Lucky Break (Lucky 3)

“Why is nobody dealing with the fact that that crazy Perkins lady escaped?” Hank blurted out.

“Oh, Goddess, help us,” Clara said, turning her attention heavenward. “Some men just don’t have the sense she gave a goat.”

Clara was right and Thomas groaned. Leave it to Hank to break a potential peace by mentioning the Perkins family.

Hank raised his hands in a gesture of defeat. “Don’t everyone get your knickers in a twist. It’s an honest question, but I realize I shouldn’t have asked.”

Thomas turned his gaze to Edward, awaiting his volatile reaction.

Edward drew a deep breath. “It’s fine. The Perkins lady has nothing to do with me.”

>

Thomas had never been so relieved.

“Are you nuts?” Hank blurted out.

“He means, are…” Thomas started to rephrase Hank’s words, then realized he couldn’t. “I don’t know what he means. But…are you sure that’s how you feel?” he asked Edward.

After all, his reaction was quite a turnaround from the past.

“No,” he admitted. “No, I’m not sure. But it’s what I’m working toward feeling. And repeating that mantra day and night is keeping me calm. So I’d appreciate it if you would help me on that mission. And if you can’t, then stay away.” Edward squared his shoulders, challenging his brothers.

Thomas wanted to applaud.

Clara smiled. In fact, she beamed, radiating pride and happiness in Edward.

Thomas didn’t blame her.

“Now if you don’t mind, we’d like to get back to our date,” Edward said.

Thomas nodded.

Hank did the same.

Thomas waited until after Clara and Edward were out of hearing distance.

“Amazing,” Hank said before Thomas could speak.

“Agreed.” He looked around for the waitress and signaled for a check. “Now do you want to go find out what happened with Elizabeth Perkins and how Lauren and Jason are holding up?”

Hank nodded, a big smile on his face. “I thought you’d never ask!”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LAUREN STARED OUT the window overlooking the lawn in the front of the house. The sun had set a long time ago but the police car parked out front kept vigil.

In case her sister showed up.

And Jason had insisted on staying over for protection. In case her sister showed up.

As if Lauren needed protection from her own sister. She may have misjudged Beth’s deviousness and mental state, but she’d never accept the fact that her sister could hurt her.

But Lauren knew better than to argue with the men who insisted she needed watchdogs. The little lady needed protection, the old cop had said. Lauren bristled at the memory.

“Are you going to watch the police car all night?” Jason asked, coming up behind her.

“It’s not like I’m going to get any sleep.” She continued to stare out into the dark night. The car was barely visible, but she knew it was there.