So that was it. He’d never see Lucky again. His mind choked on thoughts of Lucky’s future and how she was about to be sucked back into a life where people were nothing more than marks and stealing was normal. It was like watching someone drown in cold, churning water while he just stood there, afraid to do anything about it. He made himself sick. “Come on, Jack. We’ve got to tell Mom and Dad,” Ashley pleaded. “You tell them. Tell them about the cougar and about Lucky. I’m going after her.” It was as though someone else were inside his head, moving his mouth and speaking for him, and yet, unnatural as it felt, he knew the internal voice was right. He had to try. “Are you crazy?” “Yeah. Probably. Absolutely.” He grabbed her elbow and shoved her in the direction of the round house. “Go get help,” Jack pleaded. Ashley’s eyes narrowed with anger and fear. “Forget it! I’m not going without you.” “Yes you are.” “You can’t make me!” “Ashley—”
