He shook his head. “Knowing we’re headed back out there kept my mind spinning.”
“My stomach churned.” I sat next to him. “I was foolish thinking I’d never have to leave this place.”
He entwined his fingers with mine. “Someday we won’t have to.”
Unfortunately, today was not that day. I took a deep breath through my nose and exhaled slowly. “Partners, remember? No assignments or leaders.”
“I doubt you’ll get the others to stop looking at you as their leader.” His gaze searched my face. “But, I agree to be your partner. To make decisions with you.”
“Then, lets get the others.” I headed to the house and woke Gage and Kira. “Ready?”
“No,” they said in unison, getting out of bed.
“I could never be ready for this,” Gage said.
“Me either.” Kira hefted her pack on her shoulder.
We joined the men next to the wagons and put our packs on the ones with supplies. With serious expressions, we sheathed our swords, picked up our guns, and headed out, the wheels of the wagons less noisy on the dead leaves of the forest then they were on the potted streets of the city.
No one spoke. Anxiety hung like a cloud over us. A black bird squawked. I jumped, feeling a lot like I had when I’d jumped from the chopper that first day.
Fawke sent me a quick glance, then focused on the path in front of us. His features looked carved in stone, his brow furrowed.
One of the group behind us, cleared their throat.
At the forest edge, I called a halt. “I’ll take first watch.” Might as well get back into routine.
“I’ll join you.” Fawke stayed by my side.
I gazed across the wide meadow at the tops of the buildings rising in the distance. My stomach rebelled, and I vomited in the weeds.
“City of death, here we come,” Ezra muttered.
I couldn’t think of a better description for what waited ahead.
Don’t miss the next book, The Hunt, Coming Soon.
Website at www.cynthiahickey.com
Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey has sold close to a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters, and small writer retreats. She and her husband run the small press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona and Arkansas, becoming a snowbird, with her husband and one dog. She has ten grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.
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Enjoy other books by Cynthia Hickey
Fantasy
Fate of the Faes
Shayna
Deema
Kasdeya
The Tail Waggin’ Mysteries
Cat-Eyed Witness
The Dog Who Found a Body
Troublesome Twosome
Brothers Steele
Sharp as Steele
Carved in Steele
Forged in Steele
Brothers Steele (All three in one)
The Brothers of Copper Pass
Wyatt’s Warrant
Dirk’s Defense
Stetson’s Secret
Houston’s Hope
Dallas’s Dare
Seth’s Sacrifice
Malcolm’s Misunderstanding
Time Travel
The Portal
Tiny House Mysteries
No Small Caper
Caper Goes Missing
Caper Finds a Clue
Caper’s Dark Adventure
A Strange Game for Caper
Caper Steals Christmas
Caper Finds a Treasure
Wife for Hire – Private Investigators
Saving Sarah
Lesson for Lacey
Mission for Meghan
Long Way for Lainie
Aimed at Amy
Wife for Hire (all five in one)
A Hollywood Murder
Killer Pose, book 1
Killer Snapshot, book 2
Shoot to Kill, book 3
Kodak Kill Shot, book 4
To Snap a Killer
Hollywood Murder Mysteries
Shady Acres Mysteries
Beware the Orchids, book 1
Path to Nowhere
Poison Foliage
Poinsettia Madness
Deadly Greenhouse Gases
Vine Entrapment
CLEAN BUT GRITTY Romantic Suspense
Highland Springs
Murder Live
Say Bye to Mommy
To Breathe Again
Highland Springs Murders (all 3 in one)
Colors of Evil Series
Shades of Crimson
Coral Shadows
The Pretty Must Die Series
Ripped in Red, book 1
Pierced in Pink, book 2
Wounded in White, book 3
Worthy, The Complete Story
Lisa Paxton Mystery Series
Eenie Meenie Miny Mo
Jack Be Nimble
Hickory Dickory Dock
Secrets of Misty Hollow
Hearts of Courage
A Heart of Valor
The Game
Suspicious Minds
After the Storm
Local Betrayal
Overcoming Evil series
Mistaken Assassin
Captured Innocence
Mountain of Fear
Exposure at Sea
A Secret to Die for
Collision Course
Romantic Suspense of 5 books in 1
INSPIRATIONAL
Nosy Neighbor Series
Anything For A Mystery, Book 1
A Killer Plot, Book 2
Skin Care Can Be Murder, Book 3
Death By Baking, Book 4
Jogging Is Bad For Your Health, Book 5
Poison Bubbles, Book 6
A Good Party Can Kill You, Book 7 (Final)
Nosy Neighbor collection
Christmas with Stormi Nelson
The Summer Meadows Series
Fudge-Laced Felonies, Book 1
Candy-Coated Secrets, Book 2
Chocolate-Covered Crime, Book 3
Maui Macadamia Madness, Book 4
All four novels in one collection
The River Valley Mystery Series
Deadly Neighbors, Book 1
Advance Notice, Book 2
The Librarian’s Last Chapter, Book 3
All three novels in one collection
Historical cozy
Hazel’s Quest
Historical Romances
Runaway Sue
Taming the Sheriff
Sweet Apple Blossom
A Doctor’s Agreement
A Lady Maid’s Honor
A Touch of Sugar
Love Over Par
Heart of the Emerald
A Sketch of Gold
Her Lonely Heart
Finding Love the Harvey Girl Way
Cooking With Love
Guiding With Love
Serving With Love
Warring With Love
All 4 in 1
A Wild Horse Pass Novel
They Call Her Mrs. Sheriff, book 1 (A Western Romance)
Finding Love in Disaster
The Rancher’s Dilemma
The Teacher’s Rescue
The Soldier’s Redemption
Woman of courage Series
A Love For Delicious
Ruth’s Redemption
Charity’s Gold Rush
Mountain Redemption
Woman of Courage series (all four books)
Short Story Westerns
Desert Ros
e
Desert Lilly
Desert Belle
Desert Daisy
Flowers of the Desert 4 in 1
Contemporary
Romance in Paradise
Maui Magic
Sunset Kisses
Deep Sea Love
3 in 1
Finding a Way Home
Service of Love
Hillbilly Cinderella
Unraveling Love
I’d Rather Kiss My Horse
Christmas
Dear Jillian
Romancing the Fabulous Cooper Brothers
Handcarved Christmas
The Payback Bride
Curtain Calls and Christmas Wishes
Christmas Gold
A Christmas Stamp
Snowflake Kisses
Merry’s Secret Santa
A Christmas Deception
The Red Hat’s Club (Contemporary novellas)
Finally
Suddenly
Surprisingly
The Red Hat’s Club 3 – in 1
Short Story
One Hour (A short story thriller)
Whisper Sweet Nothings (a Valentine short romance)
The Wheel: A Young Adult Dystopian Novel (Nightfall Book 1) Page 15
