Page 100 of It's a Wonderful Knife

“Truly.” River brightened. “But the important thing is help will be here soon.”

Lucas pushed his muddy hair off his forehead. “The river is probably still impassable. It’s going to take them a little time to get to us.”

“Yes.” I eyed the cloudy sky. It wasn’t actually raining at the moment, which was a hopeful sign. If the weather held, would help be here by nightfall? Or did we have to stay here another night? Or two? My stomach churned at the idea of that. “I just want to get out of here,” I muttered.

Girdy slipped her arm through mine. “I feel that in my soul, Max.”

Royce returned, leading the homeless guy with him. They stopped in front of us, and the guy had his head hung low. The guy looked like a wild animal, his hair and beard matted with mud. He smelled of BO and his clothes were ragged. His cheekbones jutted, and up close, I could see he was a bag of bones.

“He needs a meal,” I said softly.

“And a bath,” River added, sounding like he was trying not to breathe too deeply.

I studied the man. “Should I check him over? Jax took him down pretty hard. He doesn’t look like he has any padding to cushion the fall.”

Royce grimaced. “Not sure he’s going to be agreeable to a bath and examination. We can try?”

“That room was evil,” the man suddenly mumbled. He looked up, his dark eyes glassy. “All the sins of the world gathered there.”

“Uh… okay.” River gave a nervous laugh.

I cleared my throat and addressed the man. “Have you taken any narcotics?”

The man cocked his head. “I had to.”

“Did you?” I frowned.

He glanced nervously. “Have the hounds gone?”

“Do you know his name?” I asked.

“He has no ID. Won’t tell me his name.” Royce sighed. “I’m hoping his prints are in the system.”

“I’d say that’s a safe bet,” Lucas said.

The homeless guy mumbled, “None of my business.”

River leaned toward Royce. “Not to interrupt, but when do we get out of this hellhole?”

“Yeah, I’d love to know that as well,” I said.

“Not surprisingly, the local authorities are overrun with emergency calls.” Royce let out a tired breath. “But because of the seriousness of our situation, they’re pulling some of their resources from other parts of the state to help out.”

“What does that mean?” Girdy asked, frowning.

“It means we have to wait a little longer for help,” Lucas said quietly.

Royce flicked his gaze to mine, looking uneasy. “Yeah. They’re sending state troopers, but they’re not close. It’ll be morning before they get here.”

I gritted my teeth. “I see.”

“Sorry, Max.” Royce looked guilty.

“It’s not your fault.”

“It’s my fault you’re here,” he said gruffly.

“It’s fine.I’mfine.”