He nodded, rubbing his temple. “It already has. But once this case is done, I’ll be home for good.”
His father’s lined face softened. “For that alone, I’m glad Ava and your daughter will be moving here.”
“I told her it was too much of driving back and forth for either of us. We’d both get tired of it, not to mention how it would wear Ellie out.” Deke pulled his phone from his pocket. He tapped the screen, then handed the phone to his father.
His father scrolled through the gallery, pausing at a photo of a bright-eyed little girl clutching a doll. His vision misted. “She’s beautiful. I can see you in her, her hair, her eyes, that smile. That’s all you.” He thumbed through more photos. “Who’s this?”
Deke looked at the photo and smiled. “That’s Ava.”
“That is one beautiful woman,” his father said. “Blonde hair, blue eyes and a beautiful smile. She is stunning.”
“I know. I thought so the first time I saw her.”
“Well, who knows? Maybe you two can make this work. I hope so because I want to know my granddaughter. The way Hud and Case are fooling around, they’ll never give me any.”
Deke chuckled. “Probably not Hud, anyway. He likes being single too much.”
“One day, a woman will come along that will bring him to his knees. I guarantee it. I just hope I live long enough to see it.”
Deke grinned. “I want to see that too.” He pushed his chair back and stood. “I’d better get home, get some things done since I have to leave in the morning. Damn, I’ll be glad when this case is over.”
“I’m sure, son. You be careful. Oh, why are you taking Tuesday and Wednesday off?”
“I had Ava order everything I’d need for Ellie, and it will be delivered Tuesday. Wednesday, I’ll put it all together.”
“If you need some help, let me know.”
“Thanks, Dad. I probably will. I have a good bit of things that need to be put together.”
“Just let me know.”
“I will. I’ll talk to you soon.” Deke took his hat from the hook, opened the door, then walked out.
****
Ava rounded the corner into the entryway, her boots whispering against the polished hardwood. A faint aroma of coffee drifted through the air. “Dad?” she called, her voice echoing under the high ceiling.
He emerged from the kitchen, a dish towel slung over one arm, sleeves rolled to his elbows. Late afternoon light slanted in, catching on the silver strands in his hair. “What are you doing here?” His tone filled with surprise.
“Why didn’t you tell me John Smith wasinvolved in the theft?” Ava folded her arms, her stomach knotting.
He ran a hand through his hair and exhaled, eyes darkening with worry. “Hell, Ava, I’m still trying to process everything.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how he got pulled in, but I’m counting on Deke to shake it out of him.” His phone buzzed on the countertop. He retrieved it, tapped the screen, then looked back at her. “Speak of the devil.” He swiped to answer. “Deke? What’s going on, son?” He listened, brow furrowing. “That’s good news, isn’t it? I hope so too. Will you stop by the house?” He nodded. “Okay, if you can.” He pocketed the device. “Deke will be in Maple Ridge tomorrow. Smith wants to sit down with him.”
Ava lifted an eyebrow. “He does? Maybe he’ll tell him who else is behind this.”
He leaned against the counter. “I hope so. Says the two Winchesters aren’t talking.”
“Maybe once they know Smith’s talking, they’ll open up.”
“We’ll see,” he said.
“Is Deacon coming here?” she asked softly.
He shrugged. “If he has time. No promises.”
Ava drew a steadying breath. “Okay. I’m heading to Tyler’s to pick up Ellie, then I’m going home.” She paused at the door. “Did you have fun last night?”
He glanced at her over his shoulder. “Why did she stay with Tyler?”
