It seemed like Clayton and Ron had been gone for hours when they at last returned, each carrying a large, heavy bag. Clayton emptied the contents of his bag onto the couch first; a roll of gauze, a roll of tape, a green, hooded, down coat, a pair of warm black gloves, an oversized green backpack, a flashlight, toothbrush, comb and toothpaste.

“The gauze and tape is for your bullet wound. You should change the dressing every couple of days to prevent infection,” he said.

Ron dumped out the contents of his bag next; several complete sets of warm, flannel-lined jeans and flannel shirts and a pair of sturdy, waterproof hiking boots.

“As I’ve said before, the winters here are cold and wet,” Clayton said. “So we bought you the warmest clothes we could find.&...

Please subscribe to keep reading.