JACKSON

"Insurance," he said, hefting the Winchester to a port-arms position. The feel of cold steel and the smell of well-oiled wood went a long way in eliminating any fear he felt. The tree of them moved into a dawn filled with mist and uncertainty.
"What happened to Denise could happen to me," said Carlton as he nervously fiddled with is jackets cuff while looking expectantly at her. "How is that for being honest?" What he found in Anna's dark, European eyes was compassion.