He bought Jamie a bottle of water from the shop. The Little spilt some of it down himself, missing his mouth as he tried to drink, but Stryker didn't have the energy or the heart to be mad at him. It was so hot that he knew it would dry, so he dismissed Jamie's apologies, offering him weak assurances that it was fine. He had bought himself some water, too but felt too sick to drink it. He waited in the car for the farrier, a broad-shouldered, sunk-kissed young man who gave him a brief nod and a friendly smile while he led him to Parker.

Stryker didn't stay through...