The Moore family gathered around the dinner table with Ethan, Jordan, and Mark. Laughter and conversation filled the space, the scent of roast beef and warm rolls hanging in the air like a comforting blanket.
Julie had gone all out—roast beef perfectly browned, creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp garden salad, and golden-baked rolls straight from the oven.
While the boys were at the field earlier, Jessica and Julie had taken the chance to shop and prepare everything.
Mark had gone with them—at Ethan's insistence.
Given everything that had happened, Ethan didn't feel comfortable letting Julie and Jessica leave the house unaccompanied.
When he asked Mark to go with them, there was no argument. Mark had seen enough in the past twenty-four hours—what Ethan and Jordan could do when things got ugly—and he understood the need for caution.
Before they left, Mark handed Ethan the same pistol Ethan had used against the LaRues. It was a quiet exchange, wordless but understood.
