“You’re on your feet all day.”

“Still, a little pretty wouldn’t hurt. But they, and the chicken, are a small price to pay. I get fabulous tips, really good benefits and once Zoe starts school, I’ll be home before her.”

“Who gets her ready in the morning?”

“Mrs. Ford.”

“I thought maybe your ex-husband came over to take care of things.”

For a full two seconds she thought he was fishing to find out about her marital status. Then she remembered the unfortunate babbling incident a few days before, where she’d flat out told him she wasn’t interested in dating or sex, only to realize the poor man hadn’t even asked.

“No ex,” she said easily.

“Then if I see a strange man lurking in the bushes, I’ll beat the crap out of him.”

“Absolutely.”

She took a last drink of coffee and looked at the clock.

“You have to go,” Walker said, putting down his mug. “Sorry about bothering you. I’ll try to have my nightmares more quietly. Thanks for the coffee.” He picked up the baseball bat. “And for coming to my rescue.”

She sighed. “I hate starting my day feeling foolish.”

“Don’t. You did a good thing.”

He put the bat down and left.

Elissa rinsed out both mugs, slipped the bat back in the hall closet, did a last check on Zoe, opened the door between her place and Mrs. Ford’s, then walked to her car.

As it was August, the sun was already up and birds all over the neighborhood were announcing the fact. She drove down the quiet streets and thought about Walker. He was an interesting man. Not a serial killer. She was willing to let that worry go. But he did have his secrets. Of course, so did she.