“That’s mine,” Madigan lied. She brought her grandfather a candy bar every week, but what her grandfather hadn’t yet figured out was that she put a sugar-free candy bar in a regular wrapper, so she had to keep up the ruse. “I get hungry between clients.”

“Give her back that candy,” her grandfather insisted. “She’s a growing girl and needs her nourishment.”

Her father pointed the candy bar at him. “You ought to be ashamed of yourself, swindling your granddaughter into bringing you this crap.”

Her grandfather grumbled something indiscernible.

“Dad, I just told you it’s mine.”

He strode over to her, shaking his head. “You should know better than to lie to your old man. Just for that…” He ripped open the candy bar and took a bite.

“Rotten bastard,” her grandfather said with a shake of his head.

Madigan set down her puppetry case by the couch, watching as her father made a disgusted face and began inspecting the candy wrapper. He glanced at Madigan, and she arched a brow, watching as her silent message set in.

He shook his head, tossing her a wink as his expression turned disgruntled, and he thrust the rest of the candy bar toward her grandfather. “You’re right, Pops. I shouldn’t be so greedy.”

Her grandfather grabbed the candy bar. “Damn right. Respect your elders.” He motioned to the armchair. “Now sit your ass down and let me visit with my granddaughter.”

Madigan sat on the couch as her father settled into the chair, and her grandfather enjoyed his treat. When he finished eating, she said, “I take it Dad told you about Tobias?”

“Yes, as did each of your brothers and a few of your cousins who filed in here over the last few days.”

Madigan rolled her eyes. “I swear they gossip more than the ladies in this place.”

“It’s not considered gossip when it’s about family.” Her grandfather set the empty wrapper on the coffee table and sat back, crossing his arms. “I heard you gave Blaine hell.”

“He deserved it. They all did.”

“Maybe so, but they’ve been raised to watch out for family,” her grandfather said.

“Not like that,” her father interjected. “What happened was a tragedy, and that young man paid the price for it, but he was protecting his sister, and I respect that. Madigan was right. Any one of us could’ve been that guy any number of times.” He turned a compassionate gaze on Madigan. “I wish it hadn’t gone down that way, sweetheart, and I know your brothers regret it.”

“I know they do, and I don’t want to talk about it. You asked me if I was going to start traveling again, and the truth is, I have spent countless hours debating it these last few days. I miss traveling, and I miss my freedom.”

“You’re not a runner,” her grandfather said.