“I assume the range, but Randy has a collection in the clubhouse. Regardless, where she got it, it was a 12-gauge.”

“That could do some damage,” said Charlie.

“Go on, Ellison,” Mother instructed.

“I tried to keep Sumner talking in hopes Randy or Sheriff Bascom would come.”

“What happened?” asked Liz.

“Merit opened the back door.”

“Merit? Merit Dobson?” Mother wrinkled her nose. “What did she want?”

“She wanted to apologize for calling me a pandering prole.”

“A what?” Mother was outraged.

“A pandering prole.”

“There is nothing proletariat about you.”

Anarchy's lips quirked. And I had to look away from his handsome face to keep from laughing.

“Get to the fight,” said Libba.

“Right. Merit let Bear out, and Sumner was distracted, so I rushed her.”

“Pardon me.” Mother’s brows lifted. “What did you say?”

“I rushed her, Mother. I ran at her and tackled her to the ground.”

“Good heavens.” Mother pressed a manicured hand to her chest. “Whatever gave you that idea?”

“I didn’t want to die.”

Grace grinned at me. “I think it’s cool, Mom. You saved that woman.”

“Thank you, honey.”

Mother wore a thunderous expression. “That ghastly Landingham woman might have shot you.”

“Sumner gave every indication that she’d shoot me if I didn’t do something.”

“So you tackled her.” Libba rolled her hand in a circle for me to keep the story rolling. "Then what?"

The gun went off. I kept that part to myself. “I hit her.”

Libba sighed. “I wish I could've seen that. Give me details.”

I stared at my best friend. “I hit her, then Bear jumped in.”

“Who is Bear?” asked Mother.

“Randy’s dog. The black lab. Bear pulled the gun from Sumner’s hands. Then, Sheriff Bascom and Randy arrived.”

Mother pressed a palm to her forehead. “You’re so very lucky. No one was injured?”

“Just my knuckles.” I held them out so she could admire the bruises. “Oh, and I broke Sumner's nose.”

Mother gasped.

“Oh, come on, Frances,” said Libba, who must have been feeling exceptionally brave. “The woman had it coming. She stole Perry’s gun, killed two people, nearly killed Ellison, and ruined my weekend.”

“What will happen to her now?” asked Liz.

“She was arrested and booked on two counts of first-degree murder,” I replied.

“Which means she’ll be in jail for a long time,” said Perry.

Anarchy yawned.

Mother stood. “Everyone out.”

We stared at her.

“I mean it. The doctor says it’s important for Anarchy to rest.” Within thirty seconds, she had the room cleared. “Ellison, you may stay.”

Gee, thanks.

Without another word, she took her leave.

Anarchy smiled at me. “Busy day.”

“Yes.”

“You promised to be careful.”

“I did.”

“Tackling a murderer doesn’t strike me as careful.”

“I didn’t have a better choice.”

He shifted to the left side of the bed and patted the mattress.