“I’m happy for you, Dakota. Sounds like you’ve found your missing piece.”
The short time Dakota spent with Maverick lightened his spirit, but the fury that fueled him wouldn’t be quieted until Maddox was arrested…or dead.
The first light of day came fast. Dakota and Providence were crashed on the sofa in the rec room when Sammy came running in. “Daddy! Provi!” She climbed on the sofa. “Mrs. Morris said this is a stay-tion.”
“A stay-ca-tion, Sammy,” Miranda corrected, still in her robe.
Dakota and Providence laughed.
“My mom and dad are here,” Providence said.
Sammy scrunched up her face. “Your mommy and daddy are here?”
“They’re sleeping now, but they’ll be up soon.”
“Sammy, two of your favorite people are here, but they’re still sleeping, too,” Dakota said.
“Who?” Sammy asked.
“Uncle Maverick and Aunt Carly,” Dakota replied. “And they brought Whiskey.”
Sammy started jumping up and down while clapping her hands. “I love Whiskey! He’s the best dog ever.”
Dakota’s phone buzzed and he read the text. “Sin and Evangeline just got here.”
“Hurray,” Sammy said. “This is so much fun. Where are we going?”
“Going?” Providence asked. “Nowhere. The party is here. It’s a family reunion!”
A moment later, Sin and Evangeline walked into the room. Sammy ran over and Sin lifted her up. “Looks like someone is having a great time.”
“This is soooo fun.” Sammy’s smile was exactly what Dakota needed to see—the green light for him to proceed with business.
The business of arresting Randy Maddox.
* * *
As planned, that evening, Providence entered her parents’ home. The kitchen and family room looked like a dump. Unwashed dishes filled the sink and empty beer bottles were strewn about.
“Hey, guys,” Providence said. Though she forced a smile, her blood ran cold.
Randy was eating a giant piece of chocolate cake and watching a video on his phone. Lizzie was too busy cutting out those damn words from a magazine to even notice her. But the disposable gloves she was wearing were a dead giveaway. Providence wanted to rip those scissors out of her hand and—
“Hey, sis!” Randy said. “What brings you by?”
“I have the best news,” Providence said. “It’s an absolute miracle.”
Randy’s expression fell. “What?”
“Mom has been moved out of ICU and into a private room.”
He and Lizzie exchanged glances.
“Great!” Lizzie exclaimed, joining them in the kitchen. “When can we visit?”
“Good idea,” Randy echoed. “How ‘bout tonight?”
Providence couldn’t believe how easily they were falling into her plan. “Yes and no.”
