XVI
Escape OneThe night was waning into the cooler pre-dawn hours as Campbell and Koko entered the kitchen. Koko stopped with a mixture of awe and amusement on his face when he spied the utter chaos in the kitchen.
“It's not usually this messy,” Campbell muttered with embarrassment. “Go on, take a look around.”
He went to the base of the stairs and called for Penelope to come down. Koko wandered into the peaceful living room still wearing an expression of wonder.
“It's a very nice place you have here, Burt,” Koko said as Campbell entered the room. “I envy you.”
“Thank you, Captain. It has been a haven for me up until now.”
He noticed Koko's intense brown eyes glance behind him, and turned to see Penelope coming down the stairs. “Penelope, you remember Captain Sinopa.”
“Certainly. C
