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The tires crunch over the gravel driveway that has been cleared of snow The car slows to a stop in front of the dwelling Two cars fro our luggage into the house

I turn to look through the backAnother two cars are entering behind us Movearden catchessnow jackets, beanies, and yellow-tinted anti-glare sunglasses walk along the perirounds They’re arhs They’re so well ca into the white scenery and the stark, charcoal lines of the winter trees, that I didn’t notice them until they moved Thereat twenty

When I turn back in or heads toward the back of thecold air barrels into the car, but Alex doesn’t et out

“Ask me,” he says

I blink “Ask you what?”

He lifts his gaze to the landscape beyond my“About the men”

I requested that he lay his cards on the table, and I’ain a better understanding of my situation “What are they? Soldiers? Guards?”

“They’re here for our protection”

Another vague answer So“Right” I look through my“I suppose a job title doesn’t apply then”

“I don’t tag theuard”

“Or mafia,” I say under my breath

“Look at me” When I obey reluctantly, he continues “They’re well trained and they’re loyal That’s what matters”

If he says so “How many of them are here?”

“Thirty, give or take a few The rest are training at a base camp on the outskirts of the city I want my men to keep in shape and up to date with their weapons”

“Thirty?” I exclaim “How many are there in total?”