Page 14 of Coyote

Ransom's chair came down onto all four legs. "You killed four of Zaroff's men, stole his fighter, and Linc says you rode out on his motorcycle." He looked at me like he was trying to decide which part offended him most. "In front of his whole crew."

"They should've stopped me."

"That's not how Zaroff will see it."

"I don't care what he thinks."

"I know," Rafe said. "That's the problem." His attention moved to John. "How many did you put down?"

"None, sir." John sat with his hands folded on the turquoise. "That's the truth, whether it helps me or not."

"He doesn't hurt people," I said.

Ransom looked him over. "That a combat medic badge?"

John pulled the collar of his shirt aside. A wreath and caduceus sat faded against his shoulder. "Two rotations," he said. "Charlie Company, Third Battalion, Tenth Aviation. DUSTOFF."

"You were a flight medic?"

"Sixty-eight Whiskey. Used the GI Bill for medical school after I got out. Conscientious objector while I was in."

I frowned because that was a combination of words I'd never heard before.

"Means he won't kill," Ransom said.

I growled at him. "I know what it means." I picked a fleck of dried blood off my knuckle.

Ransom tapped his fingers on the table. "How does a conscientious objector end up in the Army?"

"I filed for noncombatant status. Carried an aid bag instead of a rifle and did everything else they asked." John flattened one hand on the table. "I got shot at plenty. I never shot back."

"You kill anybody over there?" Ransom asked.

"No."

"Not even to save yourself?"

John moved his thumb once against his palm. "I found other ways."

Rafe tapped two fingers on the turquoise. "And after the Army?"

"Residency, then a clinic up on the rez. Then I left."

Rafe waited. John didn't explain.

"You still licensed?" Rafe asked.

"As far as I know. I haven't been near a computer in a while."

"A doctor's useful here." Rafe leaned back. "So here's where we stand. You're welcome to stay. This is a working ranch, and everybody works. You keep our people breathing, help where you can, and we'll keep you fed and give you somewhere to sleep."

"I don't take charity."

"Good. We don't offer it."

John nodded once. That was the whole deal.

Rafe turned to me. "You."