Saxon's Soul (Haven, Texas 5)

“Seriously? She’s gambled away all her money? But the boys have nothing. I have nothing.”

“But Aaron did. He was left an inheritance from his father but it was held in a trust until he reached a certain age. When he died, she expected it to come to her. But he didn’t have a will and inheritance rules state that if he had children it goes to them.”

“Oh my God.”

“Yep. Winifred thought the money was coming to her until she found out the boys were alive, along with most of the town, thanks to your mother. Not sure what tied up the funds being released to her. You didn’t tell anyone you were pregnant before leaving town?”

“No, just her. There was no one else to tell. How do you know all this?”

“Jardin’s investigator is very good.”

“Oh my God. And I was worried about her bribing people to get the boys, but if she hasn’t got any money...”

“Sprite, she doesn’t even have the money to pay her B&B bill.”

She frowned. “Meg shouldn’t be out of pocket because of her.”

“She won’t be,” he reassured her.

She hugged him tight. “You’re a good man.”

“Don’t go spreading that around. You’ll tarnish my reputation.”

She snorted.

“So why is she sticking around if she hasn’t got the money to bribe anyone? Why come at all? Did she really think I would just give them to her?”

“Good questions? How about we go and ask old Winnie?”

She smiled. “Yes, I think that’s a great idea.”

Trepidation had her trembling as she walked up the stairs and onto the wide, wrap-around porch of Meg’s B&B. It was a beautiful old house that she’d lived in with her husband until he’d died. After his death, she’d turned it into a B&B.

Saxon ran the bell and Meg answered. She was a sweetly rounded lady with a huge heart. Every year she held an Easter egg hunt in her extensive gardens for all the kids in the neighborhood, and she had a ready smile for everyone. Today, though, she looked troubled and tired.

Her eyes widened as she saw who it was then she smiled. “Saxon, you’re back.”

“I am.”

“Thank the Lord.”

“I believe you have a rodent problem.”

“You could say that. Come in if you like.”

Saxon shook his head. “We’ll stay out here. If you wouldn’t mind getting Mrs. Hartfield for us?”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all. Not if she’s gonna be gone soon?”

“She’ll be gone very soon,” he promised. He looked down at her as Meg disappeared and took her hand in his. “Ready for this, sprite?”

“As ready as one can be when they’re about to talk to one of Satan’s minions.”

He grinned down at her. “Just remember your trick with the mole. Put a big, hairy one on the end of her nose.”

She burst out laughing just as Winifred reached the door.

“Well, I’m glad you find something amusing,” she said haughtily.