16
After four hours, Cole gave up attempting to sleep and climbed out of bed. Another shower, fresh clothes from the collection that he left at the ranch, and he arrived downstairs just as Donald poured water into the coffee maker.
“How’s the damage look this morning?” Cole asked by way of greeting his friend and substitute father.
Donald glanced at him, then grunted. “Just as we left it last night. How’s your mother?”
“Haven’t seen her yet this morning, but last night was one for confessions,” he said, sitting in one of the chairs that lined the breakfast bar.
Donald turned on the machine, then reached to retrieve a couple of travel mugs from the cupboard. “For you or for her?”
“Both. She told me what happened to cause her injuries. She was attacked.”
Donald leaned back against the
