Beth tenses at the word, glaring down at Byerly from where she's not quite standing. She remembers the scent of rot, what used to be Joan and what should never have been Gorman.

You don't have to answer him. You don't have to say anything at all. Whatever he wants to think, he can. Who gives a damn what he takes from this conversation? She straightens up, turning away from Byerly, and starts walking.