Page 36 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Of course we will be,” grumbled Ezra.

Mona’s face was pinched, but then she said brightly, “How about we play some board games after dinner to take our minds off of the storm?”

Gianna clapped her hands excitedly. “Oh, I love games.”

Joey scowled. “I hate board games.”

“Maybe it’ll be fun,” Joe said. “You’ll never know unless you try.”

“Probably won’t be fun,” mumbled Joey.

Mona got a crafty look in her eyes as she studied the boy. “Chloe can host the game night. She loves board games.”

At that news, Joey seemed to perk up. “Well, I suppose Icouldgive it a try.”

Mona winked at Joe, and he laughed and shook his head.

Dinner continued with lively conversation, and even though the lights flickered a few more times, no one seemed bothered by it. Everyone now seemed willing to trust the farm had things handled.

Once the meal concluded we all moved into the big family room to play Monopoly. The family room was a huge space with oak beams overhead and a large stone fireplace with a cozy fire already crackling. Over the mantle was an oil painting of Mona’s late father, Charles Preston. He looked like a stern man, with no gentleness in his eyes. It wasn’t hard to imagine that man trying to deny his daughter her right to inherit the farm.

Max was tired, and he didn’t want to play board games, so I didn’t press him. He’d been such a trooper so far, I didn’t want to burn him out. He did stay to keep me company though. He sat beside me, sipping a glass of whiskey and encouraging me to buy everything I landed on. He played Monopoly like a man used to having money, while I played like a man on a cop’s salary.

At one point, the thunder and lightning outside became so loud it was distracting. Mona turned on the radio, and we discovered there was a tornado watch in effect for our area. Penelope was nervous, and so she quit playing the game; instead, she and Gerald sat near the fire with Lucas.

Despite the rough weather, the game continued. I think people needed something to take their minds off the storm raging outside. Joe and Joey actually seemed to be having fun. They were laughing more than I’d seen them do the whole time on the farm. It was obvious Joe adored his grandson. I could tell Joey was fond of his grandfather too; he just didn’t like to show it too often.

Dakota and Chloe were having a good time playing Monopoly with us. They seemed very close, which made sense seeing as they’d grown up together. I got the feeling Dakota might have had a little thing for Chloe because of the way he watched her when she wasn’t paying attention.

Around 11:30 p.m., Leo tromped in wearing a rain slicker. “It’s really starting to come down.” He pulled his hat off. “If anyone is ready to head back to their cabins, me and the boys will escort them.”

“Thank you, Leo.” Mona smiled at him.

He smiled back. “Of course.”

Ezra watched the two of them with a surly expression, but he didn’t say anything. He hadn’t joined in the games. Instead, he’d nursed a glass of whiskey in front of the fire, looking glum most of the evening. Ezra had never been a warm and fuzzy type of person, but this visit he seemed downright withdrawn. Mona was a warm and intelligent woman. I’d always wondered what had drawn her to Ezra, and now I wondered that even more.

Since Max had been struggling to keep his eyes open the last hour, I decided to take Leo up on his offer. Lucas had fallen asleep long ago on the couch, so I knew he’d be ready to get back to his cabin. Besides, the game was basically over anyway. River had snapped up all the railroads and most valuable properties right away, so there was no way to beat him.

“Ready to call it a night?” I asked Max.

He nodded, looking relieved. “Sure, if you are.”

“I am.”

River looked disappointed. “You’re leaving?”

“It’s after midnight.” I shrugged. “It’s been a long day.”

Chloe laughed. “You already won, River. We can’t beat you.”

River’s lips curved in a gloating smile. “Then I guess it’s fine if we quit.”

“Anyone else ready to head to their cabins?” Leo asked.

Penelope raised her hand. “Gerald and I are ready for bed. But our cabin is on the opposite side of Dr. Thornton and Royce’s.”

“No problem,” Jameson said cheerfully. He’d joined Leo in the main house. “I’ll escort you and anyone else who is on the other side.”