It took Zoe longer to get to the area of the camp than for Mal to sound equal parts relieved that the kids were safe, and annoyed that she’d come after him. “The shuttle ain’t armed, Zo.”

“I thought I’d take a page from Hank’s book and use the downdraught as a distraction.” She was taking a wide arc around the hills to come up towards the camp from the back.

“Could,” Mal agreed. “But you’d whip up a hell of a snowstorm. Hide the bad guys so we wouldn’t be able to see ‘em.”

“They wouldn’t be able to see you either.”

“Glad to see you’re concerned for my hide.”

“I was thinking more of Freya, sir.”

A chuckle came across quite clearly. “Yeah, me too.”

It was time to be frank. “We need to leave, sir.”

“Not finished, Zoe.”

“Sir, this misplaced sense of honour has got us into trouble before.”

“And I reckon it will again, but that don’t mean I want my shuttle shot up. Do you have any idea how much a replacement would cost?”

“Then what do you suggest I do?”

“Hang back, but don’t come in ‘til I say. I’ve a notion we’ve got ‘em confused, and if that’s the case and if we use you at the right moment, things should work out shiny.”

Zoe didn’t sigh, but rolled her eyes. She knew this Mal of old, the one who had faith in his plans, even as they were falling apart at his feet. Still, he was her captain. “Yes, sir.”

“Oh, and Zo?”

“Sir?”

“Keep the engine running in case you have to make a daring rescue.”

---

Wes Tanner swung himself up into the saddle and looked down at Brad, still standing morosely by the hitching post. “What are you waiting for?”

“It’s not our fight. Let Pederson deal with it.”

“We’ve got a lot of money invested.”

“There’ll be other opportunities.” Sometimes Brad could be very stubborn, about as immovable as the mountains that surrounded the town.

Wes held back a sigh. He knew his brother could outdo a mule, but he also had a good notion of what would work. “Cobb