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

“Yeah, I agree, but it’s still the reality of the situation. So anyway, he suggested I talk to a guy named Andy at The Covey.” Rudy wrinkled his nose. “Lousy name for a drop-in place as far as I’m concerned but hey, who am I to say. Anyway, The Covey’s new, which is why I never heard of it. The guy, Andy, opened it in what used to be his folks’ house, just off West Colfax.”


“How did he feel about an outreach program?”


“Fuck, he’s all for it. This is one dedicated dude, Ter. Problem is, he’s got the ideas and the set-up’s pretty decent, but getting the word out to the kids that The Covey exists isn’t happening, he said.”


“Maybe because it’s not in the downtown area?”


“Yeah, that’s what I was thinking and I told him so. Still, like he pointed out, it’s real close to a couple of bus lines. Anyway, I suggested him and I spend the night seeing if we could find kids who need what he’s offering.”


“Clothes, food, a warm place during the day?”


Chapter 56