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The sun was setting when Melissa went into Sloan. She had an errand to run, and it didn’t involve chems.
Chomps Lewis was sitting on an old Sunset Sarsaparilla crate, keeping a watchful eye out for danger. He rose at the sound of approaching footsteps and turned to look at his daughter. “Melissa, what are you doing here?”
“The Great Khans are leaving the Mojave,” she answered. “I came to say goodbye.”
“Leaving the Mojave? Why?”
“It’s like this…” She explained Papa Khan’s plan to help Caesar’s Legion attack Hoover Dam and how the courier had upended it. Melissa’s hands curled into fists as she talked. She was sorry she hadn’t been there to wring Karl’s neck, but Regis had assured her he’d been dealt with appropriately.
When she was finished, Chomps nodded. “So, you’re leaving,” he said. “Where are you going?”
“North. Wyoming, maybe. Somewhere the NCR and the Legion won’t bother us.”
“I see. I wish you luck.”
“You could come with us,” she offered. “I don’t think Papa Khan would mind.”
He shook his head. “Sloan is my home, and I’m getting too old for long journeys.”
“I understand.”
Chomps chuckled. “It’s a good thing that courier survived Benny’s bullets in Goodsprings, huh?”
“I guess so,” Melissa said. “She saved me from a lifetime of sexual slavery, and she took care of Benny for us.”
“I’d say those are good things.” Chomps held out his arms. “Come here and give your old man a hug.”
Melissa hugged her father. “Don’t worry about me, Dad. The Great Khans are tougher than anyone else around. We’ll be fine.”
“I know,” he told her. “I’m proud of you, my girl, and I’m sure your mother would be proud of you, too.”
“I love you, Dad.”
“I love you, Melissa. Give the other Khans my regards.”
“I will. Goodbye, Dad.”
“Goodbye, Melissa.”
Melissa looked over her shoulder as she walked away. Chomps was watching her leave, smiling proudly.