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Because he's my cousin and I like visiting," Rachel says, raising her eyebrows and pursing her lips.

"It just seems strange that you visit once a year or so for weeks at a time."

"Vince and I have always been close, since we were kids, and I do enjoy taking a break from life back home. Truth is, I tend to need to escape and relax. My cousin's place is attractive because it's quiet and often empty, and Stodgy Farms has few enough people to provide me some degree of separation from the masses. When I'm here, I'm away from my normal, hectic life, and while I'd assuredly be your bud if I lived here full time, when I do vacation with my cousin, I avoid contact. Given the circumstances, I wish we'd gotten to know each other far better."

Something in Rachel's answer seems elusive, like she's hiding something. Call it gut instinct—there's something about her story she's leaving out.

"So why are you here to see me? We're a few days into the outbreak, and you're coming over now?"

Rachel runs her hands along the edge of the sink and stove, stands, and paces the kitchen. "I thought Vince would be back by now, or at least made contact. I fear that he won't. If the virus isn't controlled within the next few days, hell, within the next twenty-four hours, our way of life will never be the same again. To survive, we'll need to rely upon others. Vince has always spoken highly of you. It's time for us to plan for the future."

"He spoke highly of me?"

"He always said you're a person who lives by his own rules. We discussed your profession from time to time, with no judgment. Given your set of skills, you might be someone good to know in the struggles ahead, and likewise, I'll be able to help you as well."

You never told Vince your true career, but somehow he must have figured it out.

Hearing this, you can't help but reply.