I was making the kitchen fire when Mr Lunan came in. He slumped on a chair without taking off his boots and held his head in his hands for a moment.
“What’s the matter, Davie?” Mrs Lunan sat at his side, instantly concerned. “Whatever it is, it can be cured.”
“They’re back,” Mr Lunan said. He looked up. “After all this time hunting them, now they’re back, Lizzie.”
I concentrated on my task, trying to appear invisible so the Lunans would continue to talk. I am not a perfect woman, and one of my faults is inquisitiveness. I must know everything that goes on around me. That fault might be because of my uncertain childhood, or just natural nosiness.
“Who is back?” Mrs Lunan leaned closer to her husband. “Who’s back, Davie?”
I had seldom seen a man so shaken as Mr Lunan sat on his chair. H
