He measured and calculated and sketched and spread wood samples around, evaluating the natural light. Eight days. Eight days since she fled the threat to her livelihood. Eight days since meeting the Beiler family and wondering about her own Byler family history. Eight days since she looked into those violet-blue eyes for the first time. Annie shook off the sensation that came with that memory. She had moved back to the motel, where Rufus had begun the remodeling project with steadfast attention to detail. Lee Solano had hurled a wall of paperwork against Richard D. Stebbins and successfully postponed the court date assigned to the suit Rick filed. This gave Annie time to build a case to strike back. Rick stopped trying to contact her, and Barrett seemed to have ceased trying to hack her system. Annie breathed easier and had begun to use her credit card when she ventured into town. Today Rufus was on his knees inspecting the back of the reception desk when Annie approached the lobby with her bag over her shoulder.
