Her eyes flicked to his. “Why not?”
“Because taking a newborn into a jail is—” He paused. “It’s not just about whether you can. It’s about whether you should. Grace is a week old. Jails aren’t clean. They’re loud. And depending on the facility, the experience could be . . . it could be difficult.”
“But Sissy’s her mother,” Naomi said. “I’d hate to keep Grace away from her.”
Micah understood that. Sissy might have made mistakes—serious ones—but she loved her daughter. That much was clear.
“I’m not saying don’t do it,” he said. “Just don’t decide today. Talk to Karen first. Get the details. Then make the call.”
Naomi looked down at her plate and nodded slowly.
Ruby moved back to the table, refilling Micah’s water glass without asking. “Tell me again what Sissy said about Richard’s family.”
“That they’re not good people.” Naomi’s voice was flat. “Not to let them anywhere near Grace. But the call cut off before she could explain.”
Ruby’s expression tightened. She set the pitcher down and crossed her arms. “I have no respect for that family. None. But I understand why they stood behind Richard. Blood runs deep. Loyalty like that—it’s hard to break, even when the person doesn’t deserve it.”
“I know what you’re saying. But Sissy made it sound like there was more to it. Like it wasn’t just about loyalty.” Naomi turned to Micah. “Do you know anything about them? Richard’s family?”
Micah leaned back in his chair, thinking. “Not much beyond what came up during the investigation. As you know, his mother, Linda, was vocal during the trial. Emotional. His brother, Dale, kept a lower profile, but he was there every day.”
He made a mental note to dig deeper. To pull records. To see if any of Richard’s family had been flagged for anything since the trial. It was a long shot, but Sissy’s warning had been specific. Urgent.
They’re not good people.
That wasn’t just about loyalty.
A door opened, and a moment later Caleb appeared. “Hadley’s here. She’s out at the kennel.”
Naomi stood, her face brightening for the first time since the phone call.
“I’m going to go say hi.” She looked at Micah. “You should meet her.”
Micah pushed back his chair and stood, grateful for the distraction. “Lead the way.”
“Mom, do you mind watching—?” Naomi began.
Ruby waved them off. “Go on. I’ll keep an eye on her.”
Naomi smiled. “Thank you.”
Micah followed with the weight of unanswered questions sitting heavy in his chest.
But for now, he would let them sit.
