Chapter 13: Hug

Annie returned to her room, and she and Finn shared some pastries. She savored each bite as she recounted the earlier conversation, noticing a subtle furrow in Finn's brow.

"Next time, don't argue with Hubert or Tracy," she cautioned. "Neither of them is particularly gracious, and if you provoke them, they might find ways to harm you."

"I can't always be there in time to protect you," Finn replied. "You know, my inability to see everything is a limitation. You should be more cautious to avoid getting entangled in trouble."

Annie nodded and promised to heed Finn's advice. She found his counsel quite sensible. It was remarkable how a woman with a husband and a son of her own could captivate Ryan, and how a son of the previous man of Tracy could succeed in winning Ryan's affection and becoming the heir, and certainly not through gentle means.

After they finished their meal, Annie fetched a small tray and headed to the kitchen. When she returned, Finn was lying in a corner of the bed. Swi