And that cloak. It hardly becomes you.” Berta sighed heavily. “I feared this might happen. What happened to the girl was difficult, but you cannot take things into your own hands. They will have enough if they are careful. If the rock allows it.” Jena’s thoughts reeled. Berta thought they were here for Thom – to get extra for his family. “Give me the mica.” Berta indicated Jena’s satchel then glanced at the cabinet. “And whatever else you have taken for them. No one need know but us.” Luka stepped between Jena and Berta. “She hasn’t got anything. She wasn’t … it was just me. She was in the front room. She’s been trying to stop me.” Berta narrowed her eyes; her gaze rested on Jena, thoughtful. It could work, Jena thought. She could say she had been checking something on the map before she came to the meeting. Berta would believe her. They would leave the room together, lock the door behind them. She would walk by Berta’s side down the long street to where the rest of the Mothers waited, speak with them of the line and the harvest and the mountain.
