“Sorry, Cookie. I didn’t realize I spoke out loud.” I walked over to her, still making the slight squeak. Flapperdoodle. Yet another problem. “I’m thinking about heading to Targhee Falls, but maybe I could ask you something.”

“Sure, ask away.”

“What can you tell me about the rocks?”

She turned and placed the envelopes neatly on a nearby table. “What did you want to know?”

I pulled them from my pocket and held them up. “What did your counselor say to do with them? Or maybe more precisely, what did you do with yours?”

She approached and stared at the three pebbles in my hand. “You remember I left a long time ago. All I can tell you is at that time they didn’t give us rocks or other types of gifts.”

“Funny gift. They just make my pants sag.” I slipped the rocks back into my pocket.

She studied my face for a long moment. “I take it your PTSD is rearing its ugly head and that’s why you want to leave. I can’t say I blame you.” She held her hands out in front of her. They shook slightly. “Look at me. Shaking like a leaf and I’ve been away from Clan Firinn for over ten years.”

“You said you’re still having PTSD moments. What do you do to get through them?”

“I have a dear brother I can talk to. How about you? Family?”

An unexpected lump formed in the back of my throat. “Um, well, I just adopted a couple of four-legged dependents. They seem to be good listeners. As long as they don’t start to drink out of the toilet, we’ll get along famously.”

Cookie grinned. “That’s good. So you’re heading home?”

“I’m not sure I’m leaving for good. I just want to report in and see what Clan Firinn wants me to do next.”

“Whatever you feel is best. You’ll be taking today’s supply wagon to Targhee Falls then?”

“Yes.”

She patted my arm. “The next wagon won’t be back until tomorrow, so you might take your things with you. That way, if your PTSD gets too overwhelming and you change your mind about returning, you’re set. Your cabin will remain yours until you let us know.”

“Good idea. And thank you.”

The dogs spotted me as soon as I emerged from the lodge. Holly flew at me as if I’d been gone for years, circling me with a wiggling, tail-wagging, openmouthed greeting. Maverick stood still, and for a moment his tail waved gently. I grinned. Silver lining?

I’d stuck all the rocks in a single pocket, and they now poked me in the hip. I pulled the stones out. Cookie didn’t know what they were for either. Why three? Ugly, lumpy, heavy . . . I should just throw them away. Instead I again put one in each pocket.