Lorelai’s book snapped shut before she had turned her head.

Gemma’s chin dropped toward her chest and her shoulders came up around her ears, and neither of them made a single sound.

They were not startled children.

They were rehearsed.

Something happened in Chadworth’s chest that he could not name.

He heard Barnaby say his name once, quietly, and he did not answer.

Sabina crossed the rug and reached down and took the rabbit out of Gemma’s arms.

She did not snatch it.