Chapter 48

Johnny nodded his head. “I learned about checking the fireplaces the hard way.”

Tom said, in what Danny called his detective voice, “Everyone outside.” The men left and gathered on the front lawn with Danny still jabbering on about the landscaping.

“This is all up to you, sweetheart. Do you want to live here or are there too many memories?”

“I thought there would be but I was only here with my aunt and uncle for less than a year. My memories of my parents are good. I remember this being a nice neighborhood to grow up in. Those kids you’re talking about would like it here. There’s a creek out back and a pond we used to swim in, I don’t know if the water’s clean anymore but Danny can take care of making the pond safe.”

“Is that a yes, sweetheart?”

“Conditional yes, I won’t stay here if I put you in danger.” Robbie was adamant. 12