Nick cuddled up to Marie, not making a pass just that the wind was damned cold and her body heat was welcome.  At least that's what his thinking mind said.  His cock was very much aware that Marie was a woman.<br/><br/>"We're watching two things."  He handed her the binoculars.  "Look at the big house by the church.  See the smoke coming out of the chimney and the glow at the windows?  Where there's smoke, there's people.  We're watching to get a glimpse of what kind of people they are.  They're pretty cocky to be starting a fire before it is full dark.  I want to know how tough they are and what kind of weaponry they're packing."<br/><br/>He paused.  "We're also watching that house in front of it.  Yes, it's been looted, but it is in prime location.  From here you have a good look over the whole town.  If I was running a gang and I had the manpower, I'd have a lookout here.  If I didn't have the manpower, I'd boobie trap it.  It's a good place for us to camp tonight, but I'm waiting to see if there is a sentry posted here."<br/><br/>He lay one hand on Marie's back.  "Patience is even more important than stealth both in hunting and in war.  We know they're out there.  We wait.  We watch.  We count.  Better to be cautious than dead."  He said it with authority that came from experience."