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."

Leah and the others came back from wandering around the campsite. Leah looked much better than before; her earlier moodiness had faded. The promise of barbecue brought a smile to her face, and she was about to say something when she caught sight of a vaguely familiar figure

mistaken. But as she looked closer, she realized she wasn't: "Wait...is that Charlene? What's she

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

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

way to look for them since arriving. Now, hearing Leah's exclamation, she turned her head to follow Leah's gaze. Sure enough, there were Charlene and

over and met Vesta's gaze. Recognizing both Vesta and Leah, Charlene


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

Charlene said nothing.

out a short, derisive laugh. "Yeah, she just

friends, unaware of the backstory, looked puzzled.

air her family drama in public. Face tightening, she kept

said softly to Leah, "Let's just have some

"Yeah. Good idea."

nibbled on grilled food, she felt distracted. Her gaze drifted and she

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