“I did not come ashore for a lecture from you.”

“And your words reinforce what Major McCrea is saying,” Victoria observed. “That’s an insubordinate tone.”

“Fine,” Magill said. “Think what you want. Say what you want. You say we need to learn, so teach us.”

Victoria cast a glance to both George Simmons and Joey Abbott. They both shook their heads. They were subtle movements—twitches, really—but their meaning was clear.

“I’m sorry, Captain,” she said. “I wish you well, but not here. There are other towns downstream, and maybe they’ll help you—if people are still alive there. But once you pointed guns at my friends, you surrendered trust.” She pointed her forehead at McCrea. “See to it that they leave, please.”

“You don’t have the right—”

“We’re done here,” Victoria said. She turned to Mc-Crea. “See the gentlemen back to their boat, please.”

George and Joey joined McCrea to form a loose circle around Magill and Mack. “Time to go, gentlemen,” Mc-Crea said.

Mack rose with considerable effort. “Any sympathy for the sick guy?” he asked.

“I wish you a full recovery, Lieutenant,” Victoria said. “Just not here.”

Magill’s demeanor changed as he left Maggie’s Place. His back straightened and his swagger returned.

Victoria followed at a distance, her rifle still slung in front of her.

About the Author

Photo by Amy Cesal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JOHN GILSTRAP is the New York Times bestselling author of more than fourteen novels, including the acclaimed Jonathan Grave thrillers. Against All Enemies won the International Thriller Writers Award for Best Paperback of 2015. His books have been translated into more than twenty languages worldwide. An expert in explosives safety and a former firefighter, he holds a master’s degree from the University of Southern California and a bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary. He lives in Fairfax, Virginia. Please visit him on Facebook or at www.johngilstrap.com.