that?”
“Thad Pearson,” Mitch replied, his scowl deepening. “Looks like he got word through the grapevine. Just what we need. Another relative to argue with.”
“He’s Rob’s brother, right? I’d never actually met him but I had heard there was a strong family resemblance.”
“Thad and Rob do—did—look alike. That’s about all they had in common. Thad’s always been the fighter, which undoubtedly helped him when he was a Marine.” He gave Jill a look of disdain. “See that you stay out of it this time. I mean it.”
“Hey, you didn’t seem to mind my intervention a few minutes ago.”
“Yeah, well, this is different. Thad’s nobody to mess with. His temperament is not what I’d call an asset.”
Neither is yours if you keep getting upset with me for trying to help, Jill thought.
Mitch stood his ground, apparently braced to defend the children, as Thad jumped out of his truck and jogged closer, fists clenched, posture rigid. Jill could tell how angry the man obviously was. That observation didn’t do a thing to help calm her already taut nerves.
Before the newest arrival could reach the children, Harlan stepped between him and the others with his hands raised. “Simmer down, son. I’ve got everything under control.”
As Jill watched Thad’s face and posture she could see his inner struggle. Finally, he nodded and stopped acting so aggressive. At least she thought he did. Given the volatility of the whole confrontation and all the parties involved, it was hard to tell. Personally, she wished she were locked inside the sheriff’s car with the children while these stupid men settled their disagreements.
Harlan eyed them as a group. “Okay. All you people wait right here and behave yourselves. Nobody’s going anywhere till we get this mess sorted out. Y’hear?”
Mitch nodded and so did Thad. Jill was rocking and comforting the littlest Pearson as she answered, “We wouldn’t dream of leaving. Believe me, we’re very glad to see you.”
In the background she thought she heard Thad muttering curses, although nothing he said could have equaled the vitriol in Natalie’s recent tirade.
Given a choice, Jill decided she would much rather have to face down any or all of these angry men than spend one more minute with that hysterical, bad-tempered woman.
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