Page 75 of Trouble Comes in Threes

“I already told you that I met with Randy to ask him for help with the box,” I said, not that I blamed him for thinking otherwise. “But I have a right to know something if that’s why our plans are changing.”

“I’m sorry, Rose. I really, truly am.”

I knew he was, but I still couldn’t stop myself from saying, “That our plans are being cancelled or because you won’t tell me?”

“Both, darlin’.”

“I don’t understand all the secrecy. I mean, sure, I understand why you didn’t tell me about the murder, but at least you told me one had occurred. Now you’re giving me absolutely nothing.”

“I know, and I’m sorry.”

“Should I be worried?” I asked. “Are the kids and I safe?”

“Of course you’re safe,” he said in confusion, then added in a softer voice, “You’re worried about Hardshaw.”

“You know I live with that fear.”

“It’s not them, I swear.”

“Then what is it? Something must have come up if you’re cancelling now and not earlier.”

“You have to swear you won’t tell anyone else what I’m about to tell you. Not even Neely Kate.”

“She’s not even here at the office. I wasn’t going to see her until she and Jed came over later.”

“There was another murder.”

My blood went cold, but I was also overcome with relief. I hadn’t felt right keeping something as huge as a murder from Joe. “Is it related to the one in Pickle Junction?”

“We’re not sure yet, but that’s part of the reason I need to stick around.” He paused. “I’m really sorry. I know how much you were looking forward to going.”

“That’s okay,” I said, alternating between relief that I wasn’t leaving the kids overnight and disappointment that Joe and I weren’t getting the alone time we’d been coveting. But on top of that was the anxiety that something bigger was happening in Fenton County and the Lady in Black was, like it or not, being drawn back into it. “I understand.”

“I know you do, which only makes me feel worse.”

My head was swimming with anxiety. Something about this murder had to be bothering Joe for him to be so tightlipped about it. Then again, someone getting shot in the head was serious business. Still, this wasn’t Hardshaw or any other organized crime group. The most likely answer was a drug dealer was pissed at his underlings. “There’s no need to feel guilty, Joe. I wouldn’t feel right leaving the kids knowing there’s a murderer on the loose.”

“Jed might be offended that you’re insinuating you don’t trust him to protect our kids,” he teased.

“You know I don’t mean it like that.”

“I know,” he said more somberly. “And you don’t need to worry. I don’t think there’s a dangerous criminal on the loose. I suspect this was some kind of feud over drugs, and even though we don’t know much about the second murder, my gut tells me it’s related.” He hesitated. “I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

“I know you will. Do you think you’ll be home for dinner?”

He hesitated. “I’ll try.”

But in the short time he’d been sheriff, I’d learned that we shouldn’t wait for him. “It’s fine. Neely Kate said Daisy was excited to come over, so I’ll still have them and Jed come over for dinner.”

“I’m really sorry, Rose.”

“You don’t have to keep saying that,” I insisted. “What you’re doing is important.”

“I love you,” he said softly. “You’re the best wife a man could have.”

“I love you too. And don’t forget you said that the next time you’re pissed at me.”

He laughed. “I won’t.”

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