Jennifer ignored the question and stole across the property to the car where she eased inside. Buckling the seat belt, she slid down in the seat to be inconspicuous. Max tossed the gear into the back seat and got in. He held the steering wheel for a bit and glared at her but Jenn studiously stared at the prairie outside the window.Finally she spoke,<br/><br/>"At the next town, we need to stop at WalMart. I will go in and buy you a hoodie."<br/><br/>When he protested, she looked point blank at his blood soaked jacket.<br/><br/>"Yeah, like we can stop at Starbucks with that gaping hole in your clothes."<br/><br/>He frowned but nodded.<br/><br/>"Look Max, I really think I'm going to get you in real trouble. I'm jail bait. under age. I have crossed several state lines by myself and now you are going to be an accessory. The FBI could be asked to get involved. although I seriously doubt those guys back in Arkansas were Feds."<br/><br/>He slapped the steering wheel as they were merging into traffic.<br/><br/>Jennifer sighed.<br/>"I'm 16. I've lived in foster homes since I was 8. Not a good place. Okay. Just drop that subject. Last summer I just walked away. I'm going to find my mom. I heard she lives in Washington State. I know it is a long way but I have to find her. She needs me. I know she does. She loves me and I remember her. She cried when she left me with the state. I found out recently that she is not well and where she lives. I know she needs me. I can feel it."<br/><br/>Her breath was coming in gasps and she didn't realize that she had a white knuckled grip on the door grip.<br/><br/>"I don't understand the guns and the scary dudes. but I'm going across country to find my mom, if it kills me. I don't care. I don't care. there is nothing in my life that even matters. I'm going. I'm tired of being unloved."