A quick, firm order had the dogs pulling back and laying on the couch, watching the scene unfold with wide, sad eyes. Gabriel kept his hands drifting along his arms and shoulders, murmuring soft words of comfort while Sam tried to get his breathing under control.

"Hey, no talk like that Sammy." He folded over him, as if somehow he could shield Sam from whatever had rattled him so badly. "You're not a screwup. Now come on, talk to me. What happened?"