"I saved him from dog fighting," Frank said. It was more complicated than that, but it was the long and short answer. He'd cultivated the trust, but the dog did care for him now that he had proven things could be good.

"Chicken and dumplings." He moved toward the kitchenette, giving her plenty of space. "Figured something hearty would do you good. You manage to pop in the shower yet, or you just pass right out?"