As Ike expected, Perry went by the house first. He stopped in front. When Ike reached for the door, Perry put a hand on his arm, the touch gentle and somehow full of caring. “You okay? It may take a while, but I’ll be back as soon as I can book this goon into jail. Will you be all right, you and the dogs?”
Ike got out, still carrying his pet. “You don’t have to leave Badger. She won’t like it.”
“Yes, I should. She doesn’t need to sit in the car. It may take longer in the hospital than I expect. She needs to be fed anyway.” As Ike watched, Perry looked at Badger. She’d been sitting on the floor by Ike’s feet all the way down the mountain. She didn’t seem to mind, either, which had surprised Ike. “Go on, girl. You take care of Ike and the little guy. I’ll be back pretty quick.”
Badger hes
