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“Of course it’s o on that isolated trail? We drove out to the one”

Face creasing, Ben whispered, “I’et her back I promise God, I’m sorry”

In the face of Ben’s guilt, Jason’s rage dissipated, whooshing out of him like air from a balloon “No It’s not your fault I’ to Ben’s coat, leaning into hiie’s alone with that killer What if she fights hiht To kick and bite and screaun and…”

“She’s a shosted over Jason’s skin “She’s leaving us a trail She’ll get through this”

“I never should have brought her to Montana If we’d stayed ho into Ben’s “I was supposed to keep her safe”

Ben gently pushed Jason’s damp hair off his forehead, and Jason leaned into his palm “You couldn’t have known this would happen You’re not to blame Do you hear me?”

“Everyone said I wouldn’t be able to do it That I was too young” He gasped, his lungs tightening unbearably “They said I should give her up My parents tried to take her They said it would be better, and I could go to college and be norie would be my sister instead I wouldn’t She’s ht I can’t do it I’ve lost her”

Ben enunciated carefully “Bullshit Listen to me You’re a wonderful father” He held the back of Jason’s neck “You brought her to Montana because it was her drea”

Jason was still gripping Ben’s slick jacket, and his icy fingers relaxed His legs shook, and Ben eased hiround, both of them on their knees

Froht a flash of red on Ben’s wrist in the weak light He reached for it, sucking in a breath at the angry hives

“From the bear spray? I did this I’ to make it better

“It’s fading I’m fine I’ll put on some Polysporin”

“I’ll help It’s in your bag?” At least this he could do Pulling out a Ziploc bag full of bandages and gauze, he dug in the bottoel Jason had used it a hundred tiie’s scraped knees and elbows, and he quivered with a pang of longing

“Here,” he said, twisting off the cap and storing it safely in his pocket He carefully spread the gel over the hives on one hand and then the other, pushing up Ben’s sleeves to see if there were more Fortunately there weren’t Ben breathed softly, war across Jason’s cheeks