“I might,” Korgan said. “But only if you stop baiting Gilroy. I realize you’ve gone through a lot today, but he did a good job getting that info and he can’t help it if you’re feeling weak and frustrated and want to strike out.”

“You’re defending me?” Gilroy murmured.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” Korgan said. “Everyone does a good job occasionally. And I’m really feeling like we’re kindred spirits at the moment. I’ve been stepping back and watching her try to be Wonder Woman for the past three days and it’s beginning to piss me off.” He looked at her. “So admit that through no mistake you made, you’re not physically perfect at the moment, and let me help you now and then.”

“I don’t need your help.” She added jerkily, “And you’re wrong. You screwed up with those calculations, but I did make mistakes. If I’d been more alert and not distracted, I’d have seen Masenak in that tent behind us. He should never have been able to put me down and take Sasha.”

Korgan cursed beneath his breath. “I should have known you’d be going down that road as soon as you started thinking about it. But this time I can’t let you do it. No one is responsible but me. I promised you a positive outcome and I didn’t give it to you.” He glanced back at Gilroy. “And you did give her as positive an outcome as she’s going to get for the time being, and she knows it. She told me she thinks you’ve been terrific as far as Sasha is concerned. She might even be swallowing that bullshit you hand out to all and sundry.”

“I don’t need you to interpret for me, Korgan.” Alisa turned toward Gilroy. “And if that’s an apology, I’ll make my own.” She paused and then said stiffly, “Which I might be doing now. Sometimes I’m a little impatient.” She hesitated. “And scared. It makes me say things that I…” She stopped. “Thank you for what you’ve done so far. I’ll be grateful with my whole heart for anything else you can do for Sasha.”

“It will be my pleasure, Alisa,” he said gently. “Take care of yourself. It was bad enough we let you get shot before. Sasha can be pretty fierce defending you. I don’t want her to go after me with daggers drawn if she believes I screwed up again.”

“I’ll put in a good word with her.” She smiled at him and turned back to Korgan. “You see? I did it much better than you possibly could.”