He thought he was stopping for a stray dog in the snow-until he saw what she was hiding beneath her body

to admit. “Be careful with it.”

“I know.”

“No names you can’t back up.”

“I know that too.”

He believed her.

The second threat came without a knock.

Late the next afternoon, Cal went out to bring in wood. Scout followed him, as she had started doing whenever he left the room for more than a few seconds. She was stronger now, though still thin, and her coat continue reading …