“It was my honor.” The coroner was quiet for a moment. “Get this bastard, Law. We can’t have someone who’s capable of this running around our county. We just got rid of one psychopath.”
“I won’t stop until I do.”
“Good. Now, go home and hug those babies.”
“Already here, just gotta make it inside.”
“Glad to hear it. Talk tomorrow.”
“G’night.” I ended the call and shoved my phone into my pocket. As I slid out of my SUV, headlights rounded the curve of the drive.
My hand instinctively went for the holster at my side, given everything going on lately. But my Glock was locked away in the gun safe in the back of my SUV.
The station wagon pulled to a stop, the engine cut off, and a man stepped out. “Evening, Lawson.”
The tension flowing through me eased, but surprise followed on its heels. “Reverend Hooper. Everything okay?”
“Just here to pick up Violet. Your new nanny invited her over for cookies and a study session.”
I glanced up at the glowing house. Not just because of the lights but because of Hallie. “That’s great. I really appreciate her helping Luke with his science.”
Thomas nodded. “My girl’s smart as a whip, and she’s got a good heart to boot.”
“Luke could use a friend like that.”
Thomas didn’t say anything to that. Likely because he wasn’t thrilled about his daughter’s friendship with my son. I understood, but it killed me.
I led him up the stairs and inside. “Reverend Hooper’s here,” I called.
The only thing that greeted me was hysterical laughter. As I moved into the space, I found my boys, Hallie, and Violet crowded around the coffee table, a board game on top of it. The only one not sitting was Charlie, who was up on the couch, doing some sort of booty-shake dance.
“I’m the Sorry! king! I’m the Sorry! King!” he half-chanted, half-sang.
Hallie’s head tipped back, her blond hair cascading down as she laughed full-out. The sight stopped me dead. There was no inhibition, no reservations, no fear. Just pure joy.
As she straightened, our eyes locked. Her laughter eased, but her smile didn’t. Just that tip of her lips lit a fire within me.
“We finished homework, and Charlie decided to crush us in Sorry!,” she explained, getting to her feet.
I glanced at Thomas, who surveyed the scene. Something in him shifted slightly at the sight. “I was always good at Sorry!,” he said.
Violet laughed as she stood. “Dad, I kicked your butt every time.”
The skin around Thomas’s eyes crinkled. “I think we need to get your memory checked.”
Violet just shook her head and then glanced at Luke. The look she gave him, one of shy adoration, had me mentally cursing. “Thanks again for having me over, Luke. Ms. Astor.”
“Hallie,” she said as she moved to give the girl a quick hug. “You’re welcome anytime. It’s nice not to be the only girl around here.”
Violet grinned at her. “Next time, we team up to destroy them at Sorry!.”
Hallie laughed. “I like the way you think.”
Luke got to his feet and met Thomas’s gaze. “Thanks for letting Violet come over, Mr. Hooper.”
Thomas’s eyes flared in surprise and begrudging respect. “You’re welcome, Luke. We’d be happy to have you over for dinner one of these days.”
Violet’s entire face lit up as she grinned at Luke.
