“Roger that.” Isabelle ended the call.

Charles called Annie to ask her to contact the sisters to see who would be available later that day. He also explained that he and Myra wanted to inform Charlotte of what they had discovered, and he asked Annie to bring Fergus over for lunch so they would be there when everything was explained to Charlotte.

Annie agreed, ended the one call, picked up the phone again, and began reaching out to the sisters. Within a few minutes, Annie sent Charles a text: All in. Four o’clock. Dinner at six, please.

Myra returned to the kitchen with a tray of empty plates. “Our girl has a very good appetite. She said she hasn’t eaten this well in months.”

“It’s those pills they were giving her. Nausea is another side effect.” Charles grimaced at the thought of Charlotte being poisoned by those creeps.

“Well, that part is over for Charlotte. But we need to stop these men from doing it to others. And I would love to get some of Charlotte’s money back.” Myra was contemplating how that would happen, but they still needed to gather more intel.

“Oh, I am sure you and the sisters will come up with a very fine plan.”

“What plan?” Charlotte asked, startling both of them as she entered the kitchen.

Myra took a deep inhale and fiddled with her pearls. “Charlotte, dear, please sit down.”

“Myra? What’s wrong? Is everything all right?” Charlotte grabbed the back of one of the kitchen chairs to steady herself.

“Well, yes and no.” Myra looked to Charles for assistance.

Charles took Charlotte’s arm and assisted her into a chair. He patted her hand. “Now, now. Don’t fret. Everything is all right—”

“At least for the moment,” Myra interrupted.

Charlotte had a worried look on her face. “Please tell me. What is going on?”

Myra pulled her chair around and gently turned Charlotte’s shoulders so they could sit face-to-face, knee to knee. Myra began, “First, I want to apologize.”

“Apologize for what?” Charlotte burst out, causing Lady to yelp, which started a short howling session among the dogs.

“Please, it’s okay.” Myra took Charlotte’s hands in hers, again glancing up at Charles.

“Charlotte,” Charles began again, “we have been doing a little research on your Drs. Marcus and Steinwood. Concerning the vitamins and medications they’ve been prescribing.”

“But how?” Charlotte implored.

“That’s what I wanted to apologize for,” Myra continued. “You know we love you very much, and when we received your letter, we were very concerned.”

“Oh yes. You have been wonderful hosts.” Charlotte sighed.

Myra was beginning to vacillate between feeling guilty for invading her friend’s privacy and being energized by the idea of fixing the situation. “Charlotte, I breached your trust.” There. It was finally out.

“What on earth are you talking about?” Charlotte was almost pleading.