Eve tensed. Let it be better. Let Jane make a difference.

“Joe!” Jane jumped out of the Jeep as soon as Eve turned off the engine. She flew up the steps and into his arms. “Dammit, it’s good to see you.”

“It’s good to see you too.” His arms tightened around her. “Though you should have stayed in-”

“I heard all that from Eve,” she interrupted. “So be quiet.” She took a step back. “I hear you were fighting alligators and trying to-” She stiffened as she looked up at his face. “Joe?”

He turned quickly to Eve. “I put fresh coffee on. I’m going to go in and get my phone, then I have to leave.”

“Whatever you say.” Eve slowly got out of the Jeep. Joe was in the shadow, and she couldn’t see his face, but she could see Jane’s expression. She didn’t like what she was seeing. “I hoped you’d stay for a cup of coffee. I stopped at Dunkin’ Donuts.”

“Thanks, but I don’t have time. I have to get to the precinct.” He moved back toward the door. “I just wanted to stay and see Jane before I left. I’ll get my phone and take off.”

Jane took a half step forward after him. “Joe, wait. I want to-”

But he had disappeared into the house.

Jane whirled to face Eve. “I thought you said everything was okay.”

“I didn’t say okay.” She climbed the porch steps. “I said as good as could be expected. Nothing to be alarmed about.” But she was alarmed and had to hide it from Jane. Not an easy task. “And he does have work to do at the precinct. What are you getting bent out of shape about?”

“He was… stiff. His face was-And he didn’t look at me.”

“I’m sure he didn’t mean anything by it. Look, maybe you need some time alone with him. I’ll go inside and set out the doughnuts. You catch him when he comes out. Okay?”

Jane nodded. “I have to make sure. It’s not like Joe to treat me like that.” She sat down on the porch swing. “I’ll be in right away.”