Free The Risen: Remnants by Marie F Crow Page B

waits to see which one will speak first. He is wearing a thick flannel shirt with hopes it will reduce the bite of the wind when it blows. The winter’s icy fingers are gaining strength as the afternoon sun begins to lose its power.
    His jeans are as stained and worn as the rest of ours, showing he is more than battle friendly and well versed in what could be waiting for us at any moment. Yet with all of this sternness, there is a kindness about him. It is a kindness that comes from understanding and seeing every facet of human nature from having had to shoulder the heavy burden of being a leader.
    “Ginjer. With a “J”.” Never missing the chance to be the center of male attention, Ginjer extends her hand to him forgetting where they just were.
    Peyton’s eyes flick to her hand before an amused smile becomes his face. His eyes dart to me standing behind her before coming back to Ginjer. Ginjer had tried to clean her hands the best she could after stitching the teen’s leg, but there are still smears of blood dried in the crevices of her nails. It is probably not the best seduction technique she has ever planned to date.
    “Well Ginjer, with a “J”, I see I have you to thank for Kent’s leg.” Peyton doesn’t take her extended hand, but lets his words explain as to the reason why before she can become offended.
    “Yes, sorry, I’m still a bit messy from the surgery,” Ginjer doesn’t even bat an eye at the exaggeration. “I’m just happy I was here to save him.”
    Once again, Peyton looks to me with an amused smile from her antics while waiting on my introduction.
    “This is my sister, Beth, and her daughter, Genny. Who Collin here thought would be a good idea to try to kidnap and tie-up.” Alicia adds honey to her voice, but it’s as sweet as acid and burns another layer of dignity from Collin’s face.
    Ginjer becomes very put-out, almost delicate with her whisper of a voice, “He tied me up, too.” She stares at Peyton, waiting on his sympathy with lowered eyes and pouting lips.
    “I didn’t tie them up. I used tape. Well I had Genny use the tape…” Collin’s words stall discovering that each one only makes his side of the story bury him just that much deeper into the anger of Alicia.
    “Where were you when all of this happened?” Peyton looks to Terrence, avoiding Ginjer and trying to gain more insight of the events that unfolded.
    Terrence has remained still, like an animal hiding from a hunter while the conversations have centered around the store run-in. Holding his son’s resting body, only the movement of his eyes followed the discussion as if he was watching a verbal tennis match between Collin and Alicia. He never once volunteered any support to his friend, a negative strike in my book, but Collin never threw his name into the fray either. That does say a little something about the type of man Collin might be. Now that Terrence has been directly called out, his mind searches for the right words that may save them both.
    “I came in after he discovered them. They were able to free themselves and were on the way out when I asked them for help. They came here on their own accord. I think they knew Collin never really meant them any harm, even with as scared as the girl was.” His words are slow with his hopes that each one is the right one as he continues his explanation. “I think Collin was just worried that they weren’t alone. We don’t normally come across a group of women out on their own. We may not have started out on the best foot, but I am very grateful for your help with my son.” An explanation and a thank you wrapped in one. Terrence is either very good at diffusing situations or he was married at one point. With Ginjer beaming her southern charm in his direction, my vote is both.
    “Well Ginjer, with a “J”, Beth and Genny, I am sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. I am afraid we don’t have much to offer as far as accommodations, but I’m sure we