Pictures

The guest room is simple, but even here, cherished photos exist. One in particular houses a small wooden frame on the dresser. A girl, appearing to be about eight years old, and a tall teenage boy. It’s obviously Con and Laura, Con with his protective arm around her, and both giving their best smiles.
More photos in the guest room show the two of them at that young age and beyond, but something seems to be missing. No other people in the pictures look to be another brother…and nowhere are anyone who look like parents.



Jade is tucked under Jason’s arm on the couch, her head resting on his chest, while her eyes grow heavy watching the tv screen.

Jason keeps his feet propped up on the coffee table, half-interested in the movie, and even less interested in the company around him right now. He has a desire to be by himself, but no motivation to get up and go to his bunk. It was a miserable state to be stuck in, but staying here was the easiest route, and having Jade next to him did provide an amount of peace.

His phone buzzing in his pocket makes him jump, and he reaches for it. But by the time he gets it out and opens it, the caller had apparently hung up. Rolling his eyes, he puts it back in his pocket.

Trying to get back into the movie, he hears noise in the adjoining room, and cranes his neck to see what’s going on. Sensing that not all is right, he pats Jade’s arm, to make her more alert. “Hey…I’m gonna see what’s happening.”

“Hmm?” Jade grins at him, forcing herself to straighten up so Jason can rise. “Okay.”

Jason gets up and takes his crutches to go into the mess hall, taken by off guard by the little newcomer.



Mick is surprised by BJ’s sudden attachment, but his instincts kick in and he wraps a strong arm around the boy, letting him close. Who was Stan? What had driven fear into this child? Why had Mick never known of Sam? Where was she now? The shock and confusion linger, tension showing through his locked jaw. But he rubs BJ’s back, trying not to pass on any more tension than the boy already feels. “You’re safe here, Bud, don’t worry. Stan’s not here, and I won’t let him do anything to you.”

As BJ hides even further into his chest when Angel approaches, Mick lets him, running his fingers through the unruly hair. He looks at Angel, the emotions coursing through his eyes. “I don’t know…I just got this note…I don’t understand.”

Sparky comes to read over Angel’s shoulder, his eyes widening at the news of another sister. He glances at Wes, motioning for him to join them and read too.

Mick looks up at them, automatically keeping his arm surrounding the boy. “What do we do?”