He took a deep breath and looked straight in her eyes again, but differently this time.

But the fact is, you and me, we aint in control of the fates remitted us. We just got to discharge them the best way we can, according to whatever frail laws we got. Who made Abraham Todd my brother? Who delivered you into his mitts? It aint me, and it aint you, girl. That boy was my flesh and blood, idiot or no. Yeah, he wasnt a good man. But that dont make no difference. And you know it.

She sighs and sits back on the couch.

Yeah, I guess I do.

Were just playin the parts written down and put before us.

I know it, she concedes.

Yeah, I can see you do. You got a sense of these things, same as me. You understand theres an order to the world a set of rules, same for men and gods. See, a lot of people think the planets out of whack because of the creepers they think everythings up for grabs, blood and mind and soul. You and me, we dwell on the land, not just behind the walls. We know the look of God is still on us. I respect you for havin such clear vision, just bein a girl and all.

She scratches an itch on her knee.

Youre a talker, she says, aint you?

You gonna say my talk is false?

No, I aint. Im just gonna say its a big thought for a small evenin. I dont know what to do with that kind of palaver.

It is for sure a deep well to descend and you and me, girl, were two meagre intellects. So what are we gonna do now?

Well, she says, leaning forward again, I got a few ideas about that.

Im eager to hear em.

I reckon youre gonna stay tied to this chair for a while. And me, Im gonna go out to my car and get in it and drive on outta here and get some good distance between you and me. And tomorrow morning these nice people will untie you and let you go on your way. You aint got any projections on hurting these people, do you?

They aint done anything to me. Apart from tying me to a chair, and I believe Ill hold you accountable for that.

Im putting you down for an honest man, Mose.

As you can see, girl, we live in a world that dont ask or need dishonesty. You got my word.

Thats fine.

But I reckon you oughta shoot me now, he says, still smiling and licking his lips beneath the scraggly beard.

You aint done nothin to me.

Not yet. But I give you another guarantee, my word as a man under the grey heaven of death. The next time I see you, I sure am gonna kill you.