“I know, honey, but there’s no way I want to take chances by doing nothing or you landing in jail. I’m willing to overlook and forgive a multitude of sins from these people, but messing with our children isn’t on that long list.” Emma pulled her hair back in a loose ponytail and held her hand out. “Once we get this done, you can buy me a drink for real and sing some Irish drinking songs, so I can pretend I’m still that young woman who managed to get your attention.”

“I hate to break it to you, grandma, but you’re still that young woman who drives me to distraction. The only difference is, you don’t kiss me at the door and send me home hard and in pain.” She whispered that part as they headed down the hall. Victoria had asked to spend the night, and the girls were playing in Hannah’s room.

“You’re so mean, mobster. Now I’m wet and expected to go out and be entertaining.”

“I’m here to please,” she said as they stopped in the doorway to Hannah’s room and saw Hayden sitting on the floor playing a board game with the two little girls. “There’s no money riding on this game, is there?” she asked, and Emma backhanded her on the stomach.

“You guys have fun,” Emma said, “and we’ll be back in a little while. Dinner is in an hour, so don’t give your grandparents any trouble.”

“Can Mook take us for ice cream later?” Hayden asked.

“Let Sabana and Merrick know, and go easy on the chocolate. You all need to sleep a little before tomorrow,” Emma said as she bent to kiss everyone good-bye. Victoria hadn’t taken long to feel like part of the family and put her arms around Emma when it was her turn.

“Thanks, Aunt Emma,” Victoria said, giving Cain a hug next. “Hannah said we’re going to have fun on the farm, and I can’t wait.”

“Hannah’s right, and I have a little surprise for everyone when we get there,” Cain said, kissing Hannah next. “Be good, and get some sleep.”

They walked through the kitchen to the garage to avoid the pouring rain and let Lou drive them into the Quarter. The backstreets let them avoid the parades rolling that night, but the Quarter was packed with tourists and locals out enjoying all that carnival season was about. That meant drunks, women showing their breasts for beads, and the religious zealots out with their signs and megaphones telling them all they were going to hell.

“Will you get me one of those nice long strands of beads if I show you my boobs later?” Emma asked thoughtfully.