“Day off?” I asked.

“I started my vacation today. One week without listening to Morris complain is like a trip to Disney World for me,” she said.

Deputy Morris Ebeling, her sixtysomething partner, did need to put away his badge soon. He was a nice guy once you got beyond the grumpy facade.

After the last of the buttons we could find were back in the box, I stood, holding the box closer to again inspect the damage Merlot had done.

“You’re smiling,” Candace said. “Why?”

“This plain old box belonged to my grandmother, the woman who first taught me to quilt. But these teeth marks?” I looked at her. “I like them.”

Candace’s eyebrows came together in confusion. “Huh?”

“I have no idea where all the other dings and knicks on the box came from. Like this one.” I traced one long scratch along the side with my finger. “But now it has a flaw from my little family, too.”

“Okay, Miss Glass Half Full. And speaking of glasses, got any sweet tea?” She was already at the refrigerator and opened the door. “Ah, yes.” She removed the pitcher and took two glasses from the cupboard above the dishwasher.

“You staying in town on your vacation?” I set the button box on the counter.

“Yes. I’m painting my mom’s bedroom, among other things.” She handed me my tea.

We both went into the living room and sat on the sofa.

“What fun,” I said. “Or do you enjoy fumes and spills and drop cloths as much as you enjoy collecting evidence?”

Candace grinned. “I do. And she’s got a leaky faucet that could use some attention, too.”

“I know who to call next time I need help with home repairs. But now, maybe you can help me with something outside that realm. I’ve been volunteering more at the sanctuary and—”

“No. I cannot take a cat, or a litter of kittens or a rambunctious Lab that someone couldn’t convince to even walk on a leash or—”