Page 77 of You'll Be the Death of Me

“I figured as much, when I saw him start tearing up,” Cole said.

“Yes. It was rather beautiful to share his feelings, so thank youfor helping contact her. But apparently, heissome kind of secret hacker with a classified job. He said he can find anything online, so we’re going to his house, and I’m going to pop back in to tell him what to look for.”

Cole raised one eyebrow. “That’s handy. And a little creepy.”

“Well, I’ll take it. We’re about to find out who you are!” she cheered, and grabbed his arm. “Come on!”

They hurried along the lawn to catch up with Robbie. The morning had continued to come to life around them. Several joggers moved along the path; dogs wagged their tails and sniffed from the ends of their leashes. A few cars rolled down the scenic marina street.

“He invited us in, right?” Cole said when they arrived at Robbie’s front path.

“Yes. We are not about to smash into a door, don’t worry,” Dell said, and followed Robbie to the turret entrance.

Robbie stopped at his front door. “I assume you’re still here... uh, both of you?” he said out loud.

Dell swiped at his arm in signal.

“Great. Grandpa Charlie is probably having breakfast. Please try not to scare him with anything, um... ghosty.”

“We won’t,” Dell said out loud, even though he couldn’t hear her.

They followed Robbie inside the house, where it smelled like coffee and something warm and baked.

“Robert!” Grandpa Charlie happily called as they passed the kitchen. “Do you want some breakfast?”

“Not now, Grandpa. I’m busy,” Robbie replied in a rush. He took a few steps toward the hall and then stopped. “Actually—” He pivoted and turned toward the kitchen. “I would love some... toast,” he said when he saw the spread on the table. He picked upa slice and bit into it while he lovingly gripped his grandfather’s shoulder where he sat at the head of the table.

Charlie reached up and patted his hand. He wore a bathrobe over a pair of plaid pajamas and had a spread of eggs, toast, and coffee before him. “How was the park?”

“It was great. Beautiful sunrise this morning. Seems like Mom is around.”

At this, Charlie looked up at him with a smile. “She’s always around, my boy.”

They shared a gentle moment that made Dell feel like she and Cole were intruding from the hallway. It didn’t last long, but their connection was tangible from across the room.

“I’ve got to go work on something, but I’ll be back out soon,” Robbie said. He leaned down and kissed his grandfather’s cheek before shoving the rest of the toast into his mouth.

“You know where to find me!” Charlie called after him.

Dell and Cole followed on Robbie’s heels when he passed them in the hall. They arrived at his hacker cave/bedroom. Robbie slid into his chair and woke the wall of computers in front of him.

“Okay, whenever you’re ready,” he said aloud.

Dell turned to Cole, who stood over by the bed. “Are you ready?”

The nerves in his eyes did not surprise her. She couldn’t blame him for any trepidation over being on the cusp of finding out who he was—and, very likely, how he’d died.

“We don’t have to do this,” she said, and took his hand.

He softly smiled at her. “Yes, we do, Dell, and you know it. Stop being so generous.”

She returned his soft smile and rose up on her toes to kiss his lips.

“Just promise me you won’t hate me if I turn out to be some degenerate criminal,” Cole said.

“I seriously doubt you have it in your bones to commit a crime, unless it’s fashion related.”

He playfully scoffed and straightened his tie.