“Pastures for the farm that’s about three miles from us. I picked this place because we could always run out the back if we needed to.” Linda gripped the strap of her purse and stared at her like she could drill a hole in her skull with the sheer will of her eyes. “Why?”

“Someone’s outside, and they’re not with us.” She moved and turned off the lights in the room and motioned for the boys to do the same in the rest of the house. “I thought we had a little more time, but everyone stay low.”

“Who is it?” Tim asked, forcing his little brother down beside him by the couch. This kid seemed way older than his physical age, and it pissed her off. Kids were only kids a short while, so they should enjoy that time as long as possible.

“I don’t want to go out there and introduce myself, so let’s wait them out.”

“Are you armed?” Linda asked her.

The question made her regret Remi’s offer. “I’m not. I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, and I seldom carry a gun.”

“You’re like Nicola, then,” Linda said. “She’s never armed either. It’s a lot easier to let someone else do your dirty work.”

“I’m in the bar business, Ms. Bender, so I’m nothing like Nicola. I’m also stuck in this house with you, in case you’ve forgotten that little fact.” She understood fear and stress, but there was no reason for Linda to blame things on her.

“I’m sorry. This proves I was crazy to think I could outrun her and the family.” Linda’s eyes watered, and she sat with her brothers on the floor.

“Don’t worry about it. How many neighbors do you have?” She moved to a window and glanced out a crack in the curtains. It was easy to spot the two people walking in the grass at the edge of the yard.

“There are five houses on the street, but two of them are empty,” Tim answered.

“Which ones?”

“The one next door and the one at the beginning of the street. This is the last one before the pasture butts up to the dead end.” Tim pointed to the house to his left.

“Thanks, kid. Remi, pull the truck into the drive next door, and get out like you’re coming home. The place is empty.” She kept her eyes on the two coming closer, but there had to be more in the shadows. “How many of them are there?”

“We counted four, but I’m not saying there aren’t more. What do you want me to do?”

“I need you to do what you do best. Snake eyes doesn’t need my advice,” she said, laughing. “Those two are getting close.”

“Hang on, and remember to listen to me next time,” Remi said, and the truck started.