Free The Dead of Winter (Seasons of Jefferson: Book 2) by Julie Solano, Tracy Justice Page A

course she’s going to ignore me . I watch her lean back over the bridge and laugh out, “And if you think you’re going to rat me out for this one, you’re gonna find out what I’m really capable of! From now on, you’d better keep your ignorant theories to yourselves. Before you go running your mouths about my friends and what happened down at that river, have your facts straight!”
    She runs off the bridge brushing the filth of the gossip girls off her hands. Then stopping at my side she gloats, “Done and done! Let’s go, Caden. I’ll fill you in on everything back in the room.”
    It is certainly a sight to behold. The three sopping wet girls bobbing their way out of the green, slimy pond, while Jenna stands proudly untouched. “Jenna, would you mind stopping by the chapel first? I’m not sure I have enough strength to get back to the room on my own, and I have a feeling you’re going to need that disguise after the stunt you just pulled.” I wrap my good arm around her neck as she helps me walk back into the building.

    Back at the chapel, Jenna pulls on the black wig and nurse’s smock. Once I settle into the chair, she pushes me down the hall, nonchalantly. She starts in with a little tune she whistles when she’s up to no good. Thinking of her in the black, bobbing wig I have to laugh. I look up at her with a nervous chuckle, “You know how we’re gonna have to play this off, right?”
    “What are you talking about?”
    “I’m talking about keeping us out of trouble, Jenna. When we get back to my room, we need to settle in and act like we’ve been playing poker all night. And, make sure you’re wearing that costume.”
    “Why is that? What are you thinking?”
    “Tonight we’re turning the tables on them. I’m pretty sure we need to call the front desk and make a report of three girls playing out in the wishing pond. Just imagine the looks on their faces when they try to pin the whole thing on you, and conveniently, Jenna Bailey wasn't even at the hospital tonight. If anyone comes to check out the story, the only thing they’ll find is a black-haired nurse with a horrible southern accent.” I have to laugh as the vision unfolds in my mind. “I can just picture the looks on their faces as security drags them through the hallways in their sopping wet leggings and sequined ugly Christmas sweaters.”
    Back up at the room, we sit down at the poker game. Now that I’m no longer sidetracked by the gossip girls, I’m growing fidgety and anxious, waiting for Jenna’s report on Peyton. I know she has to be alive, or the skirmish down at the wishing pond would’ve never happened. But, she hasn’t said a word, so it makes me nervous to ask. Maybe it’s so bad that she doesn’t want to say anything. Is she hiding something from me? I pick up my cards and hold them up to my face, peeking over the top. I scan her face for signs of deception. I press the cards against my lips, trying to give Jenna a chance to spill her guts, but I can’t keep my mouth shut for one more second. Oh, grow a pair . “Well?”
    “Well, what?”
    “Are you going to tell me what you found out about Peyton? You’re killing me here.”
    “She’s alive. That’s all I know. They moved her back into ICU. I tried to follow them down the hallway, but all I could hear was that they need to watch her fluctuating heart rate. I guess there aren’t enough doctors and nurses here right now to have her in a regular room. There’s no way we’re getting back in there. I’m afraid we’re at the Carter’s mercy for updates.”
    “Great, they’re the ones who won’t let us see her. This sucks.” I hang my head in defeat.
    “It’s gonna be okay. If your blood work checks out, you’ll be out of here tomorrow morning, and we’ll figure out another plan. She’s going to be alright. It’s better for her in there anyway. They can watch her more closely.”
    I can’t stand the thought of being any farther away from