When Terry and Kel Coleman run from their abusive father, they end up in Denver. The day they arrive, they meet three street kids named Rudy, Snap, and Josie. The brothers move into the trio's squat where Rudy and the others teach Terry and Kel the ins-and-outs of survival on the streets. While that happens, Terry and Rudy are drawn to each other and begin a tentative relationship.<br><br>Then Kel is almost kidnapped by a man sent by his father to bring him home. Forced to leave their squat to keep Kel safe, they turn to a local pastor for help. Thanks to the pastor, the five young people may find hope for their future -- if they can survive the present. In the process, can the budding relationship between Terry and Rudy survive, or will it be torn apart by the life they're forced to live?

Surviving

“Let me guess. Nebraska? Iowa? Maybe Kansas?”


“But you’re not saying which one. That’s okay. I get why not. You don’t know me well enough to trust me yet.”


“I…okay, I trust you so far, but we’ve known each other less than a day and I don’t want to take any chances that the bastard will find us. Especially Kel. He could drag him back home since he’s not eighteen yet.”


“I understand.” Rudy looked as if he did, and that he didn’t like it. Jumping to his feet, he said, “Let’s find another spot. This one sucks.”


After pocketing the bit of change he’d made, Terry joined him. “Look, I didn’t mean to piss you off,” he said quietly.


“You didn’t,” Rudy responded, staring straight ahead.


“Yeah, I did. I just have to watch out for Kel. Me…I can take care of myself when it comes down to it.”


“Yeah, I saw how well you’ve done that.”


“Your back. It looks like something from a medieval torture dungeon.”


Chapter 9