Laura Hobson was leaving the police station and trying to decide whether to brave the traffic and meet Robbie and James for a drink. They had left quite a while ago, and would already have had a few rounds. If only she knew what kind of mood they were in, it would help her decide if she'd regret joining them.

Looking for her phone in her purse, she almost walked into a woman standing in front of her. "Sorry," she said automatically, then looked up and saw the woman's face. "Penny!" she said warmly, "What are you doing here?"

Penny Larson looked up, her face near tears.

"What's wrong?" Laura asked.

"He's not here. I missed him again. I wore his favorite dress. I thought it would at least get him to look at me, even if he still won't talk to me. But he's gone, and I don't know where to find him."

Laura looked at Penny. She looked stunning in a little blue dress that suited her perfectly, yet her pretty face was full of anxiety and frustration. Who did James think he was, putting a lovely girl like Penny in such a state? Laura decided that she really did want that drink this evening. Given Hathaway's behavior recently, he definitely needed someone to take him in hand. And it would be a shame to waste an opportunity to use that dress to put a man in his place.

"We're talking about Sergeant Hathaway, I presume. It just so happens that I know exactly where he is. In fact, I was just on my way over there to meet him and Robbie. I'll be happy to give you a lift."

As they headed toward Laura's car, Laura said, "You're right about that dress. It will definitely bring a man to his knees. I wish I had one like that in my closet—you never know when it might come in handy."

They got in the car and drove off. Penny's fretful expression had been replaced with a confident smile.