At Silas’ house, she quickly started the pork chop Crock-Pot meal Silas wanted. Unloading the dishwasher didn’t take long. Neither did making a fresh pot of coffee after pouring herself one. She normally didn’t drink coffee, but she hadn’t slept much last night and could use the extra boost.

After spending the rest of the morning doing chores at Matthew’s brothers’ places, she made a brief stop at her place to take a couple of steaks out of the freezer. Matthew had promised her that they could grill them on the firepit tonight, joking that he would call and make sure Greer was working before starting the fire.

Ginny had lunch ready for them when she arrived at her place. After they ate the chicken salad, Ginny left her to take a quick nap. Gavin, Freddy, and Ginny were going to an Easter party at one of The Last Riders’ member’s houses. Easter wasn’t until Sunday, but they were having a party tonight so the children could have an egg decorating contest.

She watched the clock, and about half an hour before Ginny was supposed to wake, Alanna gave Freddy a bath and changed him.

“You are so adorable,” she crooned, picking him up. She was packing him out the bathroom when Ginny came out her bedroom. It took her a minute to realize she had dressed him in his Easter suit already.

She carried Freddy out to Ginny’s car for her, watching as they drove away. She checked the cell phone Silas had loaned her and headed back to his house. She should make it just before Mrs. Bates arrived.

She was relieved to see there were no cars in Silas’ driveway, meaning she had made it in time.

As she was going up the side steps to Silas’ home, Matthew and Isaac pulled in.

Grinning, Matthew hopped out of the car. “I told you I’d make it in time.”

“I knew you would,” she assured him, as he and Isaac came up the steps.

Matthew opened the door for her to go inside.

“Anyone want a cup of coffee?” Silas asked as he came down the stairs.

“No, thanks.”

“I do,” Isaac said. “I can get it if you want one.” He headed toward the kitchen.

Silas followed him, leaving her and Matthew in the living room.

Taking her hand, he tugged her down onto one of the two couches that stood on opposite sides of the room, facing each other.

“Diamond’s here,” came from the kitchen as Silas carried two cups, handing one to Matthew.

Alanna waited breathlessly for the knock, terrified Mrs. Bates would tell her that they would try the case in Ohio, where Elizabeth had been kidnapped, or that she was given a court date. She knew she was innocent, but proving it with so much evidence against her wasn’t a forgone conclusion.