"Oh, hi, Victoria," Isabella said when she opened her front door. Her lone Ha-Ha earring swung gently against her cheek. Other than the wording, it was an exact match as the one I'd found. "Back so soon?"

In some ways, I kind of wished I'd never left her house. Then I wouldn't have to ask her such difficult questions.

"Afraid so. Do you mind if I come in?" Free of distractions like Boxy and Studmuffin? I wanted to add.

I'd told Boxy I was leaving to go check out Patty ...