When Michael saw the fear on his wife’s face, he squeezed her hand and asked, “Craig, what are you trying to tell us?”

  Craig glanced at the children again before saying quietly, “I can’t be absolutely certain, because we don’t know who’s actually behind that robbery and possible murder—those two misfits, or a more organized criminal outfit.” Craig looked Savannah in the eyes. “I’ve done some of my own snooping and I’m relatively certain that Slattery and Droust have a connection to a businessman in the city—a man, by the way, who’s known to frequent...to put it delicately, girlie dance clubs.”

  “Yeah?” Savannah questioned.

  “Remember, they think the missing witness may have worked in one of those clubs.”

  “How would those two misfits, as you describe them, be connected to a respected businessman?” Keith asked.

  Craig chortled. “Oh, I didn’t say he’s respected. Maybe by some, perhaps. But sometimes with these guys, their legitimate business is a front for more shady activities—you know, like drug running, counterfeiting, things like that.”

  “So you think this businessman paid their bail?” Savannah asked. “Why?”

  “Maybe the cops were getting too close to him and he felt the heat. In fact, he probably paid someone else to bail them out. What happens to those two clowns from here is anyone’s guess. If the boss man believes they’re still useful to his cause, he’ll use them. If not, they may become his next victims. There are enough bridges being refurbished and buildings going up in that area that it would be easy to hide bodies under tons of cement. What’s he out? Nothing but the bail he paid. Guys like Droust and Slattery are a dime a dozen to those who control the underworld.”

  When Holly saw that this line of conversation was upsetting Savannah, she ran her hand gently over her sister-in-law’s arm, then asked, “Craig, how do you see this affecting Savannah?”

  The two couples waited for Craig’s response. He finally let out a sigh and said, “It’s possible that she’s still on their radar.” When the others groaned, he added, “But it could be that the kingpin knows nothing about Savannah stumbling into this fiasco.” He looked down, then focused on Savannah. “That’s why I’ve been following the case. I didn’t want to let it go until I knew for sure you were out of the line of fire.” When he saw Michael tense up, he said quickly, “Figure of speech, Michael, that’s all. Figure of speech.”

  Meanwhile Savannah squeezed Michael’s hand. “So you’re telling us I still could be in some sort of danger?”

  “I wish I could give you the answer you want to hear, but the truth is I really don’t know. However, I think you should be aware of what’s going on, just in case.” He looked sternly at Savannah and Michael. “I want you to use that fancy alarm system you put in. Pay attention to Lexie when she barks. Keep your phone handy and call me or the sheriff’s department or both if you’re suspicious of anything. Also watch Rags. He’s sometimes an indicator of trouble brewing, isn’t he?”

  “Yes,” Savannah agreed.

  Craig coughed and cleared his throat. “In fact, I wouldn’t mind if you took your family out of town again.” He watched the Iveys for their response. “It’s easy enough to find out where you live; more difficult to find you when you’re on the move. You can stay up at my mountain cabin, if you want to.”

  “Gosh, Craig,” Michael complained, “I’ve been gone from my practice for too long already.”

  “Yeah,” Savannah said, “how long are you talking about? And think about it: why would they want to harm me, anyway? I don’t know anything other than what those two derelicts told me, which was nothing about anyone else.”

  “Whoever’s behind this mess doesn’t know what those guys told you. They probably do know that you were involved in finding the money. They may have even suggested that the derelicts, as you call them, throw you under the bus. Yeah, we don’t know what they know exactly, or what role they believe you can play in their little scheme.” He tightened his lips. “And not knowing can be hell. It makes it impossible for us to properly prepare.” He looked at Michael. “I have to tell you, I believe we’re dealing with criminals whose focus is to amass a fortune. The robbery in December might seem like a small-potatoes job, but I don’t believe we’re dealing with a small-potatoes operation. Remember,” he added, “we have a missing person, and very possibly a homicide.” He looked at Michael, then Savannah. “Yeah, if they think you know something or if they believe they can successfully use you in some manner to further their cause, they won’t hesitate to do whatever they need to do.” He sat back in his chair. “At least that’s my sense about this case.”

  Both couples were solemn as each of them tried to digest the information they’d just heard. Michael broke the silence. He was rather animated when he cheerfully asked, “Well, who wants to go fishing?” He looked at Craig. “That is if you’re serious about the use of your mountain cabin.”

  Craig nodded.

  “So Holly,” Keith asked, “can you handle another week with these two?”

  “Stay another week?” she repeated.

  “Yeah,” Keith said, “You don’t want to miss out on all the excitement, do you? There just might be some fireworks.”

  Holly took a deep breath and winced. “Hey, I sure don’t want to abandon you guys, but...” She shook her head and laughed. “Oh, what the hey. Yeah, let’s go fishing.” She called out, “Hey girls, want to go fishing?”

  “Me too?” Adam asked. “I like to go fishing. Only...”

  “Only what?” Michael asked.

  The boy walked closer to the porch. “Only I already had my...what did you call it, Dad?”

  Michael frowned. “What?”

  “When you catch a big fish on your first time,” he explained.

  “Beginner’s luck,” Michael said, laughing.

  Keith laughed as well. “Buddy, I guess you’ll just need to sharpen your skill, since you’ve used up your beginner’s luck.”

  “Okay, then,” Craig said, “my work here is done.” He stood up. “I think I’ll have one of those gourmet hotdogs.”

  “Sure,” Michael said. “Help yourself.”

  Before stepping away, Craig asked, “You remember how to get to the cabin, don’t you? The key’s under the smallest stepping stone leading to the front door. You won’t have to buy fishing poles, but everyone over sixteen will need a license to fish.”

  About thirty minutes later, after eating two hotdogs with the works, Craig prepared to leave.

  “Thank you, guy,” Michael said, offering his hand.

  “For what,” Craig snarked, “bringing you disturbing news?”

  “No. For warning us.”

  “And for offering your cabin,” Savannah added. She hugged him. “And for caring.”

  “So you’ll leave in the morning?” Craig asked.

  “Yeah, that means we’ll be busy this evening doing a lot of list-making, phone calls, shopping...” she complained.

  “Do it on the way up there,” Craig said. “Get your rest tonight. You’re probably all exhausted.”

  Holly chuckled. “Yes, even after all that relaxing we did on the beach.”

  Keith play-punched Michael, “Good thing you didn’t completely unload the trailer yet.”

  “Yeah,” Michael said. “Dodged a bullet there.” He thought for a minute. “We can probably do most of the packing this afternoon.” He looked at his brother. “What do you say?”

  Craig glanced at his car, then he began fidgeting. He blurted, “Can I hang out on your couch tonight?”

  Michael frowned. “Tonight?”

  “Yeah, is it occupied?”

  “No. I just wondered...” His worry lines deepened when he asked, “So, Craig, you think they might already be after Savannah?”

  “I don’t know,” Craig said, “but I want to cover all the bases.” He grinned at Michael and Keith. “I can help you guys pack that trailer.”

  “Sure, Craig, make yourself at home.” Savannah winced. “Sorry we don’t have an extra bedroom.”

  “No need,” he said. “I want to be front and center in case anything goes down tonight. Then I want you all to get out of town as soon as you can and to a safe place.”

  “Should we board the animals?” Savannah asked. She answered her own question. “That’s probably a good idea, actually. We can board them all at Bonnie’s.” She picked up her phone. “And I’d better call and cancel the ride home for the horses.”

  “The Teagues board small animals too?” Craig asked.

  “Yes. Although the cats and dog may be happier at the clinic where they know everyone.”

  “Yeah, emptying out the house and grounds is probably a good idea and I’ll have someone out here keeping an eye on the place while you’re gone.” He sighed. “I’ll be glad when they get all those scumbags locked up and off the streets and out of your hair.”

  “Me too,” Savannah said quietly.

  ****

  It was a little after eleven that night when the peace in the Ivey household was interrupted by a loud alarm. Craig was the first to react. Gun drawn, he scoured the living room. When he saw that the front door was still secure, he stealthily made his way toward the kitchen and went on high alert when he saw a figure in the shadows. He heard a voice and froze.

  “I’m sorry, Detective. I forgot about the alarm.”

  “Adam!” Craig hissed. “What are you doing?” He lowered his handgun and let out a breath. “What happened?” When he saw Michael and Keith cautiously enter the room, he said, “It’s okay. Just shut that damn thing off, will you?”

  “Sure,” Michael said, hurrying to the alarm panel. Once the alarm had stopped ringing, he asked, “Is everyone all right?”

  Craig nodded.

  “What happened?” Savannah asked, entering the room cautiously.

  “Yeah, Adam, how did you set that thing off?” Craig asked.

  “I came in here to get a drink of water,” Adam explained, “and I heard something out on the porch. I didn’t see Rags anywhere, so I opened the door in case he was out there. I wanted to let him in.”

  “He was in our room,” Savannah said.

  “Hi Rags,” Adam greeted when the cat wandered into the kitchen. Looking sheepish, he said, “Must have been a raccoon, I guess.” He chuckled. “I’ll bet that alarm sound scared him off.”

  “I imagine it did,” Craig cranked. “Now everyone go back to bed.”

  “Shall I reset the alarm?” Michael asked.

  Craig thought for a moment. “No. If it goes off before I get a bead on the creeps, they’ll get away for sure. Let’s leave it off. I’ll make some coffee and stay awake tonight.”

  “Want some company?” Michael asked.

  Craig considered the offer, then said, “Naw. You’d better get some sleep. Let’s hope they don’t show up, but if they do, I want to be darn sure to nab the knuckleheads.”

  Craig was on his second cup of strong coffee when he thought he heard something. He put his hand on his gun and waited in the dark. The front door. They’re trying to jimmy the front door. Craig moved slowly toward the door and waited in the shadows. I hope to hell it’s no more than two and no flunkies. I want the kingpin and I want him before he can do any damage.

  It seemed like hours to Craig as he waited for the intruders to make entry. I guess the Iveys have a pretty tight system here, after all, or these guys are bumbling idiots. There it is! Craig thought when he heard glass tinkling. Michael’s going to have to replace that stained-glass panel again. He heard the latch disengage and the door opened ever so slowly. Craig stayed hidden. He watched as a man wearing all black stepped into the living room. The intruder glanced around in the dimness, then motioned with his arm and another man entered. Craig could see that the second man was dressed in tight jeans and a trendy jacket. I’ll bet that’s my guy, he thought. Too arrogant to dress down, even to do his own dirty work. Or maybe he doesn’t plan to get his hands dirty. He just wants to make sure it gets done. He chuckled to himself. He probably thinks he’s dealing with hicks in this one-horse town. Well, I have a surprise for him.

  Once the two men were inside the house, Craig reached out and closed the door behind them. “Hold it!” he said when the first man appeared to go for a weapon. “Slowly, take it out and drop it,” he instructed. “You too, snappy dresser. Got a gun? Get rid of it now.”

  Both men hesitated and Craig said more loudly, “Now!” Once he heard what sounded like two guns hit the floor, he flipped on a light and instructed the men to turn toward him. He made an assessment, determined they were now unarmed, and immediately called for backup while he held his gun on them.

  The man Craig assumed to be the ringleader looked around and said rather frivolously, “Oh, Darren, I think we’ve entered the wrong house. This isn’t Aunt Effie’s.” He held his hands out in front of him and said to Craig, “Hey, man, sorry about that. My aunt is expecting us. Stupid mistake. Come on, Darren let’s get on over there before she begins to worry.”

  “Uh, yeah,” Darren said. He started to bend down to retrieve his gun.

  “No ya don’t. Kick it away. Kick both of them away and put your hands behind your head.” Craig chuckled. “Aunt Effie, huh? You’re not a very good liar, bub. Been doing it long? What’s your name, anyway? Who are you?”

  The men stood silently and Craig continued holding them at gunpoint until Deputies Ben and Cody arrived and cuffed them.

  “Want us to take them in?” Ben asked. “What are the charges, breaking and entering?”

  “No,” Craig said. “Just stand by, will you?” He instructed the men. “I want you to sit.” He pointed at the sofa under the front window. “You, Darren—or whatever your name is, sit here.” He went through the other man’s pockets and retrieved a wallet. “Jeremy Sloan, is it?” He pulled out a business card. “Tattoo artist.” He studied the tattoos showing on the man’s neck and hands. “Nice work, if you like that sort of thing.” He read further. “Oh, and your shop is in Monterey. Imagine that!” He scowled at the man and pointed. “Okay, Jeremy, you can sit over there.” The man didn’t comply, so Craig took him by the lapels and shoved him down into a chair. “I said, sit!”

  When Craig saw Savannah and Michael standing in the hallway and peering into the living room, he ordered, “Get the kids and go upstairs. All of you stay put up there.” Once the Iveys had disappeared up the staircase, Craig attempted to start a dialogue with the trespassers. “Okay, before we book you in our local scumbag hotel, I’d like to hear your story. Why did you come armed to this house and break in like you did?”

  Jeremy said, “I told you, man, I thought it was my aunt’s home. Um...she said she’d leave the door open for me, but when I found it locked, I figured something was wrong, so I got in the only way I knew how—you know, to help her.” When he saw Craig staring at him, he said, “She’s been sick. That’s why I came up here.”

  Craig smirked. “Armed in the middle of the night with a buddy dressed all in black, who’s also armed?”

  Jeremy squirmed in his chair.

  Just then, Rags sauntered into the room. He sat down and looked around at everyone, then walked toward Jeremy. He reached up and put his paws on the man’s knees. Craig snickered quietly when he saw Jeremy twitch his legs in an attempt to discourage the cat. “Scat!” he shouted. When Rags began clawing at his jacket pocket, he leaned away from the cat and snarled, “Stop that.” He looked at Craig and frantically insisted, “Make him stop it. This is a five-thousand-dollar jacket man; he’s going to ruin it.”

  “Oh,” Craig said, feigning a sympathetic manner, “I don’t think I can stop him. You see, he works for me and what he’s doing right there is, he’s telling me he’s found some evidence.”

  “No, man,” Jeremy said. “Hey, I’m allergic to cats. That’s it, I’m allergic and I might go into one of those shock attacks.”

  “Anaphylactic shock?” Craig said, grinning.

  “Yeah, I’m having trouble breathing already.” When Craig seemed unsympathetic, Jeremy said, “Hey, I could die here.”

  “Yeah, doubtful,” Craig said, “but okay, I’ll take care of the cat.” He picked up Rags and moved him, then said to Deputy Ben, “Would you see what Mr. Sloan has in his pocket there?”

  “Money,” the deputy said, removing it. He looked more closely at the bundle and reported, “It’s strapped with a label.” He read, “Strong’s Arcade, Monterey, California.”

  “Interesting,” Craig said. “Looks like my partner found just the evidence we need to convict you and your buddy of burglary, trying to plant evidence, not to mention breaking and entering and probably murder.”

  This upset the second man and he shouted, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! I thought we were visiting his aunt’s house—you know, for a family celebration or something.”

  “Sure you did,” Craig said.

  “It’s the truth, man.” He gave Jeremy Sloan a sideways glance. “Hey, if I rat him out will you let me go? I didn’t do anything but follow orders.”

  “Fred,” Jeremy snarled, “you’d better shut up.”

  “So it’s Fred, is it?” Craig said. “Fred, did you follow the orders to kill that girl?”

  “No! No, that wasn’t me. That was an accident, anyway. It wasn’t supposed to happen. She got in the way and...”

  “And you killed her?” Craig prompted.

  “No! I said it wasn’t me.” He stood up and started to walk toward Craig, but before the deputies could react, Rags came from out of nowhere and leaped onto the prisoner’s back. “Ouch! Get it off me. Get it off me. Oh God, that hurts.”

  “Will you sit down?” Craig asked gruffly.

  “Yes man, just get it off me.”

  “Come on, Rags,” Craig said, easing the cat into his arms. He sat down with him on his lap and began petting him. “Okay, then who took the money?”

  Fred glanced at Jeremy, then said, “Um...I don’t know.”

  Craig lowered Rags to the floor and asked, “Do you want to go another round with this attack cat?”