“He does have a way with the older ladies.”

“What else?” Toni pushed her friend.

“They’ve secured the house.”

“No, Liv. I mean what aren’t you guys telling me?”

Livy peered at Coop, raised her brows at him.

“Tell her,” he urged, knowing his sister wouldn’t stop until they did.

“Irene called in Dee-Ann.”

Toni leaned back. “And why was that again?”

“Honestly? I think Irene feels guilty.”

“Did she do something?”

“I don’t think so. But your mother won’t let her leave and I think Irene’s worried that if something happens to one of the kids, it’ll be because of her.”

Toni sighed. “I guess that’s why I have that behemoth following me around.”

“Who is he anyway?”

“His name’s Vic Barinov. He was part of my protection detail in Russia along with Ricky.” She looked pointedly at Livy. “What do you think?”

Livy shrugged. “Bringing in Dee-Ann is not my favorite idea.” She glanced at Ricky. “I don’t have anything personal against your friend, but—”

“But you don’t usually call in Dee-Ann Smith unless you want someone to die,” Ricky finished for Livy. “Same thing with her daddy. But we also use Dee-Ann and her daddy when we want to prevent problems. If there’s one person who can get to the bottom of this, quickly and quietly, it’s Dee-Ann Smith.”

Toni nodded. “Then leave it alone. If involving Dee-Ann makes Irene feel better, then let her do it. Besides, I want this done.”

Livy agreed. “Then it’s done.”

“Anything else?”

“Nothing urgent,” Cooper said, worried about how tired his sister looked. He really hoped this job of hers was worth all she was going through.

“Okay.” She stood up. “Tell Mom I’ll be back for breakfast in a few. Livy . . . come with.”

She walked off and Livy followed her, the women walking into the house.

Ricky moved around on the bench until he could face both Coop and Cherise.

After a long minute of silence, Ricky said, “Your sister was amazing in Russia.”

Coop was about to answer, “I know,” but Cherise spoke first.

“My sister’s amazing all the time.” Cherise grabbed a muffin and squeezed it until it began to crumble in her hands. “And if you ever forget that and make her cry the way that worthless full-human did, I’m going to make you sorry you ever left Tennessee.” She got to her feet, started to turn away, but then stopped and added, “Which is a lovely state but that’s not the point!”

Coop watched his younger sister march off, leaving a trail of muffin crumbs behindher.

“I sure do like your family,” the wolf said. And Coop looked over at Ricky Lee, saw the smile that told him the man was being completely serious.

“They are great, aren’t they?” Coop agreed.

Toni sat on her bed, pulled off her boots. “Okay.” She looked right at her friend. “What haven’t you told me?”

“I saw Delilah coming out of a church.”

“Great. She’s stealing crosses now?”

“Blayne said it was a cult. They took over the church when the original congregation had to move.”

Toni suddenly laughed, surprising herself. “I wish I could say I was shocked, but . . .”

“I know. I know.” Livy laughed, too. “But when you think about it, she’d fit right in there with the pantheon, wouldn’t she? Charles Manson. David Koresh. Jim Jones. She blends.”

“Not quite. They were monsters, but they were all kind of mentally ill. According to Kyle there’s a difference between personality disorders and mental illness. Del isn’t crazy. She just doesn’t have a soul.”

Livy braced her legs apart, crossed her arms over her chest. “I put security on each of the kids.”

Toni studied her best friend. “Why?”

“I don’t know. It just felt . . .” She searched for the right word. “Necessary.”

“Then it’s necessary.” Livy didn’t do important things on a whim, so Toni didn’t question her decisions.

Yawning, Toni said, “Tell me how much I owe you for all this security because Mom and Dad said they didn’t pay for any . . .” But Livy had already walked out of the room.

“I will pay you back, honey lover!”

“Shut up!”

Toni chuckled as Ricky walked into the room.

“Your mother said breakfast will be ready for us in a bit.”

“Okay.”

He came across the room and dived onto her bed, rolling around until he was on his back. He stopped, gazed at her, then started again.

Toni laughed loud. “What is wrong with you?”

“I’m glad to be home.” He turned onto his side, wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. “Aren’t you?”

“Yeah. But I should go check on the kids.”

“The kids are fine. Their parents have managed to take very good care of them.”

“Not appreciating the Southern sarcasm.”

“Come on, darlin’. Let’s cuddle like proper canines.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“That’s a great idea. It’s called relaxing. Taking a break. They’ll call us when breakfast is ready anyway.”