The little boy looked up at her as if he had something on his mind. She had a feeling this one was going to be her wild one, followed by Hannah. Once they hit puberty, her life and Emma’s were never going to be remotely the same. If Billy was anything like her brother, she’d be gray way before her time.

“I didn’t want Taylor Kennison, or whatever her name is, to think I was on to what she’d done. What I do want to know is who Taylor and Drew Kennison are. We both know those people, along with Lucy Kennison, don’t exist. Muriel has checked and rechecked but hasn’t found anything.” She glanced up at Merrick. “This needs your special attention.”

“True, but they aren’t figments of our imagination. They’re real, here and have found a way in. The bug in the living room proves that.”

“It’s time to put a little more effort into this, Merrick. I want to show these people the same hospitality they’ve shown me. I’m thinking the best way in is to start with Lucy. If she’s not their kid, she had to have come from somewhere.” She made a face to make Billy smile. The sight of it made her anger come down a few notches. “Do we have everything to get that done?”

“We do, but I’ll have to finesse who goes. You don’t want to tip your hand, and with your permission, I’m going to put some guys on these people.” She made a few notes and tore the page off, folded it, and put it in her pocket. “The best way to follow breadcrumbs is when they put them down themselves.”

“What about our friend Newsome?” The other secret to success was never forgetting anyone who’d done them harm. Detective Newsome had brought Carol back into their lives, and the bitch had kidnapped Hannah. That would never be forgotten or forgiven. She didn’t care if he was the chief of police—Newsome had a bill to pay, and it was overdue.

“He’s in Slidell and getting desperate. I have someone on him, and so far, all he’s done is order pizza and catch up on all his television shows. Whenever you’re ready, we can take care of that too.” Merrick crossed her legs and stretched her fingers. “According to the guys in the department, they’re still looking for him, but haven’t had any luck.”

“They must not be trying too hard.”

Merrick laughed. “It could be that I’m that good.”

She smiled as she heard the loud voices in the hall. “That’s a given, but now you have to get to work. How’s Dino working out?” she asked. Lou’s nephew had just joined them.