Stepping out of the room, he made his way out of the diner. “You’re paying for my door,” Joe called out.

“I’m not paying for anything.” He went straight to his truck, climbed inside, and headed to where his pack was waiting.

Brian was there as he returned. “Where is everyone?” he asked. “They’re out gathering wood and tending the gardens. What is it?” “Get them.

We need to talk.”

“Bethany called,” Brian said. This made him stop. “What?”

“She wanted to talk ...