They were all leopard, they couldn’t fail to hear him.

“Men,” she retaliated childishly, under her breath.

“Where are we stashing Teresa?” Marco asked. “I feel responsible for her.”

“Someplace they won’t find her and she won’t be able to contact anyone,” Rio said.

“Adan has a cousin,” Conner said, “not far from where we’re going. If I can’t persuade the doctor to help us, we can go to him.”

“How well do you know the doctor?” Rio asked.

“Fairly well. He and my mother were friends. They played chess. He actually taught me chess. He would never betray our people.”

“Switch places with me,” Elijah said. His voice was strained.

Isabeau could hear rustling in the backseat.

“Down this road, Felipe,” Conner called out. “The third farm. He practices out of his home now, he’s retired.”

The road was pitted with deep potholes. She could imagine a leopard choosing this spot to live. The forest encroached close to the houses, and there was a large distance between each farm, giving plenty of privacy. As they bounced past the first two farms, in both instances someone came out to the porch to mark their passing. Obviously more than curious, she wondered if they were leopard as well. She found herself being nervous all over again, or maybe her anxiety hadn’t had the chance to dissipate. It didn’t help when the men all checked weapons and Rio slipped her a small Glock.

“Take it,” he hissed. “Just in case.”

Discovering how these men had to live was a revelation. She knew it was a choice, and that she was making that choice with them, because her choice was always and forever Conner. She took the gun and checked it to make certain it was fully loaded and safe to carry.

Elijah took over again for Conner so Conner could pull on a pair of jeans before Rio opened the back of the SUV. They went onto the porch together. Conner rapped on the door and waited. He could hear movement: one, no, two people. One had a heavier tread than the other. The heavier tread approached the door and swung it open, no small telling crack, rather a wide welcome.

“What can I do . . .” The voice broke off, taking in Conner’s torn body. “Come in.”

“Doc, it’s Conner Vega. You remember me? I’ve got a kid in bad shape. Really bad shape. A leopard attack. We need your help.”

The doctor didn’t ask questions but motioned them to bring the boy inside.

“I’m sorry, Doc, but we’ll have to know who’s in the house,” Conner said.

“My wife, Mary,” the doctor answered without hesitation. “Bring him in, Conner. If your friend has to search, tell him to hurry if it’s as life threatening as you’re implying.”