"Good boy, Mal," Jack said. "Now help the pretty little lady out of the car."
"Don't touch me," Lexi said, her voice trying to sound defiant, but seeming truly scared.
"Now, I don't know nothin' about the manners of the high and mighty," Jack said, "but us simple folk would say thanks to someone who helped them out of a jam and would accept their hospitality. You don't have any where else to go, so you're gonna have to stay with us."
"You're right, I was rude," Lexi said, her voice trembling. "Thank you very much for helping me. I do appreciate it. But we really can't stay. John will drive us home."
"I told you before, missy, the road's blocked ahead. You ain't goin' that way. I know these woods real good, and with the wind and the condition of some of them trees back the way you came, I reckon you won't get far that way either. Just be real nice and let us take you to our cabin. We have plenty of firewood and food for all of us, and some of the best moonshine you ever tasted to help you warm up. We'll have a regular party."
