"But you didn't shoot your husband."

"Only because you got me a fancy lawyer to have Chuck thrown into jail. Why can't you do the same with your husband?"

"He's not my husband. I told you I divorced Lester years ago," she said wearily. "And the situation is different."

"Yeah, he's a nutcase."

"A very smart nutcase. He's a police detective who knows how to work the system. I've only been able to get one restraining order on him since the divorce."

"Well, he'd better not come around here bothering you," Janet said fiercely. "I'll blow his nuts off."

"I don't think he'll be showing up on my doorstep. These days he limits himself to nuisance calls and making threats when he thinks I'm seeing other men."

"Fat chance of that," Janet said sourly. "You're so busy taking care of all those animals, you don't have time to do more than brush your teeth."

She smiled with an effort. "Well, I do manage a shower now and then. Don't worry, Janet. It may not be Lester. If it is, I'll handle it."

"We'll handle it," Janet said tersely. "Now you go lie down and get some rest. You look like you're ready to pass out. I'll call you when dinner is ready." She tapped Ned's collar. "Let's go. You don't need her. You got me."

Ned hesitated, studying Janet's face. Then he moved stiffly down the hall after her.

Maybe Ned was even more sensitive than Devon had thought. Perhaps he had been able to see beyond that brusque exterior. Janet did not have anything so clichéd as a heart of gold, but she was fair and hardworking, and though she would not admit it, she had a generous amount of the same maternal feeling as Gracie exhibited. Devon could not have asked for anyone more devoted or conscientious than Janet to take care of her animals.