As Jessie climbed down into the rowboat, Lana scooted over on the bench to make room for her. "We have to pick up Martin now," Lana said, handing Jessie one of the oars. "And we should hurry so we can be long gone before
the patrol barge comes by."
Lana hadn't told Mom where she was going. Her mother had been smoothing a washcloth over Damon's forehead as Lana had
headed out. When her mother had asked where she was off to, Lana had tossed out some vague explanation. It was better for
Mom not to worry. She had enough to worry about these days. They all did.