Unsafe Haven by Char Chaffin Read Free Book Online

extra meds and suffering through the upchuck session she’d had as soon as they’d gotten home from the Four Hills Inn.
    He wiped some of her tears away with his thumb. “She would be so mad to see you mistreat your poor tummy like this, Luna. You’ve got to take better care of yourself and you have to be more responsible. Most grown men couldn’t digest the amount of sugar you scarfed down.”
    She sniffed and rubbed her wet face on his shirt. “I know, and I’m sorry.” She eased away and misery swam in her eyes as they met his. “But I really am sick. I feel awful. I think I should stay home.”
    “Do you have a test today? Don’t lie. I can call Beverly in the admin office and ask her.”
    “I don’t have any tests. I have a spelling bee but Miss Toomie can give me a make-up. Please, Denn. I’m so sick.” She wrapped an arm around her stomach as if to emphasize.
    She did look a bit green under the pallor. And last night she’d puked twice, minutes after he’d dosed her. Most likely none of her meds had gotten far enough inside her to do much good. He hoped to hell she’d learned her lesson, but knew she’d do it again as soon as the opportunity arose.
    Giving up, he laid her on the messy blankets and pulled the bedspread over her shoulders. “Sleep it off. I’ll let Beverly know you’re out for the day. You’ll go to school tomorrow and get all your make-up work. And lay off the junk food, Luna. Savvy?” He stared her down as she struggled to assert herself, and hid a smile when she grumbled under her breath.
    “Yeah. Savvy.” She snuggled into the pillows and closed her eyes. Denn rubbed his hand over her hair and turned to leave, already thinking ahead to his busy day.
    “Denn? Sorry I pigged out and worried you.” Sadness tinged her voice.
    He smiled at his sister, so young and defenseless in her bed. “It’s all right, baby. Just don’t do it again. That’s all I ask. And call Jo if you need anything, okay?”
    “Okay.”
    A few minutes later he nosed his Silverado along the gravel pit road toward town. The truck shuddered on startup but the engine warmed quickly enough and the heater blew plenty of toasty air. It would make a great vehicle for Luna when the time came, but for now he was happy to have Kendall drive it. Not that he wanted her beholden to him. He just preferred she didn’t get stranded out at The Post because of no wheels. Besides, it was his job to take care of his friends and neighbors.
    He sure hoped he could soon count her as a friend. She tugged at him. There was a wariness in those soft brown eyes, a tightness around her full lips which spoke of stress, disappointment. Maybe hard times. He could relate, since he’d lived with plenty of both. The loss of his parents, years of tough college courses, and then seeing his dream slide down the drain . . . all of it took a toll.
    Daily worry about Luna’s health, and her increased rebelliousness, hadn’t helped any. He swiped a hand over his gritty eyes, wishing he’d gotten more sleep. But he’d been up with Luna two nights in a row. Maybe she’d feel better today, as well as have learned something from the experience.
    He parked in front of the Four Hills and swung out of the high cab, then slipped his hat on. Though he wouldn’t spend much of the day in the office and Stevie was covering for him there, Denn stayed armed and in uniform. He stepped up to the porch just as Kendall opened the door. She froze in the doorway, stared at him, then blushed.
    Damn, she’s cute.
    He sent her a delighted grin but his voice remained sedate. “Morning, Kendall. You ready to go?”
    She frowned at him. “Go where?”
    His grin got wider. “Wherever you need to go. Out to the Post, over to New Mina. Wherever. I’m your taxi today.” He gestured toward the truck.
    Her eyes rounded in surprise. “But I—you need—what about your Suburban? Isn’t it still being fixed?”
    He reached around her and shut the front door,