Phoebe tried to take everything in, searching for clues to Wyatt's personality as she and Frannie headed for the French doors that led out to the balcony. But the apartment looked almost identical to the way it had before the elder Madisons had left-tastefully decorated, accented with a few souvenirs from their travels around the world. Wyatt hadn't put much of a stamp on the place.

When they stepped outside, a veritable jungle of plants greeted them. Helen had quite the green thumb, and she nurtured everything from ferns to cacti on her roomy terrace. They all looked happy and healthy, as if Wyatt was taking good care of them. He probably was, too, knowing how unhappy Helen would be if any of her darlings expired during her vacation.

Phoebe noticed a couple of new additions, two huge potted cactus plants. Then she spotted Igor perched in the top of a palm tree-at shoulder level, perfectly within reach of either woman. Rats. He mewed pitifully, and Frannie plucked him out of the tree and cuddled him. "Oh, poor baby. Mama played a mean trick on you, didn't she, pushing you up that tree when she knew you'd get stuck. Let's go home and get a treat."

"I guess we can't linger out here without arousing suspicion," Phoebe agreed.

They stopped in the kitchen on the way out. Wyatt was still busily engaged with his plumbing. Well, at least they'd discovered he had a nice rear and a pleasant voice.

"Did you get the cat?" he asked.

"Yes," Frannie said. "May I bring you some brownies to thank you?"

"I didn't really do anything. Anyway, I'm allergic to chocolate, but thanks."

Frannie and Phoebe looked at each other, but they were both out of ideas. "Well, guess we'll leave," Phoebe said. "Unless you need help with that plumbing?"

"Got it covered, thanks."

They left. "Mission failed," Phoebe murmured as she bid Frannie goodbye at the top of the stairs.

Wyatt just lay there under the sink for a few moments after the two women left. He'd been dying to get a look at the young one, Phoebe. He knew she was young because his grandparents had spoken endlessly of how beautiful she was, how nice, and how single. It was no secret they wanted him safely married off and providing them with great-grandchildren.