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I flushed at my mistake. “I beg your pardon. But you said, ‘we’re in love’?”
She gave a short whistle, and I heard a door shut in the back of the house. To my utter surprise and complete shock, Earl made his way out into the living room. He sat between Alice and Reena, taking each of their hands and glaring at me defiantly.
I am not sure what he expected. But my horrified laughter wasn’t it.
“Is this where you were the night of Gabe’s murder?”
Earl flushed a deep red. “I love my girls, Sutton. I don’t expect you to understand.”
My lips twitched as I tried valiantly and failed to keep a straight face.
“What about Martha?”
Alice scowled. “That old bitty has been an abuser to our Early Bear. She is a horrible woman, Sutton.”
Reena nodded, her three chins bobbing, and I couldn’t help but wonder how the mechanics of it all worked.
Shit, how did eighty-year-old Earl get it up enough for two women?
Ugh, the images flashing through my brain were so disturbing that I visibly shuddered.
“Are you disgusted with us?” Reena asked in a hushed voice.
I could see that my opinion meant something to her, and for that reason alone I pushed aside any thoughts of the three of them in sexual congress and told her the truth.
“I have no issues with your relationship. My only concern is that Earl is still married, and you know that Martha’s mental health is less than steady.”
“That’s why we called you,” Alice piped up. “We were hoping that maybe you could talk to her?”
This time I did laugh, long and loud.
Shaking my head, I tried to control myself. “Martha hates me. She despises the ground I walk on and the air I breathe. What makes you so sure that she would even listen to me? This is none of my business. I love you all, but I won’t be getting in the middle of it.”
Earl scoffed. “You are family. Of course it’s your business.”
I gave him an inquiring look. “There is no blood relation between any of us.”
Earl blew out a breath and Reena looked at him with a concerned, loving eye. The three of them were almost adorable—creepy, but adorable.
“You are like a granddaughter to me!” Earl huffed.
I grinned, “Well Grandpa, you are going to have to share your proclivities with Grandma. I’m not biting. Honestly, what did you think could possibly induce me to get involved?”
Alice looked up earnestly. “We have a lead on Gabe’s case!”
The humor began to fade from my face. “What are you talking about?”
Reena gripped Earl’s hand. “Go on, Early Bear, tell Sutton what you saw.”
Earl nodded. “Alright, but you have to swear not to tell a soul.”
I frowned. “Why would you tell me if I can’t tell anyone? That doesn’t make sense. You know what? Keep your secrets, I am leaving.”
It was a ploy that I was certain they would see through. However, Earl’s eyes widened in surprise and he stopped me from going.
“All right, damn you, Sutton! Sit down!”
I bit my lip to keep a straight face. “Well?”