Down the stairs, and through the main barroom in a close knot, in a direct line for the door, ignoring the stares, ignoring the merrymaking going on all around them.

Simon doesn't see Kaylee until she's right beside him, looking up into his face with searching concern. He says nothing to her either, but takes her hand. Clutches it, really.

Please let's get this over with.

The front door opens in front of Gabriel Tam. And closes again behind him.

There is no goodbye.