Chapter 5
Hank was the one who found a little clearing that would be perfect to make camp. Off to the north of it was a small stream. The water was crystal clear, and I couldn’t resist dipping my fingers in it and licking the moisture off them.
“Doc.” Nick didn’t sound happy.
God, I—
I was pleased he was my friend. I smiled at him. “We’ll have to drink it sooner or later, Nicky.”
His eyes widened, and I could have kicked myself. I hadn’t called him that since that night we’d shared.
“Let’s get camp set up. Hank, would you mind clearing off enough space for a fire that will last through the night? Ed, will you see about finding some brush to lay our blankets out on? Thanks very much.” I was going to gather up some rocks and dried branches to make a campfire. “Nick?”
“Yeah, I’ve got d
