Oh no, Annie. I hope Clark explained he slept on the couch. Aunt Irene is laughing. Would she laugh if she knew he slept in my bed? Yes. She wants me to find someone. Do something, Annie.
I grabbed a cup of coffee, walked outside and said, “Good morning, Aunt Irene. Good morning, Clark. I hope the couch was comfortable enough last night.”
He grinned at me and answered, “Yes it was, thanks.”
Aunt Irene added, “It was nice of Clark to spend the night to be sure you were safe, Annie.”
I nodded.
Clark stood and said, “I have to leave. The store opens an hour earlier than your bookstore. I don’t want dad to be doing things he shouldn’t. I’ll call you later.” He waved and hurried out the door.
I was going to sit with Aunt Irene and finish my coffee when I heard my front doorbell.
“Maybe Clark forgot something, I’ll be right back.”
I hurried to the door and saw a young man on the porch. He was fidgeting and looked a bit pale. He didn’t look like a killer, so I opened the door.
He looked at me and said, “Annlynn Ryan?”
At the sound of my legal name, my heart began to pound in my chest. Was something wrong?
I managed to mutter, “Yes.”
He held out folded papers with a blue cover sheet. “These are for you.”
I was so grateful he wasn’t bringing me bad news that I reached for them and said, “Thanks.”
He nodded and said, “You’ve been served. Have a good day.”
I’m sure my mouth hung open as I watched him rush to his car. I closed the door and read the papers as I walked back to the patio where Aunt Irene waited.
“What’s wrong?” She asked.
I looked at her trying to figure out what in the world was happening. “Mags is suing me for custody of Yummy.”
Chapter Ten
Aunt Irene and I sat silently trying to understand why Mags was suing me. I know Georgie is awake because she and Paul like to get to the grill early. I texted her asking her to call when she had free time. My phone rang almost immediately.
I heard Georgie’s excited voice before I could say hello. “He stayed the night didn’t he? How was it? Never mind. Are you happy? It’s great news. I want details, but not too many.”
When she took a break to breathe, I said, “He slept alone on the couch to keep me safe. The reason I need to talk to you is that I was served papers first thing this morning. Mags is suing me for custody of Yummy.” I felt my shoulders slumped at the idea of losing my tiny dog. He worked his way into my heart. I love the silly little guy.
“What? She hates Yummy. Maybe Inga left a lot of money for his care. Mags wants it. I have heard of people who leave millions to their pets. You’re going to need a lawyer. Who is she using?”
“She filed herself. She’s a lawyer, remember. I’m going to lose Yummy.”
I felt like crying. I truly did. I now understand how people become attached to a pet. He’s my buddy and best friend. I talk to him all day at the store. Sometimes he cocks his head and listens and sometimes he barks an answer. What would I do without him?
Georgie’s voice calling my name through my phone brought me back to reality. “Annie, are you there?”
“Yeah, sorry. I was lost in thought. I was thinking about losing Yummy. It will break my heart.”
“You need an attorney. Call Lucas. He said to call if you need anything.”
“I know,” I answered. “But he’s Inga’s lawyer. Since Mags is her niece, wouldn’t it be a conflict of interest?” I leaned forward and placed my elbow on my knee. I needed to lean my head on my hand. I was still tired, and it was too early for another day of drama.
“Maybe, maybe not. Call him and ask. If it is, he’ll recommend someone. He’s an honest man, Annie. He was also Inga’s attorney. He wants to do right by her.”
“I guess, I’ll text you later. Bye.”
I slid my phone to “off,” and slipped it in my jeans’ pocket. When I looked at Aunt Irene, she smiled.
“Georgie’s right. Call Lucas. He wants what Inga wanted, and she wanted you to have Yummy.” She stood and waved as she walked to her cottage.
Maybe they’re both right. I need a lawyer. I’ll call Lucas after I get to the store. Too much is going on. I need some professional advice, and Lucas is the best.
#######
Yummy, in his carrier strapped into the passenger side seat belt, and I behind the wheel started our slow trek to the store. It was slow because the one place I felt safe from Mags and her ideas was in my car. I headed toward the store and then turned down a side street heading in the opposite direction. I didn’t need to open the store until nine, and I feel safe in the Explorer. As I approached the highway leading out of town, I yelled at myself.
Okay, Annie. Let’s face facts. You have an enemy, and it appears to be Mags. Would Mags have left the warning note? Why not? Women have been known to be evil and killers the same as men. Women can be conniving. I could be conniving if needed. Yup, Mags is after me. Why am I driving away from where people know me? If she tries to kill me, I need witnesses. People in town know me. I was born in Heavenly Corners. It is my home, not Mags’.
I hit the brakes and pulled to the side of the road. I looked in my rearview mirror, and it was clear. I made an illegal U-turn and headed back to town. I knew it was illegal, but my life is in danger. Right? It’s okay to break a little law in case of an emergency. Yup, it
