Chapter 12: A Temporary SituationBack at the farmhouse, Jenny made sure the kitchen was spick and span. She also straightened up the room she'd slept in. It wasn't her room, and it wouldn't do to even begin thinking of it as such. Cole had said it belonged to his sister. Jenny wanted to make sure to leave it in exactly the way she found it. Adjusting the throw pillows for the tenth time, she thought about her room at home, the one that she'd grown up in, the one she'd assumed she'd always have, even after she moved out on her own. She could picture the purple velvet duvet cover she'd picked out, the one her mother had said was a little too expensive, but her father had purchased anyway. It looked just right on the antique white sleigh bed, which matched the large dresser on top of which were scattered her favorite photos and keepsakes. She sighed sadly, wondering where all her things were. All her family's things. She rarely indulged in these kinds of thoughts, because inev

Chapter 14: Skittish"I need to go see about the horses," Cole announced. "Would you like to come with me?"Instantly, Jenny felt a stab of fear. Outside felt dangerous. Anyone could see her outside. Including Victor and his goons. Cautiously, she peered out the window."It's dark now," Cole said. "Besides, like I said before, my nearest neighbor is miles away. And I keep the gate locked. Nobody's coming on the property." Jenny deliberated, weighing her fear against the desire to please Cole. Finally, she nodded and was awarded with his glowing grin."All right! Let's go. You can say hello to Dahlia."Jenny shivered in the cool night air as they walked side by side toward the barn. Blue snuffled happily along the ground, running ahead, then circling back around to them. About halfway between the house and the barn, Jenny paused, gazing up into the sky. High overhead, millions of stars twinkled like diamonds as on the eastern horizon, the full moon had just begun its clim

Chapter 16: Getting Their Story StraightBehind the wheel of the big black SUV as it barreled down I-5, Slater slid a sidelong glance at Wilcox who was seated in the passenger seat. The other man was eyeing him cautiously."What?!" Slater growled."What what?""You're looking at me like I stepped in dog shit or something." Irritation painted his already ruddy face a deeper shade of red.Wilcox shrugged. "I'm just wondering what you're going to tell Sorkin about this clusterfuck you created."Slater glared out the windshield and gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw shifting in annoyance. The truth was, he had no idea what he would tell their boss beyond what he'd already told him.When they'd arrived in San Francisco, they'd been missing one red-haired freak. Before heading to the Four Seasons, they'd made a little detour, with Slater calling ahead as Wilcox navigated the congested city streets."Why didn't Mr. Sorkin tell me himself?" the voice on the other end of the line

Chapter 18: What The…Cole awoke with a start. He wasn't sure of the time, but it was dark, save for the moonlight streaming in through the window. He yawned, stretching his arms over his head, and rolled over to check the clock. 3:12. He still had a good couple of hours before he needed to be up, but now that he was awake, nature called. Tossing back the covers, he stepped out of bed and immediately tripped over something on the floor. "Dammit!" he swore sharply as he sprawled on his hands and knees. He rolled onto his behind to see Jenny sitting up, wide-eyed, all wrapped up in a quilt. Blue sat beside her, watching his master curiously."What the hell? Jenny, what are you doing sleeping on the floor?"She shrugged slightly, pulling the quilt higher around herself.Cole ran a hand through his hair, belatedly realizing that he was dressed in only his skivvies, a pair of grey boxer briefs."Geez, Jenny, you scared the shit out of me." He grabbed the throw folded across the

Chapter 20: ComplicatedLunch 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.