The Floodlands Free and easy

As they were talking, Clover ran up looking distraught, and Colt instantly clued in to why.  His gut clenched, and it hit home even more than his conversation with Finley had.  He felt a sudden rush of anger towards Towhee for this, though he knew it was his own damn fault.  So maybe he was angry at himself too.

"C'mere Clo," he said, coming in for a rare hug.  "I'll be around, I swear.  And you got this fancy new digs, and your dad and brother and Quixote here. You guys will be fine without this old wanderer hanging about."  He looked at Quixote somewhat apologetically... sorry bro, I know you wanted to talk.  He hadn't told anyone about Clover's interaction aside from letting them know to look out for a strange wolf in the area.  He figured it was her own deal to talk about.  He looked at Tegan and grinned.  "Your mom's right, and I promise."  As much as he could at least.  Lone living was a dangerous thing, especially in a region he didn't know much about.