His face hardened, but he didn’t budge.

“So other than that, why are you here right now?”

“I want to protect you.”

“Then send Mason the mug shots.”

“No.” His voice was firm. “I’ll show you the mug shots, and then we’ll set up some type of protective detail with the sheriff’s department for when you’re out on the farm.”

I released a sarcastic laugh. “Yeah, because that worked out so well last time.”

“Things are different. Several deputies were corrupt and in league with Crocker, but the department has been cleaned out now, and anyone watching you would really protect you this time.”

While Mason had suggested the same thing, I was still nervous about trusting the sheriff’s office. “Just let me look at the mug shots. Hopefully, I’ll find the guy on the first try and you can go arrest him. Then we’ll talk about the detail.”

He took several breaths before answering. “Fine. We’ll go with that plan for now.”

“So when are we going to look at the mug shots?”

“I haven’t pulled them yet, but I can do that now and come out to the farm tonight.”

I shook my head. “No. I’ll come to your office.”

“Everyone in the sheriff’s department knows you’re dating Mason. And they also know that you and I used to date. How’s it going to look if you come to my office and we close the door?”

I closed my eyes. I knew Joe didn’t give a rat’s ass how it looked. But he knew that I wouldn’t want to hurt Mason’s reputation and he was using that fact in his favor. “Fine. Come out tonight.”

“I’ll cook you dinner if you’d like. I know you love my chicken parmesan.”

“No. This is not a date. You bring the mug shots, I’ll look through them, and then you leave.”

“You have to eat, Rose.”

“Stop it, Joe, or I won’t let you come at all.”

“Fine, no need to get worked up.” He grinned, making me instantly regret my agreement. “I can bring them out to you at around seven.”

“Okay.” I turned around and grabbed the doorknob.

“Rose.”

I paused and looked over my shoulder.

“It’s good to see you again. I’ve missed you.” Then he turned around and walked down the steps.

I went inside and closed the door, pressing my back to the wood. What had I just gotten myself into?

Chapter Six

I dug out my phone and called Mason, grateful that he answered on the first ring. “You were right about Joe.”

He paused. “So he called you?”

“No. I had to pick up Violet’s kids and bring them to her house because Mike got tied up. Joe was waiting on Violet’s front porch. Waiting for me.”

“How’d he know you would be there?”

“Violet. I’m sure she told him.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he told her why he wanted to talk to me.” But it was just about more than I could take. She could have at least warned me. I’d never felt more betrayed by her in my life, and that was saying something.

“How’d it go? Are you okay?”

“It was ugly. But I’m fine.”

“I called him right after you left, but he didn’t say much. He just told me that he’d think about it and get back to me. I’m sorry, Rose. I should have warned you.”

“It’s not your fault.” I tried to stuff down my frustration. “He says he’ll bring the mug shots out to the farm tonight.”

“The farm?”

“He says it will look bad if I show up at his office and he shuts the door.”

Mason was quiet for several seconds before he exploded. “Goddamn him. I knew he’d take advantage of the situation, but I should have realized he’d go above and beyond my expectations. That self-centered, egotistical, entitled bastard.”

I wasn’t sure what to say.

“Did he say what time he’s coming?”

“Seven.”

He groaned. “I have a meeting at seven. With the sheriff.” He cursed again. “But then he knew that. He did this on purpose.”

“I’ll cancel.”

“You can’t. We need you to ID the guy so they can catch him.”

“Just hurry home when you can, okay?”

“I will. Call me if you need me.”

I hung up and spent the next half hour with the kids before Mike knocked on the front door. Ashley ran to it and threw it open.

“Daddy!”

I was sitting on the sofa with Mikey on my lap, so I stood and set the little boy down. “Hi, Mike.” It was hard to believe that I hadn’t seen him since Halloween. “How are things going with you and Violet?”

He grimaced. “She hasn’t kept you informed of our progress?”

“No. We don’t talk too much outside of work lately.”

His smile fell. “Things really have changed between you two.”

“Yeah.”

“Well, we’re still going to a counselor, but it’s rocky.” He lowered his voice so the kids couldn’t hear. “I think she might be seeing Brody again. Ashley mentions that Mommy goes to the store a lot but doesn’t come home with any bags.” He took a deep breath. “For now, I think it’s best if we don’t spend much time together outside of therapy.” He bent down and picked up Mikey. “I’m still trying to forgive her. And if she’s seeing Brody again—especially since he’s back with his wife—I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive her.”