Jason sensed the shift immediately, the way eyes subtly turned toward him as the obvious culprit. Though no one openly accused him, Jason could feel the unspoken blame settling on his shoulders. He saw Valeria’s relatives exchange knowing looks.
Their voices were low but not low enough to keep him from catching the insinuations. Each glance and whisper deepened his sense of isolation. Valeria was quick to defend Jason. When someone suggested searching everyone’s belongings, she stood firm, her voice steady and commanding.