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Paci’s horse took the lead and Winky’s caet our weapons out?" asked Winky

"They should be easy to get to but not out We don’t want to be threatening," said Paci

"I agree And I also think everyone on foot and with the animals should stay back," I added

"I will take care of deant maneuver He disappeared behind us

Winky snorted "Can’t handle the horse"

I turned around to watch Bodo go, and he was li down to rub his crotch A s

Bodo gave directions to the people behind us to drop back

Paci urged the horse more and we put more distance between the rest of our friends and the treehouse kids Winky stayed even with us, and the swaht behind We were a pretty effective wall if anyone decided to start shooting, but I was hoping it wouldn’t to coot closer, several other kids canized one of theedy clothes?" I asked All of thes considered, but not her She looked like a hoirl Reuys I picked up on the road as I came down" Paci’s tone said he was about as thrilled to see her as I was

My uneasiness increased "She was bad news"

"Maybe She had an attitude, that’s for sure" Paci’s voice lowered as we got close enough that they ht hear us

When ere just a few feet behind Trip we stopped I leaned into Paci so I could swing etting-off-the-horse move ended in total failure And happily forwith all the treehouse kids and probably all the kids behind me, too

I fell into the dust at the horse’s feet when s refused to cooperate I’d lost circulation or so nu the pain of having fallen from about five feet up

Trip walked over slowly and lifteders Several of theh to cover their smirks with their hands or turn around

"Thanks," I said quietly "Guess I lost ed first one foot then the other on the ground trying to get the tingles to go away

"Way to make a first iot the distinct i at ," I said, before stepping around hirabbed onto his arm for support He just stood there and waited foran idiot

I pretended to look behind irl in the rags came to Haven and refused to enter with some bullshit Watch out for her"

I looked up as I turned back to face our welcohtly I questioned whether I’d even seen it He was ever so much cooler than irl in red

She stood there with her hands fisted at her sides She didn’t look like a trained fighter, but she sure looked deterh She had dark skin and her hair looked like it had been hacked off with a dull knife Her big boobs were the only thing keeping her froe pants and had a canteen on a belt at her waist Her other hip had a knife in a holder on it

"Hi," I said, stopping about five feet in front of her

"Hi," she said Her eyes darted nervously froroup behind us They had stopped about fifty yards away

"My nah We don’t "

"This is our land Our spot," she said "Nobody passes for free"

"What are you, a troll?" asked Trip in a snotty voice "We gotta pay your toll to get over your bridge? Please This is Miccosukee land Always has been, alill be"

She looked at hi her nervousness "Wrong on both counts" Then she looked atEither you pay, or you go away It’s simple"

"We have stuff to trade," I said "What do you need?"

"We aren’t giving her any of our stuff!" Trip was indignant

"Trip, can it, would ya?" I tried to give him my stern look but his was much more effective than irl

"What’s your naain?"

"You heard uy’s name," said Trip

"At least I’m not naht"

I had to laugh at that A snort escaped before I could stop it I held out et down to business, okay?" I pleaded with hi look

"Stop staring at ainst my arm anymore "You look like a canner lunatic"

I wiped irl "Okay, Robson, what do you want to trade?"

She gestured over to Gail "We’ll trade that chick over there for a gun and safe passage"