Two sets of footprints led out of the pines. Three sets retraced them back toward Nate's pickup, which was parked on a service road running parallel to the seasonal two-track Viggo had used.
"So, how's the weather in Sayer Springs this time of year?" Alfie asked, adjusting Vivienne's bags on his shoulder. Vivienne, who had been watching two sets of tracks becoming three and trying not to think too hard about where they led, looked up, brow furrowed.
"It's. . .exactly the same as here? Sayer Springs is only a couple of hours south." Her words trailed off, uncertain.
"Ooh, okay. So," He gestured around them, "Shitty endless half-frozen grey. Then one day in the sixties, where you regain your will to live, only for us to get dumped with a foot of snow twenty-four hours later?"
"Um,"
"He knows Sayer Springs," Nate finally cut in, shooting Alfie a look that tried to be exasperated but didn't quite manage. "He just thinks the dumb pretty boy act is cute."
"Actually, that was pulling from my repertoire of dad jokes." Alfie countered with great dignity as they continued walking.
"Mm. So that's why she thought you were serious?"
"What can I say, Big Dog? I know how to sell a line."
"Do not call me that." Nate pulled a set of keys from his pocket, unlocking the doors of an older but well-maintained pickup truck.
"Aye-aye, Captain," Alfie said, dropping her bags into the bed and saluting.
" Or that."
Vivienne, three steps behind them, looked between the men, bewildered. She didn't know what to make of this easy camaraderie between Nate and his second. She was used to deference that bordered on servility or, if not that, then the kind of passive-aggressive antagonism males in her pack specialized in, which always devolved into fists and teeth.
"Vivienne," Nate's voice, that low, soothing timbre, pulled her focus, his dark eyes snaring hers. He was next to the open passenger side door, hand offered.
"Thanks, I, um. I've got it." She said, ignoring his hand and grabbing the doorframe, stepping onto the running board and ducking into the backseat. He released the seat back, and Alfie climbed in. "For the record," Alfie said, looking over his shoulder at Vivienne as Nate walked around to the driver's side door. "I do know where Sayer Springs is."
She almost smiled.