Chapter 12
The First Cut
Morning slipped quietly into afternoon, and Jim stepped into the light again, combing his hair back with his fingers as Heather followed him outside and closed her cabin door. Clouds overhead threw shade over the fire ring, where Ryan, Susan, and Casper sat.
“We’re going to catch hell,” Jim said, but he smiled. He didn’t really care.
Heather said nothing, but grabbed his hand and pulled him forward. “Mind if we join you?”
The others turned to them, and Jim clearly saw Ryan’s face break into a grin.
Susan looked almost shocked.
Casper gave them a sleepy once over and nodded before turning back to his conversation with Susan.
Ryan rose and met them half way. “Heather, do you have a minute?”
“Is it time for our talk?” she asked, and gave Jim’s hand a sque
