“Somebody has got to do something about the LeDoux before they ruin this town,” Adelaide said.

“That would be awesome,” Marina said, “especially if they could accomplish it today. But no one has the clout or the nerve or whatever it would take.”

“Balls,” Adelaide said. “And this town is running short on those as well.”

“Except for some of the women,” Halcyon said.

“Goes without saying,” Adelaide said. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Not unless you have an attorney in your pocket,” Marina said.

Adelaide frowned. “I just might. I’ve got a distant cousin who just moved here. He has a law degree, but he didn’t like it so he quit. But as far as I know, he’s still licensed.”

“What didn’t he like?” Halcyon asked.

“From my understanding, he hated the politics and all the shady stuff,” Adelaide said. “He had some high ideals about making a difference and found out quick-like that it wasn’t possible with all the corruption and red tape and stupid laws.”

“Sounds like just the experience we need,” Marina said. “Do you think he’d help?”

“I think he might,” Adelaide said. “He’s a good sort. I’m sure he’d be hacked off about the situation, given all the shadiness. And he definitely wouldn’t want a young girl paying for bad adult behavior. His father was no prize.”

“Who is he?” Halcyon asked. “I can’t recall seeing anyone new lately.”

“He’s a bit of a loner, from what I understand,” Adelaide said. “Went back to school and got a master’s in forestry after he dropped the lawyering gig. He’s the new game warden.”

Marina sucked in a breath and Adelaide stared down at her.

“You’ve met him?” Adelaide asked.

“Sort of,” Marina said. “We had a bit of a run-in last night when he mistook me for a poacher.”

“Good, then he owes you,” Adelaide said. “I’ll give him a call and explain the situation.”

“I don’t…” Marina started. “I’m not sure…”

“Do it, Adelaide,” Halcyon said, then looked at Marina. “We don’t have many last-minute options here. Actually, more like none. Anyone is better than Marina and me trying to handle it ourselves.”

Marina blew out a breath, trying to wrap her mind around the many exploded pieces of her life. “You’re right. And thank you, Adelaide. For everything. I owe you big-time.”

“I’ll collect later in hair rolls,” Adelaide said. “I’ll go call right now. You girls might want to make some notes for Luke. He won’t have much time to get up to speed.”

“That’s a good idea,” Halcyon said. “That way, we’re not emotionally rambling and getting off course ranting about the LeDoux.”

Adelaide gave them a wave and headed toward her house. Marina put the car in gear and headed down the street, wondering if her life would ever be normal again.

Chapter Sixteen

Halcyon paced back and forth across her kitchen as Marina typed notes onto her laptop. Adelaide had been right about jotting things down. Putting them in writing had forced her to be succinct and detailed at the same time. And time was something they couldn’t afford to waste. Unfortunately, her sister’s pacing was interfering with her scattered mind’s ability to think clearly.