Patience nodded. "I won't feel obligated," she promised. "And I won't tell anyone."
She wanted to talk to Fred, ask him how he knew John, but she didn't want to get him involved. Not if this was dangerous. Though she might have already gotten him involved, by accident. If that turned into a problem, she'd have to do something to protect him.
"Enjoy the pasties," she said after a moment, gesturing to the basket with an attempt at a bright smile. "And I hope you have a good place to hang the wreath."
She would go for a long run with King, she decided, and think about what had just happened. Then she would go home and make herself some dinner, and finish preparing for this weekend. The world couldn't be that wrong if she was free enough to celebrate her birthday however she pleased, could it?