His eyes caught mine. “It’s just a precaution, Rose.”

“I know.” But my stomach still knotted with worry at the sight of it.

“I know how to handle it. I have permits and Joe’s fully aware that I’m carrying it outside the courthouse.”

“That’s not why I don’t like it. It just reminds me that someone out there wants you dead.”

He put the gun on the nightstand and pulled me to his chest, searching my eyes. “This isn’t the first threat I’ve received. Everything’s going to be fine.” He gave me a soft kiss and stepped back. “I’m going to take Muffy outside. Why don’t you finish getting ready and I’ll follow you into town.” He paused. “Do you have any jobs today that would keep you from taking her to work with you?”

“No…”

He winked. “I think she’d be happier with you at the office today.”

“What, did you two have a chat while I was in the shower?”

He gave me a mischievous grin. “I can’t betray our dog-attorney privilege, but she did petition me to appeal to you on her behalf.”

I laughed and wrapped my arms around his neck. “Well…seeing as how she went to the trouble of contacting her attorney, I can hardly say no.”

“I’ll be sure to tell my client we’ve reached an agreement.” He gave me a slow kiss, then lifted his head, all merriment gone. “Thank you.” He broke away and picked up his gun and placed it in his shoulder holster, then headed to the bedroom door. “Come on, Muff. Let’s go outside, girl.”

She bounded after him with excitement, leaving me alone with my befuddlement. Mason never asked me to take Muffy with me. He left that decision entirely up to me. Then again, he knew she was a good guard dog. I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face. Just like I had my ways of coercing him, he was figuring out ways to coerce me too.

I headed downstairs and my cell phone began to ring while Mason and Muffy were outside. I was surprised to see it was Violet.

“Hey, Vi.”

“Rose, I have a huge favor to ask.”

“Okay,” I said, hesitantly.

“I’m having a big shipment of potting soil and fertilizer delivered today around ten. Do you think you could spare Bruce Wayne to help move the bags behind the greenhouse? I’m having a weekend sale that starts tomorrow and I need everything straightened up.”

Starting the sale on Friday seemed like a good idea. But like I’d told Mason, good ideas had never been her weakness. “I can’t speak for Bruce Wayne, but I have no problem with it. How about I call him and I’ll let you know.”

“Okay. Tell him that I would need him here around the time the bags are dropped off. Thanks, Rose.”

I hung up and called Bruce Wayne as I peeked out the window to check on Mason. He was sitting on the porch steps, talking on his phone while rubbing behind Muffy’s ears. She looked up at him, her tongue hanging out and her tail wagging.

“Good morning, Rose,” Bruce Wayne said when he answered the phone.

“Good morning to you too. Do you have any big plans today?”

“Nothin’ I can’t set aside for you. What do you need?”

“Don’t sound too eager yet,” I cautioned. “Violet has asked if you can help her move bags of potting soil and fertilizer. She’s getting a shipment at ten and she needs someone to haul the bags behind the greenhouse.”

“Oh.”

“She’s got a new employee,” I said, trying to sound cheerful. “I haven’t met her yet, so you can get the scoop and report back to me.”

He chuckled. “That might work with Neely Kate, but not with me.”

“So you can’t do it?”

“I didn’t say that.” I heard the grin in his voice. “I just meant that gossip’s more a job for Neely Kate. If it helps the business, just tell me when to show up. I’ll be there.”

“She says to come around ten. And thank you.”

“No problem. I’ll talk to you later.”

Mason walked through the front door as I hung up. “Everything okay? You look worried.”

I waved him off. “It’s nothing. Bruce Wayne is going to the nursery today to help Violet with some heavy lifting.”

He paused. “I see the reason for your concern.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine…as long as Violet minds her manners.” I sent her a quick text to let her know to expect him and implored her to treat him kindly. She responded back saying she was insulted I would insinuate she’d treat him any differently.

Mason grabbed his bag out of his office. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah.” I put on my coat and left the house, Mason following behind me after he turned on the alarm. My gaze drifted to the vacant spot where Deputy Miller had parked his patrol car overnight.

Mason put his arm around my shoulders. “We only have protection at night. But it’s less likely for someone to attack in broad daylight.”

I cocked my head and looked up at him. “Someone tried to kill you in broad daylight just last month. And I’m still not convinced we know who did it. It could very well be the same person who’s trying now.”

“Sweetheart, my brake line was cut. Nothing like that is going to happen again. Deputy Miller kept an eye on our vehicles all night and no one’s brazen enough to attempt such a thing on the town square.”