Joe offered no reaction as he stared back at Ethan without flinching or trying to pull away.
Even the others tensed up at the sudden outburst.
Hayley then asked. "Does this change the plan then? Do we go for the girl?"
Ethan let go of Joe's collar and took a step back, raising one hand toward Hayley while shaking his head firmly.
"No, no," he said, his breathing still uneven. "That's Bettie we're talking about. We're not risking her life that way."
He paused for just a second, letting his mind churn through everything.
"You know what?" Ethan continued, his tone returning to focus now. "The plan stays the same. We'll make a few changes, but it'll remain as is."
Everyone just stared at him as he turned back toward Joe.
"I need your eyes," Ethan said quickly. "Can you make it to that place in half an hour?"
Joe nodded. "In less."
