Struts winked an eye at Olivia. “How about it, Charlie? I believe we can safely assume you’ve known your sister longer than any of us. Can you think of anyone who might have it in for her?”

Charlie crossed his arms as if he thought his chest might escape from his body. “No one,” he said. “Maybe some people don’t take to Charlene right off the bat, but she’s always stuck by me. She doesn’t deserve to get hurt.”

While Olivia digested Charlie’s information, spoken and tacit, Struts pushed the cookie box toward the two young men. “Sustenance,” she said. “Boys need their daily sugar and butter.” Jason was nearest, so he reached into the box and plucked out a burgundy spaceship with pale pink polka dots, which he kept for himself. He handed Charlie a Santa’s sleigh in mint green with grape trim.

“Hey Charlie,” Struts said, giving Olivia a glance filled with meaning. “Since you’re here, does that Toyota parked out on the street look like it’s got a flat?” She nodded her head toward the office window behind her desk. Charlie crossed the room, offering Olivia a clear view of his back.

“Which Toyota?” Charlie asked, as his head moved from left to right. “There’s five of them. Two red Corollas, one of them this year’s model; a blue Camry with a dent in the driver’s door; a green Camry, maybe ten years old; and a red truck.”

“I think it was one of the red Corollas,” Struts said. “Or maybe the truck.”

Jason joined Charlie at the window. Struts smirked at Olivia as both of the men’s heads swiveled back and forth, hunting for a flat tire. “I think your eyesight’s going, Boss,” Jason said, turning to face her. “All the tires look fine to me.”

“Me, too,” Charlie said. “Want us to go out and take a closer look?”