Hurricane Rescue by Jennifer Li Shotz

Author:Jennifer Li Shotz
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2017-03-20T04:00:00+00:00

12

BEN DROPPED TO HIS KNEES AND unhooked the leash from Hero’s vest. He wrapped his arms around his dog.

“Thank you, buddy,” Ben said into Hero’s wet fur. “Thank you for saving Jack.”

Hero was panting hard. His muscles were shaking from the exertion, and his tongue dangled out of his mouth. They’d been out in the woods and the storm for hours—Ben guessed it had to be close to midnight. Hero hadn’t stopped tracking or moving through the dangerous terrain the entire time.

Ben was amazed at his dog’s strength and stamina.

Scout scrambled up and over the tree trunk and ran over to Hero. He lay down under Hero’s chin and licked the bigger dog’s neck and face. Ben reached into his backpack and pulled out his water bottle. He tipped it into Hero’s mouth, then Scout’s. The dogs lapped up the water.

Noah ran to Jack. “Jack, are you okay?”

Jack lay on the ground, staring up at the trees above him. “I’m fine. I just need a minute to get the blood flowing in my legs again.”

“Let me help you,” Noah said. He crouched on the ground next to Jack and helped him to a sitting position.

“Thank you,” Jack said, putting an arm around Noah’s shoulders to hold himself upright. “I mean it—you didn’t have to come out here.”

Noah shrugged. “What else was I gonna do today?”

Jack smiled. “Fair enough.”

“How’re your legs?” Noah asked as Jack straightened and bent them a few times.

“Not bad, considering,” Jack answered with a grunt.

Noah handed Jack a water bottle, and Jack took a long slug of water.

“You think you can walk?” Ben called over.

“Let me try.” Jack eased himself to his feet. Noah reached an arm out to steady him as he took a couple of awkward steps. Jack winced a little. “I’m sore, but nothing’s broken or sprained. I’ll be fine.”

Ben was happy to see Jack up on his feet—and even happier to see his two closest friends getting along.

“You’d better get that leg back in working order before practice starts,” Ben joked.

Jack rolled his eyes. “You just worry about your pitching arm,” he said. “That should keep you busy till spring.”

Ben and Noah laughed. Same old Jack.

Jack shivered. Ben noticed that he was wearing a thin raincoat—not much heavier than a Windbreaker—that was matted to his body with water.

“You must be freezing,” Ben said. “Here—I brought your sweatshirt.” He tossed Jack’s hoodie to him. Jack caught it and looked at it for a second.

“Is this what you—I mean, is this what Hero used to track me?”

“Yup,” Ben said, patting Hero on the head.

“I’m sorry, Ben,” Jack said, his voice cracking. “I’m a total idiot.”

“Well, now you’re a total idiot who’s been rescued,” Ben said.

“Wait, I really mean it,” Jack said. “Thank you.” He looked at Ben and then Noah. “Seriously, guys, I should have listened. This was the worst idea ever, and I was just—my dad and I used to go camping all the time, so I figured I’d be fine. Plus I really thought they were exaggerating about the hurricane .

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