RILEY

I love kids, I really do. Honest. I swear … just not today.

Not such a good thing to be saying as I rub my third trimester belly with one hand and my temple with the other. Was I nuts, thinking I could handle more than one? Today is sure a test I wasn’t prepared for.

My beautiful, loving and tender little son has suddenly turned into the spawn of hell. Just last week I was boasting that Nathan hadn’t gone through the terrible twos; that he was as sweet at three as the day he was born. Well, enter Chelsea. Chelsea Aubrey has been in her terrible twos since the womb and may never leave them behind! She’s a little demon with the cutest grin you ever saw on a tiny she devil. And all this time, we thought Hando’s daughter Ruthie was the handful. This family has to admit, the Skinhead got off easy.

While Nathan and Chelsea fed off of each other’s hellish energy, squealing and screeching like Banshees and leaving destruction in their wake, there was the counterpoint of Eddie. Ah, young Eddie, so damn typical with his fourteen year-old slouch and fourteen year-old no-care attitude and his fourteen year-old bland expression. Nothing fazed him. If the kids got loud, he just turned the television louder. It was his solution. I wished I had a solution.

I hated to keep interrupting him; after all, it wasn’t his choice to be here. Eddie and Chelsea were staying with us at the Inn this weekend while Natalie was off in the throws of passion with her returning husband at the Plaza. Eddie would have much rather been riding or working the stables with East, I’m sure. But, fourteen or not, he was a good kid, If I did need a hand, he lent it; carrying groceries from the big kitchen downstairs or helping to carry the laundry from the dryer. He even folded a few things, until he lifted a pair of my big-mamma panties and he asked if he could go sit out on the porch. It was embarrassing for a fourteen year-old, but it was embarrassing to me too. Why does my ass have to grow with my belly, anyway?

Eddie outside and the little ones still raging war, I had yet another dilemma to deal with. John was laid low with the mother of all hangovers. Actually, it was kinda funny. They were careful at the jail. He wasn’t arrested (although he should have been; he peed against the police station wall! Sheesh!), they tossed him and Kevin into a cell for an hour then took them both home. I’m not suire how LizBeth is coping with her husband, but I’m trying to be semi-sympathetic with mine. He had a lot to celebrate. Not every day a man gets his best bud back.

In his defense, I will say that John never complained about the noise once. He was still green around the gills and had just stopped puking a few hours earlier, and when I checked on him (well, I was really trying to escape the kids) he was not only curled in the bed, but covered with every blanket and pillow we owned. Needless to say, it was still awful noisy. After a little excavation, I shook his shoulder and he groaned, nosing his way out from the mountain of wool and feather pillows.

“Sorry,” he moaned and sighed. God his eyes were blood red. “You need something, baby?”

“Salvation. You got any of that under there?”

I think he smiled, but it soon melted into a garish scowl when Nathan out-shouted Chelsea. “They killing each other, God sakes?”

“One can only hope. But let’s take one problem at a time. Here,” I said as I tucked a room key into his sweaty hand. “Go on down to room fourteen in the left wing. It should be far enough away to get a little peace and quiet.”

“God, I love you, Riley.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I helped him dress and before he left, I got a really promising kiss and cuddle, his palm softly rolling over my belly.

“I love you,” he repeated.

“Yes and you owe me … big time. You know I’d have never taken on the Aubrey kids if I’d known I’d be doing it alone.”

“You can handle anything, baby.” He chose not to tie his shoes. It required bending neither of us could do, he because of his pounding head and me because of my ponderous pregnancy.

“Flattery will get you everywhere, and it better get us both to the Plaza soon. Payback is a bitch and Natalie’s getting her share.”

He moved carefully and I watched him go down the steps, hoping he wouldn’t roll all the way to the lobby after stepping on a damn shoestring.

As I closed the door, terror gripped me. Something was desperately, tragically wrong! It … was … silent! I was afraid to turn around, afraid of what I’d see.

Chelsea and Nathan were sleeping soundly, arm in arm in the middle of the war zone that was once my living room. There had been a cease fire and I chose to enjoy the decadence of such peace. I sat on the sofa and took a nap.

KIM

Emmie’s hunch about the dog napping ring caught the attention of Officer De La Croix, who then ran the idea by Sheriff Ben Wade, and for the rest of the week our house will be the headquarters for their sting operation. Seems like a lot of noise over a few mutts, but I guess I shouldn’t complain. After all, there are certain advantages to having a luxury hotel suite within a short walking distance of your place of business.

“Any plans for lunch today?” I tossed a balled up piece of paper over the wall of my cubicle and heard it bounce off Emmie’s desk. At least I hope it was her desk; it might have been her adorable little head, judging by the way it was quickly lobbed back over into my line of defense.

“I was thinking of having a chef salad from the kitchen.”

Emmie’s under this strange delusion that she’s gaining weight and has been eating nothing but rabbit food for the past two weeks.

“How’s about a friendly little workout to burn off some calories? You know, the naked, up close and personal kind?” I could have sworn I heard her giggle, but maybe it was a groan of frustration. I tossed another ball of paper her way. “If we time it right, we’ll still have enough time for your salad.”

I heard the sound of her chair scooting back from her desk and I waited. A moment later, she stood in front of my desk with her hands on her hips and a wry expression on her face.

“I would have thought that after this morning you’d be one happy little camper.” She was smiling now, so I knew I had a chance.

Oh, I was a happy camper all right. I flashed back to that big brass bed and the Inn’s excellent housekeeping services. “I want more.”

“And what do I get in return?”

I grinned. “You get to be on top.”

Emmie didn’t bat an eye. “I guess the salad can wait until afterwards.”

PULLO

Of course, I have full intentions of speaking with Captain Aubrey when he returns. If his son Eddie is responsible for sending my daughter into this emotional tailspin, he will be held responsible. A girl of such a tender age in this day and time should not be thinking such things. Eddie is only fourteen, but I am clearly aware of where a young man’s mind lives, and it features body parts I want Valerie nowhere near.

I won’t say that it is my plan to avoid speaking with Valerie about what I discovered in her journal. I had no right to spy, except the right of a concerned father and I do stand by it. I just see no reason to discuss this with her … just yet.

Long gone are the days of fathers arranging marriage for their daughters. No more can a man expect his child to remain pure until the day she weds. Of course, we all know this curiosity and promiscuous thinking isn’t new, it has gone one for all time … but today, classes at Valerie’s school discuss birth control and protection against disease. Is this not an invitation in a young buck’s mind to take what he wants? He says, “Look here, my sweet. I have condoms. I have no rash. Come bed with me.”  My dear child, blinded by his attentions may just say, “Yes”.

To this I say, “Oh hell no!”

Valerie has gone off for few days with her girlfriends. I was especially careful to be sure she’d indeed be with Carrie Ann’s parents at their cabin until Sunday evening. Skinner has deserted … again. He tends to always disappear when I could use his support. As a business partner he is great. As a trustworthy fellow warrior, he is not. I need a comrade at arms to talk this thing through.

“What is it you expect from me?” Antony grinned. We were in his surveillance office at the cottage near the pond. His relief was due any moment and I wanted to make sure my fellow Roman understood my concerns.

“She’s but a girl, brother!”

“And what know I of young girls? You raised Vorenus’ daughters, did you not? You are far more qualified to choose a good path than I with this particular … dilemma, my friend.” He smiled.

“Antony, the world was different then. Valerie is no match for either of Vorenus’ girls. She’s a babe in arms compared to those cunning, brilliant little wasps. Valerie is innocent.”

“So you say. And the boy?”

“The boy? Why the boy is a once street urchin. A hoodlum taken in by Aubrey.”

“Are you speaking of young Eddie? You must be joking?” Antony chuckled. “That skinny boy can hardly find his dick, much less know how to use it.”

“So you think. As father to his object of affection, I feel compelled to make sure that little dick remains in his pants.”

“You do know, he’s here at the Inn this weekend. Staying with the Biebes while Natalie and Jack reunite in New York.” Antony sighed, glanced to the ceiling and his apartment shared with Claudia. The heel of his hand pressed a growing at his crotch. “My love and I need such a holiday, Pullo. How go things your woman? Charlene?”

“Can we stay on point here, General? You say the boy is here? I must speak to him.”

Antony stood. “With that ogre-like protective father look on your face, I’d best come along … for security’s sake … for Eddie.” He laughed and I scowled. 

NATALIE
 
My body still tingled and ached with the joyful, crazy, rocking sex Jack and I had last night … several times … actually, all night long. It’s such a thrill to know he missed me as much as I missed him. He wanted to know everything about the farm; about Hoffstetter’s closing and the growth of our business. He wanted to hear everything about Chelsea and her antics during his absence. And, he wanted to know my opinions of Eddie’s adjustment; if he was working well with East; if he was helping around the stables and the house; if he needed anything for school as September is getting closer. Jack was clearly aware of everything he’d missed, and he was duly saddened but overjoyed to get all the scoop. He asked about the family and was thrilled to hear that the friendship between John and Kevin had been healed. He was happy to hear of Riley’s glowing health and Lachlan’s business success.

“Ah, how I have missed home,” he sighed more than once … right before he’d again love me like it was our wedding night.

I expected to sleep late this morning but couldn’t. As the sun rose, it peaked through a slight opening in the thick hotel drapes and I felt my eyes sting with tears. I waited as long as I could while Jack snored and snuffled softly in my arms. My mind and heart were twisted to the point of agony.

“Jack,” I whispered, almost hoping he wouldn’t wake. Hoping I’d forget what I’d done and forget my intention to confess. “Jack.”

He sighed and his eyes fluttered open. A hand reached to cup my cheek and he smiled. The smile fell as hard as a rock and he sat up like someone had just beat to quarters. “What is it? Why are you crying?”

“Jack, I need to tell you something. Please. Let me say everything I have to say before you speak. Please.”

“What haven’t you told me? Is Chelsea well? Has Eddie gotten into more trouble? I’ll take the cat to that boy, I swear I will!”

“No! Jack. Please,” I sobbed. “You need to just be still … and listen. Please.”

“Something is wrong with you, my love?” It was less than a whisper, almost a blowing terror that crossed his lips.

“I’ve done something, Jack.”

Finally he stilled, his back against the headboard as he watched my face, his blue eyes intense with worry and alarm.

“You’ve been gone so long. Well, I think it felt so long because for days and days I wouldn’t hear from you.”

“I was –”

“Please Jack,” I interrupted. “You promised to wait.” He nodded and I continued. “It was painful, being without you. So much harder than I even imagined it would be. So many changes, so much lost. Catherine … our beautiful house in Maine … the move to Vermont and the farm. The sudden activity at the stables. Chelsea, growing so fast. Eddie joining our family.”

His mouth opened but clamped shut, keeping his promise to wait and listen. My heart felt like it was in a wringer, so twisted with misery all I wanted was for the pain to stop. But at what cost? Could I live with this sin? Could I live without Jack? It was too late; the words had to come out.

“So many changes and all I wanted was you. You are the catalyst that holds me together, Jack. The glue. Every hour I thought of you. Every sunrise and every sunset, it was you. Then one morning I realized it was more than that. I needed you. I needed to be held and heard, touched and loved. I needed it the way I needed to breathe.

“It was hard and I was managing, then … one day … I didn’t manage it any longer. Jack, there is another lonely soul at our farm. You brought East to work but you forgot that he too is a healing man. East never knew the joy of our family, the support, the protection of being part of all this. He has always … always been alone. Thursday night … our two empty, lonely souls collided, Jack.” I couldn’t say another word.

Jack wasn’t breathing. I could tell by the way his face went white. He blinked and turned away  from me. Finally he released a huff so slowly it seemed to take forever. “You and East … loved … as we did before … as the family shared … before?”

“Yes.”

“Did you forget your vow to me?”

Good God, his voice was so calm. “No, I didn’t. You are my husband, Jack. I failed to stay strong. I needed to be held, it was nothing more than that. I love you and will always love … Jack … please … where are you going?”

He’d stood, dressed quickly and scattered everything on the dresser to locate the key.  He didn’t answer. He simply walked out. He didn’t slam the door.

JACK
 
I was in Central Park, ten full blocks away before I realized I had done it again. Done this thing I didn’t even realize I was doing, this desertion of my wife and family. It was not the first time I’ve walked away for whatever reason selfishly pleases me. An opportunity to go off to sea? I take it. A chance to explore teaching young promising sailors? I take it. And all through it, my wife is alone. Truth and the sea to blame … I must admit I am surprised this had not happened earlier. God’s teeth, I am more than surprised.

More than surprised because Natalie is far stronger than even she realizes. To have confessed such a thing is to show far more courage than I have ever mustered. A man at sea is not a married man. He has needs and he fulfills them. They are nothing and reflect nothing on his marriage. How was this so different from Natalie’s infidelity? For me, it was a simple biological transaction. For her it is sin. Sin? No. There is something quite incorrect in that judgment.

She had a need I did not fulfill … because I am a man imagining the world is as I remember it to be. It is not. One can not leave his family like this and expect decorum and appropriateness. Natalie once told me, life is messy, love is messy, it’s all messy. All we’ve got is each other.

Is it still so, I wonder? Do we still have each other? And what must I do to assure it? That I still have Natalie and my little daughter? That I still have marriage and a son to adopt? That I still have the life I want? What will I sacrifice? And can I make such a sacrifice?

The ten block return to the hotel took much, much longer, and my mind ached with what lie ahead.

Inside our room, Natalie was dressed, our bags were packed and she sat, tearful and waiting. “I was afraid you’d never come back.”

“Now, it is time for me to speak. The time for you to listen.”

She nodded.

I sat across from her. The chairs were matching but in my heart, I knew nothing remaining between my love and I matched any longer. I had forced us to live by two different rules, in two different worlds, and too often so very far apart. There was a rift and only I could repair it. Only if I had the courage. And only if I had enough love to prove I was worthy.

“You have done this thing … with my brother.”

“I’m so sorry, I –”

“Woman, please!”

“Sorry.” Tears flowed down her face but I dared not reach for her.

“You have done this thing … but … so have I. A woman … in London …”

“Hush,” Natalie whispered.

“This woman meant nothing, the mere fulfillment of a need … a need for you.”

Silence fell and neither of us moved. I finally stood and knelt at her knee. “What must we do to heal these wounds? I do not wish to lose you. I can not lose you, Natalie. Forgive my stupidity. Forgive my inconsiderate behavior. What must we do to fix this?”

Her hands lay on my face and her head shook sadly. “I don’t know. I forgive you, can you ever forgive me?”

“Yes.”

“Jack … how are we going to be sure –”

“This never happens again?” I asked, suddenly clearly aware of the answer. It ached in my gut like a sword had been run through me, but it was the only answer. “It is simple. We can not be apart. I will take no more voyages for any reason unless you can accompany me. Will that suffice?”

“You will be so lost without the sea.” She continued to cry. “I can’t possible make you do that.”

“We … can … not …be apart again. Should this ever happen again, as unfair as it would be, as I too am guilty of the same sin … I fear I will kill the man who touched you. This must be avoided, my love. We can not be apart again. If the choice is the sea or our life … I choose you.”

Natalie nodded agreement, a sad smile on her lovely lips before I took them with mine. We loved another full day and night, taking advantage of room service to keep our strength and finding the footing we’d so stupidly lost.

When she drifted to sleep, it was the first time I permitted my thoughts to move to East Driscoll and how I would deal with him when we returned to Vermont.

COLIN

It’s good to be back with family and friends, and I’m surprised to realize how much I’ve missed everyone. Living on the road, one loses track of the passage of time; oh, I know what happens just about every weekend, but it’s the days in between that hold me up on occasion. Meals are grabbed on the fly and you’re either worn out from travelin’ to the next track, or you’re bouncing off the pavement waitin’ for the race to begin. In between, you wait and try to keep out of trouble.

There’s no trouble waiting for me here in Stowe and maybe that’s why I’m enjoyin’ it so much. This morning Jessie cooked up a breakfast fit for a king with pancakes and bacon and freshly squeezed orange juice. I spent most of my time entertaining little Amanda, who seems to have decided that Uncle Colin’s hair is for pulling. Lachlan just laughed and let me suffer, until Jessie finally came to my rescue.

“Okay, young lady; no more beating up the houseguests.” She scooted Amanda and her high chair closer towards her own, the cries of protest dying away the moment Jessie handed her a small piece of pancake. Within moments the little ankle biter had devoured it whole and was reaching out a chubby hand for more.

“I can see that she has her father’s appetite.”

Lachlan nodded in agreement. “Mate, you should hear her burp.”

Jessie shook her head. “Yeah, he’ll have her spittin’ tobacco by the time she’s walking.”

Lachlan leaned over and kissed his daughter’s sticky cheek. “Don’t you worry, Manda, Your mamma can spit with the best of ‘em.”

I liked their easy, teasing banter. It was a good feeling for a bloke to have a woman who enjoyed a bit of nonsense, and I suddenly started thinkin’ about Vicky. She’d lost two members of her family and right now was all alone in Burlington while I was surrounded by the folks I cared about. It didn’t set well with me, so after breakfast I excused myself and went back to the privacy my room to give her a call.

Vicky sounded wide awake when she answered, but her voice seemed sad.

“Just checkin’ to see if you slept well.”  It seemed a reasonable thing to ask.

“Actually, I did. I drove around town a little bit yesterday, just to get a feel for the place.”

“And what did you think?”

“It’s a beautiful town. But it doesn’t look like many salons are hiring. I guess the economy is affecting everyone. Maybe I should just stick to what I know and go back to the circuit.”

I realized she was experiencing another wave of depression and had an idea. “Tell you what; take a shower, pack some clothes, hop into the ‘Vette and come out to Stowe. It’ll take about an hour, dependin’ on how fast you drive.”

“Oh Colin, I can’t bother you while you’re visiting your family.”

I wasn’t going to let her back out of this one. “No one’s goin’ to be bothered. They all love the company, and while Lachlan’s at work during the day I could use your help with rebuilding an engine.”

“You’re serious.”

“As a heart attack. No excuses, love. I shouldn’t have left you alone in that big mausoleum of a house and I won’t take no for an answer. You need to be around a nice crazy group of folks who cook their own breakfasts and sleep in their own beds. You’ve been around with those drongos in the pits far too long.”

“I don’t know …”

“Either you come out here or I’m leavin’ to come get you this morning. No excuses.”

She laughed. It sounded like she meant it. “Okay. Give me the directions.”

After we hung up, I realized that I’d forgotten to clear things first with Jessie and Lachlan. But no worries; I’m sure I’ll be able to get her a suite at the Inn if they don’t like the idea of an extra houseguest.

BEN

“Nine hundred bucks? You gotta be kiddin’ lady?” I said.

“Sir, this is a pedigree Pomeranian. Show quality. A puppy to boot. Male. Beautiful color and markings. You have a few years to breed him. It’s the perfect way to recoup your investment.”

She placed the small, poofy animal into a carrier and I shook my head. “He ain’t no investment, ma’am. He’s an undercover cop. Now, the return policy is what? Three days?”

She actually looked like she’d refuse to sell me the damn dog for a moment. I quickly set the cash on the counter, gathered up StuntDog’s papers and took the carrier out to the truck.

The animal was quiet, like maybe it knew things might get ugly. “Listen,” I said as I drove back to Stowe. “You’ll be safe. Officer DeLaCroix is gonna be workin’ with you. Handling the sting. You just follow orders and you should be back at that pet shop in no time.”

The dog whined.

“What? You don’t think there’s a better life for the likes of you? Hell, you’re a pedigree Pomeranian. Show quality. A puppy to boot. Male. You got yourself a few good years to breed before your real owner decides to chop your balls off.”

Damn if the dog didn’t whine louder.

“Yeah, I can sympathize. Wait here, I gotta run in the house and get some things. Be right back, StuntDog.”

Inside, I was surprised to see Tracy there, rushing around like a mad woman.

“What’re ya doin’ home, darlin’?” I asked, collecting the files I forgot on the kitchen table.

“My car broke down, I’ve got a sick stylist and I’m late! Thank God you’re here. Run me to the shop, please, please, pretty please?”

I chuckled and kissed her brow while idly flipping through the folders. Had to be sure everything was there, including that paperwork guaranteeing me a refund for StuntDog if he got stolen or worse. Tracy had run out to the truck and I locked the front door, sure everything I needed was in the file. Walking to the street I knew, just fuckin’ knew, I should’a never let her into that damn truck.

There she was, the fuzzball in her arms and tears in her eyes. “Oh Ben, he’s so beautiful! Thank you! Thank you so much!”

“Uh … no … no, no, no. Sorry. Tracy that dog’s got a job.”

“Noooooooo!” she gasped, snuggling the mutt closer. “You can’t be serious! Not this dog! Not for the sting. He’s so beautiful! What if something happens to him?”

“I lose nine hundred bucks, that’s what happens. Baby, he goes back soon as we get this case solved. Don’t be getting’ attached. Now, put StuntDog back in his little cage and let’s get you to the shop. I got work to do.”

Tracy was dead silent the whole way to her little hair shop. The kinda silent a man knows is gonna cost him a lot of sleep. She left the truck but glared into the open window. “Ben Wade,” she hissed and I winced. “If anything happens to that dog, you’ll pay far more than nine hundred dollars!” She stomped away.

Fuck. Now what? I glared into the carrier. “Don’t get fuckin’ dead, StuntDog.”

EGAN

I knew that I needed to take care when approaching the subject with Samantha, but didn’t want to come across like an overbearing, dysfunctional boyfriend. To be honest, I like to think that I’m generously open-minded about a lot of things, but it’s a different matter when it involves the woman you love.

“I can’t believe this – you’ve been talking to Ben Wade, or he’s been talking to you.”

Oops. Apparently I’d stepped into dysfunctional territory. I tried to do a quick back peddle.

“It’s not that I don’t think you are the most qualified officer on the force; I know you can handle yourself. But it’s hard for me to sit back and watch you put yourself in danger on a regular basis.”

Sam rolled her eyes. “Egan, you knew I was a cop from the very beginning. Please tell me that you’re not taking a word Ben Wade says seriously.”

“Well, Ben only started me thinking. But it was something Jacob said, if you really need to know the truth.”

Her body language changed at the mention of Jacob’s name; her shoulders slumped and her pupils became larger. Even her voice became softer.  “What did Jacob say?”

I reached for her hand. “Just that he was worried about you chasing after bad guys.”

“But Egan, this is what I do.”

“We know that. But Jacob adores you.”

“And I adore Jacob.”

I held up my hand, not wanting to allow her to interrupt. “It’s hard for me, Sam, even though I’m a big boy. But Jacob’s already lost one person that he’s loved and he’s afraid that something might happen to you.”

Her eyes became shiny and she went and sat down at the kitchen table, looking like the wind had been knocked out of her. “I never thought I’d be in a position where I’d have to choose.”

Guilt washed over me. “I’m not askin’ you to quit. I guess I’m just voicing my concerns. You know, communicating?”

Sam looked crushed. “But don’t you see? This could change everything.”

I sat down beside her and patted her knee. “I’m not placing any ultimatums on you. I know how much you love your job. But maybe there’s another answer.”

She squared her shoulders and wiped her eyes. “I’m gonna be late for work. We’ll talk about this later, okay?”

She got up and headed for the front door and I followed close behind. “I didn’t mean to ruin your evening …”

She opened the door and started to go, then came back to give me a hug. “Just let me think this out, okay babe?”

I could give her that much. And more if she needs it.

ENID

There’s a lot to be said about meeting a suave, sophisticated gentleman of a certain age, one who happens to find you just as interesting in return. It’s well and good to run about with my cavalcade of colorful friends and family, but every so often a gal can appreciate a bit of culture and romance.

You are even lovelier than I imagined from our brief telephone conversations.

Just thinking about the rich tone of his voice and the softness of his hand as he held mine in greeting only yesterday just makes me want to go and put on a nice cool summer dress. I don’t think younger men really appreciate the fine art of charming a woman. Of course, young men are impatient and believe flash and cash is the way to a woman’s heart. But real men enjoy the art of conversation as much as the chase. Senior Dominguez hasn’t even been in town for twenty-four hours, and this morning I received an official invitation to accompany him to dinner.

His buttery rich accent trickled like maple syrup over the phone line. “I would like to take you someplace quiet and charming, but am afraid that I am not familiar with your local eating establishments. Would you be willing to make a suitable suggestion?”

I was glad that the boys were off at the worksite, because I’d never hear the end of how they caught me smiling like a giddy simpleton. “Well, Martin, I do know of a perfectly lovely little restaurant right here in town called The Oak and Cluster. It’s operated by a local Pagan ministry, of all things, but they have a wonderfully diverse menu. I assume that you like to eat meat?”

He chuckled softly. “I am a man of many tastes, but if you tell me that their fare is pleasing, then I am convinced it is the place I must take you. Would seven p.m. be inconvenient?”

“Why no, that’s a perfect time for dinner.” I gave him the instructions to my little apartment over the kids’ garage.

“It pleases me to know that your daughter and her husband look after you in such a caring fashion.”

“Well, I’m hardly at the point where I need to be signed over to a rest home, but they’re good kids. Did I mention that I’m about to become a grandmother for the second time?”

“This is delightful. I have five grandchildren myself. Little terrors to their parents, but they behave as angels whenever they visit their Avo.”

“With any luck, I’ll have a few more before the kids are through. I think it was often very lonely for my daughter growing up as an only child, and she’s trying to make up for that.”

“Children are always a blessing, and grandchildren even more so. Now, allow me to let you get back to your work and I shall see you this evening. Be sure to bring a healthy appetite.”

I hung up the phone, unaware that I was starring at the wall until the phone rang again a full five minutes later. It was Lachlan.

“Jessie wants me to ask if you’d like Spaghetti or Stroganoff for dinner tonight.”

I smiled. “Tell my daughter to just cook whatever you’d like for dinner this evening; I’ve just been invited to dinner by Senior Dominguez.”

The stunned silence on his end of the phone was priceless.

EDDIE

I won’t say I hate being at the Inn. The Biebe’s are nice, at least Mrs. Biebe is, or I guess I should be calling her aunt Riley. Uncle John was so hung over you could’ve lit a cigarette with his breath. She said he had the flu, I could smell beer with a whisky chaser (times like ten) a mile away.

It’s nice here. I guess I don’t mind having to stay the weekend. I can understand Natalie wanting to go meet the Captain in New York. I know what happens between men and women. Nookie is good. At least they’ll both be in a real good mood when they get back.

I was glad to get outta that apartment though. Chelsea is off the Richter scale with her screaming and Nathan kinda got sucked into her spell. It was kinda funny, but poor Aunt Riley had her hands full. Not like I could do anything. I mean, most of the time Chels is good for me, but when she has a minion, it’s all over. It’s better to be away from the destruction and havoc. I’d rather sit on the porch with the old people.

I was at the end of the porch on the swing. Some grey haired ladies were smiling at me and knitting across the way; two old farts were sitting on the step talking golf. Shit, I wish I was back at the farm. I’d rather be with the horses. The Inn is too far away from any of my friends, and there’s nothing to do here.

My old folk company left and I stretched out on the swing, letting it rock me while all around birds chirped and bees buzzed. Stowe ain’t nothing like the city, that’s for sure. This was almost Zen perfect. Too bad I’m way too young and cool to like stuff like that.

Then I heard them. Two voices. Voices I knew. I sat up because maybe there’d finally be someone to talk to. Pullo and Antony come onto the porch and the way they looked at me I was sure I was goin’ to jail. I didn’t do nothing, but you know that look. When guys look at you like that, you are in deep, deep shit. I gulped. “Hi,” I squeaked.

“Son, Pullo here has a few questions for you about your advances toward his daughter, Valerie.”