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participated in rehearsals for new acts and in exhibitions that Talbot had set up. Had organizers invited them to take part or had Jason set them up? The latter seemed less probable now, as she realized his lack of ambition, or was it his lack of ability? She’d never get answers to her questions now, and she’d been too trusting before. It was a shame it had taken such a major shock to wake her up.
    Cassie glanced up to see that the daylight coming in the window of the door had started to dim while she was sorting. Mr. Engstrom had said supper at five. Was it nearing that? She eyed the stacks and drawers left to search through. Please, Lord, let there be something in all this to help us. Someone. You know we need money to get through the winter. Not just the winter. How do I make sure we have enough to take care of us and the animals? The weight of responsibility hung on her like the chains that had locked down the wagon on the train cars when they traveled between shows.
    She looked up at a knock at the door. None of them knocked, so it must be one of the Engstroms. “Come in.”
    Gretchen stuck her head around the door. “Mor sent me to remind you that supper is nearly ready, if you’d like to come up to the house.”
    “Thank you. Let me put things away here, and we’ll be right there. Are the others nearby?”
    “Around the fire.” She hesitated.
    “Would you like to come in?”
    “Mor said I shouldn’t bother you if you were busy.”
    “I just ceased being busy. You are welcome to look around. The wagon is an interesting home.”
    Gretchen stepped in and shut the door behind her before staring around. “I’ve never seen so many drawers and doors. It’s like a playhouse.”
    “That it is.” Leaving her guest to continue her inspection, Cassie gathered up the stacks she had sorted through and put them back into separate drawers and cubbyholes. No sense mixing things up again. The stack of helpful papers was mighty short. Surely there had to be contact people somewhere out there.
    Reverend Brandenburg from Argus. He must know a lot of people in the local area. She’d ask him when she went to town the next time. Maybe she would need to make a special trip. Closing the last door, she smiled at her guest. “Okay, I’m ready. How was school today?”
    “Good. Two boys got in trouble for not having their homework done.”
    After they stepped outside, Cassie nodded to the others. “You ready?”
    “We could stay here,” Micah offered.
    Gretchen’s face fell. “Please don’t. My mother likes to have company, and we’re all excited to get to know you.”
    Cassie kept from rolling her eyes. If she knew anything about people, the two Engstrom brothers were not excited. Resentful was more likely. Purely angry obviously fit the older son, and resentment and anger were not excitement. She didn’t blame them; at least she tried not to. She tried to pay attention to what Gretchen was saying, but the closer they came to the front steps, the more she wanted to hang back. She glanced over her shoulder, feeling like she was leading the parade and the others would rather not be in it. She didn’t blame them either.
    “I hope you’ll tell us all about your life in the Wild West Show,” Gretchen said as she opened the door and stepped aside for them to enter.
    “Welcome back,” Mrs. Engstrom said as she dried her hands on her apron. She reached out to take Cassie’s before turning to the others.
    “Mrs. Engstrom, I’d like you to meet Runs Like a Deer and Micah, who is our wrangler.” There, at least she’d used the right word. They both nodded, but their smiles remained hidden.
    “I’m glad to meet all of you. Welcome to the Bar E. If you’ll make yourself at home, supper will be ready in a minute or two.” She gestured toward the leather sofa and the chairs. “My sons will be here in just a couple of minutes.”
    “May I help you?” Cassie had no idea what she could do, but it seemed proper to