Pops subtly glances up to search for me. He and I both know that it has long past five minutes by now. He expected me to arrive at the slope within twenty minutes. 

He meets my eye and nods in approval, while he looks infuriated at Joe’s pinky moving about his face, almost letting go. 

There is no leeway for his rescue. Face, bloody from punches, Joe and another guard take him away, while two remain guarding the cavemouth.

Before they ...