Safe Haven

It wasn't too much longer until Douglas awoke. By then, they'd stripped Katie, rubbing her core to warm her up. She looked immaculate, like a tanned and blonde version of Elizabeth. It confirmed what Douglas already knew. Douglas was about to ask if she was going to be okay when her eyes opened up.

"W-w-where am I?" she asked. "Why am I naked?"

"Shhh," Devonte said. "Your clothes were wet. We had to get you warm and dry. Can you tell me your name, pretty lady?"

"Katie Jefferson," Katie answered.

"And tell me about yourself, Katie," Devonte said. He was seeing how she was, cognitively, Douglas knew.

"I work for WBBC Atlanta as a sportscaster," Katie said slowly. The fire felt good to her. "I was here to cover the Idickarod, or whatever it's called. I came here with Terry ...oh God, Terry ..."

"I'm sorry," Devonte said sincerely. "But you weren't doing so hot when we found you, so Terry is a lost cause. Do you have family down in Atlanta?"

"In South Carolina," Katie said. "My daddy ... well, stepdad, but I don't know my real dad ... has a bar he's turning into a restaurant with my stepmom Kelly." Devonte, Faith and Douglas all looked at each other.

"And your mom?" Faith asked.

"She's a ... woman of ill repute," Katie. "She's married to a man named Lamar. I try not to spend much time with them." There was another pause at this. If it'd been a man, Devonte half thought Elizabeth had ordered a hit.

"Well, you're safe now," Devonte said. "You owe my boy Douglas here a big thanks."

Katie looked over at Douglas with her mother's big blue eyes.

"Thanks Douglas. So when's this storm going to be over?"

"Not sure," Devonte grunted. "This is bad. As bad as I've ever seen. I don't know that you're making the Iditarod."

"Fuck the Idickarod. How do we stay warm till it passes?"

"We usually huddle under some bearskin. You're welcome to join us."

"Sure," Katie said absently. Devonte seemed handsome enough, and she was quite libertine in Atlanta. Douglas paused. He ... just couldn't.

"I'll huddle with the pups tonight," Douglas said. Devonte stared at him for a long moment.

"I understand. Why don't you make some biscuits in the morning, boy?"

"Of course, Sir." And then the three disappeared behind the bedroom door.