Page 29 of Hidden Ascent

“Peter told me. My name’s Jay, by the way.”

“Uh-huh.” She looked at Peter and huffed before marching for the door. “I’ll get you something for your head. Peter, where’s your first-aid kit?”

“I’ll show you,” Jemi said. “Then you can help me get back upstairs.”

Chapter8

Jemi saton a stool in the kitchen while Isla pulled a bandage and some ointment from the kit.

“Do you have any thoughts about this?” Isla said.

“I always have thoughts. The trick is to know when to keep them to yourself.”

“Is this one of those times?”

“I trust my husband, but sometimes his emotions can steer him a little off track.”

“Like now?”

“No. I don’t think now is one of those times. Not with Jay, anyway.”

Isla frowned. “He’s mad at me for bringing you outside, isn’t he?”

“No. He’s mad at me. He’ll get over it.”

“You really think this guy Jay is trustworthy?”

“I have no idea.”

“But you just said—”

“I believe Peter is trustworthy. He has always been very attuned to the voice of God when it comes to things of this nature. And I do believe he heard clearly. I also know he’d never put you in harm’s way. I think it’s safe enough to at least hear them out.”

“Maybe I won’t need to. After cracking Jay over the head, he’ll probably be out that door as soon as he can stand.”

“Maybe.”

Peter knocked on the cupboard by the door. “Sorry to interrupt, but I’ll get Jemi settled upstairs if you think you can have a look at the wound once he’s out of the shower? And try not to pick another fight. I think it would be better if you two had a chat about your situation.”

“I’d rather not,” Isla said, closing the kit and walking up to Peter. “But I have the feeling you won’t give me any other choice.” She patted his arm as she walked past.

* * *

Jay stopped at the threshold to the living room when he found Isla watching the door intently.

“Permission to enter?” he said.

“Are you trying to be funny?”

“I’m trying to lighten the mood, yeah.”

She hadn’t been what he’d expected. The look she gave him was one of curiosity, but it wasn’t devoid of coldness. She didn’t trust him.

“I’m surprised you’re even still here,” she said.

“Do you wish I wasn’t?”

“Honestly? I have no idea what to think. But I am sorry for giving you a concussion.”

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