Probably just spring pups, but I grab my rifle from Peony’s saddle holster and jog toward the wagon on Jefferson’s heels. The coyotes mark our approach with ears pricked forward, but they don’t move. “Andy!”

There’s a small cry in response.

“I’m going to fire my gun, sweet pea. Don’t panic.” I lift the butt to my shoulder and put a round in the dirt beside the nearest skulking coyote. They scatter. The dogs take off after them, and I let them. I rip off the ramrod and start reloading, just in case.

“I can’t believe you missed that shot,” Jefferson says.

“Who says I missed?” I tell him. “I’m tired of killing things today.”

A bare foot protrudes from under the wagon bed. Jefferson nods to me, creeping forward.

Please be okay. “Andy, it’s us, Lee and Jeff,” I say. “We’re here to help you.”

That’s all the warning we give before Jefferson grabs Andy’s ankle and drags him out. He screams, pounding Jefferson’s arms with his tiny fists. Jeff gathers him tight to his chest and whispers reassurances as the boy wails, raking lines into his shoulders with his fingernails.

“Grab my canteen,” Jefferson says.

Andy is covered in mud, and he stinks of urine. I hold the canteen to his mouth, and he stops wailing in favor of gulping water like a wild dog.

Too much too soon could make him sick, so I pull the canteen away. “Lee,” he whispers. All the fight goes out of him, and he wilts against Jefferson’s chest. “Why’d you leave without me?”

“We didn’t leave,” Jefferson says. “We’re right here.” Jefferson strokes the boy’s head, which makes my chest feel funny.

“Where’s Ma?” Andy says.

Poor boy must have gotten so lost that he thought this wagon was part of our company. He crawled out of sight and stayed because he didn’t know where else to go.

“I’ve got something for you.” I pull the locket from my pocket and show him.

Tears fill his eyes. “I broke it.”

“It’s just a chain. We can fix that.”

He blinks up at me, as though the possibility that things can be fixed is the greatest wonder of the world.

“You did a good job taking care of it for me. We’ll fix it together in the morning, how’s that? In the meantime, keep it buttoned in your pocket.” I shove it into his chubby fist.

“Okay, Lee.”

Jefferson is staring at me, eyes narrowed. He looks to the locket clutched in Andy’s hand. Back at me.

“Let’s go find your ma,” I say quickly.