“There has to be something to it. Emma Casey cornered me in the bathroom at Vincent’s, and now Cain. Someone did something to that little girl, and they’re blaming us.” She tapped her finger against her chin and wondered if this was another one of Cain’s mind games. “I’d say she was bluffing to distract us from something, but it rings too true.”

“No agent in their wildest imagination would approach a kid to do anything for them. This is bullshit, and you know it.” Joe cut off a piece of his pie and shoved it in his mouth. It was like he was pissed but wanted to enjoy the little bit of normal food while it was sitting in front of him.

“There’s no reason for both of them to lie, Joe. Come on and think about this rationally. She prides herself in distracting us without the subterfuge of a story like this.” She took a sip of her coffee and waved the waitress off when she held up the pot. The damn stuff in the woman’s hands was probably yesterday’s brew now that Cain was gone. “She seldom gets out of joint unless it’s to do with one of her kids, so she believes what she’s saying, enough to say it to our faces.”

“Come on and we’ll call Agent Hicks on the way to the airport. If Casey believes this, then she’s also serious about the threat.”

“Let’s go.” She finished her pie and coffee quickly before putting her coat back on. “If someone actually did it, I’m going to beat Cain to the punch when it comes to punishing this kind of stupidity.”

“I’m with you on that one, sister.”

“Save the amens and hallelujahs until we have something, and according to Dylan, we don’t get too much of anything.”

Chapter Fifteen

“Mom, did you see my snowman?” Hannah asked Cain as everyone sat around the fireplace in the large family room in the main house. Dinner was over, and everyone had stayed for the next chapter of the book Emma was reading the kids. Billy was asleep against Emma’s chest, and Hannah had curled up on Cain’s lap so she could talk softly to her.

“I did,” Cain said, kissing Hannah’s forehead. “You did a good job. Are you having a good time?” she asked as Victoria came closer and joined Hannah in her lap.

“I’m having the best time, Aunt Cain,” Victoria said before Hannah could answer. Cain loved talking to the expressive little girl who reminded her of Hannah in so many ways. “Hannah said she’s my best friend. Isn’t that great?”

“Victoria said she’s going to be my best friend too,” Hannah said, her lethargy seemingly gone. “Tomorrow can we go show her and Liam the cows?”