“Let’s eat!” On that note, Maggie, with the voracious appetite, brought the meeting to an end, and each of the sisters gave a fist bump and hooted their slogan, “Whatever it takes!”

“Which includes feeding Maggie.” Charles gave the erstwhile newspaperwoman a wink.

The group saluted Lady Justice, climbed up the steps, and entered the delicious-smelling kitchen. Charles clapped his hands once and directed, “Fall to it!” That was the signal for everyone to perform their dinner duties, as well as for the dogs to line up for their evening meal. In less than thirteen minutes, the table was set, the dogs were fed, and the scrumptious casserole and side dishes were placed on the table.

They took a moment to say grace, and Charlotte added, “Dear Lord, bless these wonderful friends. I am so fortunate to have them in my life.”

A resounding “Amen!” filled the room. Lady and her pups echoed the sentiment with their version of prayer—little yowling and a yap.

Once the table was cleared and the kitchen sparkling clean, the women headed back to the war room to see what other information might have come in.

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Aspen

Avery Snowden put on a pair of overalls, a flannel shirt, and a hard hat. He could easily pass for a lineman. He jumped into the cab of the utility truck and headed toward Crystal Lake Road. When he came upon the estate, he parked the truck along the side of the road and put out an orange cone and a MEN WORKING sign. He hoisted the bucket to the level of the tree line to get a good view of the property. From where he sat, he could see the front and side entries of the house, as well as the four overhead garage doors. It was eight in the morning. Should be some action soon.

Within the half hour, Steinwood exited through the side door and pushed a few buttons next to the garage doors. The closest door to Avery slid smoothly up the tracks. He couldn’t get a good look inside, but what he saw was impressive. A glint of two very high-end sports cars from the reflection of the morning sun. Avery suspected there could be more. He definitely needed to get into that garage.