paying her back a little at a time.”

      Moved, she nodded, looking away so he wouldn’t see the rawness of her emotions in her eyes or face. She’d always felt things deeply, a trait she’d learned at an early age to keep hidden to avoid ridicule. “That’s kind of you,” she managed, glad her voice sounded even. “Not many people would feel responsible for their father’s sins.”

      “Maybe. Maybe not.” He shrugged. “All I know is that it’s the right thing to do. She was gullible and trusted the wrong man. My father didn’t spend one second regretting what he did to her, not even on the day he died.”

      Hearing the trace of bitterness in his voice, she nodded. “Is there anything I can do?”

      “Like what?”

      She shrugged. “I don’t know. Anything to help her. Cooking, cleaning, laundry?”

      “I guess you can ask her. As far as I can tell, she’s still able to take pretty good care of herself.”

      By the time he turned off the paved farm-to-market road onto a rutted, dirt one, Piper felt more like herself than she had since she’d been arrested. She’d always said helping others was the best medicine. The very act took all the focus off one’s troubles. Marceline had scoffed, as had Fowler, and Piper’s adoptive mother, Whitney. Her adoptive brother Reid had always smiled with pride. He’d often whispered to Piper how proud he was of her.

      Piper wondered what Reid thought about her now.

      “Here we are,” Cord said, turning into a long, gravel drive. A black metal gate that needed paint guarded the entrance, though it sat open, the part that closed hung crookedly from one hinge.

      Despite this, the place felt homey rather than decrepit. She felt a sense of peace here.

      The white farmhouse sat back from the road, under the shade of five huge live oak trees. “It’s nice. The wood siding appears to have been freshly painted, unlike that gate.”

      He grimaced. “Yeah, I should’ve fixed that last time I was out here. No time to do it today, so it’ll have to wait.”

      “Does Ms. Berens have children to help her?”

      “No. At least not as far as I know. She’s never mentioned any kids and I certainly haven’t seen any in all the years I’ve known her.”

      Once he killed the engine, he turned to look at her. “Do you want to wait out here?”

      “Oh, heck no.” She grinned to take the sting off her words. “I want to meet her. I’m guessing she loves to have company.”

      To her surprise, he grinned back at her. “That she does. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

       Chapter 5

      Side by side, they headed up the sidewalk. Before they even reached the porch, the front door opened and a tiny, white-haired woman greeted them. Beaming, she hugged Cord tightly before turning to study Piper.

      “This is the first time you’ve brought a lady friend to see me,” she said, winking at Piper as she held out her hand. “Howdy do. I’m Lorraine Berens.”

      As Piper shook her hand, mildly amazed at her strong grip, she realized she’d need to give a name. “I’m Penelope,” she said, using her actual given name. “It’s nice to meet you.”

      “Likewise.” Releasing Piper, Lorraine turned back to Cord. “Come on inside. I just finished making a big apple pie. The apple orchard had a huge crop this year.”

      “Apple orchard?” Piper could scarcely contain her excitement. “When I was a kid, I used to love going apple-picking!”

      “Well, honey, after we visit a spell, you can go out back and pick until your heart’s content. There were so many on the trees, I couldn’t get them all. A lot of ’em probably spoiled, but I bet there’s still enough for you to gather a bushel to take home.”