The door burst open and Christie stumbled in, gasping for breath. “Shannon, something important… They…”

Shannon rose from her seat. “Christie, what is it? Sit down, calm yourself. Tell us clearly.”

“I don’t think there’s time for that, Shannon. Benedict’s hawk returned, but there’s a threat attached to its leg.”

“What now? What kind of threat? Where’s Benedict?” Shannon was already pulling her shoes back on.

I stood up, sensing this was something serious. Christie still appeared to be struggling to gather the strength to speak, but a moment later her breathing became erratic, rising and falling rapidly.

“Ugh, damn it! Your asthma is such a problem,” Shannon hissed, quickly...