Page 11 of The Breakdown

“Mm-hm.”

“But if he can’t find her, then it shouldn’t be a problem.”

“And if he does find her?”

“We call the cops. He won’t be stepping foot on this ranch if I can help it.”

Gram pressed her lips together.

“What?” Vaughn asked, sensing she was holding something back, which she rarely did.

“I’m just worried about the initial visit from him. The visit to let us know he’s found her.”

Vaughn straightened. “We call the cops. As soon as we set eyes on him.”

“And while we wait for the police?”

Vaughn shook her head. “It probably won’t come to that, Gram.”

“Just to be sure, I’m going to keep the guns loaded.”

Vaughn looked at her incredulously.

“You don’t know this man,” Gram said. “Nor do we really know this woman.”

“You’re catastrophizing.”

“And you’re downplaying a possibly very serious situation.”

“Hey, I didn’t hear you protesting.”

“Because I think you’re right. We should help her. But we should also be cautious. That’s all I’m saying, child.”

Vaughn closed her eyes. “Okay. We’ll be careful. Keep our eyes open.”

“And the guns loaded.”

They worked some more and moved on to the next few buckets before Gram spoke again. “She’s pretty, too.”

Vaughn met her gaze. “Who?”

“Natalie.”

“So?”

“So, you noticed.”

“Doesn’t mean anything.”

June grinned. “Been a long time since you’ve admitted a woman was good-looking.”

“Yeah, well, like I said. Doesn’t mean anything.”

“You’re probably right. Best to leave it alone. She’s got some trouble to contend with before she’s available.”

Vaughn laughed. “Jesus, Gram.”

“What? I’m conceding. She’s off the market.”