Zoe had been aware of him. It was hard to miss strangers wandering by and then stopping to watch for more than a shot or two. But when he announced himself, she paused to glance at him.

Then, a little amused at the applause, she dropped the gun barrel down, tucked the stock under her arm, and offered him a brief, slight Chinese bow, with her hands pressed together. It seemed appropriate. "Enjoyin' the show, then?" she asked as she straightened and hefted the shotgun again.