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“I’m just glad he’s okay.” She opened her purse and pulled out a wad of cash. “Please, take this. It’s the least I can do.” Elliot hesitated. The money was right there, practically in his hand.

But he shook his head. “Keep it. Just take care of him.” The woman stared at him for a moment, then smiled. “You’re a good kid,” she said. “Thank you again.”

As she drove away with Lucky in the passenger seat, Elliot felt a strange sense of satisfaction. It wasn’t the money, or even the act of finding the dog. It was knowing he’d done the right thing.

And maybe, just maybe, that was worth more than $500.