The river water was still a bit chilly in the early morning. Renee Morgan scooped up two handfuls, cleaned her face, and instantly felt much more awake. She wiped the water from her drowsy eyes and suddenly saw a reflection in the water—a figure with loosely curled long hair, a scruffy beard, and a fierce expression. She was so startled she nearly fell into the river.
When Renee got back, everyone else was already up. Lynn Miller was just about to head to the river to wash up, but Wendy Aldridge and Zara Chapman refused to go alone, insisting that Lionel Lincoln and Julian Prescott go with them. After some discussion, the whole group set out for the river in a big crowd.
Seeing Renee coming back, Lynn exaggeratedly widened her eyes, "Morgan, you got up this early and went to the river alone?"
