Kate drew in a deep breath as she picked up the tweezers from the kit, figuring the first order of business was removing anything that wasn't supposed to be there. Gingerly, she took a hold of one of his feet, peering at the bottom of it.

It was kind of disgusting. But this was necessary. She'd just hold on to how necessary this was.

"Okay," she said, mostly to signal that he should probably brace himself, because here she went, trying to pluck out any tiny rocks she could see, as quickly and efficiently as she could.