I looked toward the front windows and saw headlights swinging across the yard. Gary was already scooting his chair back when I said, “Dax.” “God!” Mother said. Gary walked down the hall to my bedroom and returned stuffing something into the back of his pants. He took a left and went into the living room and I saw the butt of the pistol visible just above his belt. He turned and sat on the sofa where he could see the front door. I started to get up and he gave me a look and shook his head. Mother stood and went into the living room and stared out a front window. “Just talk to him from the door,” he said. “Don’t go in the yard. I’ll be right here.” Joe was barking in front of the house now. The headlights were stopped and shining onto the back wall. “What about Joe?” I said. “He’ll be fine,” Gary replied. “Linda!” Dax yelled. She opened the door and held her hands over her eyes. The headlights went out and the truck shut off. The only noise was Joe barking and leaping at Dax’s window.