Moonbrain’s close again. Not sure about this. Jayne settled the grenades around his chest a little more securely. It didn’t matter if Mal wasn't going to invade a small town. He wasn’t going on any jobs no more without ‘em. Be crazy to. Crazy like that girl there. She’s got her eyes closed. Wonder what she’s thinking about?

River’s eyes slammed open and she turned to stare at him.

Gorramit it.

She smiled and turned back to face into the sun, her lashes once more on her cheek.

Don’t mind if she did gut a whole room full o’ Reavers. Saved our skins, that’s for sure. But she still ain't all there.

He moved in his seat enough so that most of his back was to her. This meant he was staring at the rocks and boulders zipping past, but it was a better view as far as he was concerned. He glanced into the front seat. Zoe was upright, as always, her hair tossing in the moving air.

Thought she was gonna kill me. If’n she’d had that gun in her hands, I think she would’ve just fired. Made a mess, that’s for sure. Only someone had to say something. And the Cap’s pussy-footin’ around her like she’s made outta glass or something. That ain't the way. Not with someone like her. She needs … well, I’d be at the nearest whorehouse soon as I could drag my sorry ass outta the bunk. But I guess she’s a woman, and maybe they don’t do that.

He sighed, his breath whipped away on the wind.

Guess it’s to be expected. They been married a while, so … don’t kiss ‘em on the mouth, let alone marry ‘em. Can’t see me with a wife and kids tied to my feet. Ain’t me. This job better go smooth, though. Ain't got no coin to speak of, and I feel the urge somethin’ fierce.

He lifted himself up, easing the tightness in his groin.

Maybe call in at old Olive’s place if I can get the Cap to stop by. Been a month o’ Sundays since my John Thomas did more’n get lively in my pants …

She was looking at him again, he could tell. Eyes boring into his back, a