Page 137 of Trouble Comes in Threes

“I’d sure love to track them down and have a chat.”

“The woman said her parents moved them away because Sarah and her sister Luna were bad influences. But she says she heard years later that Sarah had died, and her sister had moved to California.”

“Did she know how Sarah died?”

“No.”

“So it could have been an accident or natural causes.” He took a deep breath and pushed it out. “Again, it seems unlikely this has anything to do with the box, but I should probably take a look at it. But regardless of what these people are after, I’m worried you and the kids might be in danger.”

“So what do we do? Do you want to put a deputy on guard duty?”

He squeezed my hand tighter. “No. I want to send y’all away for a while.” He gave me a sad smile. “I want you to go stay with your Aunt Bessie and Uncle Albert in Lafayette County until this blows over.”

“But Ashley and Mikey have school tomorrow.”

“They’re smart kids. They can miss a couple of days, and besides, with the issues Ash has been having lately, a few days away might do her some good.”

“What about Neely Kate and Daisy? Neely Kate is as much a part of this as I am.”

“I’ve already talked to Jed. He considered taking them somewhere himself, but he doesn’t want to leave town. He wants to stick around and see this through, so we think it’s best if they go with you.”

I nodded, still trying to wrap my head around everything. “I need to call Aunt Bessie and make sure it’s okay. We can leave in the morning.”

“I already called her, and she’s getting things ready for you now. I want you to go tonight.”

“Tonight?”

“Jed and Neely Kate went to their house to pick up some things for the girls. Then they’re heading over here. We’re gonna take two cars, and then I’m gonna ride back with Jed.”

“You’re gonna take us?” I asked in surprise. “But you’ve got so much goin’ on here.”

He cupped my cheek. “Rose, you and the kids are the most important things in my life. You will always be my priority. I can be gone for a few hours.”

“But you’re exhausted.”

“I’ll catch some sleep on the ride back with Jed.” He leaned closer and gave me a soft, lingering kiss. “I wish I could stay with you there…”

“You need to catch whoever is murderin’ people,” I said, my voice firm. “We’ll be fine at Aunt Bessie’s, but I don’t want to worry the kids, so I think we should tell them we’re taking a little mini vacation with their aunt.”

“Ash isn’t gonna totally buy it,” he said, looking grim.

“She’s too smart for her own good, so I’ll feel my way with her.”

“Okay.”

I leaned back. “I have to pack. I haven’t done laundry in days. I don’t know if the kids have enough clean clothes.”

“Good thing your aunt and uncle have a washing machine and dryer,” Joe teased as he slid off the bed. He pulled me up and wrapped his arms around me, pulling my body flush to his. “I love you so damned much, Rose.”

“You’re not mad I kept all that from you?”

He held me tighter. “I wish you had told me sooner, but I understand. Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me now.” He gave me another kiss, then dropped his hold on me and walked into the hall. “Okay, everybody!” he said. “I have an announcement!”

The kids quickly appeared in the hallway, their eyes shiny with anticipation. Witt stood in Liam’s doorway, holding him on his hip.

“I have something exciting to tell you,” Joe said, sounding like he was about to announce that we were headed to Disney World. “You have ten minutes to pack and get ready to go to Aunt Bessie and Uncle Albert’s house! Mikey, pull out clothes for three days, and put them on your bed. Ashley, you can pack yourself. I’ll pack for Hope, and Momma’s gonna pack for herself.”

“Can I go too, Uncle Joe?” Daisy asked, in her sweet little voice, standing next to Hope.

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