Jeb steered me to an empty counter and then went to get enough bread for three. Ian lounged next to me, casually turning to the girl on his other side. It was the young blonde—he called her Paige.

“How are things going? How are you holding up with Andy gone?” he asked her.

“I’d be fine if I weren’t so worried,” she told him, biting her lip.

“He’ll be home soon,” Ian assured her. “Jared always brings everyone home. He’s got a real talent. We’ve had no accidents, no problems since he showed up. Andy will be fine.”

My interest sparked when he mentioned Jared—and Melanie, so somnolent these days, stirred—but Ian didn’t say anything else. He just patted Paige’s shoulder and turned to take his food from Jeb.

Jeb sat next to me and surveyed the room with a deep sense of satisfaction plain on his face. I looked around the room, too, trying to see what he saw. This must have been what it was usually like here, when I wasn’t around. Only today I didn’t seem to bother them. They must have been tired of letting me interrupt their lives.

“Things are settling down,” Ian commented to Jeb.

“Knew they would. We’re all reasonable folks here.”

I frowned to myself.

“That’s true, at the moment,” Ian said, laughing. “My brother’s not around.”

“Exactly,” Jeb agreed.

It was interesting to me that Ian counted himself among the reasonable folks. Had he noticed that Jeb was unarmed? I was burning with curiosity, but I couldn’t risk pointing it out in case he hadn’t.

The meal continued as it had begun. My novelty had apparently worn off.

When the meal was over, Jeb said I deserved a rest. He walked me all the way to my door, playing the gentleman again.

“Afternoon, Wanda,” he said, tipping his imaginary hat.

I took a deep breath for bravery. “Jeb, wait.”

“Yes?”

“Jeb…” I hesitated, trying to find a polite way to put it. “I… well, maybe it’s stupid of me, but I sort of thought we were friends.”

I scrutinized his face, looking for any change that might indicate that he was about to lie to me. He only looked kind, but what did I know of a liar’s tells?

“Of course we are, Wanda.”

“Then why are you trying to get me killed?”

His furry brows pulled together in surprise. “Now, why would you think that, honey?”

I listed my evidence. “You didn’t take the gun today. And yesterday you left me alone.”

Jeb grinned. “I thought you hated that gun.”

I waited for an answer.

“Wanda, if I wanted you dead, you wouldn’t have lasted that first day.”

“I know,” I muttered, starting to feel embarrassed without understanding why. “That’s why it’s all so confusing.”