The Stone Family Heart - Taylor Hart Page 0,71

up at the cabin, time to clear your head, might be just the thing you need.”

The sincerity in his eyes convinced her. She felt herself tear up. “You guys, I can’t believe this.”

“Believe it,” Margie said softly, reaching again for Stan.

Stan took a step away from her.

Margie frowned, but turned back to Kat. “Plus, we know what day is coming, and we want you to have some time.”

That got her attention. She hadn’t talked about JD’s death anniversary.

Margie put a hand to the side of her mouth. It was what she did when she was trying not to tell a secret. “Kade told us that Thursday will be the day his father was buried.”

Her emotions felt raw, and she blinked and looked at the door and the supplies. It would be a relief to get out of here, get away from this town and everyone who knew everything about her. “Well, I guess I’ll take you up on the offer.”

“Oh my gosh, you’re gonna let us do it for you?”

Kat’s mouth was dry and her heart raced, but part of her wanted the freedom they were offering her. She did need to get out for a bit. Kat picked up the luggage. “I’m going to do it.”

Margie squealed and picked up a grocery bag.

Stan picked up the other. “We’ll walk you out.”

They all walked to Kat’s car, a blue 1985 Toyota Corolla. It was old, but it was reliable. She couldn’t believe she was actually doing this, just up and leaving without responsibilities. It was weird. She tossed her bag into the trunk, and Margie and Stan put the groceries inside. With that taken care of, Kat closed the trunk and turned back to her friends.

Margie looked more than satisfied with herself. She laughed and then clapped and did another little squeal. “You have so much fun.”

At this point, Stan rolled his eyes and then gave Kat a look that most people wouldn’t have caught if they didn’t know Stan.

She couldn’t help a tiny smile. She knew the sacrifice that this would be to keep everything running and to deal with Margie. “Thank you.”

Stan nodded and pointed to the car door. “Let me open it for you.”

“Oh my gosh.” Kat’s heart skipped a beat when she saw a piece of paper on her windshield. Not just any paper—it was the same type of paper that was always left on her windshield from whoever was stalking her.

“Oh no!” Margie rushed to the windshield and tugged the paper out, skimming over it. “Of course the stupid stalker has to show up at a happy time like this.”

Kat’s mouth went dry. “What does it say?”

Margie gave them both a blank look and then bit her bottom lip. This was not good.

Stan took the note gently from Margie’s fingers. His face soured. “It says that they hope you have a fun week without your son. Maybe you should leave South Port.”

Kat wanted to curse. She wanted to cry. She wanted to yell. And she wanted to do all of these things at the same time.

“How would they even know you were leaving?” Margie burst out.

“Dang it.” Kat whipped her phone out of her pocket and did the exact thing she had promised her parents she would do in a situation like this. She turned away from them. “I’m calling the sheriff.”

Tim answered on the second ring. “What’s up, Kat?”

She explained about the note and what it said.

“Well, if there’s not anyone who saw anything, all we can do is file the report and wait. Come down to the station, and we’ll go over everything.”

“No,” she said, growing annoyed that he wanted her to come waste precious time at the station. “Sorry, I just … Stan and Margie are going to watch the shop while I get away for a few days.”

“Well,” Time said, letting out a sigh. “I wish there was more we can do besides file a report, but there’s not. You might install cameras outside your shop so we can get an idea of who is doing this.”

She scrubbed a hand over her face. “Tim, I’m making a profit, but if I’m not careful, I won’t be. I don’t have a budget for that.”

“I can talk to Kensi. We could probably loan you some money.”

“No.” She would not do that.

“Or I could talk to my uncle. I’m sure the church could donate something.”

“Heavens, no.” She braced herself, imagining what Pastor John would put together if he knew the situation; she’d have the