“Why are you digging into Robbie’s past?” she asked.

“Because I’m a buttinsky?” Lindsey suggested.

The sound of laughter came from the cabin and Lindsey cringed. She sincerely hoped that was from the television and not because the kids were eavesdropping and laughing at her.

“Yes, you are,” Charlene said. “But given that I’m a reporter, I can’t really fault you for it. You need to stay away from this situation, however.”

“I promise I’m not getting involved,” Lindsey said. “It’s just that someone was out to get Robbie and that someone is still out there, and I’m worried—”

“Worried about what?” Charlene asked. She was watching Lindsey closely under the yellow porch light, and Lindsey wished she had just kept her mouth shut. Charlene had enough to deal with without getting all riled that her mother might be a target, too.

“Nothing,” Lindsey lied.

“Oh, no, you started to say something,” Charlene said. “You need to finish it.”

Lindsey blew out a breath. She was going to go for vague and hope that Charlene didn’t put it together. “All right, I’m just worried that Robbie wasn’t the only target.”

“Meaning you think my mother might be next?”

18

“Well, you weren’t supposed to get it that quick,” Lindsey said.

“It’s nothing I hadn’t thought myself,” Charlene said. “Mom, of course, refuses to listen.”

“Of course,” Lindsey agreed. “That’s why we’ve all agreed to keep watch over her. She won’t be allowed out of our sight.”

Charlene smiled. “I might have known. Meanwhile, I’ve been nagging Emma to assign an undercover officer to tail her twenty-four-seven.”

“Excellent. Between all of us, she should be safe.”

Charlene nodded. She looked as if she wanted to say more but she held back.

“I did know that Robbie fathered a child,” Charlene said, “but I don’t think that had anything to do with what happened.”

“Does Emma know?” Lindsey asked.

“I don’t know,” Charlene said. “I don’t feel right telling Emma about Robbie’s personal business.” She looped her arm through Lindsey’s and led her away from the house. “It was so many years ago, and Mom said when he refused to get married and settle down, the mother put the baby up for adoption. It was before Robbie was famous, so the mother probably didn’t think he’d be a contributing factor and she couldn’t do it alone. They were just kids themselves.”

“Don’t worry,” Lindsey said. “I’m not judging. It just made me think that maybe, given his success, the mother might have come looking for him.”

“No, not that I know of,” Charlene said. “I mean, I would think he’d have mentioned it if she had.”

“I suppose so,” Lindsey said.

“What does Sully think about your interest in Robbie’s background?” Charlene asked.