Jinny listened to Josh, her dark eyes wide and red from tears. She nodded to his explanation, and then almost started crying again when he said he would find her, no matter what. "I'll look for you. Promise. I may be little, but I know a lot of stuff. And maybe you can teach me more." A tiny flicker of a smile crossed her face, and she wiped her nose again. "One day I'm gonna be strong like my Daddy, and you, too. I'll be able to protect people."

In the rear view mirror, Richard watched the scene unfolding in the back of his truck, while simultaneously keeping his eyes on the road. His chest hurt. It hadn't hurt this way in years. But it did now, and it was like the pain had never left.