a brilliant woman, Carlotta Sawyer.”
Carlotta shrugs. “What can I say? It was my genius that brought our little Lot Lot into this world. I’d say she got her man-hungry ways from me, but let’s face it, Toots, you’re not so bad in that department yourself.”
Mom shimmies her shoulders and purrs like a kitten. “Well, Wiley does have me all tied up.” She leans toward Carlotta. “And that’s just on the good days, or should I say good nights?”
They share a wild cackle just as Noah’s phone pings.
He glances to his screen. “Forensics has expedited their analysis. I guess I’d better head down to the lab.”
Everett pulls out his phone as well. “What’s the sheriff’s department doing with Hannah’s home?”
Noah cocks his head to the side. “I need to get a court order to inspect it. You know of a judge who wouldn’t mind expediting that?”
“Come Monday, I’ll get right on it. You do your thing, I’ll do mine. In the meantime, I’ll call the landlord and see if I can work something out with him. In fact”—a dangerous smile flickers on his lips as he looks my way—“it might be my birthday coming up, but I’ve got a surprise cooking up just for you. And I think you’re going to like it.”
“I’m not going to like it”—I shake my head—“I’m going to love it.”
Mom gives Everett’s cheek a quick tickle with her fingers. “And whatever you and Noah have got going on with your faces, I love it.”
“Thanks, Miranda.” Everett stretches a seldom seen smile her way. “Since Noah’s bathroom situation is less than ideal, I’ve decided to partake in No-Shave November. It cuts my time in the morning by half.”
“Same here.” Noah lifts his mug.
“Same here.” Carlotta pushes her empty plate away.
“What do you mean, same here?” I ask as I land a cheese Danish on her plate and put one together for my mother as well.
“I mean I’m in.” Carlotta gives her chin a quick scratch. “I’m not shaving either. And I’m not talking about my legs. I haven’t shaved those since the day I found out I was preggers with you, Lot. I’m talking about my beard and my stash.”
“What?” I squawk. It’s one thing to know that Carlotta pushed me through her loins, but it’s a whole other thing to know I might have her genetic disposition for facial hair. “You can’t do that, Carlotta. We’re practically twins. People will know what I look like with a beard.”
“And a mustache.” She holds up a finger.
“That’s not going to score any points with me,” I tell her. “Grandma Nell’s house is still under construction. And if you want to move into my new place, you’ll have to follow my rules—no scraggly beards or mustaches from you. Please.” I’m not above begging. “Facial hair is not going to do you any favors.”
“It’s not going to make me any money either. I’ve already checked. The circus isn’t coming this way anytime soon. And I need two nickels to call my own. I can’t live off the money Nell left me forever. Funny thing you should bring up my inheritance, Lot—I’ve spent it all. I’m flat broke. I can’t even afford this Danish.”
“Carlotta! I’m so sorry.” Side note: I have never charged her for a single sweet treat or a dime for rent. I have no idea where her small fortune disappeared to. “Say, you didn’t happen to get into a business venture with Wiley Fox, did you?”
“Nah.” She waves the idea off, and I can see Noah’s chest depress with relief. “I’m leaving that financial fun to your mama. But don’t you worry about me. I’ve got something cookin’. Miranda, you wouldn’t happen to have a sewing machine, would you?”
“Oh, I’m sure I have one collecting dust somewhere.” Mom’s eyes tear up in an instant. “Aww, did you want to sew something for Lottie’s baby?”
“Nope. I want you to whip up a few curtains for my new minivan. I’m going into the spa business.”
She pulls my mother off to the Honey Pot Diner before I can protest.
“Really?” I smart to Noah and Everett. “Running a spa out of her minivan? If Carlotta so much as lures a stranger in there by way of candy, I expect you to arrest her, Noah. And Everett, you give her a life sentence at a cushy women’s correctional facility. Both Carlotta and I will thank you for that one.”
An icy breeze blows in again, and I recognize the pretty redhead at once.
“Autumn.” I