As Layford sat on the swing and stared blankly into the distance, Grey sat down beside him. The other men had left for their homes. The knot on Layford's head had grown rather large and was already turning black.
They sat in silence for several moments. Finally, Grey spoke to his son. “You did what you could."
Layford gritted his teeth. “I couldn't stop him. He was waiting on me when I entered. She was laying where he had left her. He almost r***d her then...." With a sob he turned to his father. “I failed."
Grey shook his head. “No son, you didn't. You made him pause long enough for Slaton to get there."
“Slaton got hurt."
“Gave Brenna time to get away."
Layford threw his hands in the air. “She tried to kill herself!"
“Last I looked, she's not dead. She's in there getting warmed up
