The punishment for a seventh-grade dropout runaway is probably pretty harsh, but Ash Barker doesn't care. She can’t waste time or emotions on anyone but her brother, Matt. They were placed in separate foster homes, so Ash runs away to find him. If she fails, she’s headed back to juvenile detention. Everything is going right on schedule until two kids, Dayna and Kevin, barge into her hideout -- which just happens to be in their house. She ditches the pair fast, but can’t stop thinking about those bruised, skinny kids. Dayna and Kevin live with abusive parents who force them to stay in their room most of the time. If they go to the authorities for help, they’ll be split up, too. Ash knows how that feels, and she goes back to help, taking the two with her. With any luck, they’ll all help each other along the way. Meanwhile, as Matt waits for Ash, he can’t resist telling his foster brother and best friend, Jon-Allen, about the plans. They stash food, earn money, and keep watch for the night Ash appears at their bedroom window. Ash is so happy to be reunited with Matt and to discover she’s falling in love with Dayna that, at first, she doesn’t worry about what they’ll do next. But life on the road begins to take its toll -- they have to resort to shoplifting and scavenging to survive. Ash feels a growing sense of guilt at the disaster she’s made of everyone’s lives. Can she somehow keep her newfound “family” together despite hunger and sickness? Or will she be able to find the strength to reach out for help?

No Turning Back

“It’s okay, Ash; it’s Dayna,” he said.


“Wait a minute.” Dayna crossed to the window and looked up.


Ash lay on the roof, peering down with wide eyes.


“Thanks for helping clean up.” Dayna had noticed along the way the upstairs rooms were spotless.


“You’re welcome,” Ash said. She pushed some hair out of her eyes. “Now what?”


“Tom will inspect everything so you might as well stay up there. I’ve got to unblock the bedroom door, but then we’re going down to get him. Where’s your bag?”


Ash pointed behind her. “I threw it up here with me.”


Dayna grinned; Ash had moved fast. “I’m sorry about this. Do you think you’ll be all right up there?”


“I’ll be fine. They didn’t hurt you, did they?”


“Okay, see you after a while.” Ash moved out of sight.


“All right, Kevin, let’s get this over with,” Dayna said with a sigh. “Put the rope ladder under my mattress.”


Chapter 90