The men skidded to a stop and surveyed the women and children–eyeing the burnt-out house and trying to see everything at once. Thomas spoke first. “Is everybody alright?” Tanyth nodded. “We’re all fine. Singed a little here and there, but they got Josh and this house is probably not going to be habitable.” She jerked her head in the direction of the burned house. “Where’s Megan?” “William and the boys are bringing her along. When we saw the smoke, he sent us ahead.” “Is she alright?” Amber looked at the children. Little Sandy stepped forward. “Yes, Mr. Hawthorne. Is my mum alright?” Thomas went down on one knee to look her in the eye. “Yes, Sandy, she’s fine. Just a little shaken up and she can’t move as fast through the woods as we can.” She flung her arms around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you, Mr. Hawthorne.” When she stepped back, Thomas grinned, stood, and crossed to the burned house. He surveyed it from the door but didn’t step in. “William and Megan aren’t too far behind us.”
