[Collins looked contemplative as he listened to Givens, right up until the last question. The softness of the query kept the hitman from outright bristling but there was an obvious shift in demeanor from Collins. The subject was a sore one. People judged for it.

Normally it didn't bother him. Of course, normally he killed people that heard him talk about anything private.

That wasn't the case here on the ship. He couldn't simply get rid of anyone who might ridicule him.

Maybe the bull's opinion didn't matter. The man was leaving soon anyway. Collins looked at Givens when he spoke.]

How I hear music all tha time. A song is always playin', Marshal, always changin' but never endin'. And when I hunt, that's when tha music takes on it's most beautiful melodies. When it rises, so does my heartbeat.