And there was the expected—but delayed—dig at Mason. “Thanks,” I muttered as Mason stiffened slightly.

Joe started to open the door, then stopped. “I’m sending a deputy over to watch the house tonight.”

“The entire night?” Mason asked, sounding surprised. “Not a drive-by? When I asked the sheriff about it, he said he’d get back to me.”

“Yeah, all night. I pulled a few strings after making a case about Rose’s prior incidents. I doubt these guys will try to find her, but I’d rather have the peace of mind.”

“Thanks. So would I.”

Joe nodded. “We should have someone out here within the hour. Rose, do you want me to take Muffy out before I go? I’d rather you not go out alone at night.”

“Thank you, Chief Deputy Simmons,” Mason said dryly. “I can manage it myself.”

Joe shot him a smart-assed grin before heading out the front door.

After the door shut behind him, Mason shook his head and grabbed his cane. “This is never going to work, Rose. He sees it as a challenge.”

“With any luck at all, I’ll rarely see him, and it will be a moot point.”

“He’s going to find any and every possible reason to see you. This case just gave him ample opportunity, and I handed it to him on a silver platter.”

I pressed a kiss to his lips. “I want you, Mason.”

“He’s trying to wear you down. He’s like a pit bull that won’t let go of a bone.”

“Gee, that’s every girl’s dream—being compared to a dog’s chew toy.” I grinned, cocking an eyebrow. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m a bit stubborn. I don’t wear down easy.”

His face darkened. “You’re a grown woman capable of taking care of yourself, so I’ve refrained from interfering lest I insult you. But I can’t guarantee how much longer I can keep my opinion to myself. I might have to say my piece.”

Changing the subject seemed the best course of action. “I’m glad you’re home,” I said. “Are you hungry?”

“Nah. I had something from Merilee’s delivered. What about you? Don’t tell me you had canned soup again.”

I grimaced. “I had some crackers and tea. All this fuss has been messing with my stomach.”

Worry filled his eyes. “Are you feeling all right?” He lifted the back of his hand to my forehead.

I pulled his hand down and kissed his palm. “I’m fine. Just too much excitement.”

“This excitement seems pretty tame for you.” He gave me a wry smile. “Do you feel like eating something now? You didn’t eat much lunch either.”

“Maybe I’ll make a sandwich.”

“I’ll come with you.”

“You need to prop up your foot. You’ve done a lot of standing and walking today. The doctor’s liable to make you use crutches again.”

“God forbid,” he grumbled. “How about I sit with you and put my foot up on a chair? I’ve missed you, Rose. I want to be with you.”

“Okay,” I smiled, heading for the kitchen.

He hobbled behind me and froze in the doorway. “What happened to the window?”

I explained while Mason sat down, casting a glance at the gallon-size plastic bag that covered the opening with duct tape. “Maybe you should get an alarm system,” he said, scowling. “You were lucky it was Joe this time. Next time…”

“There won’t be a next time.” I pulled out a jar of peanut butter and a knife. “Besides, I can’t afford an alarm system right now.”

“Then let me pay for it. I’m living here right now too, Rose. You wouldn’t let me help pay for your moving costs. Let me help with something.”

“You can help pay for the food for Thanksgiving.”

“Rose.”

I pulled a plate out of the cabinet and put everything I’d need for my sandwich on the kitchen table next to Mason. “I’ll think about it, okay?” I had no problem letting him help with the utilities and food, but I didn’t feel comfortable letting him pay for something so permanent, not when he was planning to move out. “Did you find out anything about Mr. Sullivan?”

He gave me an ornery grin. “Now you know that’s official business that I shouldn’t comment on.”

I stopped opening the peanut butter jar, my hand still on the lid, and lifted my eyebrows. “But…?”

“But there was no sign of him at his home and his car’s missing. It looks like he left his house in a hurry. Drawers open and clothes strewn around. He pretty much cleared out his bank account.”

“You think he left town?”

“Sure looks that way.”

“Do you think he took my money with him?”

“Honestly, Rose, I have no idea, but he was known for his foot-loose and fancy-free attitude toward loans over the last few months. The bank manager now suspects he was embezzling money.”

I sighed. I’d gotten a loan from Mr. Sullivan. Did that mean more trouble for my business? “I won’t be able to eat lunch with you tomorrow. I’m meeting Neely Kate.”

“Why don’t you see if she has any info on the bank robbery suspects,” he teased. “I swear the Henryetta police would close more cases if they kept her on retainer.”

“Better yet,” I grinned and licked the peanut butter off my knife, “maybe she and I should form our own investigation agency.”