Her lack of enthusiasm is nearly palpable to Kate. She debates whether she should even bother asking if she enjoyed the coast.

"S'a whole 'nother world, the East from the West. The country's still wild. An' beautiful. Though, I reckon it ain't for some; y'hafta be hard t'scratch out a livin', men an' women both. The land takes them who aren't strong."

Most of Kate's scars are hidden, as they always are. But in this fine 40s number, the grizzled scar on her right bicep where a bullet grazed her arm can be seen. Still pink, but fading more and more with each day.