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are simply ridiculous," she muttered, spun around and headed back into the house

Jake winked at me

I got into the vehicle and he closed the door Grandmother Hudson paused at the front door and looked back I rolled the n and we just gazed at each other Then I lifted ine I waved once She waved back and ere on our way She watched us leave and then turned and entered the house

How lonely she was, I thought, despite her brave and blustery act She should be the one who goes off to drahters were disappointing to her and she didn't enjoy her grandchildren Her friends were all society ladies who used her for her charity contributions Her house was full of echoes, empty voices, darkout of s and caught in the wind

"Don't worry about our queen," Jake said He had been watching ht things and gets over to see you in short order"

"You?" I started to laugh, but there was a look on Jake's face that told rue not to underestimate him "I hope so, Jake," I said

As we rode to the airport, Jake toldthes about people, about scam artists

"Be really careful about who you talk to and never show yourit on you, Rain Just take out a few bucks for guazines and stash the rest safely, hear?"

"Yes, Jake"

"If you take your ti, you won't e place, it's always better to listen first and talk last"

"All right, Jake"

"Just go directly to your boarding gate and ith your carry-on luggage right by you If you leave it for a second, there'll be some creep ready to scoop it up The airports are full of parasites who hang around just looking for soreen"

"Me? Green?" I started to laugh, but Jake kept a serious expression

"These people are experts, Rain They kno to tell the difference between a seasoned traveler and an innocent young lady," he warned sternly

'All right, Jake I'll pay attention?'