Chapter 47

Leaning against the doorframe between the hall and the kitchen, he mourned. He mourned for the loss of Terrell’s family. For his own life, wasted and meaningless. And for Terrell, who would have no one after this.

But did it have to be that way?

Dakota could walk out that door, go back to Terrell, and care for him. If he died here, he wouldn’t do Terrell any favors. It would kill him, to lose his family, his home, and Dakota at the same time. He might not recover.

Terrell needed him. He craved what Dakota represented: love, strength, and hope. To preserve that, at least for now, Dakota had to live. He forced himself upright and stumbled toward the door.

Outside, he saw Lorna and Eleanor. They seemed to be arguing, their cheeks stained with soot and tears. Before he ascertained what their conversation was about, he collapsed on the front lawn, coughing uncontrollably. Moments later, he blacked out.18