Anika listened, heart tightening. “Then he carried you here?” Evan nodded. “Everything hurt. I remember his fur was warm even in the rain. He walked slowly, like scared to drop me.” He closed his eyes again, exhaustion overtaking him. “I want to thank him,” he whispered. “You will soon,” she said softly.
Morning came bright and cold. Martinez entered with paperwork under his arm. “Rowe’s being extradited,” he said. “Evan’s mother’s on her way.” His voice softened. “We’ll need to debrief the boy tomorrow, but for now—let him rest.” He glanced at the window. “Rangers say your friend’s calm again. Like he knows it’s done.”