Pepper had never known it was possible to be so thankful yet terrified at once, but that was exactly how she felt when she heard Adam's voice. John's smile did little to calm her nerves, though she appreciated the gesture. This was getting much worse than she'd hoped, and she slowly felt the room converge around Adam, the way it always had when he had something to say and wanted everyone to listen. Without thought, she took one small step forward, as though it were a position she occupied, on Adam's right, at his back.

Just leave, she thought desperately as she stared at Roger. Flee for your heart or your sanity, whichever you value more. You don't know what you've stumbled upon by accident, and I'm sorry that I led you here. Go.