Stephanie's POV
The chaos in the small living room was a quiet, desperate kind. Mabel was stuffing canned food into a bag. Henry was pulling up floorboards near the fireplace, his old hands surprisingly quick. Josh had his father propped up, helping him into a thick jacket, while my little Cane watched, wide-eyed, clutching my leg.
And in the center of it all stood Leo.
Just seeing him there, solid and real in his worn leather jacket, sent a jolt through me. Memories, clear and sharp now, flashed: Leo laughing in our old kitchen, Leo driving a getaway car with calm precision, Leo handing me a gun once, saying "Just in case, Steph."
But the faces around me weren't remembering the good times. They were etched with suspicion and fear. Josh stared at Leo like he was a snake that had just slithered in. Henry's eyes kept darting to the window, expecting a trap.
