Chapter 20: Complicated

Chapter 20: Complicated

Lunch was once again an informal affair of sandwiches and chips. Cole looked at Jenny seated across the table from him. She'd gotten a little sun that morning, judging by the pink on her cheeks and a few new freckles across her nose. He made a mental note to pick up some sunscreen for her.

She noticed him watching her, and a frown flashed across her face just before a self-conscious smile. She was a pretty little thing, not even the remnants of a black eye could hide that. He wondered if he should be thinking that way but figured 'pretty' was just an honest observation.

He wondered for the thousandth time where she'd come from, and who, if anyone, might be looking for her. She seemed convinced someone was.

Last night had been unexpected. He'd nearly broken his neck tripping over her. And she'd been out like a light once she'd settled on the cot.

She feels safe near you, he told himself. Just another stray he'd brought home, his sister would say.