“Wait.”
Mason heard Evie’s footsteps padding up behind him. He should’ve known it wouldn’t be as simple as getting into his car and leaving. “What’s up?”
“Was she useful?”
“Who?”
“Diane.”
“Oh.” Mason looked over her shoulder to see Diane slowly heading back their way. He guessed she must have lived in their direction. “Listen, can you drive her home? It’s not safe here at night.”
“Sure.”
Mason turned to leave, then felt that hand on his arm again. “What?”
Evie sighed. “Can we… Could you come over tomorrow night?”
“Why?”
“Does there have to be a reason? You’re my brother, for God’s sake.”
Mason really wanted to say yes, but for all he knew he could be locked up by this time tomorrow. Anyway, if he was being accused of murder, he could hardly stop for dinner. “I really can’t.”
“Bullshit.”
“It’s true. My plate’s full. No pun intended.”
“Damn you.” Evie shoved him, frustrated. “Why do you get like this? I understand you care about your work. That’s fine—good, even—but it’s the people around you who have to suffer your distractions.”
As much as he hated to admit it, he knew it was true. It’d been a year since Sandra divorced him for that exact same reason. But what choice did he have?
“Just forget it.” Evie stormed back to her car, waving Diane over.
“Wait.” Mason stepped forward. “Dinner at eight?”
Evie smiled. “At my place.”
“I’ll be there.”
“Great. And get some rest, okay?”
Mason nodded, waved to Diane, and climbed into his Mustang. Although he’d agreed to go home just to keep Evie quiet, it was already getting late. Whatever he was looking for at Adaway Park, it could have to wait until daylight.
Letting out a long breath, Mason started the car and headed home.
He only hoped he wouldn’t wake up to the police banging on his door.