The dinner at the cedar cabin wound down with the slow, satisfying lethargy that only comes from too much venison and too much red wine. Grandma Rose had finally stopped spoon-feeding Louise pie, and William Finch had retired to his study to check the global markets, which Andy whispered actually meant "fall asleep in a recliner while watching the History Channel."
After saying their goodbyes—which involved Sia hugging Louise for a solid minute, Andy led Louise out the back door.
Instead of heading toward the car, he took her hand and led her deeper into the forest.
The air had cooled significantly, the crisp scent of pine needles sharpening in the night. The moon, their constant companion through this strange second life, filtered through the canopy in dappled slivers of silver.
"Wher
