“But you were right, it’s the best way.” He was suddenly smiling recklessly. “Now hush, I’ve got to concentrate on being friendly yet absolutely unstompable. I wouldn’t want to destroy your reputation with him.” He was at the far side of the stall now and slowly slid down to sit on the straw. “Okay, we’re in this together, Chaos,” he murmured. “I don’t mind being a stand-in for you.” He reached out and slowly placed his hand protectively on top of the straw-covered bag. Chaos had turned his head and was glaring at him. “I’m not taking my hand away. While I’m in here, it’s my job to protect it, too. I’ll just sit here for a while and let you get used to it.” He leaned his head back against the wall. “See? No threat.” His gaze shifted to Sasha. “It’s late and I have to get out of here. I can’t give it more than forty-five minutes. I’m hoping that may be enough. I’d appreciate it if you’d stick around to warn me if you think that I’m going to end up decorating this stall with my life’s blood before that time.”

“I don’t think you will,” she whispered. “But I can’t read him right now. I believe he’s confused. And he can be…impulsive.”

“I’ll take that into consideration.” He gazed back at Chaos. “And as you know, I can’t read him at all, so I’m in your hands. But then so is Chaos, and that means we have common ground. Maybe he’ll sense that and let me get out of here with bones and head intact.”

“Maybe.” She moistened her lips. “But it’s going to be a long forty-five minutes.”

“Nah, it will pass in a heartbeat. I’m sure you persuaded him what a fantastic addition I’ll be. Relax. He only has to get used to the idea.”

She gazed at him skeptically. Pass in a heartbeat?

It seemed more like hours watching him sitting there, Chaos towering over him, before she saw him pat the feed bag and re-cover it with straw. Then slowly, very slowly, he stood up.

Chaos’s muscles were tensing.

“Gilroy!”

“Leave me alone. I’ve gotten this far. Let me do it myself.” Gilroy was edging around Chaos again until he stood with his back to the door, facing him. “We’ve done it, Chaos. Not so bad, was it? I’ll see you tomorrow. Take care of her.” Then he was out of the stall and shutting the door. He quickly walked a few yards away before looking back at Sasha. “How close was it?”

“I have no idea.” She shrugged. “Pretty close right before you left him.” She smiled wryly. “But maybe he decided he liked you and didn’t want you to go.”

“Yeah, and pigs can fly.”