This Clark is a sweet, innocent teacher from Kansas. He hasn't had years to hone his skills or build up a thick skin when it comes to seeing the woman he loves in jeopardy. He isn't just going to roll his eyes and mutter her name as he rushes off to save her yet again. He's terrified and overwhelmed by the idea of someone shooting at her.
When I first read this chapter I thought that Clark was being very protective. But after reading the above it makes perfectly good sense. Yes, he has seen some terrible things which backpacking through some pretty rough areas, but he has never been face to face with the real possibility that the woman he loves might get killed. The man is scared witless and without years of experience behind him, Clark is stumbling. Scary, but I know the poor man, with the help of his friends will get make it through....
This story keeps getting better and better! In my mind it is in the same category as Raconteur's Road series.
