were weak, his body ached, and every step cost him something.
Elsie stayed six feet ahead of him.
Close enough to guide.
Far enough that if he fell, he wouldn’t bring her down with him.
The dog trotted between them like a small, self-appointed guard.
At last, they reached the road.
A pickup truck arrived minutes later. A man named Nolan Reeves jumped out and moved quickly toward Wade.
“Brother,” Nolan said, his voice heavy with relief. “What happened to you?”
Wade looked at Elsie.
“She happened,” he said. “That
