“That seems far-fetched.” We’d reached the table and Roy patted me on the hand. “We’ll talk later,” he whispered.

This time I was seated with the couple and their teenage son. The young man stared at the table as if he could make a cell phone appear by sheer will. I was surprised his fingers didn’t automatically scroll down his napkin.

The father looked like he worked out daily. His neck was as wide as his face and his shoulder muscles strained at his shirt. His olive complexion was a richer brown from a deep tan.

On impulse I asked him, “Were you out jogging earlier?”

He nodded at me. “I was. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Teodoro Rinaldi. This is my wife, Nona, and my son, Riccardo.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Rinaldi. I’m Darby Graham.”

“Please, call me Teddy.” He had a slight accent.

The waitress brought around coffee and small menus with several breakfast choices. After we’d chosen our meals, Teddy turned to his son and whispered, “Sei ancora punito per essere sgattaiolato fuori la scorsa notte. Rimarrai in la stanza fino al termine della lezione. Ora siediti e smetti di mettermi in imbarazzo.”

He’d just said to his son, You are still being punished for sneaking out last night. You will remain in the cabin until we finish class. Now sit up and stop embarrassing me.

An awkward silence followed. My neck tingled with an uneasy itch. I really wanted to ask what on earth the young man hoped to find at night in the middle of an Idaho wilderness. Instead, I concentrated on stirring cream into my coffee so he wouldn’t realize I understood Italian. And I could take this opportunity to start interviewing people.

“Teddy, is this your first visit to Mule Shoe?”

“Yes, but I’d heard about it, of course . . .” Now it was his turn to stir his coffee.

Of course? Perhaps something there. He’d abruptly stopped speaking. Interesting.

“Have you been studying watercolor painting for long?” Nona asked me after first shooting a deadly glance at both her husband and son.

“First time.” Breakfast came and ended further conversation.

Halfway through the meal I caught a glimpse of Bram heading down the road driving the wagon. My quick inhale of air made Teddy look up. I made a point of staring out into the lobby.

Angie, the art instructor, was crossing the lobby heading toward the dining room. I was about to look away but noticed her lips were pressed tightly together and her hands balled into fists. I surreptitiously watched her as I sipped my coffee. No one else seemed aware of her presence. She arrived at the door, looked around the room, then caught Roy’s attention. He stood and moved toward her. She didn’t wait for him but spun and stalked away.