At that moment, the Zoom aperture spiraled open. Two men walked through, one tall and lanky wearing a dun-colored duster and a floppy hat. The other was a mountain of a man in buckskin pants and tunic. They halted at the sight of their guests.
“M-Miss R-Robin,” the lanky man stuttered, tugging on his hat. He bowed awkwardly. His eyes grew wide as he looked at Hettie.
“Who’s our guest?” the mountain man asked, one hand on the tomahawk on his belt.
“Hawk, don’t you recognize her?” the lanky man whispered. “Look at the scar.”
Starling said, “She’s all right, Hawk. She’s Robin and Magpie’s friend.”
“Hettie Alabama.” Hettie stepped forward, holding out a hand. Pa had always said the best way to get the measure of a man was to see how he shook a lady’s hand. “Murderer and outlaw, at your se
