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“Absolutely,” Vera confirmed. “It’s your farm too.”

“Just a heads-up,” Eve added, “Luna’s doing a big surprise birthday party for you. She’s been working on it ever since she got word we were coming home.”

“Got my invitation an hour ago,” Bent tossed in.

Vera groaned. Forty sucked already.

“We’re going out the staff entrance,” Bent said, directing their forward journey.

Vera suddenly had a thought. She knew exactly how she wanted to spend the rest of her birthday. “You should stay tonight too.” Vera looked to Bent. “The Boyett sisters always seem to be in need of a hero.” She moistened her lips. “Some more than others.”

He chuckled. “I think the only hero in all this is you.”

Vera just laughed at the idea. She put her arm around her sister’s shoulders. “Just say yes,” she encouraged. “It is my birthday after all.” She might as well embrace the crazy.

“It will be my honor,” he assured her. Then he suddenly stopped and reached into a pocket. He withdrew a cell phone and handed it to her. “You left your phone in your SUV.”

“Oh.” She made a face. “Thanks.”

She had several missed calls, but the latest notification was a text message.

Unknown number.

Thank you for not killing my grandson. Stopping him was essential. He could not control his urges and he stole away my beautiful Pamela. Bravo to you, Vera. Now you can sleep at night ... at least until the next monster finds you.

Palmer Solomon.Bastard.

Vera wasn’t ruining this moment by mentioning the text. In fact, she decided it was time for a new number.

She slid her free arm around Bent’s waist and rested her head against his shoulder. No question there would likely be a next time. Helping find the bad guys was her job.

And she might not be a hero, but she was damned good at her job.