Page 100 of The Holiday Fakers
“We went to find a yeti. In the cave.”
“Yep, figured as much, but what went wrong?” I try not to let my fear show, but he needs to cut to the chase.
“There was a coyote. He attacked Lucky.”
“Did he hurt you?”
“I found a stick and chased him off.”
Okay, so Billy’s not hurt.“Did you both fall into the creek?”
“Lucky did when she ran away, and then I did too when I was helping her.”
Billy’s trousers are soaked, and as I touch them, they crack where they’ve frozen.
“I’m not gonna lie to you, buddy. We need to get you to safety, but we also need to get you warm,” I say, trying to keep my voice calm. “Now, this might sound a little strange, but I need you to trust me. I’m going to get you out of your wet clothes, then I’ll give you my socks, my shirt, and my sweater, and carry you out of here under my coat.”
“I’m not leaving without Lucky.”
“Can she walk on her own?”
“I don’t think so anymore.”
Fuck!“Then I’ll carry you both.”
“What can I do to help?” Piper asks.
“Carry all his wet clothes,” I say, ripping off my coat, sweater, and shirt. The shirt is soaked with sweat, so it’s no good for him to wear.
“Brody?” Billy asks, his voice so shaky I can feel another panic attack coming on.
“Yes, bud?”
“Grandpa says if you’re cold, you should take your clothes off and cuddle someone in a sleeping bag.”
Even in this dire situation, the corner of my mouth still twitches.
“So, give your sweater to L-Lucky, and I’ll just wear my b-briefs,” he continues.
“You don’t have a fur coat like she does so I want you to wear it. Okay?”
He nods and tries to undress.
“Let me help,” Piper says. “I’m Piper, by the way.”
He nods. “You were at the library.”
“Sure was.”
As soon as Billy is out of his wet clothes and into my sweater, socks and gloves, I pull him out of the hollow and against my chest. Then Piper drapes my coat over his back and ties the sleeves behind me.
Lucky is now on her feet, whining.
“There’s blood on her neck and back leg,” Piper says to me.
I nod. I need to see if she can walk without my help, so I set off back the way we came.
“Come on, Lucky!” Piper says as she makes a ball of Billy’s belongings and follows me.
