While Murdock and Declan were at the cart talking, Mei Lee took the opportunity to talk privately with Emily.
“Do you care for Declan?” Mei Lee asked.
“Very much,” Emily responded. “He listens when I talk and really cares about me. Something I haven’t had before.”
“He hasn’t had it either, I suspect,” Mei Lee informed. “From what I know, he’s had a very hard life, before coming here, and it made him tougher than he thinks. He has some issues, but then, who doesn’t? Did he tell you why he left us?”
“Yes, he did. He said he was angry with others and himself,” Emily said. She saw Mei Lee’s eyebrows rise.
“Then he’s learned to be honest with himself,” Mei Lee remarked.
* * * *
It had taken Murdock and Declan no time at all to set up a low tent and lay out the hides for sleeping. Murdock
