Charlisse lifted her gaze to the giggling girl perched on the bed in Merrick's cabin. Isabel's cheeks had regained a rosy color, and her laughter settled over Charlisse like a warm blanket. She had not heard her laugh before, and her sweet chuckle, accompanied by a flash of pearly teeth, lifted Charlisse's spirits.

She finished buckling her belt. "And what is so funny?"

Isabel giggled again. "You should see yourself."

Charlisse glanced down at the baggy canvas ...