I yawned. I wasn’t actually thinking of you, I told her. I was thinking of these unstable emotions, always betraying me. But you did attack me. Pushing your memories on me that way.

I learned my lesson, she assured me dryly. I could feel how intensely aware she was of the hand in mine. There was an emotion slowly building in her that I didn’t recognize. Something on the edge of anger, with a hint of desire and a portion of despair.

Jealousy, she enlightened me.

Jeb yawned again. “I’m being downright rude, I guess. You must be bushed—walking all over today and then me keepin’ you up half the night talking. Ought to be a better host. C’mon, Jamie, let’s go and let Wanda get some sleep.”

I was exhausted. It felt as if it had been a very long day, and, from Jeb’s words, perhaps that wasn’t in my imagination.

“Okay, Uncle Jeb.” Jamie jumped lightly to his feet and then offered his hand to the old man.

“Thanks, kid.” Jeb groaned as he got up. “And thanks to you, too,” he added in my direction. “Most interesting conversation I’ve had in… well, probably forever. Rest your voice up, Wanda, because my curiosity is a powerful thing. Ah, there he is! ’Bout time.”

Only then did I hear the sound of approaching footsteps. Automatically, I shrank against the wall and scooted farther back into the cave-room, and then felt more exposed because the moonlight was brighter inside.

I was surprised that this was the first person to turn in for the night; the corridor appeared to house many.

“Sorry, Jeb. I got to talking with Sharon, and then I sort of dozed off.”

It was impossible not to recognize this easy, gentle voice. My stomach rolled, unstable, and I wished it were empty.

“We didn’t even notice, Doc,” Jeb said. “We were having the time of our lives here. Someday you’ll have to get her to tell you some of her stories—great stuff. Not tonight, though. She’s got to be pretty worn out, I’d bet. We’ll see you in the morning.”

The doctor was spreading a mat out in front of the cave entrance, just as Jared had.

“Keep an eye on this,” Jeb said, laying the gun beside the mat.

“Are you okay, Wanda?” Jamie asked. “You’re shaking.”

I hadn’t realized it, but my whole body was quivering. I didn’t answer him—my throat felt swollen shut.

“Now, now,” Jeb said in a soothing voice. “I asked Doc if he minded taking a shift. You don’t need to worry about anything. Doc’s an honorable man.”

The doctor smiled a sleepy smile. “I’m not going to hurt you… Wanda, is it? I promise. I’ll just keep watch while you sleep.”

I bit my lip, and the quivering didn’t stop.