"You're pretty stupid, dude," she tossed back with a teasing grin and a raise of her eyebrows, radiating Cool Aunt energy at him. "Thanks, though. The manipulation was the ickiest part, really. I don't like doin' that to people."

She knew that curious, guarded look: it was the look of someone who had a heart but was concerned they'd get flack for letting it show. "I hope not," she said earnestly. "I want to believe most people here will understand, since they've had to deal with storms. But if they do try to make trouble for him, they'll have to answer to Lauri-Ell, which should be a deterrent all its own."