ROD GARNER’S BLUE Ford Explorer rumbled down Sally’s driveway, pulled around, and stopped.
Leaning against his Corolla, Monty straightened and walked toward them. By the time he reached the passenger side, Sally had climbed out. Without a word, she went into his arms.
“It’s okay,” he murmured, gripping her tightly. “Everything’s going to be fine.” He gazed past her as Rod ambled over with her bag. “Thanks,” Monty told his friend. “I owe you one.”
“Nah.” The solid, ruddy-cheeked man grinned. “Sally’s a pleasure. Molly and I loved having her. Plus, she makes a mean chicken Savoy and was decent enough to share the recipe. So, if anything, I owe you. So, tell me, what else can I do?”
“You can head home. I’ve got it covered from here.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive. If things change, I know where to find you.”
Sally broke away from Monty’s embrace and turned to Rod. “What can I fix you for the road? A snack? Coffee?”
“Not a thing.” He gave her arm a reassuring pat. “Just take it easy. Your ex is a pro. He’ll find your girl.”
“Thank you.” Sally clasped his gloved hands. “Thank you for everything. Tell Molly I’ll call as soon as we know anything.”
“Will do.” He strode back to his car and jumped in. “Hang tough, you two.” He drove off.
Sally turned back to Monty, her lashes spiky with tears. “I’m ready. Go ahead and prep me. The sooner I’m up to speed, the sooner we can confront the Piersons.”
EDWARD WAS ON the phone with Vista when there was a knock at his office door.
“What is it?” he barked.
Albert stepped into the room. “Pardon me, Mr. Pierson, but Detective Montgomery just called. He’s pulling through the farm gates. He says it’s urgent that he see you. He asked that James be included, as well.”
A hard swallow as warning bells sounded. “All right, Albert. Find James. Then show Detective Montgomery in.” Edward waited until his butler had exited. “Now what?” he muttered into the phone. “What did you let slip this time?”
“Nothing,” Vista snapped back. “I haven’t spoken to a soul. Not since yesterday when your grandson and Devon Montgomery invaded my privacy. I have no idea what her father’s there to see you about.”
“That better be true. I’ll get back to you.” Edward hung up.
A minute later, James knocked and strolled into the room. “You need to speak with me?” he asked his grandfather.
“No.” From behind James, Monty grabbed the door, preventing it from being shut. “We do.” He gestured for Sally to enter.
“We?” Edward had begun. The word died on his lips as he spotted Sally.
“Hello, Edward.” She walked over and sat down in a chair, her back ramrod straight. “You can call off your posse. I saved you the trouble of hunting me down.”
It took Edward a moment to recover his composure. “Clearly, you’re alive and well.”
“I’m alive,” she agreed. “But far from well.”
Edward started to rise. “I don’t understand—”
“You don’t need to.” Monty cut him off. “We’re here for explanations, not to give them. Where’s our daughter?”
“What?”
Slowly, Monty advanced to the desk, slapped his palms down. “I’m not asking again. Where is she?”
“What is he talking about?” James demanded, turning to his grandfather. “Did something happen to Devon?”
“Not to my knowledge. I don’t know what he’s talking about.” Edward was clearly unnerved.