Free Nowhere to Turn by Lynette Eason Page A

swallowed hard and picked up her mug. More to give her hands something to do than out of a desire for a sip.
    Janessa sighed. “It’s a shame people feel like they have to do things like that to build themselves up or hurt others to fill an emptiness inside them. If they only understood they were created for greater things than those of this world. That they have a unique and special purpose for being put on this earth. It would make a world of difference if they knew that.”
    Dani gave a soft smile. “I agree.”
    Janessa pushed away from the table. “I’m just going to check in with Adam and scan the perimeter.”
    Dani nodded. “Okay. I’ll check on Simon, then I think I’ll watch some television and try to unwind.”
    “Sounds good. I’ll be back soon.”
    Janessa left and Dani found Simon in his bed staring at the ceiling. She caught his attention. Her hands moved in the signs that had become second nature to her. “What are you thinking about?”
    “I was wondering what it was like to live that normal life you’re always talking about.”
    Her heart ached for him. For both of them. “I’m sorry. I know it’s hard right now, but it’ll get better, you’ll see.”
    “That’s what you keep saying.”
    “It will. Don’t lose faith, don’t lose hope. Not now. Not when we’re so close.” She sat next to him and stroked his hair. “I love you, Simon. Very much.”
    He smiled and sat up to hug her. “I love you too, Mom.”
    He leaned back and she made sure he could see her lips. “We’ll get through this together.”
    “Just like we always do, right?”
    Tears threatened to choke her. She cleared her throat. “Yeah, just like we always do. Now get some sleep.”
    He flopped back onto the pillows and she pulled the covers up to his chin. She kissed his cheek and turned off the light.
    Weariness invaded her, but the thought of crawling in bed made her restless. She walked downstairs and made her way to the couch. She picked up the remote and clicked the television on. Found an old rerun of Andy Griffith and closed her eyes. Oh Lord, keep your hand on us. Keep your protection around us. And Lord, give us a much needed break, please.

    Adam drove toward the hotel downtown. Even as he scanned the streets and watched for pedestrians, he let his thoughts go toDani Harding. Ever since she’d walked into the Operation Refuge headquarters, she’d stayed in his mind, her image refusing to leave him alone. Her story touched him, made him angry on her behalf.
    He dialed her number.
    “Hello?”
    “Hi, it’s Adam.”
    “I recognized the number.” He thought he could hear a smile in her voice.
    “How is everything?”
    “Quiet. Thank goodness.”
    “Good. Good.”
    An awkward silence fell between them and he cleared his throat. “Well, I really didn’t have anything to say, just wanted to make sure you had everything you needed. And that you felt safe.”
    “I do feel safe. Thank you.”
    “I’m sorry I couldn’t be there tonight. I have a . . . thing.”
    “A thing?”
    “A dinner. One of those black-tie deals that keep you uncomfortable until it’s all over.”
    “Ah. I understand. That kind of thing.”
    “Yeah.”
    “Why are you going if you’re going to be so uncomfortable?”
    Adam blew out a sigh. Did he want to get into that with her? He’d just met her a few hours ago. But he found himself wanting to explain a little. “My relationship with my parents has been on rocky ground for the past year. Going to this dinner will make them happy, so I’m doing it.” He paused. “At least my sister says it will. I’m not so sure, but a fellow can hope.”
    “Then you’re right. It’s worth a try.”
    “I suppose.”
    Adam vaguely wondered what he was doing making small talk with her, but realized he liked it. He’d felt a connection with herthat hadn’t happened to him in a long time. If ever. It made him wary, yet curious too.
    “Do you mind me asking what happened with your