I wasn’t so sure.

“Besides, there’s no direct threat. Only suspicions. Joe’s pulling strings to get Miller out here. I’m not going to ask him to jeopardize his job any more than he’s already done.”

I studied him. “You two are getting along a lot more.”

He dropped his arm and shrugged. “We’re not hanging out to watch Monday night football, but we’ve reached a place where we can discuss work matters civilly.”

I noticed he kept it to work matters, but that was good enough for now. At least it was a start.

Muffy hopped in the truck with me and we rode into town. I kept Mason in my rearview mirror for the entire drive. After we both pulled into parking spots at the town square, Mason walked us to the landscaping office so I could let Muffy in before heading over to Merilee’s. I noticed he seemed more on edge than usual.

“Maybe you should get an alarm system for the office,” he said as I locked up.

“I can’t afford an alarm system. I couldn’t afford the alarm system you put in the house.” I held up my hand. “And before you comment on the fact that the nursery has one, let me remind you we have thousands of dollars of inventory in there, not to mention a history of intruders. All we have here are several second-hand computers and some thrift store furnishings.”

“I’d want it to protect you, Rose. And I’d put it in myself, if nothing else than for my own peace of mind.”

I sighed. “I’ll think about it.”

“Good.” He gave me a kiss goodbye at the courthouse entrance. “Joe texted while I took Muffy outside. I have a meeting with him in about a half hour, and then I have a few other things to work on. How about I meet you at my car at lunchtime so we can go to Bubba’s together?”

I’d almost forgotten about the Taser. “Okay. Meet you then.” I gave him a smile and waved as he walked up the stairs and headed inside.

He and Joe were having a meeting. They seemed to have a lot of those lately. I thought about what Mason had said about getting along with Joe, which was enough to send the memory of our misunderstanding the night before rushing back to me.

I pulled out my phone as I crossed the street toward the café. I had to apologize and set things right. “Joe?”

“Have you called to accuse me of kicking puppies too?” he asked, but his tone was defeated rather than angry.

“No,” I said softly, with a hint of teasing. “You would never kick a puppy. You’re too sweet to Muffy to do such a thing.”

“Then why are you calling?”

“To apologize. I never should have insinuated something so terrible. I do know you better than that, but my temper got the better of me. I’m sorry.”

He was quiet for a moment before he answered. “Thank you.”

“But Joe, I’m scared for Mason. I know you had Deputy Miller guarding our house last night, but what about during the day?”

“Anyone going in and out of the courthouse has to go through security. He’s safe in there. Probably safer than at the farmhouse.”

“And what about when he’s not at the courthouse?”

He sighed. “Honestly, Rose. He shouldn’t leave the courthouse. Not unless a deputy is with him.”

“He’s planning on meeting me to run an errand later.”

“I’m heading into town for a meeting with him, so I’ll talk to him. But you and I both know how bullheaded he can be. I need you to encourage him to stay put in the courthouse. He might actually listen if the advice comes from you.”

I wasn’t so sure about that. “I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks for the apology, Rose.” He cleared his throat. “When I thought you believed I would—”

“I was angry that you wouldn’t check out the bar. I still am,” I said, adding some sternness to my voice. “But I know you would never knowingly let someone hurt Mason…or anyone else. You could never live with yourself if you did.” Savannah’s death was proof enough of that. I paused, then lowered my voice. “I’ve always told you that you’re a good person, Joe. You just need to believe it of yourself.”

“Thanks.” His voice sounded tight. “Listen, I have to go. Be careful. I’d put you under twenty-four-hour surveillance—and don’t think Mason hasn’t requested it—but I don’t have the manpower and I can’t justify it based on what few leads I have. But I think you’re relatively safe, especially if you’re not with Mason.” He sighed. “I’d suggest you stay away from him until this is resolved, but seeing how that’s not likely, just try to be careful.”

“You be careful too, Joe. I have a really bad feeling about Mick Gentry.”

“You and me both.”

I hung up as Neely Kate approached me on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, her face still pale and devoid of much makeup, her nails free from polish. She wore jeans and cowboy boots with the same canvas jacket from the day before. The only thing about her that looked like my friend was the pink and purple streaks in her long straight, blond hair, which was ironic since they were so new. I definitely wasn’t used to seeing her this way.

“How are you feeling today?” I asked. “You look tired.”

“I’m fine,” she said, forcing a tiny smile. “Let’s go get some information.”

We found Jessica and her mother sitting at a table for four. Just as Jessica had warned, her mother was a talker. She gushed nonstop about everything, including Neely Kate’s hair. Jessica had come to visit Neely Kate when she was in the hospital, so I held my breath as I waited for some comment about the miscarriages. But Jessica must not have told her motor-mouthed mother because she blew right onto discussing the service on Sunday at the Methodist church and how terribly off-key Tina Yonkers had been while singing the hymn “How Great Thou Art.”