Her heart was beating a little too fast. The heat in her cheeks had nothing to do with the sun. “Yeah, maybe. Take care.” She gave an awkward smile and slid her arm into Kathleen’s, propelling her along so that she didn’t linger. “We’re walking to the river. It’s so pretty here and I want to feast my eyes on Ozark scenery.”

Kathleen didn’t protest but she did glance over her shoulder at Josh. “One wonders what a man like that is doing alone? It seems like an opportunity.”

“It seems like a warning. Maybe he’s a serial killer and he doesn’t like accomplices.” Martha handed over a bag. “Sandwich. Eat. Food will help your brain function and hopefully stop you plotting.”

“I’m enjoying plotting. And it’s beautiful here. A perfect place to stop, you clever girl.” Kathleen stared down at the sun shimmering across the surface of the river. Trees stretched into the distance and overhung the water, creating shadows and shade. “The Ozarks, you say.”

“Mmm.” Martha had a mouth full of delicious pulled pork but that didn’t stop her from enjoying the view.

They stood in companionable silence, both of them eating.

Finally Kathleen spoke. “Josh seems delightful. It’s hard to believe we struck lucky so quickly, don’t you think?”

Martha managed to swallow before she choked. “We did not strike lucky. We greeted a fellow traveler. That’s it.”

“It doesn’t look as if anyone has stopped for the poor man. We should offer him a ride.”

“Kathleen, he is not a poor man, and we are not picking up a hitchhiker.”

“Have you ever picked up a hitchhiker before?”

“Never.”

“Didn’t you say that you were ready to embrace new experiences?”

“Not that kind of new experience.” Martha wiped her fingers and scrunched up the bag. “Are you done?”

“The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced this is a wonderful idea.”

“The more I think about it, the more I’m convinced it’s the worst idea in the world.”

“But it would cheer me up. Would you really deny a frail old lady some happiness in what might be her final days?”

Martha rolled her eyes. “I do not respond to emotional blackmail. And if you carry on trying to pair me up with every man we pass, these will be your final days.”

“This convinces me that we need to be spontaneous. I hate to see you so suspicious.” Kathleen patted her on the arm. “We never really know anyone, dear. You and I both have experience that supports that.”

“Mmm.” Martha took some photographs with her phone.

“All we can do is take a chance.”

“Kathleen, this is ridiculous.” She lowered her phone. “All we know about him is that he ‘needed a change of scenery’. Maybe he murdered someone. He could be on the run.”