Mallory stopped Ninette before she could move away. “We didn’t invite you to come with us so you could become some sort of servant.”
Ninette stared at her for a moment. “I just thought...” Ninette’s voice trailed off and she glanced away.
“What did you think?” Mallory asked.
Ninette continued to stare at the ground. “I thought I could help.”
“You are helping. You’ve stayed with the wagon so it’s not left unprotected. And you’re going to do that while we’re in Cutthroat Harbour.”
“What about when you’ve rescued everyone?” Ninette glanced up from the ground. “When you no longer need anyone to guard the wagon.”
Mallory smiled, finally understanding the problem. She rested a hand on Ninette’s shoulder. “There will always be other adventures, other jobs needing to be done.”
“I can stay
