Deputy Cole rose slowly from the sofa, folded the parchment back along its yellowed creases, and handed it back to Claire.

He went out onto the front porch, where Gene was waiting with his arms folded across his chest.

“Well?” Gene demanded, moving closer to the door.

“Are you walking her off the property or taking her in?”

Deputy Cole went back down the wooden porch steps, hooked his thumb in his leather duty belt, and looked Gene straight in the eye.

“I won’t be arresting anybody today, Mr.