And the idea of attacking somebody who could kill you with their pinkie was antithetical to Jack. Which ... might have gone back to that wacky idea of back-up, yes.

He shook his head as he took her hand. "He had other things on his mind. I hope that's what he's doing this week." Though he wouldn't have laid money down on it, if he was honest.

"Kate didn't know any of it, and I can't tell how she's doing. She won't talk to me."