Lightning flashed close, followed by a deafening roll of marching thunder. The downpour intensified, but Emily didn't care. She was out of the trees at last. She crossed the edge of the path, through the short stretch of trampled grass then stumbled over the concrete curb to the jet asphalt, almost colliding with Harris and Jester.

"Emily!" Harris said while the beagle snuffled at her shoes, then sat down in a puddle and scratched at one ear. "You're soaked, girl."

His raincoat ...