“Did he suggest that he and his wife should come to Lakeside with you and leave Mama in Toland looking after four children?” When she didn’t answer, he felt the blood pounding in his head. “Either I talk to Mama now, or no one is coming to visit.”

A moment later, Twyla Montgomery was on the phone.

“Mama.”

“Don’t you use that tone with me, Crispin.”

She had taught him the value of courtesy. Her voice turned sharp only when she’d been pushed too hard. “I’m sorry, Mama. Some bad things happened today.” He took a moment to gather himself. “Mama...”

“You don’t need to be telling me,” Twyla said. “I already told Sierra that I’m coming to Lakeside to help you look after Lizzy. You were kind enough to provide the means for her and her children to come with me. And since she just lost her job too, there’s no reason to stay in Toland, but suddenly she’s dragging her feet and saying she can’t decide. So I said if she wants to stay that’s her choice, but I’m not giving her train fare to Cyrus to spend as he pleases. If he wants to come to Lakeside, he can do it on his own and make his own arrangements for a place to stay, since I got the impression that some folks wouldn’t be comfortable with the arrangements you made for us.”

“You’re going to be surrounded by cops and Wolves.”

“Huh.”

Monty had to smile. Twyla Montgomery wouldn’t be intimidated by either kind of enforcer.

“You’re set, then?”

“I’m packed. Have the important papers you said I should bring. I think that’s what spooked your sister. She felt obliged to tell your brother there’s trouble coming. Not that anyone but a fool can’t see that.” Twyla paused. “Maybe he’ll have sense enough to get his family out of the city.”

“Maybe.” If Jimmy’s wife didn’t grab onto his coat, he’d leave her and his children behind without a second thought. “Did Jimmy leave a number where you or Sierra could reach him?”

“The number changes every time he calls. Since Sierra couldn’t give him what he wanted, he didn’t leave even that much this time.” A pause. “Crispin? The trouble that’s coming. It will be bad?”

Need to know. “I can’t say.”

“Does it have anything to do with the news report today that the folks cleaning up all the dead fish found some pieces of arms and legs?”

Probably. “Come soon, Mama.”

“I heard the words the last time you called, Crispin, and I understand what you’re saying. But I want to give Sierra a little more time to see what’s best for herself and her girls. If she can’t see it, I’ll be coming alone.”