Maverick, hackles raised, flew directly at the bear with a flurry of snarls and teeth. Holly flanked him, barking wildly.

The bear roared at the dogs, then took a swipe at Maverick. The huge dog dodged the paw and continued his barrage.

Holly got close enough to nip his leg.

He spun and swatted at her, allowing Maverick to get in a bite of his own.

The grizzly had enough. He turned and loped into the trees.

Holly stopped barking and trotted over to me. I hugged her. “Oh, you beautiful girl! You brave, beautiful girl.”

Maverick continued to bark, albeit more intermittently, as if to be sure the bear got the message.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?” Wyatt arrived, rifle in hand.

Behind him was Angie, panting from the run, face pale. “Dee Dee and Grace told us about the bear.”

“I’m fine.” I continued to pat Holly. “Let’s just say if I had the hiccups, they’re gone now.”

“We usually don’t have a problem with black bears.” Wyatt swung his rifle over his shoulder by its sling. “We’re very careful with food and garbage.”

“I don’t think it was a black bear. It was brown—”

“Black bears come in brown, cinnamon, tan, and a variety of other colors.” Wyatt smiled and waved me toward the resort. “He was probably just warning you off. We should have sent everyone out with bear bells.”

Or a loaded rifle. That wasn’t a black bear. I wasn’t going to argue with them, but I recognized that distinctive hump over the shoulder, broad head, and size. Only a grizzly has that body structure. When I used to trail ride my horse, I had to know the difference. Black bear = run fast. Grizzly = run for your life. I turned away from them and patted my leg to get Maverick to come closer. I felt the three rocks Scott had given me. I should have thrown them at the bear. Ha! That would have just made the grizzly mad.

I called Maverick’s name. The dog remained at a distance but stopped barking.

Angie started walking down the trail with Holly and me behind. Wyatt brought up the rear. Maverick slowly followed.

After a step, I heard it. My prosthesis had a tiny squeak. Great. Just what I needed. Maybe no one would notice.

Squeak.

Holly perked up and sniffed my leg.

Squeak.

I winced. There goes my career as a cat burglar. I hoped a small amount of plumber’s tape on the pin would help. I wouldn’t be able to get it adjusted until I returned to civilization.