Rachel’s eyes narrowed. Her mouth a straight, grim line, she said, “I’ve learned of two other housekeepers that worked for Hawkins. They disappeared without a trace. They had no influential, wealthy family, so no one sent an investigator. It’s sad for the families left behind, but there was nothing done to find those housekeepers. After all, the West tends to swallow people up.”

Molly knew it had swallowed her parents. In one big, ugly gulp.

“Checking up on Hawkins led me to checking on those missing housekeepers, and that led me to his wife.”

“She died birthing a child,” Wyatt said. “Everyone knows that.”

“What everyone knows doesn’t line up with the truth. In fact, I suspect he’s a killer.”

The door swung open.

Win came in. Kevin was a pace behind her.

Win’s eyes went straight to Rachel. All the color drained from her face, and Molly wondered if she was going to faint.

“You collapsed before when we spoke.” Rachel had a shrewd look in her eyes that Molly found cruel. And that look was aimed right at Win.

Molly didn’t like that Win had stolen her brother. That made Molly feel unfair, unreasonable, and petty—and Molly didn’t like feeling that way.

But what Molly really didn’t like was that right this moment, she realized Win was her sister. And no one was going to upset her sister.

“Wh-what are you doing here?” Win reached for Kevin, missed him because her eyes were locked on Rachel. Kevin stepped up quickly and grabbed her hand to steady her.

“I’m here to ask you some questions you’re not going to want to answer, Mrs. Hunt.”

“What kind of questions?” But the tremor in Win’s voice made her sound like she knew.

“Questions about your father and his unpleasant history with women.”

Win nodded. The tiniest nod, the most reluctant show of agreement Molly had ever seen. Still holding tight to Kevin’s hand, Win walked to the table and sat rather heavily in a chair.

“Supper’s ready.” Molly thought eating might as well go on. “There’s plenty for you, Rachel, please join us.”

Honestly, Molly would have preferred to boot her out of the house. But Rachel had a stubborn look about her.

Molly figured the woman was here to stay.

Another plate was added to the table, and Molly swiftly set out platters and bowls. Then they all sat down, said a prayer, and Molly braced herself for talk of murder.

Ten

I need to ask you questions about your father, Winona.” Hobart picked up the platter of sliced chicken, served herself, and passed it to Wyatt, who sat at the head of the table.

He felt like he needed to guard his family from her. Protect Win, protect everyone.