Very quietly, Victoria said, “Be ready, boys. Caleb, the other man in the woods is your target. Luke, you take the lady on the left, and I’ll take the lady in the middle. Nod if you understand.”

They nodded, though Luke also snuffled.

“You make an interesting proposition, General. So, how do we put the genie back in the bottle?”

“We’ll just disengage,” McCrea said. “You and your team disappear into the forest, while my team and I disappear down the road.”

“You’re going to trust me to do that?” Grubbs asked. “How do you know I won’t just shoot you in the back?”

“You’re never going to see my back,” McCrea said. “Remember, keep those muzzles low.”

“And you’ll do the same?”

“It’s the only way to end this without a lot of gun smoke and blood,” McCrea said. “How about I count to three, and we all start backing away?”

“Works for me.”

“One . . . Oh, one last thing,” McCrea said, interrupting himself. “This encounter is a one-off. The rules reset after we’re out of each other’s sight. If I see you again, it’s war.”

“I couldn’ta said it better,” Grubbs agreed.

McCrea recited the three count, and they took a step away from each other. Then another step.

Victoria said, “Keep your eyes on your targets, boys. Walk backward.”

“Vicky, are you and the boys moving?”

“Yes, but we still have you covered,” she said. “Muzzle discipline,” she reminded. “Keep them down until there’s a threat.”

“W-who are those people?” Luke stammered.

“Murderers,” Caleb said.

“Young Master Caleb,” Victoria said, “you and I are soon going to have a very serious conversation.”

McCrea and Copley had begun backing down the hill as well.

“Are you saying they’re not murderers?”

“I’m saying that there’s a time to keep your mouth shut. You almost got people seriously hurt right then.”

Maybe two minutes later—certainly no longer than that—the two groups were out of each other’s sight. McCrea spun on his heel and rushed forward to give Caleb a huge shove, which made the boy stumble and nearly fall.

“Hey!” Victoria yelled, and she darted out to be in between them. “Keep your hands off my children.”

“Get out of my way,” McCrea seethed. “Caleb, you’re a moron. What the hell were you trying to prove back there?”

“I’ve already spoken to him about—”

“Honest to God, ma’am, you need to get out of my way. I don’t give a shit what you’ve spoken to him about. It’s my turn.”

“I just said what everybody already knew!” Caleb shouted. He was ready for the fight.

“Did I look like I needed help?” McCrea said. “Did I ask you to open your goddamn mouth? Next time you cross me, I swear to God, I’m going to knock you on your ass.”

“Major McCrea!” Victoria yelled.