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

“Where did he get you?” Kel asked at the same time, obviously looking for the source of the blood staining Terry’s shirt.


“That’s his,” Terry panted with a slight grin. “All I ended up with is the beginnings of a bad headache. Using my head worked, but damn…”


“You did good,” Rudy said, patting Terry’s shoulder. “We all did, all things considered.”


“Does this happen often,” Terry asked. “And where did the pipes come from?”


“We carry them, just in case. I guess we should get you and Kel some too. As for your other question, it doesn’t happen often and usually when it does it’s other kids wanting money, or freaks who get off on beating up the homeless.”


Kel hissed in a dismayed breath. “That sucks.”


“No shit,” Rudy agreed, “but it’s part of the life we live. Also one of the reasons Snap and Josie and I don’t go into alleys if we can help it. They can be deathtraps at times.”


Chapter 12