“Blaine’s got it covered.” He lifted their joined hands and kissed the back of hers. “I’m right where I want, and need, to be, babe.”
As they came around the side of the house, they noticed Emery’s car in the driveway. Sampson gave a lazy woof as Emery stepped out of the car and waved.
“I wonder what Emery’s doing here. She didn’t mention stopping by when I talked to her last night.”
He stepped up their pace and said, “Let’s go find out.”
The passenger doors opened, and Rose climbed out of the front seat holding a large basket, looking stylish in a linen pantsuit.
Magdeline unfolded her long, lean body from the back seat of Emery’s compact car and said, “Next time I ride up front.”
“Hush up and get the cookies,” Arlin directed as she followed her out holding a tote bag in one hand and patted her orange hair with the other.
Happiness bubbled up inside Chloe. “What are they…?” She looked at Justin, knowing this had to be his doing.
“I figured you needed to see a few friendly faces.”
“Justin…” She threw her arms around his neck, her eyes tearing up again. She’d been such an emotional mess all week. At least this time they were happy tears. “Thank you!” She ran to her friends, earning a more energetic bark from Sampson as he trotted after her.
Emery hugged her and said, “I had to fight off about a dozen other people who wanted to tag along. You have quite a fan club.”
“Yes, she does,” Rose exclaimed. “Now get over here and give me a hug.”
“I can’t believe you’re all here!” Chloe walked eagerly into Rose’s open arms, laughing as Arlin and Magdeline squished her in a group hug.
Rose smiled at Justin and said, “Believe it, Chloe, and it’s all your beau’s doing.”
“We heard what happened, honey,” Magdeline said carefully.
Embarrassment heated Chloe’s cheeks. “I’m not allowed to talk about it.”
“We heard that, too,” Arlin said. “You don’t have to talk, but you can listen.”
“Everyone is worried sick about you, Chloe.” Rose handed her the basket and lifted the lid. It was full of envelopes. “These are letters from people whose lives you’ve touched.”
Chloe was stunned, and tears sprang to her eyes again. “There are so many.”
“You’re a special gal. There are more letters in here.” Arlin handed her the bag she was holding.
Tears slipped down Chloe’s cheeks.
“Those better be happy tears,” Rose said.
“They are! I can’t believe it.”
“There’s a big investigation going on, and not just by the police,” Magdeline informed her. “We’re doing our own sleuthing, asking around to see who’s seen what.”
“Oh, no, you can’t do that. You might get in trouble,” Chloe warned as Sampson leaned against her leg. She reached down and petted his head.
“I already told them that,” Emery informed her. “It’s like talking to three brick walls.”
Rose waved her hand dismissively. “We’re not getting into trouble, but people have seen things, Chloe. A hand on your back, leering at you from across the room when you were unaware.”
“I’m so embarrassed,” Chloe confessed. “I thought he was just a close talk—” She pressed her mouth shut, silencing herself for a moment, then said, “I can’t do this. I can’t talk about it or I’ll compromise the investigation.”
“Do not talk about it. Do not do anything to jeopardize putting that monster in a cage,” Emery said.
“I agree, but you’d better get over the embarrassment and get your heinie back to work, Chloe,” Magdeline said. “We need you.”
“It’s not quite that easy,” Chloe said. “There are other complications making it difficult for me to be there.”
Rose said, “Ah, yes. The complication of his father. He’s made himself scarce, coming in only late at night. That poor man.”
Chloe was dying to ask Rose if she thought Darren believed his son was innocent, but she bit her tongue.
“This is the last thing we’ll say on the subject,” Rose announced. “We hope you won’t let that evil man steal you from us, because we all adore you. You’re like our granddaughter, and we need you, honey.”
“You’re going to make me cry again,” Chloe said, willing her tears not to fall.
“No more tears, baby,” Justin said as he took the basket from her arms and held her hand. “How about we move this party to the back deck, turn on a little music, and sample some of those cookies Magdeline is hoarding?”
“I like the way you think,” Magdeline said.
As they headed inside, Chloe felt happier and stronger than