Covington talked about Earl’s background in hushed, respectful tones. Retta referred to three brilliant brothers raised by a single mom who had to balance getting a nursing degree with boys running in every direction. One brother excelled at sports and went on to play in the NBA. The other was a well-known playwright. Earl was the successful one. The one who made the most money.

Earl succeeded because it was expected. Because his competitive drive didn’t let him lapse behind his older brothers. That kind of determination made him tough and practical. And right now, he looked pissed. Other people probably couldn’t tell, but Jessa could. The usual welcoming smile he wore when he saw her was nowhere to be seen.

He sat across from her and stared down a man who ventured too close but then wisely scurried away before bothering him. “Do you know what I would do to protect my wife?”

“Probably—”

“Anything.” He folded his hands together. “Don’t let the money and the big house fool you. She and the boys are everything to me. Nothing threatens them. Do you understand?”

His smooth, clear tone had Jessa’s insides shrinking. He made his point without ever raising his voice. “I would never harm them.”

“Gabby Fielding.”

Jessa hated this topic. “Yeah, she’s everywhere these days.”

“The divorce is behind her.” Earl glanced at Gabby with what looked like reluctant respect. “She’s no longer in Baines’s shadow.”

“She doesn’t believe he killed himself.” Jessa blurted that out and regretted how much it sounded like tattling. The last thing she wanted was to come off as insecure in front of Earl.

He stared at Jessa, not saying a word. He stalled long enough that Jessa had to fight squirming. The relentless attention made her wither, but she tried not to let it show.

Finally, he spoke. “It sounds like Gabby is someone you should avoid.”

“I’m trying.” She never thought Gabby would pop up here. This should have been a safe non-Gabby space.

“Good.” Earl stretched out in his chair. He had a medium build, but he managed to take up a lot of space. “You’re on the verge of accomplishing the goals you set out for yourself years ago.”

A topic change. Not a great one, but Jessa grabbed on to it. “I’m afraid to believe it.”

“You plan and prepare. Swallow setbacks and other people’s doubts. Make mistakes that derail you and try to break out of a life you never wanted before it can define you.” He tapped his fingers against the table. His expensive watch caught the light. “Then one day, an opportunity drops in your lap, and you have to decide if you’re willing to make the sacrifices needed to grab that opportunity.”