My mind drifted as I rode Talin across the property. There was a path, not quite a dirt road, through the field. A car had driven this way more than once. Eli held the reins as he walked next to us. I had never ridden a horse before. It was soothing. Part of me wanted to tell Eli to let go so I could control her, but I was afraid I was overestimating my abilities. Charlotte rode Fulton next to me. Quint walked in front of us, with a pistol stuck between his belt and his jeans. He had left the hunting rifles at the house with East. I didn’t hear the conversation, but protecting the family was Quint’s top priority.
Quint, Eli, and Charlotte talked now and then about ways to try and convince Nonie and Pops they had to leave. I heard repeatedly that it wasn’t safe for them to live alone, but
