[ he almost seems eager to do it. almost. but she is not so easily fooled, and she can feel the source of his joy as surely as she can feel her own conflict and confusion. hope generates this earnestness in him. hope of escape.

he's wrong to hope for it, of course. the more on her guard she is, the less likely he'll be able to slip away from her. but … ]

You'll be searched for weapons before we leave and after we return. [ she glances sidelong at him. ] I'm sure I don't have to tell you that everyone in this town will know you've cooperated with us. No one will harbor you, should you attempt to escape.

[ let's kill that hope right now. ]