“Why?” Peter asked. “Have they got a reason to be scared, then?”

“No. Well, only if the government has.”

“What? So, somebody’s got to be the first to say they’re not scared of each other, now? That they won’t do anything to defend themselves as long as the others don’t. Is that it?”

“In their defence, Peter, the Returnees’ concern for their own safety does come with some historical precedents.”

“Yes. I know that.”

“And Cooper knows what happened to the original community on the lake and what drove them to live there in secrecy in the first place.”

Peter nodded. “Our friend Rider told us that when he was bitten and went to the hospital, that the government were using admissions to detain Returnees. He only got out because an ally was there to warn him.”

“Right. And knowing that is reason enough why any Returnee might want to avenge past mistakes made against them. And why someone in Cooper’s position might begin to harbour separatist feelings against the general population.”

“I don’t know,” said Peter. Then, “I guess.”

“Then surely you can understand why that makes the new government very nervous right now.”

Peter looked away and the clock kept ticking. “I suppose.”

The sheriff sighed like suppose was as good a place as any to start negotiations and leaned back into his chair. “What matters is that the government won’t make those mistakes again.”

“Even though the ranger just killed a family.”

“We haven’t proved that yet.”

“But—”

“You have my word that any wrongdoing will be properly investigated.”

“Well, then someone needs to tell Returnees they have no reason to be scared.”

The sheriff shook his head. “That’s the same reassurance the government are seeking.”

Peter slumped back in his chair.

“I know,” said the sheriff. “I know. And that logic would be crazier than a box of frogs had it not been for that damned word. With it, I’m afraid the fact remains that when the time comes for us to all leave here, the government simply won’t let Cooper or any of his associates in while those doubts hang over him.”

Peter looked away. “What’s so special about going back, anyway?”

“Now, Peter, come on,” said the sheriff, yanking the pulley string on the blinds back. “You don’t mean that. From what I hear, this is the moment you’ve always dreamed of. And there’s so much to look forward to. Look.”