"You can sleep in this room. I'll be two doors down if you need anything," Morgan said.
"Thanks." I paused at the door. "Why did you save me?"
"Because you had information on my brother. And other reasons." Morgan's usually friendly expression turned hard for a moment. His features softened when I frowned. "Don't worry about it, Moon. We'll keep you safe from Roman. Get some sleep. I'll be leaving in the morning to go to work. I might not be back. I should be gone for a day or so. I'll see you when I get home, Moon. Be careful."
"I will. Don't get caught, M." I smiled as he patted my shoulder and turned to leave. I walked into the room and closed the door most of the way. Then I climbed into the soft bed and pulled the covers up. And I slipped into darkness.
>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<
I woke when it was still quite dark outside, but the dawn light was beginning to filter through my window. I rose and washed my face and hands. When I looked in the mirror, though, I decided I needed to bathe. After stepping out of the tub I combed through my hair with my fingers before French braiding it as best I could. I walked downstairs and into the kitchen.
Morgan was straightening his police uniform and combing his hair. He looked up when I cleared my throat.
"Moon, what're you doing up so early?" He asked, frowning just a tiny bit.
"I don't know. I just, woke up, I guess," I said softly.
Yip!
I looked down and saw Eleven racing towards me. I scooped him up, smiling as I scratched his belly. "Hey buddy, where ya been?" I asked. I giggled as he licked my face.
"You have a beautiful smile," Morgan said quietly from where he stood across the table smirking. My grin faded.
"Where'd you find him? I've been missing Eleven," I added.
"He was following a scent, I think yours, and I was out on the porch last night when he found the place. So I figured I'd bring him inside," he explained. "Where'd you get the name?"
I smiled slightly, still petting Eleven. "Back at home there are only eleven steps. I think there used to be twelve, cause the last one is twice the size of the rest, but anyway. When Jus first brought 'im home I didn't really name him, but later that night he fell down the stairs, so I named 'im Eleven." Morgan was studying me when I looked up. He shook himself and straightened his posture. "Well, I'm off. I should be back late tonight."
"Okay," I said softly, nodding.
"Have a nice day," he said, side-hugging me and walking out the door. I followed, the screen door slamming behind me as my bare feet hit the cold, rough boards of the porch.
"We're trying to sleep, Moon!" Julio hollered, but I didn't respond.
All I could do was stand there and watch Morgan walk through the forest towards the gallows.