CONNOR PAUSED IN HIS work, as we climbed from the truck Monday morning.
“Where’s Josh and Danny?” Nathan called the second his boots hit dirt.
Connor pointed over his shoulder. “They’re inside. You want them?”
“Yes. Tell them I want to see them in the cabin.”
Connor nodded and strode away.
“Now!” Nathan called before adding, “Please, Connor.”
Connor continued walking, gave another nod.
Not really wanting to be around for the boys’ ticking off, I made my way in to get on with my painting. One leg in my coverall, I lifted the other to feed through, when footsteps in the outside hallway pricked my ears.
Following Connor past the open doorway to the apartment, Daniel and Josh peered my way.
At the lack of warmth in Josh’s eyes, the smile I’d been about to give evaporated. A hollow voi
