“Because he’s just being Korgan, taking control, protecting, doing his thing. He knows you’d let me know what’s happening. You said he’d turned over complete command to Novak?”

“As soon as they’d received all surrenders from Masenak’s forces last night. He wanted to make sure Novak was identified as the man who took down Jubaldar when he called Lakewood. A CIA victory Lakewood could release to the press.”

“Very diplomatic. Just what he should have done.”

“But he didn’t tell you?”

“Why should he? We’ve always been on the same page where Novak was concerned. He was just following through. He’s quite wonderful at tying up loose ends. I have one more thing I’m going to ask him to do for Sasha, but I’ll call him later today when he’s not so busy.”

“That never bothered you before.” Margaret’s eyes were narrowed on her face. “Why now?”

“It wouldn’t bother me now if it was urgent, but everything has changed. Korgan has other priorities. I can wait to fit into his schedule when I’m asking a favor.” She smiled. “Doesn’t everyone?”

“Not you.”

“It’s a different world, I have to adjust. We both knew it would be like this once the emergency was over. You adjust and move on and you don’t look back.” She met her gaze. “And you never hold on.”

“Bullshit. I’ve watched you hold on to Sasha since the minute you saw her.”

“And you, but that’s different. You’re my world. I’m allowed.” She shrugged. “Anything else gets complicated. It’s better to stick to the rules.”

“I don’t believe Korgan recognizes any rules. It’s one of the things you admire about him.”

“But we’re not talking about him, we’re talking about me. And I recognize my own rules.” Though she had gotten perilously close to ignoring them this time, and Margaret knew it. But she wasn’t calling her on it. She was only listening and staring at her with those wise eyes that always saw too much. “It’s a good deal safer and more practical.”

“Is it? But when have you ever cared about that when anything meant something to you?” She smiled. “And there are all kind of worlds out there and they’re all different. All the better to explore. But if you want to bury your head for the moment and catch your breath, I’ll go along. You deserve the rest.” She turned and headed for Sasha and the horses. “Though I don’t promise not to say I told you so later…”

Epilogue

Epilogue

Jubaldar Main Stable
Three Days Later

Why are you in the main stable? Gilroy told me that Chaos always demanded solitary splendor.”