“Say hi to Uncle Hudson,” she said.
“Hi, Uncle Hudson.”
“Hey, Zak.” Hudson held his hand out for a formal shake. “Very pleased to meet you. What’d you think of California so far?”
“It has a beach. I never been to the beach.”
“You live next to one now.” Hudson smiled and stood to his full height.
“I really won’t be in your way for long, honestly. I just need a place to stay for a few nights, and—”
“You stay as long as you want, doll. In fact, you’re doing me a favor. The place was sitting empty, a magnet for squatters. You can keep an eye on it for me.”
She glanced at Jayden. He didn’t look any worse for wear from spending the night outside.
The right side of his mouth twisted into a half grin, and he rubbed his darkly prickled chin. His eyes flashed, and she wondered what he was thinking.
No doubt he was eager to get back home to his biker chick.
Does she look like this one?
“Hi, I’m Brooklyn.” The woman stepped deeper into the house and set the garbage bag on the low table beside the sofa. “And I heard you folks needed some clothes.”
“Clothes.” Tammy eyed the bag. “Yes, we could do with a few things, but—”
“So that’s what you’ve got.” Brooklyn dug in and pulled out a small pair of gray joggers. After eyeing them and Zak, she nodded and set them on the table. “Should fit.”
Next came a small red t-shirt with a picture of a rocket on the front.
“Is that for me?” Zak asked.
“Sure, honey, d’you like it?” She held it out for him.
“Rockets are my favorite.” He took it with a grin. “Can I put it on, Mommy?”
“I think that would be a good idea as your sweater is backward.”
He pulled at his sweater then huffed in frustration when he couldn’t get it off quickly enough.
“Hey, hey.” Jayden stooped at his side. “Let me help.”
“And this.” Brooklyn held up a black leather jacket with an American flag badge sewn onto the right upper arm. “Yeah, that should do you. Gal’s gotta have a jacket.”
“I … thank you. What do I owe you?”
“Nothing.” Brooklyn flicked her hand. “The girls at the compound had a quick root around their old stuff. Everyone has a few bits in the wardrobe that never get worn and are waiting to be thrown out. So here you go.”
“That’s so kind.” Her eyes pricked at the thought of people who didn’t even know her finding her clothes.
“It’s called looking out for each other. It’s what we do.” Brooklyn withdrew a plain black t-shirt, then a white tank top with a rose on the front. After that, denim shorts and a pair of navy pants with an elastic waist. “Might not be the height of fashion or what you’d usually wear, but…”
“We’re grateful for anything.” Tammy paused. “All we have is what we’re wearing.”
Hudson folded his arms. “How’d you get the money for the fare?”
“I’ve been putting a few dollars aside, here and there, for the last few months. Any more than that and he would’ve noticed.”
Hudson nodded.