“I don’t know, but she’s shady,” Troy said. “Grace hated Duchess the minute she saw her, and I think the hate was mutual. Sometimes, I think a dog can be a good judge of character.”

“I’m siding with you and moms on this, too,” Rod said. “Grace only arrived on the scene yesterday. You all don’t know anything about her, except what she’s told you, and she could be lying.” He stopped dribbling, lips pursed. “Dude, are you positive she’s Monica’s birth mother?”

“They definitely look like they could be mother and daughter,” Troy said. “Personalities are totally different, though. Grace is a freak.”

“Oh?” Rod stopped in mid-shot. “How’s that?”

“She’s tossed a few inappropriate comments at me, when we were alone,” Troy said. “I get the distinct feeling that she’s into some kinky stuff. She’s testing the boundaries to see if I’m game.”

Rod’s lips puckered as if he had bitten into a lemon. “That’s so wrong on so many levels. I don’t even know what to say, man.”

“Tell me about it. Honestly, I’m more concerned about the woman’s integrity, and most of all, how Monica is reacting to everything that’s happened.”

“She’s taking her mother’s side on things,” Rod said.

“Monica just lost Lily. She’s fragile, vulnerable. Now, Grace arrives to fill that void, and suddenly, nothing that any of us says matters anymore.”

“Blood is thicker than water,” Rod said. “You’re going to lose that battle every time, brother. Never try to come between a lady and her mama.”

“Obviously.”

“In spite of the ruckus that Grace has raised,” Rod said. “I’m assuming she leaves town soon?”

Troy laughed, a bitter sound. “Don’t I wish?”

“Uh oh. How long is she staying?” Rod asked.

“Grace decided that her visit will be extended for another week. She decided this on her own and I let it go. I know Monica would fight me on it and I’m going to lose that battle.”

“I keep coming back to this.” Rod took a swig from his bottled water. “But you don’t know anything about this woman. Maybe she isn’t who she says she is, yet she’s staying under your roof, with your kids. That’s a significant risk, Troy. You need to get some tangible evidence that supports her story.”

“I’m open to suggestions.”

“I have a guy, all right, Nick Sullivan, who does some investigative work for my firm from time to time,” Rod said. “He’s licensed, professional, and most of all, thoroughly competent. If this Grace character has so much as a speck of dirt under her fingernails, he’ll find it.”