“Because you’re too close,” Danny said. “I have the advantage of not growing up with him. For example, I think my brothers are giant pains in the ass, but you would probably like them. Most people do.”

Mandy laughed. “That makes a lot of sense in a weird way.”

“Yep. Weird. That’s my family.” Danny laughed. “Look, I have no business giving you psychological advice. It’s not like I have my shit together.” His tone sobered. “I came home from Iraq with a side dish of post-traumatic stress to accompany my injury.” He raised his hand and stared at it. “I still seem to be having trouble admitting how bad the damage is.”

The door opened. Bill stuck his head out. “Danny? I made that ice pack for you.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.” Danny gave Mandy’s shoulder a pat and got to his feet. They went into the kitchen. A ziplock bag of ice lay on the counter. Danny dutifully put the ice on his hand. He glanced at Bill. Mandy’s brother sat on a stool at the island and rocked back and forth in a quick rhythm.

“How about a snack, Bill?” Mandy asked.

“I’m not hungry.” Bill shook his head and continued to rock.

Danny tried. “How about we go watch Star Wars together?”

Bill hugged himself. “I don’t wanna.”

With a silent curse at the cop, Danny looked to Mandy. She had the phone in her hand and was punching numbers. “Jed, could you bring Honey over for a while?” She glanced back at Bill. “I’ll tell you later.” Pause. “Pretty bad.” She put the phone back in its charging cradle and spoke to her brother. “Honey’s coming over, Bill.”

He paused for a second before picking up his rhythm again. Helplessness filled Danny’s chest.

The fifteen minutes that followed while they waited felt much longer. At the sound of tires on gravel, Bill’s head turned a few inches. A minute later, Jed knocked on the back door. Mandy let him in. Honey raced to Bill. The dog butted her head against his knee until he slid from the chair to the floor. She leaned her body against his chest and rested her head on his shoulder. He hugged her close and went still.

Finally. Danny let out the breath dammed in his lungs. The pressure in his chest abated.

“Thanks.” Mandy wiped a tear from her eye.

Danny didn’t blame her. The sight of the dog calming Bill threatened to make Danny’s eyes misty.

“Works every time.” Jed nodded with satisfaction. “Want me to leave her here for the night?”

“That would be really helpful.” Mandy’s voice cracked.

Jed’s eyes softened. “OK, then. I’ll come back for her in the morning.” He jingled his keys in his hand.

“Thanks, Jed. I don’t know what I’d do without you and Honey.” Mandy opened the door for him.