“If he’d been in a wreck or been ill, surely she’d let us know,” I said hesitantly, aware I wasn’t on Martin’s wavelength.

“I was thinking more of Craig being in trouble,” he said, pulling on a fresh shirt and tucking it in. “Do you have your lipstick on yet?”

“No,” I said, surprised.

Martin pulled me to him and gave me one of those wonderful kisses that makes my pulse jump around like a drop of oil in a hot skillet. I responded enthusiastically, and let my fingers do the walking.

“Whoa! Whoa!” he said, gasping, holding me away. “Oh, later! After we come home!”

“That better be a promise,” I said lightly, giving him a final pat and sitting at my vanity to twist the tube to apply Mad Rubies.

“Take it as sworn to,” he told me.

We should have taken twenty extra minutes and been late to the Lowrys‘.

Chapter Two

Catledge Lowry met us at the door, his wide happy smile fixed in place.

Catledge was a politician through and through. He had a good-sounding set of goals, he had a good campaign manager, and he’d done some worthwhile things. I didn’t trust him as far as I could throw him, and given Catledge’s six-foot-four frame, that wasn’t an inch. I just enjoyed Catledge for what he was.

“Hey, good lookin‘!” he cried. “If your husband would just turn his back a minute, I’d give you a kiss to curl your toes, you beautiful thing!”

“This beautiful thing would rather have a glass of wine, Catledge,” I said, smiling. “Besides, I don’t think you can bend down far enough.” I’m four-eleven.

“Honey, I’d amputate my legs for the chance,” Catledge said dramatically, and I laughed.