The Line (Witching Savannah, #1)(35)

“He disappeared?” Peter asked. A slight shake of his head and arched eyebrows illuminated his incredulity.

“Poof,” Jackson responded. “Right out of his cell. Mother Jilo done worked her Hoodoo.”

“Mother Jilo?” Peter looked to me for an explanation.

“Burke is her great-grandson,” I responded.

That seemed to be explanation enough for him, although I sure would have liked more information for my own account. I wouldn’t feel right about anything until I knew whether Mother Jilo was responsible for Ginny’s death. “But if they couldn’t keep him in jail,” he asked, “how do they plan to keep him out of this house?”

“My thinking, exactly,” Jackson responded. “That’s why I am going to be staying here until they catch the bastard again. Keep an eye on things.”

“You will have to run that by Connor,” I said. “He and Aunt Iris may have their own opinion—”

Maisie interrupted me. “Connor and Iris have agreed to allow it.”

“But with the ‘family business’…?”

“They aren’t very happy about it, but we’ve told them, Mercy. We’ve told everyone now.” Maisie held up her left hand, proudly displaying the ring she had been wearing around her neck.

“Congratulations, you two!” Peter exclaimed. I knew he was genuinely happy for Maisie, but I suspected he was even happier that Jackson had been officially claimed. I knew it gave him more hope about our own relationship. He let go of me and stepped forward, offering Jackson his hand.

Jackson leaned away from Peter, and looked at him through narrowed eyes. There was no warmth on his face as he gave Peter’s hand a single pump. “Thanks,” he said, letting Peter’s hand fall.

Maisie’s face froze as she took note of Jackson’s lack of enthusiasm. “Yes, thank you so much,” she said. “We are very happy not to be keeping it a secret any longer. We waited for a while out of respect for Ginny, but it seemed like the family could use a little good news.”

“Good news? Hell, I say it’s great news!” Peter said. He reached out and pulled Maisie into a hug, nearly lifting her off the ground. “When’s the wedding?” He was beaming.

“We haven’t discussed that yet,” Maisie responded. She seemed a bit put off by the degree of his gusto.

“Let her go,” Jackson said, but Peter didn’t seem to notice the other man’s threatening tone. Still smiling, he released Maisie from his embrace and took me into his arms, rocking me a little from side to side. Jackson’s expression of annoyance hardened into a look of hate. I’d never thought that Jackson was capable of looking ugly, but the set of his jaw combined with the loathing in his eyes changed him.

“Hello, Peter.” I heard Ellen’s voice call out from behind us. She was coming from the direction of the library.

“And good-bye, Peter.” Connor was right on Ellen’s heels, and his protruding stomach was practically pushing her along. Iris circled in front of him, shaking her head. “Really, Connor, there’s no need to be rude,” she said and then she addressed Peter. “I want you to know you are always welcome here, my dear, but I am afraid you have chosen a bad time to come calling. We’d love to have you back for dinner tomorrow, but we have things that the family must attend to tonight. I’m sure you understand.”

“Yes, ma’am. I do understand, and I do not mean to intrude, but Jackson was telling me about this Burke guy. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to stay so that I can help keep an eye on…things,” he looked warmly at me, making it clear that I was his only concern. “I promise I won’t interfere with whatever it is y’all need to handle tonight. I’ll stay out of the way. I just want to be nearby in case I’m needed.” He paused and put his arm around my shoulders. “I think Mercy would like me to stay.” He looked to me for confirmation, and I realized that I did want him near. I was confused all right, but one thing I knew was that Peter always had—and always would—make me feel safe.

Jackson advanced on us, not to the point of being within striking distance, but not far from it. “Mrs. Flynn has asked you to leave,” he said, accentuating every word.

Peter flushed red, and in one fluid movement he removed his arm from my shoulder and moved me behind him. Safely out of the way, I watched as Peter cooled himself down, unclenching his fists and taking a deep calming breath. I realized he was doing everything he could to put me first, even stifling his hot Irish head. “And I have asked her to reconsider. If there is any chance that Ginny’s death was anything other than a random killing, I’d like to be here to help keep Mercy safe.”

“You don’t got to worry about Mercy, son,” Connor chimed in. “We’ll take care of her. We’ve got ways to protect our own.”

“We didn’t protect Ginny,” Ellen responded. “And none of us gave Mercy a second thought when we needed to renew the charms. Let Peter stay. Mercy will feel safer with him around.”

“Ellen,” Iris responded. “You know that it is simply not possible tonight. Tomorrow, yes. The day after, certainly. But not tonight. Now, I promise you, young man, your Mercy will be as safe as can be tonight. I personally guarantee it,” she said, smiling at him reassuringly.