As Nakos pulled his truck up to the main house, Bones came barreling around the corner and stopped to sit on his haunches. Though the sheepdog's tongue lolled, his postured deflated as if disappointed in the visitors.

Amy released her seatbelt from the passenger side. "Looks like someone misses Olivia."

Nakos grunted. "Or Nate. The dog follows him everywhere."

They climbed out and warm, humid air tinged with the scent of pine and soil bathed her face. Hot sun beat down and ...