After making sure that every bruise was covered with medicinal oil, Charlotte took a tissue to wipe her hands clean. She pulled down Jason's pant leg and restored it to its original state before she got up and said, "It's not very serious."

Jason looked down at the well-organized pant leg and said in a soft tone, "Thank you."

It was rare to hear him say thank you. Charlotte paused and teased half-jokingly, "I can't afford that, Mr. Langley. It's my job to do so."

Any ...