“Why would I when I know it’s not what you really want?”

“I’m not doing this now, Grant.”

“It’s not just us,” Grant said. “I was thinking about your safety, too.”

“I’m alright. I have my gun.” Tina folded her arms and drew herself up.

“Did you… did you tell the police about…”

“No.”

“Don’t you think you should?”

Tina shook her head. “They’re still investigating the fire. It might have been an accident. They aren’t sure yet. If… if I need to, I’ll tell them the rest.”

Grant gave a short nod. “Are you staying here tonight?”

“Of course. Where else would I go?”

“I’m going to stay here too, then. I don’t feel right leaving you alone.” Tina began to protest but Grant held up a hand. “I’ll stay outside.”

“I can take care of myself. It’s my responsibility. Not yours. You have responsibilities of your own now, remember? Please just go.”

Grant looked pained but for once he didn’t argue. He digested the determination in her voice and seemed to realize that Tina meant what she said. “You’ll call me if you need anything?”

Tina nodded. Grant turned and left after saying an awkward goodnight. Tina watched to make sure he drove away, then went into her bedroom and pulled the gun out of the drawer and looked at it.

Was it possible she had been traced here? No. the fire was probably an accident. Only an accident. Her phone rang and she jumped, dropping the gun and sending it skittering across her hardwood floor.

She picked up the gun and shoved it back into the drawer, then went into the kitchen and answered the phone. Rather, she waited for the person on the other end of the line to speak first, a trick she had learned.

“Hello? Tina, are you there?”

“Bette?” Tina felt herself relax. She hated being so tense all the time. The fire had made everything worse.

“Hey. Are you okay? I heard about what happened when I was in town today. I left you some messages…” Bette trailed off.