He smiled at his nieces and wished he could seat them at another table—or better yet, scoot them into Howling Good Reads and out of earshot so that he could really talk to his mother and sister. “You all had quite an adventure.”

Catching some movement, he turned his head and watched Captain Burke and Agent O’Sullivan approach their table.

“Ladies.” Burke tipped his head slightly. “I am very pleased you’re here.”

“Would you be needing a word with Crispin?” Twyla asked.

“Actually, I need a word with most of you.”

Nicely worded, Monty thought. Burke didn’t say he wanted the girls to leave—which would have made them want to stay—but he was quite clear.

“John Wolfgard is working in the bookstore,” Burke said. “I asked him to show the girls around the store. He’s right over there.” A gesture toward the archway that connected the two stores.

Since John was the friendliest Wolf in the Courtyard, Monty didn’t think the girls would provoke him into biting if left in his care for just a few minutes.

He smiled at Carrie and Bonnie. “You could each choose a book to read. A present from me.”

Carrie slid off her chair. “Can we have—”

“A book?” Sierra smiled at her daughters. “Yes, you can each have a book since that was the treat that Uncle CJ offered.”

Sierra’s firmness was a veneer that was wearing thin, and the girls could have broken it with whines and pouts. But Twyla’s firmness ran to the core, and one look at their grandmother had the girls heading for the archway and the Wolf waiting there.

“You’re Mr. John?” Twyla asked.

“Yes,” John replied warily.

“They’re allowed a book apiece, not anything else you might sell in your store.”

John scratched behind one ear. Monty felt relieved that the ears weren’t pointed or furry.

“Only sell books,” John said. “And a few magazines. And some maps.”

“That’s fine, then.”

John hesitated, then led the girls into the bookstore.

Nadine approached their table and looked at Burke. “Can I get you anything?”

“A few minutes of your time. Have a seat, Ms. Fallacaro,” Burke replied.

“I have cookies baking.”

“This will just take a few minutes, and it’s important.”

Nadine took a seat. Burke took another while O’Sullivan grabbed a chair from another table.

“I offered the other side of my duplex for your use.” Burke looked at Twyla. “But I’ve been told that, under the current circumstances, it would be wiser if you stayed here. It will be cramped, especially since Simon Wolfgard has offered sanctuary to a few police families when this coming storm hits Lakeside. However, this is the one place where you should be protected—and there will be people here who can help you.” Now he looked at Nadine. “You have a room here. What about Chris?”