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“Finally, something to laugh about,” Dave said. “I’d better text Kat and tell her there’s no food here for her.”

“Oh yes, there is,” Vic said. “Take this gumbo and rice. It’s her favorite, and I never want to see it again.”

Out in the parking lot, the lights shone from the clinic, where Harvey was finishing up with the last client for the day, and the whinny of horses in the barn and the snort of a pig echoed in the air. The peace of the land swept over the men, who were looking toward the woods where Emily had taken her last breath.

“I want to see the spot where you found her,” Justin said. “Not tonight, but in the daylight.”

“I’ll see it, too,” Dave said. “We’ll go together. Maybe it will help us put everything to rest. It’s been chaotic lately. I’m not sure why.”

“Probably the adopted son coming out of the woodwork is to blame,” Vic said. “It’s what started Rose moving here because her aunt was leaving Val. It’s unnecessary now since Elizabeth is staying with him.”

“That snake. It figures he’d squirm out of it,” Justin said.

“Yes, I can’t figure it out. Oh, well. You two had better get moving. I don’t like Justin on those backroads at night.”

“Pop, he’ll be fine. Who would mess with that guy?” They looked at the six-foot-six Justin and laughed.

They got in their trucks and turned around in a big circle, Justin turning left to head toward Bayou Cottage, and Dave going right to town.

Vic stood out in the parking lot until their taillights were no longer visible. He got out his phone and sent Rose a text. Boys are gone. His phone rang.

“Hey, it’s me,” Rose said. “How would you feel if I stayed here tonight?”

“Oh? What brought that on?”

“I need some time to think about everything,” she said. “I mean, I love you and all, but I’m not sure I want to move in there after all. Something doesn’t feel right.”

“Okay. Whatever you need, dear. I understand. That was a lot today.”

“Thank you for understanding. I’m exhausted, so I think I’ll head to bed if you are sure you’re okay with it.”

“I’m fine with it. Talk to you tomorrow,” Vic said, relieved that she hadn’t asked him what the secret was that he had told his sons.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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