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I looked at Joy, waiting for her nod before continuing.
“Someone recently sent Joy flowers and a text. We're not sure if it's connected to what happened in London, but we're not taking any chances.”
Little Grandma's eyes sharpened to laser focus.
“What kind of flowers?”
“An anonymous delivery to her workplace,” I said. “Not quite the same pattern as what started in London, but close enough to be concerned. She’s also received some concerning text messages.”
Joy's mother pressed her hand to her chest. “Oh my God. It's happening again.”
“We don't know that for sure,” Joy said quickly. “It could be someone completely different.”
“Doesn't matter.” Little Grandma's voice was firm. “Someone's bothering our girl, and that's not acceptable.”
Pattie nodded vigorously. “What are y'all doing about it?”
I leaned forward, needing them to understand I had this handled.
“I've got people working on it. Onyx is on this, as well as a couple of others. They're the best around.”
“And what about Joy's daddy and brothers? When are you planning to tell them what's going on?” Joy’s mother asked.
My jaw tightened. This was the conversation I'd been dreading.
“I'd be more than happy to have that conversation with the Magill men. In fact, I think it's necessary.”
Sarah Magill smiled, while Joy’s whole body tensed beside me. “Graham, they're going to lose their minds,” she whispered.
“Maybe so,” I said gently. “But they have a right to know their sister and daughter is being threatened.”
“He’s right, Joy,” her mother said. “Your daddy's going to be furious that you told us first as it is. He needs to know as soon as possible.”
“Seth and Randy are going to want me to move back in with you and Dad,” Joy said.
“They’re going to want to have a long talk with Graham, is what they’re going to want to do,” Sarah Magill said. She wasn’t wrong.
“I welcome that.”
Little Grandma let out a delighted cackle. “Oh, I like you.” She pointed a gnarled finger at me. “Joy girl, you better hang onto this one. He's got backbone.”
“Little Grandma,” Joy protested, her face turning red.
I bit back a smile. This woman was something else.
“Don't you ‘Little Grandma’ me. I've been around long enough to know a good man when I see one.” She fixed me with a steely stare that reminded me of some senior chiefs I'd known. “You planning on taking care of our girl?”
The question hit me square in the chest. There was only one answer.
“Yes, ma'am. For as long as she'll let me.”
“Good answer.” Little Grandma sat back with satisfaction. “Now, when are you planning on meeting with Joy’s daddy about this stalker situation?”
I glanced at Joy, then back at Little Grandma.
“As soon as I can gather the men here, it’ll be no later than tomorrow night, I promise. In the meantime, Joy's staying with me where I can keep an eye on her.”
“And you think that's the best approach?” Aunt Pattie asked.