Page 74 of Love, Untangled

“Who’s this?”

“It’s Pen…Penelope…Serena’s daughter.”

“That was a surprise.”

“For me too. Um…how are you?”

“Got shot by my niece. Always knew she was manipulative and mean, but shooting someone?”

“I don’t think they’ve found her,” Pen whispered.

“Then you stay safe, girl.”

“I want to visit you, but the receptionist wouldn’t tell me what room you’re in.”

Leon chuckled, then groaned. “Probably because no one knew I had family.”

“How…how didn’t you know about me?” Pen asked.

“Well, I didn’t stay in Cinnamon Bay. Was an MP in the military, served in Germany, Japan, even Leavenworth. I came back to the Bay when I retired. That’s been a handful of years.”

“And…and…you never saw my nana? Rodney’s mom. Garland.” Pen frowned, unsure how to best connect the two sides of her family.

“Not much, no. Kept to myself, didn’t I? I’m not into company.”

Pen’s lips flattened but she felt a bubble of humor rising from her chest. Just her luck that her only living relative—well, the only one she’d claim—was a hermit. Still, Pen looked forward to getting to know the crusty older man. “I’ll stop by later today.”

“I’ll look forward to it.” He hung up.

Yeah, Leon might not say so, but he needed a connection just as much—more—than Penelope.

Her phone rang immediately. Pen took a deep breath when she noted the police station’s number. “Hello?” she asked in a wobbly voice.

“Ms. Davis?”

“Yes?”

“This is Darlene at the police department. We wanted to let you know that Serena Davis was apprehended about an hour ago—she’d made it to the next county—and one of our boys is bringing her in for questioning.”

Pen sank down to the ground, ignoring the grass and dirt. She rested her forehead on her knees. “That’s…”

She raised her head, unsurprised to find the Hens—as she’d learned Hattie, Birdie, and Trixie were called—flying up her driveway in their pink golf cart.

“You heard the news?” Birdie demanded.

“Of course she has, you old bat,” Trixie said with a snort. “Just look at her face.”

“I guess the granny brigade’s there,” Darlene said with a chuckle. “I recognize those voices. Give us a holler if you need anything.”

“Thank you,” Pen said. Her mind reeled, her body ached, but mainly it was her heart that felt battered. “I’m not good company,” Pen said, still huddled on the ground.

Alpaca Man trotted over, eager for some attention from the three ladies. Lydia hung back, staying near Pen.

“You don’t need to be, hon,” Hattie said. “We just wanted to make sure you knew what’s what with the investigation.”

“Say, why isn’t your hunky hero here?” Trixie asked.

Birdie elbowed the woman, shaking her bright red head.

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