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

Snap was pissing and moaning about his best shirt being ruined. Since it was torn and bloody, he had reason to. Kel’s shirt hadn’t fared much better so they both stripped them off, revealing darkening bruises on their chests and shoulders.


“At least we got our licks in too,” Kel said with a pained smile.


Josie grinned suddenly, eying the guys. “Four shirtless men. If I had a camera…”


“Yeah, well you don’t, and we have more important things to worry about than you taking cheesecake pictures,” Rudy said tightly. “Like getting moved to somewhere else. They may not have followed you here, but now they know for sure we’re in the area. They’re not going to stop looking for Kel and Ter.”


“Shit,” Terry muttered. “Look, guys, there’s no sense in you giving up this place because of us. We’ll pack our stuff and—” he frowned in dismay at the idea, “—find somewhere else to crash.”


Chapter 27