on, kids, sit down at the table.”
“I like Robbie,” Davy said, grinning.
Kate seemed thrilled. “Perfect,” she said. “Maybe Mike’s idea will work out.”
Sarah’s head snapped up. “What idea?”
Mike entered at that moment. “Hi. How’s everyone doing?”
Sarah nodded to Mike, smiling a little. “We’re fine.”
“Good. I’m starved. Are you ready to eat?”
“You’re always hungry,” Kate teased her husband. But she held out a seat next to hers at the table.
Sarah could barely eat. She was too concerned about whatever idea the sheriff had come up with. She was grateful when the meal ended and she took her siblings back to the family room.
As soon as she entered the room, she turned to Mike. “Did they arrest him?”
Mike sighed. “Yeah, but you were right. Ashton told them he didn’t know who killed his wife. He said he was knocked out and couldn’t help his beloved wife.”
“I told you he lied.”
“And he wants to know what happened to his children.”
Sarah’s hand flew to her chest. “No! I told you. They can’t go back to him.”
Mike tried to calm her down. “I just told you what he said. However, the police did a thorough job. They’re holding him in jail until he can make bail for $250,000. They’re hoping he won’t.”
“Good.”
“They also want to interview you.”
“No!” She felt as if she were on a seesaw, up one minute, down the next with the type of news Mike delivered.
“Sarah, you remember what I said? I talked to the police about you being appointed guardian of Anna and Davy. They agreed to pursue that for you, if you’ll come talk to them.”
She blinked her eyes, staring at her hands, clenched tightly in front of her. “I—I can’t!”
“I think Brad would go with you. I’m going to talk to him in a few minutes.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because you need someone with you, Sarah. It won’t be an easy thing.”
“I know—and what about the kids?”
“Well, I thought they might like to go to school while they’re here. I’ll set it up. It will be hardest on Anna. Davy will have Robbie to go to school with.”
“But I can’t leave them! It would be too hard for them.”
“It will be even harder if you don’t get custody.”
Abby took her hand. “We’ll take care of them, Sarah.”
“But you’re supposed to rest,” Sarah protested.
“If they’re at school all day, I can rest.”
The sheriff looked at Sarah. “You have to answer this question. Is it worth going to testify against Ellis Ashton? You’ll get custody of the kids and keep them safe.”
When he put it that way, Sarah knew there was really no choice. She drew in a deep breath and said, “I’ll go. But I don’t need to bother Brad. I can manage on my own.”
The sheriff shook his head. “He’s going with you, Sarah. It’s part of the deal. Nick and Abby will take care of the kids and Brad will take care of you.”
“I don’t want him to take care of me! I can manage on my own.”
“Why don’t you want him to go?”
“The only man in my family killed my mother. Why would I want anything to do with any man?”
Mike drew a deep breath. “He’s just escorting you, keeping you safe. So you can come back to your siblings.”
“I—I don’t know what—”
“I’m thinking you should leave Monday morning after the kids go to school.”
“Their first day? No, that’s impossible! Anna can’t— She’s very shy!”
“It’s all right,” Kate said. “I’ll take her to school that morning and make sure she’s happy. Abby will be here to help.”
Sarah looked around the room at all the encouraging faces. “All right. I can tell her you’ll go with her?”
“Of course.”
Mike stood and kissed Kate goodbye and thanked Sarah for her cooperation. Then he left.
“Can you tell us what the children wear to school? Is there somewhere we can buy something for her to wear?”
“Yes. I can take you and Anna, and Davy, too, this afternoon, if you want.”
“Thank you, Kate. I think it will help Anna feel good about herself.” She just wished she knew how to pay for the clothes.
Nick and Brad came into the house for lunch a little later, only to find it empty.
“Where’s Abby?” Nick mused out loud.
“I don’t know. I guess we’re on our own today.”
“If she’s gotten involved with those people you drug in, I’ll—”
“Hi, boys,” Mike called as he stepped into the kitchen. “Are the ladies out?”
“Yeah,” Nick said in angry tones.
“Do you know where they are?”
“No. They didn’t even leave a note.” Nick couldn’t believe his wife would disappear without leaving word of her plans. Not in her condition!
“Hey, here’s a casserole I can warm up. I think there’s enough for all three of us,” Brad said.
“Ah, that’s one of the casseroles Kate made,” Mike said. “I’ll set the table.”
“How did you know about the casserole?” Nick asked.
“I had a quick lunch earlier with the ladies. But I didn’t get enough to eat,” Mike assured Nick and Brad.
Nick shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, I’ll make us something to drink. Is coffee okay with both of you? I think the wind got colder today.”
It wasn’t until they were finished eating that Brad realized it was unusual for Mike to be out there during the day. He asked his reasons.
