"Don't tell her that!" Mace said as Pepper spilled about the leg injury. "It was only a small compound fracture." The fact that Briar had let her live with the pain for a few weeks was an entirely different manner. But she'd gotten through it, and she was better for it.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate them," Mace said. "If you have any particular specifications, colors, whatever, send them along and I'll incorporate what I can." With that, she dug into the food, and enjoyed an amicable night.

Thanks for the scene!