Allison had known that Brenton was once married to Stephanie, and Sam didn’t think the long-ago marriage mattered, though he would stop by and talk to Stephanie himself just to see if there might be something pertinent to the current murder. In case my concern about Hobbit being home alone had been rekindled because of the appearance of the doll ornament, Allison said she’d take Hobbit while I ventured to the Smithfield Market. Sam offered to let her stay at his house, though he had to work. I also knew that both Ian and George would welcome her at the lavender farm. It was wonderful to have options. Ultimately, I knew she’d be happiest at home for the few hours I would be away, so I instructed her once again on the ins and outs of the doggie door. She seemed just fine with the solution and happily sent me away as she curled up on the porch. She liked her routine, and I’d switched it up enough the day before. I didn’t like that I thought it was necessary, but I was pretty sure I would soon be installing a security camera.
