"The Pilgrim." That explained the bruises - they did look familiar - and meant that he knew from when she was from. That still left him with a lot of explaining to do, but first things first. He nodded. "Yeah, she's dealt with. She ain't gonna hurt you, Lis."

Not that she asked for reassurance - of course - but he meant to give it. He meant to protect her, always, far better than he'd ever actually managed. "But this place is something else."

He nodded toward the house, already turning. "Come on. Mick's inside, we'll catch you up."