Kate had two mugs of hot chocolate ready when he came out. She seemed so bright and clean and orderly compared to his dishevelled appearance. ‘Not much improvement,’ he said. ‘I need a serious shower.’ She smiled and handed him a mug, and they sat in the waiting room beneath the harsh lights.

Leon felt fatigue washing over him. ‘They should be at the hospital by now,’ he said. ‘I hope Max is all right. You should have seen the fog—a real pea-souper.’ He ran a hand through his hair and told Kate more about the search. She listened attentively; she was clear-eyed and vibrant, but she also seemed relaxed and at ease, so patient and thoughtful. Leon was still jittery with stress. It was helpful to debrief, good to connect with someone who actually wanted to hear him.

‘I need to know how Max is going,’ he said eventually. ‘Do you mind if I give his parents a call?’

‘Go ahead,’ Kate said. ‘I’ll check on Bonnie.’

Leon tugged his phone from his pocket and discovered he’d missed a text from Wendy. Hi Leon. Max is on a drip in hospital and being warmed up. The doctor says he’ll be fine. Thank you so much for your help. Shane and I are so grateful. Max might have died if it wasn’t for you and Bonnie. Leon felt a rush of relief, as if a mountain had been removed from his chest. When Kate came back, he read the text to her.

‘Same as your Bonnie,’ she said, smiling. ‘She’ll be fine too.’ Then she chuckled. ‘Maybe I should have been a doctor. I’d get better pay.’

Leon was embarrassed—here he was rabbiting on when maybe Kate would prefer to be home asleep. ‘I can settle my bill now, if you want,’ he offered.

She brushed it off. ‘I’m not worried about that. I’m just pleased Bonnie’s looking so much brighter.’

‘Thanks for your care.’

Kate shrugged. ‘That’s okay. It’s my job; I like helping animals. But what about you? You’re so busy saving everyone, who saves you?’

Leon was startled. Wasn’t it his job to look out for others? If he didn’t do it, who would? ‘I save myself,’ he said. ‘Isn’t that normal?’

She laughed. ‘I wish more people had that attitude.’

Leon was starting to wind down now he knew Max was safe, and Kate was an excellent conversationalist. She led him into talk about work, life in town, the footy and dogs. In the warmth of her company, Leon revived and became almost light-hearted. She was easy to talk to, so laid-back and interesting. While they chatted, she sat on the chair with her legs folded beneath her, hands wrapped around her mug, ponytail swinging as she talked, eyes sparkling even at this hour of night.

‘Which park do you work in?’ she asked.

He told her.