It was Johnny’s turn to rub my shoulder, and then he rested his cheek against it. “You did your best.”
I was the one who’d gotten her into this mess. “These people would never have seen anything like this yellow dress.” I fingered the material, which was frayed at the point where it had been joined to the waist of the dress. “I guess whoever had taken Cat was curious about what was under her clothes.”
“Do you mind if we take it with us?” He straightened. “Maybe Charley can make a dress or something for Hildy.”
“That’s a good idea.” I handed it back to Johnny and watched as he folded it carefully and tucked it into a pocket. I ran my hand over my face. “God, I’m sorry, Johnny.”
He didn’t make me feel worse by asking why.
“I don’t blame you,” he said.
“You should. Look at the mess I’ve
