Cathy stood outside ringing the bell of the small house where Nancy rented an apartment from Mildred Hastings, the librarian. The bell was in the back and led to a tiny basement consisting of a kitchen, living room, and bathroom that Nancy had decorated with splashes of warm colors to help brighten the windowless area. Nancy appeared at the top of the stairs wearing jeans and a pullover sky-blue sweater. Her blonde hair was swept up in a high ponytail.
“Hey, Cat. What brings you here? Is everything okay? I meant to call you, but I heard that Leroy caught up with Brody. I figured you were safe.”
“That’s okay, Nance, and you know darn well why Leroy caught up with Brody. You called him after I told you he was at the store.”
Nancy grinned. “Sorry about that. I couldn’t resist tipping off t
