Yellow Ceramic Mug and Red Silk Scarf in a Red Buick

said, turning over a clump of earth that smelled of damp leaves and rich compost. “Julian signed the release yesterday afternoon before he left the county.”

I placed the first bulb into the small hollow Raymond had cleared, ensuring the pointed end faced upward toward the light.

“He did not call before they started south,” I said.

“No,” Raymond said, continue reading …