaine had never met Margaret Mahoney but had gotten an earful from a critical daughter and a much more forgiving son. And this was not a woman who was going to slow down anytime soon. No surprise that there was a boyfriend—maybe this Stanley had inspired the clothes. But how neat that she’d probably literally jumped ship to get here. Elaine knew Dan would be grateful.
    â€œI’m Elaine.” She held out her hand.
    â€œMaggie Mahoney. Is a hug not appropriate?” Before Elaine could decide either way, she was wrapped in a bear-grip that belied the woman’s slight frame.
    â€œWhat exquisite taste you have, my darling son. She’s just what I imagined.” Maggie called over her shoulder and then took a step back to survey Elaine. “She’s perfect for you.”
    Elaine knew her face was crimson, but at least it matched Dan’s. He was sitting on the side of the bed in slacks and shirt, sans shoes and socks. He caught Elaine staring at his bare toes.
    â€œToo many ‘can you wiggle these’ tests.” He pointed to his bare feet. It was obvious that he was choosing to ignore his mother and her comments on the girlfriend. The turban-bandage on his head had been replaced by a four by four-inch square gauze pad anchored by adhesive tape on his barely showing stubble of hair. “Like it?” He pointed to his shaved head.
    â€œIt’ll grow back. But, yes, I kinda do. You have a great-shaped head.”
    â€œBetter than Carolyn’s.” His mother chimed in. “I had a much easier time giving birth to my son.”
    â€œThat’s a terrible thing to say.” Elaine noticed Carolyn sitting on the cot in the corner, but no Phillip. She vaguely remembered that mother and daughter were a little challenged when it came to getting along. Guess this was proof.
    â€œSo, when are they going to give you your shoes and spring you from this place?” Elaine walked to the bed and gave Dan a peck on the cheek. Funny how even at her age, she was self-conscious in front of Mom.
    â€œBy noon if they keep their promise. I’ve convinced them I can recoup just as well on the outside and simply check in every once in awhile.”
    â€œHow long will you be under observation?”
    â€œA month.”
    Elaine tried not to react. A month? Here in northern New Mexico? Not Ireland? She realized Dan was watching her, and she quickly smiled hoping he hadn’t noticed her hesitation. “Great. I’m glad they’re being careful.”
    â€œDamn.” The expletive came from the cot where Carolyn had dumped her purse and was pawing through its contents. “I must have left my phone in the car. Phillip’s expecting a call—needs to know when to