They went downstairs to the cafeteria, grabbed some food, and sat across from one another at a table. A bowl of beef stew steamed in front of Harley, while Callaway broke down a square of baked meatloaf with his fork so it could cool.

So whats after this? Callaway said. Heading back east?

Harley stirred her stew, her mind still on that girl in the hospital room. Being in a hospital reminded her of Greg telling her their father had been released from the hospital, which in turn reminded her that if she didnt visit him before she flew back east, she might never see him again.

Probably go see my father first, she answered. Try to patch things up with him.

And then?

She knew what he was getting at, and it troubled her.

The only reason I came out here was to see my father, she replied. I never meant to get involved in this case in the first place. Realizing she sounded a touch defensive, she sighed. I guess its dawning on me that I cant run away from my life forever.

Is that whats waiting for you back east? Your life?

There was a gentleness to Callaways tone that surprised her. She tried to remember the disdainful way he had looked at her the first time they met. She searched inside herself for the anger he had so easily provoked, but it wasnt there. Something had changed between them down in those tunnelssomething, she suspected, that soldiers knew a lot about.

I have a job back there, a house, friends, she answered. What do I have here?

Callaway considered this. Im not trying to judge your choices, he said. Im just saying… He took a long breath and let it out slowly, as if needing the time to gather his words. You saved my life down in those tunnels. You could have left me, could have run for it, but you didnt.

And you could have left me with that rattlesnake, Harley answered. Besides, it was you who saved that girls life. Theres no way I could have carried her out, not with one good arm.

Callaway took a few experimental bites of meatloaf, then set the fork down and leaned back against his chair. He spread his arms out, resting his wrists on the table.

I was wrong about you, he said. I thought you were just some city girl in over her head, but you know your business. Youre good at what you do.

Harley sipped a spoonful of broth, trying to downplay her pleasure at this compliment. She wasnt hungry, but the heat felt good in her throat. Shed taken a long shower, but she felt she needed something more, something to do with warm blankets and cable TV and a bottomless bottle of tequila. But that was for later. She had a few things to get in order before she could relax.