The Sense of Reckoning Read Online Free Page B

find a scientific explanation for what you experienced, but now that doesn’t seem so important anymore. Maybe I had to have a child to be able to see that there’s more to life than science and logic. Do you forgive me?”
    Ann felt tears burn and in her mind’s eye she saw the scene the way it might have been: her and Dan and their own child—a healthy child—going to a restaurant for lunch for a special occasion. Maybe it would be a little girl with curling, reddish-blonde hair and sparkling green eyes telling them about a Martian rover, and speculating about ways of powering it. Maybe that little girl’s pet would be Beau, who would be only too happy to tow a rover if it made his person happy. She nodded at Dan. “Yes. Of course.”
    He stepped forward and extended his arms tentatively, and she walked into a hug that was both awkward and wonderful. It lasted only a moment before he stepped back.
    “I’m so glad we ran into each other,” said Dan. “I read about you finding that woman’s murderer. I must admit that at the time I didn’t know quite what to make of it, but knowing what I do now, you have a lot to be proud of.”
    Not trusting herself to talk, Ann made a dismissive shooing motion.
    “But your dog—I was really sorry to hear about that. I remember how much you loved Kali. I know this dog must have meant just as much to you. What was his name—Beau?”
    She nodded as tears threatened to spill over.
    He gazed at her for a moment. “Are you okay?”
    She nodded again.
    “Well, I better go. All the best to you, Ann. Give my best to Mike and Scott, too.” He stepped forward again and gave her another quick hug, then turned and walked back to the pickup. He walked quickly, like a man with good news that he was excited to share.
    Ann watched him go and in a moment Mike was by her side. “Did that go alright?”
    Ann nodded and searched in her pockets for a tissue as the tears finally fell. “Yes. He believed me.”
    Mike put his hand on her shoulder. “Of course he did, Ann. He’d be a fool not to.”
    *****
    They continued on as originally planned to Longwood Gardens. Mike went to the conservatory to see the latest display. He enjoyed the symmetry of the building and the plantings, and had confided to Ann and Scott his secret desire to sneak into the conservatory after hours and lie on the luxuriant, and off-limits, lawns around which the displays were arranged.
    Ann begged off the conservatory and headed instead to the Meadow Garden, where she knew from experience that she could walk the perimeters of its eighty-six acres and never have to see a soul—living or dead.

Chapter 6
    On Friday, Joe Booth, the Philadelphia detective who had been in charge of the Firth case, drove out from Philadelphia to West Chester for dinner. After Joe had exhausted the more traditional means of investigation, it had been at his invitation that Ann got involved in the case.
    Joe arrived on the doorstep with a bouquet of flowers for Ann and a bottle of wine for Mike and Scott, looking uncomfortable in a snug sport coat, which he removed as soon as he saw that everyone else was dressed casually. Joe was a big man, a previously athletic physique softening a bit in middle age. He was in his mid-forties but looked older, due in part to the premature graying of his pale blond hair.
    Mike had made rack of lamb, roasted potatoes, and asparagus, and opened a couple of bottles of Palmaz Cabernet Sauvignon. Now, they were all pushed back from the dining room table, too full and comfortable to move into the living room. Even Ann, relaxed by the wine and the company, was eating everything Mike served her.
    She was just finishing up her last asparagus spear as Mike and Joe talked sports when she glanced over Mike’s shoulder and said, “Hey, it’s Scooter!”
    The three men turned to look.  
    “What?” said Joe.
    “Where?” said Scott.
    “Our cat, Scooter,” said Mike.
    “You have a cat?” asked Joe. “I’m