The quiet songs from the trees calmed the mind and she relaxed against the base of a tree. She had spent the entire day relaxing in the cool day and resting her shoulder. Her mind was exhausted from its long day of work and she closed her eyes.

'It can't be true. This can't be happening.'

She opened her eyes and spotted Terry relaxing his back against the cabin.

He looked slightly at her and asked, "Ready to go?"

She nodded and said, "The sooner the better. Folks must be flipping."

His eyes seemed cautious and she asked, "Still being followed?"

He walked over to her and said, "Yep."

He helped her up and said, "Let's go."

She nodded and followed him out of the clearing. They walked to a creek and he helped her across a fallen log as a bridge. When they kept walking she looked around. Some pain started up in her shoulder and she rested her hand against it to apply pressure. They walked for at least an hour and stopped when she saw the courthouse's roof.

She looked at Terry and asked, "Am I on my own from here?"

He glanced to the road ahead of them and said, "Not safe. Just follow me."

She couldn't help but smile and said, "At least you are being semi-friendly."

His eyes met hers and he said, "Wrong. Just cleaning up the mess Devan started."

Her eyes studied his and asked, "What is going on?"

He looked away and said, "Let's just go."

His feet started walking down the street and she sighed. Then she took a glance behind them and followed after him. When they reached her neighborhood, she took a deep breath and stopped him with a touch on his shoulder. He looked at her and she walked on ahead. She knew he would understand and kept walking to her home.

When she reached her home, she heard, "I hate them."

She looked at him and asked, "Do they hurt you?"

He looked straight at her and said, "If that's what you think."

Her eyes felt a pull on her and she asked, "Does anyone know?"

Terry glanced down the road and said, "Just you."

She took a deep breath and rested a hand on his shoulder. He looked at her and she bit her lip. Then she placed a small kiss on his cheek and stepped back. His eyes widened slightly and she headed home.

PGS