From inside, Adam and Elle heard a rapidly escalating conversation that ended with Rune bellowing, “Not only are you not selling your own products, you’re fired! Yeah, sue if you want to!” Quiet followed, then a muttered “For all the good that’s going to do you.” Rune stuck her head in the door. “All hell’s breaking loose. I’ve got to go. Thank you for breakfast and a few minutes of respite spent among friends. I’m so happy for you both!”

What the hell did that mean?

“Thank you.”

“Rune, wait a minute.” Adam went into the bedroom.

Elle put her hand on Rune’s arm. “I’m coming to work for you, to tend the store while the festival is on.”

“What? No! I wasn’t hinting. Anyway, you can’t. Adam would never stand for it. My store has been the only target for the shooter. Here you’re safe.”

Adam came back out and handed Elle a phone. A flip phone, of course. “I activated it,” he said. “My number is in the memory. Rune’s number. The Live Oak. The Gothic General Store and Deputy Dave. You know how to dial 9-1-1.”

As he spoke, she ran through the controls. “I can figure it out. I’m set.”

“Adam, what are you thinking?” Rune asked. “She’s not completely recovered. And I know you’re worried about her.”

Elle went electric with irritation. “I’m not going to do anything stupid in your shop.”

“I didn’t mean that!” Rune said. “I meant he’s worried you’re the one who the shooter was aiming at.”

“Oh. Hm.” Maybe she was oversensitive about the memory loss/brain damage issue. She smiled weakly. “Right. I think the last few days of relative peace have convinced us both we should get on with our lives.”

“She’ll stay out of your consultation room, won’t you, Elle? Which is the side of the building that faces the olive grove and provides cover for a shooter.” Adam wasn’t completely comfortable with this, but Rune needed help and Elle needed occupation, and who could hurt her while she was in a busy shop?

Okay, lots of people, but if he figured percentages, the probability was lower than her being a target out here.

Rune took a few breaths, then exhaled excitedly. “If you’re absolutely sure, this would solve such a dilemma for me. Thank you, both! Elle, if you’re ready, I’ll drive you up and acquaint you with the workings of the shop, then abandon you to sink or swim.” Her smile disappeared. “Sorry! That was absolutely not a phrase I should have used!”

Elle laughed, kissed Adam on the cheek and headed out the door.

As Rune drove Elle up the road to Gothic and her psychic shop, Elle turned and waved at Adam.

Of course Adam was watching and waved back.