Report it? No. Of course he hadn’t reported it. What would that do but place an actual target over his head?

Malachi watched her with a careful look, then assured, “yes, I did.”

As Nettie slowed her steps, he followed her lead and slowed his pace as well. So slow that, within seconds, he had stopped completely, and tried not to turn his head when he heard familiar voices carry on. Didn’t want to listen in.

Well, tried not to want to listen in. What bits he caught hardly… made sense… and he knew well the harm of assumptions.

“They were just looking for money,” he said dismissively. “I’m not concerned about the details of it. The constables will take care of it, I’m certain. Tell me about your meeting?”

It felt wrong to be walking away from the house.

He set a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. Started walking again, just as directionless as her.