After more reassurances, Mabel nodded slowly. “I don’t want to cause trouble,” she said, voice small. Charles helped her into her coat, steady and kind. Lauren watched from the doorway as they stepped into the clearing light, Mabel glancing back once with a faint, unreadable smile.
Charles paused before leaving, pressing a neat card into Lauren’s hand. “Thank you again,” he said warmly. “Call if you remember anything Mabel mentioned, or anything at all.” His eyes held hers a moment, grateful. Then they were gone, taillights fading down the snow-dusted lane.