THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

complete today. Von agreed to take care of the transition of the Rocking R to the 4-H camp Nick had provisioned in his will. They all agreed that the old farmhouse and its contents should remain untouched for a year to give Kasey the chance to decide what she wanted to do with the things she’d left behind. Even without Kasey around, the Rocking R was never empty. Local 4-H-ers came and went to take care of their project animals and pitch in as needed.
    The sun began to sink, turning the sky bright orange and pink above the horizon.
    “I guess it’s about time for us to head back,” Von said. “We’ll want to get home before it’s too late. I need to feed the dogs, too.”
    “Are you sure you want to come back with us tonight?” Riley asked Kasey.
    “Yep. Jeremy said he’d have my car ready, and I have that meeting in Richmond tomorrow with Prescott Banks to go over the final contracts for the annual International Auto Show.”
    “You can’t do that online or by fax?”
    Kasey rolled her eyes. “Nope. Those folks are so old school. They still require me to meet with them, even after doing that show for ten years. If it didn’t pay so darn well I wouldn’t bother.”
    “I hear ya. It’s a sweet contract,” Riley said.
    “It is. Anyway, I’ll come back here after that.”
    “It doesn’t look like you want to leave.” Riley raised a brow.
    “It’s hard. But I need to go back. I’m good.”
    “Let’s load up then,” Von said. He picked up his plate, stacked their plates on top, and took them to the kitchen.
    Riley washed the dishes, Kasey dried them, and then they all headed out to Von’s SUV. They talked about the property almost the whole way back.
    Beneath a starry sky, Von pulled into Kasey’s driveway. “Home safe and sound,” he said.
    “Thanks for everything, y’all.” Kasey hopped out of the truck. “I appreciate ya.”
    “We’re happy for you. This is the right thing to do,” Von said. “We’re here for you, no matter what decisions you make. You know that.”
    “Thanks. I know.” Kasey waved as they backed out of the driveway.
    She was lucky to have such true friends to support her.
    Jeremy had left a note under the windshield wiper of her car. The Porsche was ready to roll. Perfect.
    Kasey went inside, reviewed the list Riley had made for her, and started piling items near the door. Since her meeting in Richmond was midday she wanted to get as much pulled together tonight as possible. She hoped the meeting would wrap up early so she could drive to Adams Grove while it was still daylight.
    Home. It felt good to have a place that felt like a home again. Now if she could just get a lead on Jake and bring him there, life would be perfect.
     

 
    Chapter Nineteen
     
    The next morning, the Porsche started right up and Kasey left for Richmond to meet with Prescott. She twisted the knob on the radio to pick up a better signal and landed on an oldies station. She sang along with the Bee Gees and wondered if she’d make it to the appointment on time. Glancing between her speedometer and watch, she calculated she should have about ten minutes to spare.
    She watched her speed since this stretch of road had a reputation for speed traps. Even so, as she cleared the next corner and saw the cop parked in the median with the radar gun pointing out the window, she couldn’t help but tap the brake out of habit. But instead of her car slowing down, it sputtered and choked. She gave it some gas and it smoothed back out. Relieved, she steadied her speed, but as she turned the next corner the engine went silent.
    The steering became a chore without the power of the engine. She veered to the side of the road as the car slowed to a coast. In her rearview mirror, she saw a big rig barreling her way.
    “No!” She slapped the steering wheel and cranked frantically on the ignition, but nothing worked. The car slowed to a crawl. She bounced in the seat, willing the car off to the side. Just as she made it to the shoulder, the semi swerved to the oncoming lane to avoid hitting her. The force of the wind pushed her tiny sports car the rest of the way off the road.
    Her heart raced.
    “Jesus!”
    She released the steering wheel and leaned forward against it. Her heart pounded so hard she thought it might honk the horn.
    “That was too close.”
    Her heart took its sweet time slowing down.
    “Daggone it.” She pounded the steering wheel, got out of the car and walked to the rear where she