“No, ma’am,” said Linus. “Most folk would think it a virtue, don’t get me wrong.”
“Though most folk are exceptionally thick when it comes to such things.” Mei had entered the conversation, taking a seat opposite Violet. “A good lie can save your hide when you need it to.”
“And what if I never need it to?” Violet insisted. “Live a life of piety and you should never need to resort to trickery.”
“In a perfect world, perhaps. In that tiny home town of yours, sure. But not out here. Not in the world we live in. More often than not, the truth gets you into worse trouble than a nice, easy lie.”
Violet huffed, her shoulders squared as she stared Mei down. “You’re nothin’ but a wily fox in the hen house.”
“Guilty.”
“At least you’re honest about that.” Violet sighed and let her head droop behi
