Garrett and Preston had been drinking heavily, their forced merriment giving way to uninhibited aggression. They talked loudly, gesticulated wildly, and every movement they made radiated a feeling of absolute impunity. They were the masters of this place, the masters of their lives, and Lena was just another beautiful object in their collection.

“Why is our little city girl Lena all bundled up?” Garrett thundered, fixing Lena with a heavy stare. She was wearing a thick autumn jacket and jeans; the day was cool, and a sharp wind blew off the lake. “Afraid of catching a cold, softy?”