She jolted. Arthur sat next to her, brushing a hand through his hair. Like a ninja. “No.”
None of the kids had noticed he was back.
“Why not wait until they found you?” Faith asked.
He chuckled. “I figured it would be a while.”
“There he is!” Lara shouted and ran over. “Where were you?”
“I never reveal a good hiding place,” Arthur said.
“How could you just appear?” Mischa asked. “We were all searching for you.”
“He’s got skills,” Faith said. “Now it’s time you got ready for bed.”
A chorus of groans, but the kids trooped into the shed and used the designated rooms to change into their pyjamas. Jordan hung back and walked next to Arthur. In a low voice, he said, “You’ll tell me where you hid, won’t you?”
Gretchen wasn’t sure whether it was sweet Jordan was taking such an interest in Arthur, or concerning. He didn’t have many male influences in his life.
“We’ll see,” Arthur responded.
That seemed to satisfy Jordan, and he hurried to join his friends.
Gretchen turned to Faith. “There’s no need for you to sleep out here. Arthur and I can handle it.”
Faith hesitated. “No, I need to. I’m responsible for them. But can you watch them while I clean up?”
“Sure.”
The children found their sleeping bags and moved them around so they were next to their friends. The couple of older kids went in one corner of the room, the younger ones stayed in the middle and the adults’ sleeping bags were at the other end. Gretchen helped a few who were having difficulties with their zips.
Faith did a head count when she returned. “The lights outside will be on all night,” she said. “Toilets are across the way.” She pointed. “If you need anything, Gretchen, Arthur and I will be here, and you can wake us for any reason.” She switched on a night light. “Sweet dreams.”
She turned off the main light, and the room plunged into darkness. The children gasped and Gretchen stayed where she was until her eyes adjusted to the light. The kids whispered to each other. They would talk for another hour or so, but eventually they’d go to sleep. She gestured for Arthur to follow her back to the fire. He limped a little, rubbing his leg. “Does it hurt?”
He nodded. “Twinged it when I climbed the tree, but it hurts most days anyway.”
“Do you have any painkillers?”
He winced. “Yeah, but Sam’s got them.” He didn’t look at her as he answered.
Because of the overdose. “I’ve heard massage can sometimes help.”
“Maybe.”
Gretchen rubbed her arms. The temperature was dropping, but by the fire it was all right.
“Who’s next for a shower?” Faith asked.
“You go, Arthur.” It would take him longer dealing with his leg.
“The showers at the campground have accessibility features,” Faith said. “You might find it easier.”
“Thanks.” He grabbed his bag and walked off.
They both watched him and when he entered the building, Faith said, “He seems to be relaxing.”
Gretchen nodded. “What was he like before?”
