“He’s letting you pet him. Incredible.
“I know. Maybe he’s scared.”
Check his tags,” Lexi said. “It might have his name on them.”
Joe lifted the tags, positioning them so he could read the writing. “His name is Oscar, and…” Joe paused, hanging his head, unable to finish the sentence.
“What’s wrong?” Lexi asked.
“I know his handler. And I know this dog.” Joe reached under Oscar’s chin, scratching him. “There’s no way Oscar would leave his handler unless he was dead.”
Lexi gasped and put her hand to her mouth. “How did you know him?”
“We trained dogs together in the military. David, uh, he’s the handler, and I kept in touch. The last time I saw him, I met Oscar. I guess he remembered me.”
“Poor dog.”
Joe lifted Oscar’s leash, holding onto it. “Definitely.” Joe stood and stretched. “When it gets light, I’ll try to find him. He could possibly be alive.”
“How will you know where to search?” Lexi asked.
“Oscar will be able to lead me to him.”
Lexi hobbled over to Joe, standing next to him. “Is there anything I can do?”
“Is there a bowl anywhere? Oscar must be thirsty.”
“I’ll find one.”
Lexi rummaged around the shelves, feeling around until she located a bowl. As she started to open a bottled water, Joe interrupted her.
“Try the faucet. It might work,” he said.
The water squeaked on, and Lexi filled the bowl. She offered the water to Oscar who greedily lapped it until the bowl was empty. She refilled it and placed it on the floor.
“Let’s rest until the sun comes up.” Joe sat on the makeshift mattress, Oscar beside him. “How’s your ankle?”
“Much better.” Lexi rolled her ankle and put some weight on it. “When I jumped up too quick, I had forgotten my ankle was twisted. Now that my muscles are warm, it doesn’t hurt so much anymore. I’m sure I’ll be able to walk on it soon. It’s not my ankle I’m worrying about. One of my molars is giving me problems.” Lexi ran her tongue over the sore tooth. Feeling her face, she said, “I think my cheek is swollen.”
“Do you have any over the counter pain reliever?” Joe asked.
“Not with me.”
Joe didn’t respond.
After a beat, Lexi asked, “What are you thinking?”
“Try to get some rest, okay? When it’s light, I’ll try to find something for you. There’s gotta be a first aid station somewhere.”
“What about triage on the field?” Lexi asked.
“I doubt they have much of anything of value left except some Band-Aids and blood pressure cuffs. They weren’t equipped to handle half the people here. I’ll find you something, promise.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Lexi stretched out on her back on the rubber mat. She covered her face with the crook of her elbow and closed her eyes, letting her thoughts wander. She thought about her mom, Wanda, and prayed she was okay, and not injured or waiting to be rescued. Wanda was a tough cookie, so if anyone could survive, she could. Lexi thought about her dad and her brother, and wondered what caused her brother to make the bad choices he had. She thought about her life, so many things, until she drifted off to sleep.
~ ~ ~
An hour later, Lexi woke to someone poking her in the arm, and to the first light of the sun’s warming rays.
“Lexi, you awake?” Joe asked.
“I am now.”
“Oh, you were mumbling. I thought you were awake.”
“I was having a weird dream. I needed to wake up anyway.” Lexi yawned and stretched. “Is there anything to eat?”
Joe cracked a grin. “The grill isn’t working, otherwise I’d offer you breakfast in bed.”
“Definitely, a nice thought. I’ll figure out something for breakfast.”
“Good,” Joe said. “I’m going to take Oscar and try to find his handler. I’ll also look for some pain reliever for you.”
Lexi rubbed her jaw, unable to open her mouth completely. “I sure could use some. It’s getting worse.”
Joe placed the back of his hand on Lexi’s forehead, gauging if she had a spike in temperature. The simple gesture provided a glimpse of the man Joe had become. No longer the gangly teenager Lexi had a crush on and who hadn’t given her a second look years ago, he had grown into the kind of man Lexi admired.
“What’s my temp, doc?” Lexi playfully asked.
“You’re hot.” Joe winked.
Lexi cast her gaze away and giggled. A pained expression covered her face, and she put her hand to her jaw. “Don’t make me laugh again. It hurts too much.”
“Hang tight. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Chapter 13
Joe looped the end of the leash around his hand, held it loosely, keeping Oscar close to him. The dog needed guidance from a strong handler, and was not meant to be let loose to do his own thing. A dog who thought he was a pack leader was the worst kind.
The morning brought home the unreal scene facing Joe and Oscar as they walked along the concourse. Bits and pieces of humanity were scattered everywhere. Scarves, purses, wallets, sweaters, shoes, a cellphone. Stiff, lifeless bodies.
When a family of four passed by Joe, the father motioned for his wife and children to stay on the other side of him. They warily eyed Joe and Oscar like he was untrustworthy, even perhaps trying to steal from them. While Joe was trustworthy, it paid to be careful.
“Morning,” Joe said. “Have you seen anyone else on this level?”
The family walked past without speaking.
Definitely different times.
Taking a slight detour, Joe approached the corridor leading to the stands. He surveyed the field where triage had been torn apart, looted,
