Kyros looked at his son. “I think the question is are you okay with leaving this mountain. It’s been ten years, Kollar. Things have changed down there. How do you propose to go about seeing the man who’s been sanctioned? Since 9/11…well, I don’t have to tell you the security that’s in place in Washington.”

Pappy laughed bitterly. “How? I’m going to call him on the phone like a normal person. Rest assured, he’ll take my call. I’m stepping over the line here, but I’ve done that before and lived to tell about it. I can’t worry about that now, Pop.”

“In that case, Kollar, I’m going to step over the line myself, and I’ll worry about it later. Does this decision have anything to do with Samantha Rainford and Alpha?”

Pappy looked at his father as though he’d just asked the most stupid question in the world. “Of course. I’m going to explain to her why I did what I did.”

Kyros’s eyes twinkled just like the stars overhead. “And…”

“There is no and, Pop,” Pappy said curtly.

Overhead the trees rustled. The light breeze suddenly turned blustery. Both men shivered.

“I think I’ll turn in, son. How long will we be gone? I need to know how much to pack.”

“As long as it takes, Pop. Pack light would be my suggestion.”

“Good night, son,” Kyros said as he patted his son’s arm.

Kyros was halfway across the compound when Pappy called out to him. “This is the right thing to do, isn’t it, Pop?”

Kyros turned around and walked back to where his son was standing. The wind licked at his hair, making it stand on end. The old man placed his hand on his son’s heart. “If it feels right here, then it’s the right thing to do. Try to get a little sleep.”

Sam poured coffee for her guests. The house seemed filled to overflowing with all the Rainford “wives,” Joey, Slick, and Hawkins. She eyed the huge cartons sitting in the doorway and wondered what was in them. Alpha sniffed and sniffed before he trotted into the living room to get away from the shrill voices in the kitchen and dining room. Sam set the coffeepot down and looked over at Alpha. She walked over, bent down, and whispered, “I know you’re out of your element here. You belong on the mountain with Pappy. When this is over, I’m going to find a way to take you back up there. He needs you, Alpha. I don’t know how I know it, I just do. Just a few more days.” The dog whined. Sam thought it was a pitiful sound. No one would ever be able to convince her that animals didn’t have feelings. The bottom line was the dog was homesick for the mountain and his master.