She continued, gesturing for him to pick up the remains of the bomb. “I didn’t even see the bomb until after I spotted you, and I—ah—let’s just say I used medicine to find out who and what you were.”

He let out his breath in a sigh, and shook his head. “If I say I’m confused—it’s been a strange night.” He gathered up the explosives and the rest of the component parts and followed her. Presumably she’d parked her truck somewhere nearby.

Strange night, hell. I’ve been figuring she was just pushing buttons, and here she is talking about and using Medicine like it was part of her. Maybe it is. …

“Yeah.” That was all she said, but it sounded, if not conciliatory, at least a little less hostile.

Apologize, Spotted Horse. Get it over with.

He gritted his teeth, then unclenched his jaw, and calmed himself enough that the words wouldn’t sound forced or false. “Jennie, I’m sorry. I’ve said a lot of stuff that was out of line. I think maybe we are on the same side. Maybe we ought to start at least talking a little more.”

She made a little skeptical sound, but she didn’t tell him to go jump a cactus. Finally, as they reached a looming shape that turned out to be her little Brat, she answered.

“Put that stuff on the floorboards and follow me home,” she said, sounding more tired than brusque. “We need to talk.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

JENNIFER FINALLY SENT David back to his motel at about three in the morning, after she realized she had begun to repeat herself. Her eyes felt swollen, and they had begun to burn with fatigue—although Grandfather was still wide awake and perfectly prepared to sit in on the discussion if it carried on till dawn.

At least they were friends again—or as much friends as she, wary and watching, would permit. Grandfather had helped with that.

So had the fact that David had apologized.

David hinted he wouldn’t mind staying; she ignored the hints. He gave her a mournful look as she opened the door for him—in the normal fashion this time. She blithely waved good-bye and shut the door as soon as he was on the sidewalk.

She rested her back against the door for a moment, then locked it, and walked back through the house to her bedroom, turning off lights as she went. Grandfather was already in his room; as she passed his door, light shone from the crack underneath it. Just as well; she wasn’t up to any more deep discussions at the moment.