Chapter 18

“It might not be too late to fix it. There’s a good orthopedic doctor in Los Mercados. If you’d let me, I’ll make an appointment and go with you to see him. Soon…as soon as we get the truck issues wrapped up.”

“I never could afford to have it looked at after I left home. I still don’t have any insurance,” Mal said. “Ben can’t manage it just for one employee, and I make a little too much to get the state-funded help.”

“That’s the least of my concerns. It would be worth it to know if someone can make this better for you.” He rubbed his thumb gently over the scars and knots of mis-knit bone. “Think about it, anyway. No strings attached, just friend to friend with a desire to help.”

“I will. And thanks.”

Dan wanted to say and do more, even though he knew it was too soon. He sensed the raw emotions Mal was feeling and recognized his own were pretty close to the surface right now, too. The next step would keep. At least one issue had been laid to rest.