Adam turns toward Mara.
But she’s already backing away.
Slowly.
Gun still raised.
Not at me.
Not at Boone.
At the ground between us.
“Stop,” Adam says.
Mara shakes her head slightly.
“You know I can’t.”
“You’re outnumbered.”
“Yes.”
She glances at me.
Then at Boone.
Her voice softens just a little.
“You were right about one thing.”
Boone stands slowly.
“What’s that?”
“You don’t stay controlled very well.”
Russ snorts.
“Understatement of the year.”
Adam’s rifle never wavers.
“You’re not leaving.”
Mara’s eyes move toward the forest behind her.
The dark line of trees stretching into the mountains.
Then back to Boone.
“I hope you survive what’s coming.”
“Stop talking and drop the gun.”
She hesitates.
Just for a moment.
