@@@@@We've had no accidents, no problems since he
@@@@@We've had no accidents, no problems since he showed up
My interest sparked when he mentioned Jared–and Melanie, so somnolent these days,
stirred–but Ian didn't say anything elseHe 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 faceI
looked around the room, too, trying to see what he sawThis must have been what it was
usually like here, when I wasn't aroundOnly today I didn't seem to bother themThey must
have been tired of letting me interrupt their lives
“Things are settling down,” Ian commented to JebWe'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 folksHad 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 begunMy novelty had apparently worn off
When the meal was over, Jeb said I deserved a restHe 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
“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 t