Perlita stayed quiet, looking fearfully behind them as they traveled, drawing her legs to her chest and holding them tightly as she tried to soothe her tormented nerves. Her companion was no help, making it clear to her that his assistance was reluctant and any conversation would not be offered amicably. Several hours later, they pulled up to a majestic old farm house, with a front yard filled with big, blooming roses and trellises heavy with ivy.“Where are we?” she asked, following him out without invitation.Hank glowered at her. “This is my grandmother’s house. You best be respectful of her and keep that mouth of yours quiet. She doesn’t need to know the kind of mess you’re in, got it? She will just worry and then try to interfere. The woman does not know how to mind her own beeswax and it always brings about a headache for me.”Perlita simply nodded as she followed him inside the quaintly decorated old house. He walked into the sitting room and kissed the old lady who sat bundled in a rocking chair.“I’m back, Nana.
