Mark knew how she felt. They had talked about all the important things, children (not now, but no more than two later), money (one joint and two separate checking accounts, only one credit card each, both paid off at the end of the month, take care of the upkeep on the house first and the retirement fund second), where to live in Anchorage (Turnagain or Spenard), where to retire (Alaska, not Outside). Theyd made separate lists and discussed each item, each taking care to respect the others viewpoint, reaching accommodation without too much blood on the floor. It wasnt just the sex, which was thrilling, it was also a shared commitment to a long life together and a shared determination to make that life the best it could be. They had been very pleased with themselves, and Rebecca for one had marched up that aisle in the full conviction that she knew exactly and precisely what she was doing and that she had never done anything more right in her life.

He had bought the gold mine without consulting her first, emptying out their joint checking account and explaining it away afterward as “I had to, honey, he had ten other buyers waiting in line. I would have lost the deal if I hadnt jumped on it quick.

“I thought we were going to start a family this year, she had said. “I thought that was why wed saved all that money.

He had laughed, a quick, excited laugh, and kissed her soundly. “Weve got all the time in the world to start a family. Weve got time to start a gold mine. His hands wandered. “Besides, were not done having fun yet.

Like always, her knees had given way beneath the onslaught.

It isnt all his fault, she thought, still staring at the log across the stream, still twisting the fireweed between her fingers. I should have been more forceful. I should have insisted we sit down and talk about it, then and there. But he distracted me. Like he always distracts me.

“ You know whats wrong with Mark?

“ What?

“ Hes too good in the sack.

Remembering the conversation with Nina at City Market, Rebecca realized just how often Mark had resolved their differences in bed.

It was ironic that here, in this place she feared and despised, in this place to which Mark had seduced her into coming, here she had found the time and the solitude to think, to reflect, to learn to see a different side of their relationship. It shamed her to realize that all he had to do was lay hands on her and she would do anything he wanted.

“Hey!

Marks shout jerked her to her feet. She turned. He wasnt there.

“Hey, what the hell do you think youre doing? Get out of there!

The sound of a shot echoed off the walls of the canyon.