“We have at least a four-hour walk in rough terrain, leading the horses.” Dayna glanced at Mark’s floppy sneakers.” This desert is crawling with rattlesnakes and poisonous lizards. I know you want to look cool, but you might feel better with something else on your feet.”

“Like what?” Mark swiped his hand across his sweaty forehead. The hat Dayna had made him wear itched and his black clothes drew the heat to his body. He looked like a piece of burnt toast.

Dayna dove into a box of gear stashed in the front compartment of the trailer. “Try these.” She pulled out a pair of tall snakeskin boots and held them out to Mark. “They belong to my father.” She studied his feet. “They might fit.”

“I’m not wearing THOSE!” Mark shoved the boots away. “I am totally against using animal skin to make a pair of cowboy boots.” His chin went up. “Besides, I’d look ridiculous.”

“You’d look ridiculous with your leg black and rotting from a rattlesnake bite,” Dayna shot back. “You’re in the desert, and until it cools down, you have to walk. Try the boots."