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Sarah called out, “Oh, Moive this to you” She held a plain paper envelope in her hand Lou reached out and took it in her own, then walked straight inside to the bathroo it must be from a friend of the family

A photo fell into her hand of herside by side

What she read took her breath

Mary Lou,

You and I have an i I need to get froet it You have one week and then I’et what you owe

Wes

Lou took a deep breath, splashed some water on her face in an atteently and placed the letter and photo in the pocket of her skirt She lifted her shoulders, steeled herself and rejoined the crowd They had thinned out considerably The vieas almost over and most of the faroups of people still , so Sadie stood inside with Sarah Lou took a deep breath At least she was safe For the next week, she was safe

Brody walked over to Lou, his eyebrows scrunched together “Where did you run off to?”

“Do you really want me to tell you about my trip to the ladies’ room?” she flipped back at him

“Is so?”

She sighed If you only knew “No Nothing’s wrong I’uess” She rubbed her eyes with the curve of her hand

“You ready to go ho day,” Brody asked

“Yeah I am ready You?”

He extended his ar her hand through the crook of it She let hith She irl ca

Jeb and Sadie met them at the car The ride home was quiet All the occupants of the car were pensive and tired Sarah fell asleep with her head on Lou’s lap