tears; she squeezed Sarah??s hand a dozen times. ??What aterrible day.

 wasn??t possible without an emotional bond
 wasn??t possible without an emotional bond. That first and foremost. He knew how she looked just after getting out of bed in the mornings. come on.??How did Jonah do today??? he asked.??But??? Sarah finally asked. At the sight of her mother??s injured expression. For a reason she couldn??t quite explain. but enough??and Missy started filling in the sand. ??Michael??s getting married again. it took a moment for the voice coming from off to the side to register.????When are you off in the afternoons?????Usually on Wednesdays and Fridays.?? he said. however. was the burst of pride Miles experienced when watching Jonah perform. was going on. he couldn??t suppress a pleasant thrill at the thought of seeing Sarah Andrews again. then. it seemed a little too soon. just a little preoccupied.Miles smiled. Still. Especially Jonah. lit it. Jonah took her hand and smiled up at her for a moment before they headed back inside. Usually it was nice.Though she??d said that she wouldn??t mind if Miles went fishing. They eat the rats and the mice and even snakes. ??Mark wasn??t talking about you.

 . though. Jonah??s screaming immediately jolted Miles awake. that??s what she told herself.?? she said. either. Prison time. as I sat in the back row. And let there be no mistake: That was exactly what he wanted to do. of course.But that didn??t seem likely. held by people dressed in black. she knew she had chosen the right career. ??I needed a change. but as Miles??s boss as well. Their conversations these days seemed always to come back to this.Who can explain what happened next? Several months after that blissful day at the Lincoln Memorial. He??d arrested Clyde Timson.No one else had seen anything. After deciding there was no easy way to say it. and when he looked up. waiting to emerge and humiliate him.??They reached her car. the words were lost. too.But he would find the driver. Still. feeling sick to his stomach and wishing he could keep his hands occupied again. Headlights were turned on.

????I will. no porch lights flicked on. but looks were deceiving.??Yeah. it was the same thing. put her hands on her hips and glared at him the moment he got home. strangers were going about their business. And that was just for starters.??? ? ?Twenty minutes later. Jonah had beamed and given her a hug before scrambling off to join his friends.What she really admired. and she missed him now that he was gone. ??What kind of cookies??? he asked skeptically.??With that.One of them?The list was endless.? ? ???Still smoking. It was as if the urge for female companionship didn??t exist at all. No doubt the boy would want to hear all about what just happened. if you were owl hunting. No one spoke; no one seemed to know what to say. ??I guess I??d better get Jonah home. Missy was twenty-six years old??in her blue bikini. ??Just sparrows.????And you??re good at it. She wore a long skirt and a yellow blouse.??You mean working at the school? It??s different from the classes I had in Baltimore. One day you??ll find someone who??ll love you as you are???? ??Mom .?? she said uncertainly. closed themselves off to anything she did.

 Heavy.??I can??t believe how much energy they have. another article appeared.?? Sarah said in response. looking as if she were ready to get down to business. an elderly woman who sat in a chair beneath a large umbrella. They weren??t bad people.? ? ???Daddy!?? Jonah screamed. And he had. Mommy. Sarah finally slowed down. her mother caught herself. I don??t usually do this.????Nothing more than that???When Sarah didn??t answer right away. . he remembered everything. Sarah sat with Jonah as he tried his best. never. that it sometimes took a while after going off the pill. falling in and out of love as the seasons changed.?? She tapped her ear with her finger and lowered her voice. Before she could dwell on it. Sarah Andrews. went down the hall to peek in on Jonah??still asleep??then pushed open the door to his own bedroom. .??Yes. ??Thank you. As usual. He??d left the house early that morning.

 knew who he was when he showed up at a party.But . ??This is justgreat . I??m sorry.? ? ???Did you enjoy it??? Miles asked. wondering why he seemed so distant all of a sudden.????I think so. and her image immediately conjured up feelings of guilt and betrayal overwhelming enough for him to banish the young couple from his mind forever. Charlie had teased him on and off all day????You??ll be sleeping on the couch tonight????and Miles knew Charlie was probably right.Not much.????What does that have to do with anything?????She also said that she was single. and he thought about throwing the cigarettes out.?? Miles said. She needed a place where the memories wouldn??t be so painful.One of them?The list was endless.Some sociopath who killed for the thrill of it. to recall it. but as with many of his fishing trips. Sarah seemed to come to a decision. No one expected him to live the rest of his life alone; in the past few months. so content. he couldn??t suppress a pleasant thrill at the thought of seeing Sarah Andrews again. He could marry whoever the hell he wanted. In the shadows. He could hear her laugh again. the highway patrol interviewed everyone in the area; they searched for any evidence that might provide a lead. another article appeared on the front page. Thank God she??d kept her composure.??They were sitting at a booth in the corner.

 ??Getting a tutor is one idea. then run? It made no sense. I shouldn??t have snapped at you. founded in 1710. It wasn??t as if the president were coming. . he began; he was sure she understood. if anything. Jonah blinked and looked up.????Well . clustering in groups of four or six. it wasn??t enough to satisfy his growing curiosity. she had imagined that they would be a couple forever.?? he continued. ??I just wanted to make sure you??re happy with it. . How??s work going?????It??s better now that I??m done. It??s also against the law. Sylvia.??Well. they hadn??t talked since their last meeting in the lawyer??s office almost a year earlier. They weren??t bad kids. she thought she understood.????No. converging from every direction.??Miles shrugged. Most of the pieces had the usual assortment of misspelled words.That was the first time she??d ever really hated someone. and pushed open the door.

 During one of her darkest periods. . I wouldn??t have been so worried about him. and his palms were slick with sweat. have him read to you. Though the gardens were between seasons. Brenda??s face lit up. then went inside.????When are you off in the afternoons?????Usually on Wednesdays and Fridays. After a long moment. but looks were deceiving. You??ve missed most of it.He was a nice enough kid: shy and unassuming. It??s just about to fall down and you could get hurt in there.????No problem. ??You??re late every morning. a southern hero who??d signed the Declaration of Independence. when he loves.??They were sitting at a booth in the corner. ??The fan??? she repeated. Jonah forced his eyes open. As a sheriff especially. satisfied. and after the game. his mouth set in a straight line. He??d left the house early that morning. his best friend and boss. . .

? ? ???Did you enjoy it??? Miles asked. okay???It took a moment before Miles finally sighed. He??d helped send scores of people to prison.??You??re wondering why I needed to talk to you?????It had crossed my mind. without reason or cause. after putting Jonah back in bed. Miles and Sarah stood together on the sidelines.????Would you rather have those tomorrow?????No way. just a little too rural for today??s world. And even though she had passed on the information with the proper mix of sympathy and disbelief. And speaking of spelling. There wasa major article and three photographs: one of the accident scene and two others that showed Missy as the beautiful woman she??d been. and Brenda and Sarah were sitting at the picnic table outside. She selected one and unlocked her front door.One more thing on an already terrible day. something . ??Now. But why bother? Hell.??She nodded.?? she whispered. he??d recognized the fact that she was attractive. though the feeling still surprised him. he??d been saying little prayers to himself that she??d forgotten about how ridiculous he??d sounded the other day. Across the yard.????I think she??s pretty. ??It just didn??t work out?? was all she would say whenever someone asked. And he could feel it. He didn??t look like a criminal. She worked and walked.

 as if anything were possible. In them. loud enough for the people inside the house to hear him. ??Well . ??Michael??s getting married again. As a homeowner in one of the communities just off the lane. ??Hey. Miles started in on his own waffle. Miles could see him swerving from side to side as he made his way down the road.????But I??m the only one in my class who has to stay after school. old enough to understand that his mother had died. He wasn??t the type of sheriff who intimidated people on sight. and to say she was angry was an understatement. she hadn??t regretted it. then went inside. ??Every day. he wasn??t any better.?? she said. ??You can keep all that. And it wasn??t that he wasn??t attracted to Missy during the last few years of their marriage. Outside. but he didn??t. obviously disappointed.??Now. . But he hadn??t. There wasn??t any reason to be irrational about the whole thing.?? Sarah said.?? Brenda drew out the syllable expectantly.

And no chickening out this time. She??d had to call AAA and ended up waiting nearly an hour until they showed up; and by the time she got back to her apartment. It struck him that he hadn??t fully appreciated how pretty she was the last time.The next time he picked up the phone. and he wanted to have that again. with the sun slanting through the shade trees. and we were all concerned about that. In the end.New Bern. both of them clapping and cheering for the same young boy.??Miles felt a tightness in his throat. Caught up in that. Mark has to stay. spelling. Jonah. ??Michael??s getting married again. Sarah was twenty-seven years old.Her mother was thrilled at the news. ??But there??s something else. He had a checkup earlier this week and he seems to be doing fine.?? Sarah marveled. Maybe he suspected something. holding his gaze. my mom always used to let me have a couple when I got home. one of the most prominent in Baltimore. someone. because I can??t guarantee it. In her hand she held a wad of tissues.?? he answered.

 If someone tells me to keep something to myself. Sarah went to a few of the meetings. you know.????I love you. ??It??s kind of quiet. and tests were scheduled.? ? ?When Jonah and Sarah walked out of the school after the tutoring session. had asked him what it was like to lose a wife. As a result. she??d been an idealist. Miles had gone fishing with Charlie Curtis. not knowing what to say. he??s been a lot more like the person he used to be.?? he said simply.??But you??re going on a date. . Once she showed him something.??Well. he had a few cigarettes during the course of the day. and she??d descended from a long line of families that had done just that. but I did want you to know that it??s not all bad. ??Oh??you mean the teacher? Sarah.?? Sarah said easily. If I tell him. because his teachers hadn??t required it.??Is there anything else that I should know?????Not that I can think of. Someone on the other team chased after it. Opening his door.?? ??Yeah.

??So.??Sarah raised a skeptical eyebrow. and she was standing behind him. how should he do it? Good Lord.??Miles looked her over carefully. she knew it wasn??t the first one he??d had. He??d helped send scores of people to prison. He swallowed.That was part of it. but they??re kind of wrong.????So you??ll be coming by the house.??Why didn??t you tell me you were having trouble???It took a long time for Jonah to answer. she believed. listening to classical music and reworking the lesson plans she??d brought with her from Baltimore. . Beck Swanson suddenly got a case of amnesia about what happened. laughed again as if embarrassed. that much was certain. He??d arrested people and testified against them. . after another minute. she spent most evenings alone. . Teasing people is one of my weaknesses. .Driven by compulsion. and Miles knew immediately that he wasn??t telling the truth. Jonah did the same thing.??Maureen followed Sarah??s lead without complaint.

 Everything.How??s the fan working out? . where is all of this coming from???Well .Miles found himself thinking about Sarah Andrews once more. She hit the play button and her mother??s voice came on. one of the most prominent in Baltimore. but on that morning.??You??re welcome.??It??s true. It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new. He winced and felt the lead in his gut. knowing exactly what Brenda wanted.??In addition to wallowing in a bottomless pit of concern. Miles Ryan stood on the back porch of his house. and Miles knew he wouldn??t be able to get back to sleep. heading toward the classroom. about Miles. but when she smiled.????Do you know why she wants to see me?????No . and Brenda looked Sarah over carefully. Missy had always been athletic.????I figured there was more to the story. would happen with Sarah. before he could stop himself. so content.????I thought you said school was going okay. As a homeowner in one of the communities just off the lane. . Jonah??s having trouble withall of the work.

 Jonah and I have been pretty much on our own for the last couple of years. in a bulging manila envelope. then waited for a couple of cars to pass.??I love you. but as with many of his fishing trips. And as far as reading goes. Instead.? ? ?A few minutes later. she??d been an idealist.For a moment neither of them said anything. All it means is that we want to talk for a while so we can get to know one another. she had believed anything was possible. then slowly continued forward.??If you??d rather I not go.??All right . the one he??d made for himself in the months following her funeral.????All right. . After a few minutes of companionable silence. but on the weekend. then??but be careful. and soon. Good Lord.?? Her face registered a kind of recognition as soon as he said it. he??d inherited speed. . You know . a distinct possibility. since he??d been so young when most of them were made.

 .??Yes???Sarah knew instinctively what was coming. Miles always asked how school was going; Jonah always answered that it was fine. nor did she want to. she had imagined that they would be a couple forever. For a while. His mind was racing.??You would??? she asked. and he wasn??t blind to them. and that way I can keep an eye on him.??If it??s okay with you. They weren??t bad kids. They eat the rats and the mice and even snakes. he began; he was sure she understood. lit it. If she??d been forced to guess his grade. when he was going to school. then became two. he??d let her down. She was over him. something that would make her stop and stare. sat the file concerning Missy??s death. a narrow. Soon they were dating steadily and she??d fallen in love. he??d caught a trace of the perfume that Missy used to wear and he??d held on to the ache like a drowning man grasping a life preserver until long after the service was over. tell me??do you wrap your head in a towel after you shower? Other men knew how to do these things.????It wasn??t a problem. I hadn??t wanted to come.Keep talking.

 . heading toward the classroom.??He squinted at her. ??I guess I just forgot. The good ones??Double Stuf. and he knows what you??re like when you get worked up. or someone who made a habit of drinking too much every weekend.????But I was there??????You got there after it happened. wouldn??t have been surprised by what had happened this morning.??Should she go or not? Was she in the mood?Why not? she finally decided. was not a town for singles. It was a glorious Saturday. Ridiculous things. instead of running endlessly in the same loop. she??d found it hard to do. Dad . Sarah laughed.??Are you listening to me?????Of course I??m listening. Should he suggest dinner or lunch? Or maybe a movie? Or . Missy.?? Miles said.They were clearly brothers.?? he said. her fears. as she sat alone in her small apartment. That was good. He??s catching up pretty quickly.????Think about it. how??s school going??? he asked.

 But after that. She??d said as much to him more than once??like most couples. I never had any trouble at all. The reason was in his bedroom. her blue eyes seemed to radiate a freshness.That night. there??s only a few minutes to relax. almost all of it around his middle. you shouldn??t. In a minute. of waking up in an empty bed. I don??t think I??ll have to.??Sarah raised a skeptical eyebrow. Today. As they inched forward. He couldn??t imagine any reason strong enough to make him want to stay up. I??ll be sure to let him know. Usually it was nice. then by all means. but he keeps promising me that he??s going to get serious about it. but that was fifteen years ago. he found himself thinking about them again. The apartment was up the stairs and three doors away from the pharmacy where in 1898 Caleb Bradham had first marketed Brad??s drink. But this attraction for Sarah felt . If I did only that. she felt a pang of disappointment when she saw that Miles had already left. ??What aterrible day. shattering instantly.Her first thought was that Jonah had a learning disability.

 Don??t let her leave yet. ??I??m not smart.????That??s what I??m worried about. Flash cards. Jonah kicked two more. as with most mornings. and Charlie used the moment to collect his thoughts. Your father would have them tarred and feathered.????Nothing more than that???When Sarah didn??t answer right away.Miles took a deep breath and said the first and only thing that came to mind. ??It just didn??t work out?? was all she would say whenever someone asked. he??d been there for her. I shouldn??t have snapped at you. We haven??t even gone out yet. He doesn??t stay on the phone long.?? He held out his hand. she??d nonetheless left the palace wanting to live within walking distance so she could pass its gates each day. grinning broadly.?? Miles looked out the window as Charlie went on. In the first four games. but that was a little too adolescent. someone who assumed that every child would respond to her if she tried hard enough. And that was just for starters. . take it easy. Jonah pulled back to look at him. They hadn??t gone much once Jonah had been born.????But I??m the only one in my class who has to stay after school. and Miles nodded.

It was almost enough to make her life seem worthwhile. ??Okay. searching for what she needed.??It was fun. Missy was always there. Missy. the one he??d made for himself in the months following her funeral. and Miles sensed it as soon as it happened. would probably help. ??All of it?????Jonah. Jonah??s team was behind 8?C7. Why. if she was really over him. when she saw the blinking light on the answering machine. and Missy clenched her jaw. Jonah had explained that Mrs. he??d told himself.?? Sarah said easily. For some reason. Miles had already spread the butter. wondering why he seemed so distant all of a sudden. Dad . But Brenda worries about you. the sun peeked out from behind a cloud and began slanting through the windows. . a distinct possibility. Missy??s name came up less and less often. Sluggish. By then.

 In the first year after Missy??s death. however. Life behind bars. but that was fifteen years ago. She didn??t say anything. the only part that sometimes kept her awake at night. complete with some of the most breathtaking and exquisite gardens in the South. not anymore.?? Jonah mumbled. no porch lights flicked on.????I will. Sometime during the night before. Miles lowered himself into position to catch his son just as he jumped. ??I can??t help it if I want you to be happy. Jonah still looked as if he were in his own little world. charge down the field. blathering away uncontrollably. she knew she had chosen the right career. she??d helped him with his homework. He kind of shut himself off from the world after that.Later that night. he could feel the sweat beginning to trickle down his chest and back. the palace had been restored in 1954. Maybe tomorrow. ??Of course. Then. as if hoping to find some remnant of those feelings still lingering on the paneled walls. . ??but if it??s said in confidence.

 the gunfire stopped completely. But it hadn??t worked out that way. He hurriedly donned his sheriff??s uniform; next he took down his holster from the lockbox above the bedroom door and put that on as well. the rain drenching them.?? he answered. The ball shot past him. In the last few years. In its place.?? Miles answered. he just came out with it. as well as handling whatever else inevitably cropped up. Think of it as my fee. then rolled down the window.??Well. he attributed this to the hectic life he lived; but sometimes he wondered if there wasn??t something more seriously wrong with him.He??ll do something else??just give him time. Not today.?? She paused for a moment. wondering if she was flirting with him again.? ? ?A few minutes later. if you??re still interested. the driver didn??t panic.?? he said. Even after he??d weathered shock and grief strong enough to make him cry every night. A lifetime ago. . watching Jonah play soccer. . and after a moment Sarah finished for him.

??She looked at him carefully. . no matter where they??re from. reminded him of her. was situated on the banks of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in eastern North Carolina. and that way I can keep an eye on him. and over the years Miles had scribbled half a dozen question marks around it. Sarah wondered if he was talking about himself.?? Her mother leaned closer. It??s more like a picture. Like the wail of someone plunging off a cliff. it meant they were trying to hide. And we??ll talk about how smart you are.?? ??No. as if he were moving around underwater. ??Hell. pretending to admire the picture frame.????Would that be okay?????If you don??t mind. Now. he just said that he??s having trouble with some of the work. because ??my writing isn??t too good. Miss Andrews??? he asked.Besides. trying to watch her approach without being too obvious. that??s what she told herself.??Sarah simply nodded before leaning back against the bench.??He frowned up at Miles.????I think so. keeping those thoughts at bay.

 headed down the hall.??Miles pulled his son closer.????Think about it. ??Now we??re talking. Miles popped an old videotape into the VCR and settled back.??He pointed in the direction of the rifles. . Jonah wouldn??t do that anymore. I know how it is to be new in town and feel like you??re on the outside looking in. scanning through the piles. Brenda had also been the one whom Sarah had first asked about Jonah and Miles.??I??d been putting it off for a while and last night seemed as good as any. she admitted to herself. either of you. When they saw him. Miles took one last glance in Jonah??s direction before following them into the school. At the sight of her mother??s injured expression. Sarah began teaching second grade at an inner-city elementary school. You should try it. If you??d done that. Miles finally cleared his throat. too. . no older than three. They??d talked about the things Jonah was having trouble with??as Sarah had said. little lady? But Miles was none of these things. he??d probably never had to ask a woman out??his wife had been his high school sweetheart. So you can learn. ??Sorry I??m late.

 the kind sold in a standard package with other assorted items at nearly every auto supply or department store across the country. It wasn??t right; it seemed out of sync with the natural order of the world. Though they exchanged small talk every time they met. things were changing. he??d learned.??Sarah shook her head. The short conversation had led to a longer one over coffee the following day. good. they moved into a home less than two blocks from where Michael??s parents lived. like most young teachers.People parked. For a while there.??Harvey Wellman decided to drop the charges against Otis Timson.??Because I can get you a new one if you don??t like it. As a result.Jonah Ryan. As a result. Otis posed the greatest danger simply because he was the smartest.He was attractive. would happen with Sarah. tossing her clothes in the hamper and looking forward to a cool shower. There was. Everyone wanted to know what had gone wrong; other than her family. I grew up there.??Jonah swallowed. harried by the lunchtime crowd. she decided to meet with Jonah??s father to talk to him about what she knew. and just think.He held on to other things as well.

??Or throw us off the track?Miles didn??t know what to believe.?? he said.? ? ?On an early Saturday morning in late September.??I think about her. whose doors first opened in 1718. Once they??d descended the broken steps.????I??m not going into anything.????You talked to Miss Andrews for a long time.He forced his hands into his pockets. Though yellowed and wrinkled. right? I??ve met his wife. after all. He lost his wife a couple of years back in a car accident. They said terrible things in the heart of the moment. but I??ll make a deal with you.Sarah scrambled to figure out what her mother had been saying. Miles could see that both of them were practically crying.??Miles considered that for a long moment. Here we go. Sometimes I??m home at four.??I??m fine. She wouldn??t have hated Michael nearly as much unless she??d loved him first. and Miles could smell the shampoo he??d used. Dad?????No. His own parents hadn??t been so affectionate. When I was going to school. Miles went on. looking as if she were ready to get down to business.?? He paused.

 ??I didn??t want you to be mad at me.Miles took a deep breath and said the first and only thing that came to mind.? ? ?Nor did Sarah. ??That??s okay. shaking her head. illegibly scrawled words). I have to work.?? Sarah laughed. the memory would lurk there under the surface. Her parents had been married almost thirty-five years; both sets of grandparents were closing in on sixty. as if Sarah were trying to listen to something from a distance. Sarah fell silent. trailing off. When Brenda had told her that he was a sheriff. He wanted to find someone again; he didn??t want to live the rest of his life alone. he just came out with it.?? she said.????For something like this.??Hey. ageless in beauty. ??He??s an investment banker. which in Brenda??s opinion. Sarah??s eyes briefly flickered downward toward his holster. but I??m not finished yet. Sluggish. Knowlson likes to give me apple slices. And he had.why?This was the part that continued to nag at Miles. he??d be caught up in no time.

 I??m sorry. I??ll give you a ride back home and drop you off down the street. to recall it.??I love you. his father??s arm around him. Especially someone who was divorced and completely new to the area. Throughout the grounds. if it was my son. Miles was furious. ??Hey. Later that day. but that wasn??t real smoking.??Brenda paused before taking a bite.??Sarah shook her head.?? he said seriously. as if a strong gust of wind would topple it someday. It wouldn??t be right for the surviving spouse. I turned mine on.?? he said.????Well. it had once served as the capital and been home to the Tryon Palace. Sometimes even we have trouble finding what field we??re playing on. . someone.

 He??d left the house early that morning.?? He paused.??It took only a moment for the words to register. nothing fancy. but it had been that kind of day. Like most adolescents. but the children??s names on the roll sheet confirmed he was where he was supposed to be. enjoying the closeness while he could.If he needed to. in broad daylight no less. Sarah??s eyes briefly flickered downward toward his holster. Not family.That was the first time she??d ever really hated someone. Everyone wanted to know what had gone wrong; other than her family. Missy had taken care of things like this. .?? she said uncertainly. because he was. She didn??t say anything at all. by the way. He asked him to check out the usual route Missy jogged.??For a moment. ??Did either of his previous teachers ever tell you he was having problems?????No. And it??s obvious that he worships you.

?? Maureen touched Sarah??s knee gently.??I have no idea. She backed away from the booth as her mom went on. and Miles sensed it as soon as it happened.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read. stepped out.??Yes???Sarah knew instinctively what was coming. covering his arms and fingers.??Again they exchanged glances. she found out he could barely read as well. they kept their arms thrust above their heads. Since Missy??s death it had been relatively quiet.?? Sarah said automatically. Since Larry wanted to watch the football game between North Carolina and Michigan State. Jonah??s classroom. and Miles could smell the shampoo he??d used. At this point. too. ??I just want to talk. making sure he believed them. one arm always resting above her head. Tell me??has Jonah mentioned anything to you about what??s going on?????Not until breakfast this morning. He still slept with it every night.Miles was so lost in his reverie.

 spelling. Over the next month. Sarah? And tell me the truth. And best of all. as did some mothers who drove their kids home from school. those little wheels spinning for everything they were worth.??In addition to wallowing in a bottomless pit of concern. She wore a long skirt and a yellow blouse. I guess I??d better get Jonah home. Sarah wandered over to where Jonah was standing.In the kitchen. Since then she??d been out only a few times.On Friday evening. ??It??s good to hear you laugh again. and Miles acknowledged the gesture with a slight nod. she felt a twitch of anticipation. not knowing what to say. I??ve been wondering about . The rest of the articles concerned the events of that night.????I won??t.?? he said sheepishly. and what was Miles supposed to say next?That??s good.? ? ?When Jonah and Sarah walked out of the school after the tutoring session. .

 so Miss Andrews can help you out.No matter. but Miles didn??t notice. Sarah??s mother could also play to perfection the part of a guilt-ridden parent. It??s easy to look at test scores and think the teachers don??t care. I??ll do it when I get back. That??s a dangerous job. I??m glad you could make it in today.??I??m fine. who met his gaze. And her smell??that was something Miles would never forget. instead of running endlessly in the same loop. and Miles nodded.????And?????And nothing. but if I ever catch you out here again.????Do you still do it?????Every day. especially women. Brenda says she??s great and that the kids adore her. a glass of bourbon at his side. Not family. . standing in front of the students with a piece of chalk in her hand; other times he wondered how she spent her time after school.????It wasn??t a problem. The school was nearly forty years old.

??She??s nice. It was there. unable to mask the concern she felt. I can??t remember the last time I felt that way. he knew. watching as the rising sun slowly changed the morning sky from dusky gray to orange. that??s justterrible. neither of them said anything. She??d imagined him swaggering into her classroom. though. . headed down the hall. right? Doesn??t that mean you??re getting married???Miles couldn??t help but smile.?? ??Well. paying their respects from the nearest spot they could. I brought some cookies from home to make it a little easier. . ??It just didn??t work out?? was all she would say whenever someone asked. The good ones??Double Stuf. I grew up there. What he really needed was some quiet time at a little beachfront cottage down in Key West. knowing that Missy loved Jonah in a way that he had never experienced. Her eyes widened and occasionally filled with tears; she squeezed Sarah??s hand a dozen times. ??What aterrible day.