Across the table, Isabel picks at a piece of toast, her eyes darting between the women like she’s waiting for the other shoe to drop. She’s clearly been cleaned up—fresh clothes, hair brushed, bandages changed—but there’s still a feralness to her. Like she’d coiled and ready to run, or strike.
I catch her eye. Try to offer a reassuring smile.
She looks away, frowning.
Le sigh. At least I tried.
The back door bangs open and the twins, Abby and Amy, barrel through, followed by Andi carrying Adam on her hip.
“Sorry we’re late—someone decided to have a meltdown about socks.” She spots me and her face softens. “Oh good, you’re up. How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck.”
“SUV,” three people correct in unison.
I roll my eyes. “You?”
She gestures at the chaos around us. “Just another day in paradise.”
“So, Isabel.” Ginger’s voice is carefully casual as she settles into the seat across from the younger woman. “Where are you from? Originally?”
“Stoneheart.”
“Really? Born and raised?”
“Yep.”
“Huh. I thought I knew everyone in this town, but I don’t think I’ve seen you around. Do you work somewhere local?”
“Here and there.”
“Here and there like odd jobs, or here and there like something specific?”
“Just... around.”
Ginger’s smile doesn’t falter, but I see the sharpening of her gaze. She’s fishing, and Isabel isn’t biting.
“What about family?” Mercy jumps in. “You have people here?”
A look flickers across Isabel’s face—there and gone so fast I almost miss it.
“No,” she says flatly.
“Everyone’s got someone?—”
“I said no.” Isabel’s voice is hard now, a wall slamming down.
Except, I know that’s not true. She said last night that her stepdad was picking her up.
Silence falls over the table. The women exchange looks—confused, concerned, a little suspicious.
“Nobody said you had to leave,” Emma offers carefully. “After what you did for Josie?—”
“I didn’t do it for a reward.” Isabel shoves back from the table. “I didn’t do it for anything. It just happened, and now it’s over, and I need to go.”
Emma frowns. “Go where?”
“Anywhere. Away.” She’s already moving toward the hallway. “Thanks for the hospitality, but I can’t stay. I have to—I just have to go.”
