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the lodge. It contained a scarred wood desk, two chairs, one of which wobbled on unsteady legs, and a file cabinet. Brief histories on each camper were kept in its one locking drawer.
    Morgan did paperwork by lantern light. Someday, he thought, he’d probably go blind from the strain, but watching the changes taking place in his charges was easily worth the sacrifice. The smiles and sounds of laughter kept him coming back every year.
    He sealed an envelope, stuck a stamp on the front and thought about calling his parents. After their recent visit to Portland, they’d gone home via Highway 101 down the Oregon coast.
    He glanced at his watch, surprised at the time. His parents turned in early and rose with the dawn for an early walk, so maybe he’d call tomorrow instead.
    Pushing back his chair, he stretched his arms overhead to ease the kinks. In the morning he was taking the older boys on a hike. If he was lucky, none of them would try sneaking a smoke. Summer forest fires were always a danger. Camp rules about contraband were strictly enforced, bags searched upon arrival and violators sent home early. Despite every precaution, the stuff still found its way in. Kids thought they could outwit the grown-ups.
    Morgan got to his feet and bent from the waist,letting his arms hang limp. As the blood rushed to his head, he peered between his bare legs and saw two feet in sturdy shoes appear in the doorway.
    â€œYou busy?” asked a familiar female voice.
    â€œJust hanging around,” he quipped before straightening back up and turning around. His face felt hot.
    â€œHa ha,” Emma said dryly, but at least she smiled.
    â€œCome on in,” he invited, tugging at the hem of his shirt.
    He was pleased with the job she’d been doing. Not only did she appear to fit in easily with the other adults, but her warm manner seemed to endear her to many of the children, as well. She had brought up a few of her concerns during staff meetings, but this was the first time she had sought Morgan out alone.
    â€œAm I interrupting?” She held up two mugs. “I brought you some decaf, black with one sugar.”
    She handed it to him as he pulled out a chair.
    â€œI’ve just finished,” he replied, flattered that she had noticed his preference. “Have a seat.”
    For a moment they studied each other silently as they blew on their steaming mugs. There was a line he didn’t cross when it came to female co-workers, either here or at the agency, but the tug of attraction he felt toward Emma was persistent despite his attempts to ignore it.
    He couldn’t help but wonder what she was thinking.
    â€œHave you gotten anywhere with Heather?” he asked. The young teen’s file indicated that a temporary placement had recently gone sour and she’d been sent back into foster care. Emma was concerned that she might be anorexic.
    â€œShe doesn’t eat much,” Emma replied. “I know it’s the style to be thin, but she seems so withdrawn. Franny’s keeping an eye on her, but I’m thinking about sending a report to Heather’s caseworker when we get back. I’m not an expert, though. What do you think?”
    â€œThat would be appropriate,” Morgan replied.
    Despite her obvious concern, Emma’s eyes glowed with enthusiasm when she talked about a couple of the other campers. “Emily and Petie seem to have bonded. Petie makes friends easily and she draws shy Emily along with her.”
    â€œI’m glad you came with us this year,” Morgan blurted, trying not to stare at her soft lips. Realizing that she might take his remark personally, he quickly added, “You’re great with the kids and you work hard.”
    â€œThanks, boss,” she replied, smiling widely as though they were sharing a joke. “Sounds like I can count on you for a good recommendation.”
    â€œIs that why you’re here?” he asked, sipping his