"You don't have to worry," she told him honestly. "I don't really trust you. The one person I do trust says you're trouble and danger and not to be dealt with. But despite all that, you do have something that I am irritated to find I can't get anywhere else. Information."
"So I'll make you a deal. I will deliver your address this very evening, after work, and pass along your message about meeting you. Not to mention that I'll handle all the emotional upheaval that me being with you again will undoubtedly bring up. But, in exchange, I want one more question answered. Something that I'll trust you'll answer honestly. Because I will pass your answer onto Royce, telling him everything you've told me both this time and during our last conversation, and a truthful answer will go a long way toward him actually meeting you. So being honest is, in fact, in both of our best interests."
She sighed again, wrapping her arms around her middle to retain as much warmth as possible. New Hope was bordered by a branch of the Allegheny Mountain Range, and when the sun sets on the western horizon, those mountains hide the light and its warmth very quickly. Charlie glanced up at the retreating light snaking its way up the side of the shed, indicating the end of another winter day.
"I understand that Royce and Rosemary felt they had to leave," she said without looking at Crowne. "Even if I don't know why, I know Royce would have wanted to protect them both, above all else, no matter what. But do you think... do you believe he had a good reason to leave? That he did the right thing?"