I left the office a little after one, promising to call Louisa as soon as I landed in Chicago. I’d meant what I’d said about staying in contact with her. That thought alone kept me sane as I drove to my apartment, fighting tears.

Taking a deep breath, I knocked upon Mrs. Powell’s door.

“Kennedy, it’s so good to see you,” she said upon opening the door, her cat Polly doing a figure eight around her feet. “Come in before Polly decides to make a break for ...