Katelina thought it best to call her mother before Jorick had time to back out. The only problem was that he didn't have a phone. She sensed his reluctance when he admitted that Loren had one. It was only a short walk to his house and, though Loren had already left, they could get inside.
She bundled up in a too-big black coat and pulled her stocking hat firmly over her head. With a resigned sigh, Jorick led her through the front door and out into the night. White snowflakes swirled and danced on the winter wind, but they failed to impress. In November, the first flakes had been something to stand and stare at. In early December they were a tiresome symbol of cold.
Jorick and Katelina trudged across the overgrown yard towards the beach and then through a stand of dark trees. She let him
