“Diamond,” I shouted, catching my breath, having hasted halfway up the hills. The puma’s purring from aloft alerted me to get us both the hell down to camp.

  Diamond turned; her accented voice descended from her shadow. “You can’t stop me now, Doc. I’m looking for Big Owl, because he knows where my man is.”

  “Now, now.” I kept a calm voice, while striding toward her. She waited for me to reach a hill beneath.

  The gal’s straight posture and determined glare were enough to inform that she wouldn’t be persuaded. I only made one appeal and that was against the most obvious danger. “That puma up there, he’s a-purring now but could become hostile as fast as you can turn your head.”

  She laughed, and I joined in.

  “Doc, you’re the most peace lovingness man, but you keep on putting yourself at risk for me.”

  “I want to keep you well. You see, when I come around people, they’re usually already sick or hurt. Sometimes, I can help them, the lucky ones. Sometimes, I can treat them, but some are never the same. Other times, like what happened with the Innkeeper, Sandy—sweetest woman you ever met—it was too late.”

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  “I know.” She paused and let the nocturnal atmosphere do what it does: cast darkness, give a voice for frogs and insects, give opportunity for fear or thieves or raids.

  She went on, “Men like Dylan and Sheriff hunt tigers, and you can’t stop them. I guess I’m a simple gal who likes my stupid hunters, but you are.” She blushed. “Such a dude and gentlemen. Makes me see thoings somewhat differently. What you must understand is I am bound to continue on this journey. Dylan’s been my sweetheart since grade school.”

  I stopped to choose words that weighed the importance of her safety against that of her integrity. While I formed what needed to be said, I couldn’t help but notice the red cacti peering down like they were Calamity’s spies.

  Against all adversity, I advised, “Go for it, Diamond. Ignore my worrying nature. The fact is, I once loved someone with all my heart. And I left her, thinking I got us both out of trouble. Right when I’d cut and run, she lost her life. You should never have to live with the weight I carry.”

  She looked away.

  “I mean it, stop beating yourself up for an unconscious choice made on that balcony when you’re consciously putting it all on the line right now.”

  When I finished, we heard flute playing from the mountaintop, infernos ascended, and somber chants began.

  “Big Owl,” she said.

  “I’ll escort you.”