I let that truth settle between us. Heavy. Real.
Her fingers twisted around the strap of her bag. “I don’t want to make this a big thing. I’m trying not to overreact.”
“You’re not overreacting,” I said. “Someone was following you. That’s a fact.”
She swallowed again. “What do we do?”
I took a slow breath.
Because what I wanted to say wasMove in with me.
What Iactuallysaid was, “We start with tonight. I’ll walk you home. I’ll check the property again. And tomorrow morning, we set up a plan.”
Trigger perked up. “A PLAN? I love plans. Can I be involved? Should I bring snacks?”
Havoc shoved him. “Not. Now.”
Saint folded his arms, thoughtful. “We’ll look around the tower after lunch.”
The Magnolia Ladies gathered like a battle council.
Mabel held up her hairspray. “We’re on night patrol.”
“Absolutely not,” I snapped.
Agnes waved me off. “Hush, Wolf. We’re elderly, not dead.”
June patted Nora’s hand. “Sweetheart, try not to worry. This town protects its own.”
Nora let out a shaky laugh. “You all are unbelievable.”
I watched her smile. Small. Fragile. But real.
And I made a decision in that moment—one I didn’t say out loud yet.
Whoever touched her peace?
I’d find them.
And make sure they never came near her again.
10
Nora
Wolf insisted on walking me home again.
He didn’t say it like a request.
Or a suggestion.
Or even a command.
He just said, “Let’s go,” in that deep,
steady voice that somehow carried more reassurance than a whole police escort.
The Magnolia Ladies offered me their “weapons” one last time.
