Jack blinked his eyes slowly in an almost nod, and he let out a long sigh. "Good," he said. "Thank you."

But then the thought of her leaving? Of her going anywhere? It suddenly filled him with dread. Could he have gripped her hand then, he would.

"Send one of your men," he said, asking. "Stay here?" And it was a question as much as anything, a plea. He didn't want to be alone. He'd been alone so long.