“I know. It’s there. No doubt about it. It’s back. That damn feeling that I could never understand before, like I was always being watched. Had it all my life, until the bastards took all the others away that night in Argentum. Then, it was gone, and I felt free, for the first time. Now that it’s back, boy do I hate it. Any word from William?”

Lynn swallowed. “No.”

“Well, I can tell in your voice that something’s up. I could usually find out on my own, but we’ve taken the camper and there’s zero internet access out where we’re going. I hate to not be of help to you, Miss Lynn. After everything you and Roxy and your husbands did for me.”

“Funny, I was just thinking of how indebted we are to you.”

“Please. You gave me back my life. Roxy and Ed opened up their home to me, until Barbara finally dragged me up north. I began to think maybe we’d just all die of old age and those fears we had were bunk. I had a flicker of it about a year ago, but it went away pretty quick. But now it’s here…”

“And it’s not going anywhere. I know.”

“It’s easy for me to skip town. No wife, no kids, just a very protective twin sister who refuses to let me go on my own.”

“Hush,” Lynn heard Barbara say.

“But I know it’s harder for you, Lynn. You can’t exactly run off can you? Not with all those daughters and grandsons and people so reliant on you. If Roxy knows something’s up, though, then I doubt she’s left your side.”

“She’s in the other room. I’m just trying … to protect her. Although I suppose it’s moot at this point.”

“And I know you’re worried about Will. If we’re feeling this…”

I’m more worried about him than anything else.

“Yes. I’m frankly terrified.”

Don sighed as the cell phone cut out briefly. “I think, my dear lady, we’re getting deep into no man’s land. I’m gonna lose you. I guess this is goodbye.”

The tears that sprang to Lynn’s eyes surprised her. She struggled to keep her voice from revealing the sudden wave of grief. “You take care of yourself, Don. And Barbara too.”

“I’m sorry that Tom is gone, that you’re facing this without him. But you’re not alone. Both my sister and your friend know what they’ve signed up for. Sooner or later, we’re going to have to explain this to them.”

“I just wish I could.”

“Lynn, you’re worlds smarter than me. Haven’t you realized it yet?”

Lynn blinked. “I honestly don’t know. I can’t describe it.”

She heard Don cut out, but then his voice returning with urgency. “… control.”

“You broke up, Don.”