She turned to face me, a new look of purpose in her eyes. “So why doesn’t he release all that now?”

“Because I stopped him. I wouldn’t let him look. I said we’d be stooping to J.R.’s level if we did that.”

Her eyes widened in horror. “Are you crazy? They are nothing alike. Joe actually committed those crimes. Yours are all made up.”

I grabbed her hand, pleading with her. “But Joe was trying to change, and I just couldn’t do that to him.”

Fire seemed about ready to shoot out of her eyes. “Yeah, he’s changed all right. He used to be a snake in the grass, and now he’s slitherin’ out in the open.”

I sat back in the seat, feeling like a fool. “Was it all a lie, Neely Kate?” I asked, my voice softer. “Did he ever love me?”

“I don’t know. I thought he did, but maybe he was like a kindergartner who wanted the new, bright and shiny toy so bad he’d do anything to get it, especially if someone else wanted it. Then when he realized he wasn’t gonna get you back, he decided to go along with his father.”

I shook my head. “That just doesn’t sound like the man I know. He’d been changing. He was tryin’ so hard.”

“I don’t know. I wish I had answers for you, honey. I don’t even have ’em for myself.”

I laughed even though tears stung my eyes. “Well, we’re a fine lot, aren’t we?”

“We’re a mess.”

Now that I’d expressed my dismay over Joe, my long-suppressed fear rose up and burst lose. “I’m gonna lose Mason.”

“How can you say that? He was so upset this weekend, Rose. You have no idea. I made him take a short rest while I warmed up that casserole for him. He loves you so much.”

My chin quivered. “He’s puttin’ it all together. He knows I’m not tellin’ him everything. I’m not sure how much longer I can keep it from him.”

“The Lady in Black?”

I nodded.

“Can’t you just stop?”

“I can’t.” I wiped a tear off my cheek with the back of my hand. “J.R. Simmons is bent on ruining Mason and Skeeter through Mick Gentry, and I can’t let him do it. I have to stop them.”

“How do you propose to do that?”

“I asked Jed to set up a meeting between Lady and Mick. And when I meet him, I’ll tell him I want to meet his big boss. If my theory is correct, J.R. will be tempted to take the meeting.”

“And what’s your theory?”

“That this is personal between Skeeter and J.R. Joe’s father wants to steal away everything that matters to Skeeter.”

“His business … and the Lady.”

“Yeah.”

“That’s plum crazy, Rose. He’s gonna kill you!”

“Not if I have help. Jed will go with me as protection.”

“And so will I.”

I sat up faster than a jack-in-the-box. “Now you’re the crazy one. You’re not goin’ into a meeting with criminals!”

“Why not? You are.”

I shook my head in frustration. “That’s different!”

“How is it different? If anything, I’m safer than you are. I’ll go as your assistant. Or your other bodyguard.”

“What if someone recognizes you?”

“Who’s gonna recognize me? I’ll wear a wig. I got a whole closet full of ’em. And I’ve got my own gun. With the gun from the safe, now I have two of them.”

“Neely Kate.”

“It’s not that crazy. Not any crazier than you askin’ Jed to set up the meeting. Besides, you’ll feel better havin’ extra protection, and you know it.”

“I can’t let you!”

She shuddered and jutted her head back. “You don’t have a say in this. I’m goin’.”

“What about Ronnie?”

“Ronnie can stick it up his backside.”

“Neely Kate.”

“Do you know when you’re meetin’ Mick?”

“No, but I told Jed the sooner the better. Tonight would be best because Mason won’t be back from Little Rock until late. I won’t have to explain my leaving. Just my comin’ back.”

She waved toward the road. “Well, then let’s get goin’. We have to run by my house to get your Lady in Black clothes, if nothing else.” She shot me a wicked grin, and she knew she had me. I needed my outfit to go to the meeting, but I still hoped to talk her out of coming.

Neely Kate was a bit bubblier during the drive, talking about what her persona should be. I kept quiet, foolishly thinking my silence would discourage her. She took my silence and ran with it.

My only hope was that the meeting would be set for another day. It didn’t seem terribly likely I’d be able to ditch her if it ended up being tonight.

Since Ronnie wasn’t at work, I wondered if he’d be home, and I spent a good portion of the drive planning what I’d say if I saw him. While I understood why he wanted to keep me away from his wife, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t hurt. But the house was quiet and empty.

I followed Neely Kate toward her bedroom, but she stopped for a spell at the door to the second bedroom.

My stomach clenched as I realized what had caught her notice. “Oh, Neely Kate.”

The room had a white crib, dresser, and rocking chair. The walls were painted a cheery yellow, and the bedding was a pale green and yellow sherbet color. The last time I’d seen this room was a week before she lost the babies. Back then, it had still been a guest room.