When the last car left the driveway, Charles turned to Myra and kissed her on the cheek. “It was a good day, wasn’t it?”

“It was, Charles. I had no idea Pearl’s underground was as involved and as extensive as it is. I understand the secrecy, but I also understand that if she were to keep on the way she’s been going, mistakes would be made, and those mistakes could have a domino effect. Now that we all have her back, the chances of that happening are just about zip. Do you agree, Charles?”

“I do. So, what would you like to do now, dear? A nightcap? The eleven o’clock news? A last walk with the dogs? Maybe a midnight snack?”

“Oh, Charles, that’s all so boring. Why don’t we throw caution to the winds and race each other up the stairs. I have it on good authority, from a dear old friend of mine, that ripping off one’s partner’s clothes with one’s teeth is very exciting!”

Charles was at the top of the steps gnashing his teeth before Myra could even catch her breath.

Chapter 6

Jason Woods was a hard worker. His supervisor at the Home Builders Depot wished he had six more employees like Jason Woods. A dozen would be even better. He watched Jason now as he unloaded hundred-pound bags of peat moss like they were five-pound bags of sugar. He wasn’t smiling today, which was odd. In fact, he looked angry. He wondered if he should talk to him, but he hated getting personal with his help. Better to leave well enough alone, he decided. He was going to miss him when he left in August to return to college even though he said that he would work weekends if his schedule permitted. He moved off to check on another delivery of topsoil.

Jason knew that his boss was watching him. He must be giving off bad vibes or something. How could he not? He’d just allowed himself to become embroiled in what he was beginning to think of as a nasty domestic mess, but his gut was telling him it was something way worse than domestic violence.

The tall, well-built young man swiped at the sweat dripping down his face. Damn, it was hot. But, then again, it was mid-July. He looked at his watch. Four more hours till quitting time. Home to shower, change, grab something to eat, then make the two-hour ride to his family’s cabin, where he’d stashed the two women.

Jason almost jumped out of his skin when he felt a hard push to his shoulder. He whirled around expecting to see law enforcement but instead saw the laughing face of Emily Appleton’s friend, Stacey Copeland. “Hey, Jason!”

Jason removed his Redskins ball cap and swiped at his soaking-wet head. “Hey yourself! Things so boring in the paint department that you had the urge to smell peat moss and manure?” He laughed, but even to his own ears it sounded phony and forced. And who are those two women standing by the wilted petunias? They’re staring at me and trying to pretend they aren’t. His heart kicked up a beat.