“Please don't make me go back.”

Stone immediately crouched.

“What's your name?”

“Emma.”

“Emma what?”

She hesitated.

“Emma Miller.”

“Where are your parents?”

The girl looked toward the road.

“I don't know.”

“Are you hurt?”

Emma shook her head.

Then she whispered:

“I'm hungry.”

Stone removed his jacket.

He wrapped it around her shoulders.

“Come inside.”

Emma didn't move.

Stone extended his hand.

“You're safe.”

The girl stared at his hand.

After several seconds, she took it.

The bikers inside immediately stood.

Nobody asked questions.

One woman brought a blanket.

Another heated some soup.

Someone found a pair of socks.

Emma sat at the table.

She ate slowly at first.

Then faster.

Stone watched.

“Easy.”

Emma looked up.

“I'm sorry.”

“You don't have to apologize for eating.”

She lowered her eyes.