SPOILERS
But it's pretty clear that things are gonna get really, really ugly. And whatever resolution takes place won't come without some kind of sacrifice, somewhere along the way.
Okay, I'm ready for the next chapter. 
You and me both, to be sure! I see over on the DC forum that Lori is saying only 3 more chapters and an epilogue to come, (before the much-expected sequel) - which has me guessing that things will seriously heat up in the next chapter - I'm betting that our "friend" Petros will make himself known again in the worst way. Eeeep!
Wow, this is such a complex and exciting fic.
Concerning why
Ennis D can't go into the witness program, I've chalked it up to red tape and left it at that. Such systems can be incredibly formalistic and bureaucratic, sometimes. (I remember Amy commented after the chapter of "Shades" where the planned-for trial against Hinestroza fell through, that the subsequent treatment of Jack there was entirely realistic & true to the way of things in real life: One moment Shades Jack was in Witness protection, next he was virtually out in the streets on his butt and on his own, though certainly no less in danger from the mob than before. But he was no witness anymore, so no protection forthcoming. Good luck to you, Mr. Twist - and there's the door.)
Which doesn't hide the additional fact that it ups the tension and drama to new heights to have Jack and D part ways in the barrage of alll these dangers and threats, so it certainly serves the fic development to keep Witsec closed to D.
Then again he had some further reasons in the previous chapter why he couldn't go into Witsec - something to do with his military record and keeping his identity and the fact that he is alive under wraps.... But I guess that is not at all relevant anymore, given this chapter's surprising and scary development. D's cover is blown big time anyway.
I do think it makes sense though for D to want Jack to go into as safe a situation as possible, and for them to keep apart - two separate hidden and moving targets more difficult to track down than one, and more "freedom" for D to solve the current mess somehow without focusing his energy on protecting Jack. And it makes sense that Jack realizes that too - D needs all his resources on handling this situation without any Jack "distractions". Still you gotta admire the two of them. They sure do love each other to go through with this. Personal sacrifices all around.
As for how D will resolve the whole thing.... I was thinking earlier that he might do some kind of
"deal with the devil", and perhaps that *is* still in the cards as far as Jack's situation is concerned.... but as for Josey, I'd say her chances of survival in this are pretty slim. She seems so determined to carry the feud to the grave, it's probably down to either her or D....
Well, can you tell I'm totally hooked? I love ZatB to pieces, and speculate about the next events quite a bit.
Lori, you totally rock!
