Moran had been watching the scene unfolding nearby, taking it all in.

He noticed York and Gaylord going out of their way to look after Charlene and Connie, but chalked it up to simple chivalry. After all, out of the eight or nine people in Charlene's group, only she and Connie were women. It made perfect sense that the guys would look out for their female friends.

Just as he turned his attention elsewhere, Vesta returned.

"There you are," Moran said, relief in his voice. "I was just about to call you. They've already got the barbecue going-come get something to eat?"

Vesta smiled. "Sounds good."

She paused, then asked, "Shouldn't we wait for Granger?"

"He's already had dinner. Told us not to hold up on his account."

"All right."

had faded. The promise of barbecue brought a

stopped mid-step, thinking she must be mistaken. But as she looked closer, she realized she wasn't: "Wait...is that Charlene? What's

but York and the others wouldn't hear of it, gently insisting she relax. Reluctantly, she stepped

Leah and her friends couldn't make out the faces of everyone in

them since arriving. Now, hearing

someone's eyes on her, Charlene glanced over and met Vesta's gaze. Recognizing both Vesta


slight sneer, she muttered to Charlene, "She's really

Charlene said nothing.

side, Leah let out a short, derisive laugh.

friends, unaware of the backstory, looked puzzled. "Who's Charlene?" one

drama in public. Face tightening, she kept

the tension, turned away and said softly to Leah, "Let's just

"Yeah. Good idea."

As she chatted and nibbled on grilled food, she felt distracted. Her gaze drifted and she was surprised to spot York not far

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