A dark shadow crossed the vestibule to the rear door.

The door opened, drawing Carol’s attention, only to see the door close behind the unseen person.

That was odd. Most of the people in the house would let her know if they were going outside. She walked to the door and looked outside, the view dark and meaningless.

Sally and Bobbi watched the section of the woods their husbands had entered, each of them wondering if they should have joined their spouses.

“I’m worried,” Bobbi looked at Sally, her voice catching on the first word. “What if there’s something like a bear out there?”

“Maybe we should get Dad’s guns out of the closet.” Sally remembered her mother’s ban on loaded guns in the house. “I’d better talk with Mom before we do it.”

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“Better you than me,” Bobbi gave her sister-in-law a pat on the shoulder.

“Thanks.” Sally walked to the kitchen door. The kitchen was empty. “Mom,” she called out, then walked into the room. Carol stepped out of the vestibule and smiled at Sally.

“Yes, dear.”

“I know how you feel about guns, but don’t you think it would be a good idea to get the guns out of the closet in case Dad has a bear chasing him when they come out of the woods?” Sally wrung her hands as she talked, then idly moved some of the dishware sitting on the center counter as if she was waiting for her mother to explode in anger.

Good acting, Carol thought. “If you think it’s best, dear.”

Visibly relieved, Sally left the room. “Thanks Mom,” she threw over her shoulder.

“Sally, wait,” Carol took a step forward. “Don’t load them yet.”

“Okay,” she nodded.

“Did anyone besides your father and the others leave the house?”

“No,” Sally left the room.

Carol turned to look at the back door, wondering if the sound and movement had been her imagination.