The sun was climbing high in the sky when Mal went to find Freya. Eventually he located her sitting on the back porch, her legs stretched out, a tall drink at her side. Her eyes were closed as she absorbed the warmth, reminiscent of a cat, and he reminded himself to be wary of her claws.

“I'm going fishing,” he announced, as if it hadn’t been obvious from the poles over his shoulder and the basket in his hands.

“Really.” Frey opened her eyes and studied him. “And who said you could do that?”

“Me.” He grinned at her. “And Hank’s coming.”

“Ah.”

“Ah … what?”

“You’re employing psychology.”

“Wash your mouth out.”

She laughed. “No, I mean it. Kaylee’s made you think. Now, you know you can’t do much more to help her than we’re all doing, but you figure maybe you can do something for Hank. You know he’d be afraid to go near the fishing hole otherwise, so you’re making him face that fear. Being there for him.”

“Just wanna go fishing.”

“And you’ve had this desire for how long?”

“I’ll have you know I used to fish back on Shadow. Down in the creek.”

“Catch anything?”

“Nary a minnow.” He put the basket down and rested the poles against it. “But that’s not the point. It’s not the catching. It’s the attempt.” He turned back to her, closing the gap so he could lean forward and put his hands either side of her on the arms of the chair.

“I still say you’re using psychology.”

He smiled. “Frey, if’n I am, you’re not to hold it against me. Just thought it’d be good for Hank to get back out there. You know, catch that old pike Eddie keeps talking about.”

“Just you and Hank? Is there something going on I don’t know about?”

“Believe me, ai ren , he’s not my type.”

“Why? What’s wrong with him?”

He raised an eyebrow. “So you want me to try something on with him?”

“Don’t even think about it.”

Laughing, he shook his head. “You are the most contrary woman I ever met.”

“And just you remember that.”

“As for taking anyone with me, I don’t t