“Ivan,” I ask as we approach the other side, “did they find George and Julia?”

“They’re okay. A little banged up, but fine. They made it safely to a keepers’ shed. Tree fell and blocked the door.”

I choke back a sob of relief.

“George was out looking for you when Ruby and I left.”

“How . . . how did you find me?”

“Ruby saw which way you were running,” says Ivan. “And don’t forget that gorillas and elephants have great noses, Bob. Maybe not dog level. But not bad.”

“We followed your stink, Uncle Bob!” Ruby exclaims.

When we reach the far side, I see where Ivan has deposited our fellow inmates: the parking lot of a doughnut shop. The lights inside are off, like everywhere else, but I glimpse a few flickering candles, and people are milling about.

“C’mon, everybody,” Ivan calls. “Let’s get you inside. I’m hoping these folks won’t mind a bit of company.”

As we gather at the entrance, Boss pauses. “I’m, uh, gonna head out,” she says, avoiding my gaze.

“What?” I demand. “I just found you! You can’t leave now!”

She hesitates. “The puppy. Thought maybe I’d check. I mean, I know he’s probably . . . gone.” She looks at the muddy pavement. “It’s crazy, I know.”

“Yes,” I say firmly. “It is crazy. Besides, you’re too weak. And your paw is injured.” My voice grows urgent. “Think about it, Boss. What are the odds he stayed in that car and waited for you? Who knows where he is by now?”

“Yeah.” She looks defeated. “I suppose you’re right.”

“What’s wrong, Bob?” Ivan asks.

“My sister—”

“Whoa! Wait! This is your sister, Uncle Bob?” Ruby interrupts, turning to Boss. “Then that means you’re my aunt!”

“Boss had—has—a puppy,” I explain. “Stuck in a car near the bridge.” I point with my nose. Ivan doesn’t know his way around town the way I do. “That way. Not far. She wants to try to find him, but, well, you know . . . he’s probably long gone by now.”

I know my words are harsh, but I’m trying to protect Boss.

No way that puppy is still alive.

Ivan strokes his chin. “Why don’t we get everyone settled inside?” he suggests. “Then we can figure this out.”

“Never mind,” Boss says. “Bob’s right. It’s nuts. Way too dangerous. And probably too late, anyway.” She takes a deep breath. “He’s not exactly the first pup I’ve lost. You’d think I’d be used to this by now, wouldn’t you?”

I don’t know what to say. I want to make her pain go away. But what can I do?

I’m no bigger than Boss is, and certainly no smarter. And I’ve got my own problems. My busted nose, my aching foot. My angry stomach.