Ruth: “You don’t think this is a forever thing?”
Chris: “Ruthie, love, nothing is forever.”
Ruth: “Well, never the less it is a second chance. Not many people get those.”
Chris: “And even fewer of those take advantage.”

Ruth dropped her gaze to the crystal clear ice cubes that had been left so quickly on their own at the bottom of her glass. Chris could read her expression like an open book; she was scared, but doing her damnedest to keep it under control.

Ruth: “So now what? I got no home, no job… Fritz has been nothing but dust for decades.”
Chris: “That good for nothing mutt lived for another fourteen years after you died.”
Ruth: “Fritz was the goldfish, you ass hole. Buddy was the dog that followed you home. ‘Was.’ Listen to me talking like any of this has sunk in.”
Chris: “Need another drink?”
Ruth: “Hell yes. Do you think we can get them to just leave us the bottle?”

Chris felt the ghost of a smile as he flagged down the bartender for the third time that night. If he knew Ruth Breckenridge, and he liked to think he knew her quite well indeed, she’d adapt to this new situation in a snap, and Deception Pass wouldn’t know what hit it.

Chris: “I never really forgot you, you know. Someone like you only comes along once or twice in a lifetime.”
Ruth: “Don’t try that charming crap on me, mister. We’ve always been on the level with each other, and I’d hate for that to change. Just tell me straight up what you’re after.”
Chris: “We made a great team—“
Ruth: “Until you let me get shot to death by a bunch of lousy coppers.”
Chris: “Do you think I wanted that to happen?”
Ruth: “Relax, Peterson. I ain’t serious. Don’t tell me you’ve lost your sense of humor in your old age.”
Chris: “Maybe I’ve just been on my own too long.”
Ruth: “Well, you’ve got me back again. Why don’t you tell me what you’ve been up to, and why we’re in this town of all places instead of a nice big anonymous city. Fill me in a bit on what I’ve missed.”

Chris: “A few wars, a couple revolutions, and the same old same old. As for our location, this town is most likely what brought you back. It’ll probably end up keeping you here, too.”
Ruth: “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Chris: “Give it a few days and you’ll know what I mean. It’ll sink its teeth into you and you’ll never escape. Trust me, I’ve tried several times. I made it as far as California once, but even then I ended up right back where I started.”
Ruth: “If it takes a few days, why don’t we just leave tonight?”

Chris, who had been reaching for his drink, stopped and turned his attention full back on Ruth. She met his gaze and smiled broadly, a look that had been nearly forgotten but was instantly recognized.

Chris: “We should have been more careful when we tried to take that bank.”
Ruth: “Why, Peterson, if I didn’t know any better I’d think you were feeling guilty!”
Chris: “Not as such, just realizing a bit of the ‘might have beens.’”
Ruth: “Well as far as I’m concerned, it’s only been a few weeks. Let’s blow this shitty little town right now.”

Chris: “Now?”
Ruth: “Sure! Let’s just jump into that speedy little car of yours and drive until sunrise. We can worry about money and stuff when we’re long gone.”
Chris: “We don’t even have to worry about money. Ruthie, love, you’re just what’s been missing from my life all these decades.”
Ruth: “And don’t you go forgetting it, Peterson. Now finish your drink and let’s blow this joint.”