Dawson didn’t answer, and Mills stood up and followed Red and Tim out the door and along the corridor. When they were back in their room Mills said, “That man’s behavior is downright unsettling.”
They lay down on their bunks, and after a while Dawson came in and stretched out on his bunk, without taking off his blouse. Soon he breathed steadily in a seesaw chorus with Mills.
Tim thought again about Kate’s map. She must have searched her soul before she mailed it. That map, drawn with such painstaking care, might show him the way to his death. But she must have known he would never rest until he’d tried to get away.
Until now Kate had been waiting at the end of the trail—warm and lovely but far away. All at once it seemed she was very close, her faith and understanding sending him on his way, making him impatient to be free, no matter what hardships freedom might bring.
Red stirred, and Tim whispered, “Red, you awake?”
“Yes.”
“Wish Peter could go along.”
“So do I.”
“You got any worries?”
“Not really. Good night, lad.”