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Sisters, but he does know that Book is too soft to be a good leader, citing his decision to leave the Heartland Territory in order to free a bunch of undeserving Less Thans.
    Dozer dismisses Red with a satisfied expression and begins his summation. “So as you can see, this group of six—”
    â€œDon’t we get a chance to speak?” Book asks.
    Dozer gives him a look as though a bird just shit on his head. “Huh?”
    â€œWe’re the defendants. Don’t we get a chance to defend ourselves?”
    â€œWell . . .”
    â€œOr is the prosecution afraid its case isn’t strong enough?”
    Dozer’s nostrils flare. “Be my guest,” he says.
    â€œSo I can call witnesses?”
    â€œHow can you have witnesses? You didn’t even know you were on trial till a few minutes ago.”
    â€œCan I call them or not?”
    Dozer’s teeth clench. “Fine.”
    Hope gives Book a probing look; she has no idea where he’s going with this.
    Book stumbles to his feet and says, “I have only one witness to call.”
    It’s impossible not to notice the smirk on Dozer’s face. “Yeah, and who is that?”
    â€œYou. I call Dozer to the stand.”
    Although the soundof the train makes it nearly impossible to hear, Hope swears she can hear something resembling a gasp.
    â€œMe?” Dozer asks. “Why would you call me to help you ?”
    â€œSo you refuse,” Book says.
    â€œI didn’t say that. I’m just surprised, that’s all.”
    â€œSo you’ll do it?”
    â€œI have nothing to be afraid of, if that’s what you’re thinking.”
    Dozer steps forward and Book slowly circles him as though deep in thought. Hope has to suppress a smile.
    â€œYou’ve accused the six of us of treason,” Book begins.
    â€œThat’s right.”
    â€œAnd what is it exactly that we did?”
    â€œI told you.”
    â€œTell us again.”
    The tendons in Dozer’s neck grow taut. “The six of you conspired behind our backs. You decided to run away and free the Sisters from Camp Freedom.” He nodsconfidently in the direction of his three supporters.
    Everyone turns to Book, waiting for him to go on. Air whistles through the train’s slatted walls. “Let me ask you a question,” Book says. “How did we get here?”
    â€œHuh?”
    â€œHow did we get here? We Less Thans?”
    â€œHow do you think? We crossed the mountains, the Flats, the Brown Forest . . .”
    â€œHow did we even get up Skeleton Ridge in the first place?”
    â€œHorses. Or don’t you remember?”
    Red, Angela, and Lacey laugh—a little too loudly. Everyone else remains silent.
    â€œI remember the horses,” Book says, “but I can’t remember how we got them.”
    â€œFrom the stables,” Dozer says. “Where else?”
    â€œAnd how’d we get to the stables?”
    â€œWhat do you think, you idiot?” Dozer explodes. “We escaped from camp!”
    As soon as the words pass his lips, Hope sees he regrets them.
    â€œAnd this is where I don’t understand the charges,” Book says. “It was okay that we escaped, but it’s not okay we help those Sisters do the same?”
    â€œThat’s not what I’m saying.”
    â€œThen what are you saying?”
    Dozer’s face turns beet red. If he could get away withwrapping his two thick hands around Book’s neck, he would gladly do it.
    â€œI’m saying that was then, this is now.”
    â€œGo on,” Book says.
    â€œThat was fine that we escaped. It was the right thing, even. But now that we’re on the run, we don’t have time for all that.”
    â€œFreeing others?”
    â€œRight.”
    â€œSo those Sisters have to remain prisoners.”
    â€œExactly.”
    â€œAnd those Less Thans at Camp Liberty?”
    â€œThem,