Stone Circle Poor unfortunate souls

Somehow, he'd expected more anger or protectivness from the mother. They'd never formally met, and he did not consider himself the sort that ought to be around children. Perhaps it was less apparent to others than it was to himself.

"No harm done," he said gruffly, feeling uncomfortable in the face of her vulnerability. Her thanks was unexpected and unwelcome, though he tried to bear it with dignity, since she seemed so put-upon. Didn't the poor woman have a man around? Someone to shoulder half the load?

Murdock didn't ask.

"Well, see ya, Blackie. Be a good girl for your mama," he said, subtly attempting to dismiss the pair. He didn't think he'd be able to walk without limping, and since he didn't want the mother to see that, he decided that they'd have to be the first to leave.