“That’s cheating,” Krista said, gasping for air as she peered back at the stairs for a moment, just as the top of Zimmer’s head came into view.
“Cheating? How do you figure?”
“You ran.”
Summer shrugged, feeling damn proud to have finally beaten Krista at something. “I don’t remember anyone mentioning any rules.”
“Well, there were. You saw me.”
“That walk-thing you were doing—that was your choice. Not mine.”
Krista shook her head, still struggling for air. “Not cool, Summer. Not cool at all.”
“Don’t take it so personally. It’s not like that race was planned or anything. It just happened.”
“Still,” Krista said as Zimmer trotted in, his old man knees making his steps ragged and uneven. The noise his mouth made as he gasped for air reminded Summer of a freight train engine chugging away.
His cheeks beamed red, with sweat streaming from his forehead as if he’d sprung a leak. He put his hands on his knees and bent over with his head angled up, maintaining eye contact. A few beats later, his knees went into a tremor and his face turned a pale white.
“You okay?” Summer asked, wondering if the man was about to pass out. Or worse.
“I’m fine,” he said between deep, powerful breaths. “Just need a minute. Old bones and all. Been a while, you know.”
Yeah, like forever, is what Summer wanted to say. “Sorry about that but we were in a hurry.”
“I get that, but next time, how about a little warning?” Zimmer said, his words puffed with extra air. He pointed at the back of the truck. “Go on. Get to it. I’ll be fine.”
Krista took another few gulps of air, then pulled her sidearm and began to circle the vehicle, bending low and inspecting the undercarriage.
Summer turned and tore open the tarp on the back of the truck, then hopped in and scanned for clues. The area was how she remembered, except for a strip of cloth and a coil of paracord in the corner closest to the driver’s seat.
There were also red stains dotting the steel surface below her feet. It was blood, most of it belonging to Edison, pooling where his body had lain covered. The rest was from the dog and the prisoners, based on the locations of each.
There was, however, one smear of red that was out of place—to her right. It was higher up on the vertical framework supporting the canopy.
She ran a finger across the metal strut, feeling a rough spot. The protrusion held a sharp edge along its top, from a poorly-finished weld. She leaned in and inspected the defect, realizing someone had repaired the framework, welding in a new piece and not grinding it as smoothly as it should have been done.
There wasn’t anything else of interest, so Summer slid out of the truck and planted her feet in the dirt, landing about the same time as Krista finished her exterior vehicle sweep.
“Well?” Zimmer asked both of them in a breathy voice, the color in his face back to normal.
“Not sure,” Summer said, still working through the facts in her brain.
Krista pointed at the driver’s side door. “There are some footprints leading away. Bare ones. They start near the gas tank.”
“That’s where she must have dropped down,” Summer said.
“From above or below the truck?” Zimmer asked.
“Could be either,” Krista added, aiming her finger at the side of the barn. “The tracks lead to the door from there.”
“She obviously hid when Horton and Lipton got out,” Summer said. “Otherwise the guards would have seen her.”
“How?” Zimmer asked.
Summer thought for a moment before responding, aiming her thumb at the back of the truck. “I found her blindfold inside. She must have worked it loose like some kind of magician.”
“Probably used her toes,” Krista said in a matter-of-fact tone. “Should’ve bound her feet as well. That one’s on me.”
Summer shook her head. “I don’t think so. I found some blood on a sharp weld. She must have used it to cut the rope from her hands, then pulled the blindfold off.”
Krista shook her head. “Actually, it was just the opposite. She used her toes to remove the blindfold, then cut the paracord on the metal. She had to see the bad weld first, in order to use it.”
“Still doesn’t explain how she got out without anyone seeing her,” Zimmer said.
“What about Stuart’s body?” Summer asked Krista, remembering the camo-colored tarp they used to cover his body.
Krista paused, then said, “She must have hidden under the tarp right before my men got there to escort Lipton and Horton, then slipped out later when nobody was looking. There was plenty of time before anyone came back for the body.”
“Clever girl,” Summer said, seeing a virtual replay in her mind. It showed Helena’s steps one by one.
First, her toes removing the blindfold. Then scrambling to the weld and using it to slice the rope free, before tucking herself under the edge of the tarp, hiding her skinny frame between Edison’s corpse and the edge of the truck bed.
If the tarp was angled out and held loose, it would have appeared natural to the guards, while their attention was elsewhere, helping a blindfolded Lipton and Horton out of the truck.
Summer had experienced her share of amazing escapes over the years, but nothing like what Helena had done. The Scab Girl had skills. Just as Horton had said. Unfortunately.
“It’s time to send out a search party,” Zimmer said in a sharp tone. “She could be anywhere by now.”
Krista put her pistol into its holster. “Couldn’t have gotten that far, Rod. Not barefoot over uneven ground and not in this cold. I’m thinking a five-mile search grid ought to do it.”
“Maybe we shouldn’t assume anything at this point,” Summer said.
Zimmer nodded. “I agree.”
“Okay,” Krista answered. “Let’s make it ten. We’ll need to draft some volunteers to help.”
CHAPTER 11
“Please, Krista,” Summer yelled out, pushing her legs into a trot down the neon green corridor that connected the command center to the old missile bay.
Krista stopped ten feet ahead and turned, her cheeks filling with red. “For the last time, I said, no.”
Summer caught up and stood a foot in front of her. “Come on, I really need to do this. The only reason she escaped is because I talked you into bringing her back here. That was my mistake. I should be the one to go out there and make it right.”
“We’ve already talked about it and nothing you say is going to change my mind,” Krista said, turning to resume her fast-walk.
Summer grabbed her shoulder and spun her around. “What if I made it a direct order, like before, on the road?”
“Oh, you mean that order that took us right into an ambush?”
“Yeah, that one. You had to listen to me, right? Even if it was wrong?”
“Not this time, Summer. All security decisions regarding Nirvana are my sole responsibility. Even you can’t override them. That’s how Edison wanted it.”
“Yeah, well, Edison’s not here now, is he?”
“Still, the rules are the rules. We all follow them or we have chaos. Even you don’t want chaos, do you?”
“No, of course not, but—”
“Well, then, there you go. Issue settled.”
“What if you and I changed the rules? We could do that, right? If we really wanted to?”
Krista stood there blinking and didn’t respond.
Summer continued. “I mean, who’s going to stop us? Really?”
“No. That’s never going to happen. Like I said before, the rules are the rules and what happens security-wise around here is up to me.”
“Well, technically, the mission is going to be outside the silo. So that means it’s my decision. Like before, right?”
“Not when it comes to sending our search parties. I alone am responsible for who goes and who stays. Same with guard rotations, security perimeters, patr
ols, armaments, disciplinary actions, and Seeker Missions. We all have a job to do. Yours is here, as the new leader. Where it’s safe.”
“But what if I decide to go anyway? What are you going to do about it? Throw me in the brig with those other two?”
“If I have to, I will. But you’re not coming with us. That’s final.”
“You don’t seem to understand that I have way more experience out there than you do. You need me. You really do. You heard Horton. That girl is like a ninja. She’s going to be tough to bring in.”
“Trust me, we can handle her, regardless of her supposed skills.”
“But what if there are more of them?”
“Scab Girls?”
“Yes, girls—well, I don’t know. Maybe the men, too. You know, another attack. You’re going to need more help.”
“That’s exactly why you need to stay right here. I’m not losing another leader on my watch. This is the safest place for you. End of discussion.”
“I get that, but what if you’re wrong?”
“You’re the leader now, Summer. Your duty is here,” Krista said, pointing at the south wall of the silo. “Mine is out there, looking for the escaped prisoner. We all know what will happen if Fletcher finds her first.”
“What if I don’t want to be the new leader? Ever think of that?”
“It’s what Edison wanted. You know the Rules of Succession as well as I do.”
Summer held back a wince when a sharp pain slammed into the center of her chest. It was followed by a tingle across her skin—a cold, clammy sensation, like she had just been caught stealing money from her mother’s purse. “I don’t think I’m cut out for any of this. You’d be a way better leader. Maybe you should take over? Let me go back to being a Seeker. I’m good at that.”
Krista put her palms on Summer’s shoulders, squeezing gently. “You’ll do fine, Summer. I have every confidence in you.”
“Yeah, you say that now. But what if—”
Krista shook her head, not letting her finish the sentence. “—Edison wouldn’t have put you in charge if he didn’t think you were ready.”
“Well, I’m not ready. In fact, I’m scared to death. Everywhere I look I see people staring at me. Even the kids. What if I screw up and someone gets hurt? How am I supposed to live with that?”
“Trust me. You are ready.”
“How can you say that? You wanted to have me banned from Nirvana.”
“A lot has happened between then and now.”
“And that makes a difference?”
“Yes, it does.”
“Bullshit.”
“Look, I’ve been doing this a long time. All you need to do is stop dwelling on the fear and put on your big girl pants. You’re a smart girl. You’ll figure it out. The people of Nirvana need a strong, confident leader.”
“See, that’s the problem. I’m not that person.”
“Of course you are. You’re one of the strongest people I know, even though you can be a little snot sometimes, and a bit selfish.”
“Not exactly the qualities of a great leader, now are they?”
“But you have the kind of bravery that most only dream of.”
Summer pinched her eyes and didn’t respond. The comment caught her off guard, especially coming from her number one nemesis. It was tough to accept that an enemy could turn it all around in an instant like Krista had done.
Krista continued. “How many times have you gone out there, unarmed and alone, and run into trouble?”
Summer shrugged, running a quick count in her head. The number was larger than she cared to admit. “I don’t know, kind of lost track.”
“That’s exactly what I mean. Going out there, mission after mission, knowing that you’ll probably end up risking your life for nothing more than a can of soup.”
“Actually, it was two cans of soup.”
“Exactly. That takes a special kind of bravery. The kind that makes a great leader. One who’s willing to put her ass on the line for others.”
“I guess I never looked at it that way.”
“Like I said before, you can do this. Just give yourself time to settle in and get a handle on things.”
Summer took in another breath, but didn’t respond.
“If we change things up again now, this place will fall apart. People need consistency, Summer, even in the face of tragedy. Trust me. I’ve got your back, no matter what happens. But you need to step up. I can’t do that for you.”
Summer paused, feeling some of the tension in her chest fade. “Okay, I’ll try.”
“The number one thing is you can never let anyone see that you’re the least bit hesitant. They have to know you’re in charge, every step of the way. Can you do that? Please? For everyone’s sake, especially the kids.”
Summer nodded, though her heart wanted her to run to the surface and go hide in her favorite bookstore across the No-Go Zone. “I’ll do my best.”
“Everyone around here knows that you and I haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, but deep down, I know you can do this. You have to. You just need to believe in yourself. Like I do.”
“Thanks, I appreciate that.”
“If they see us standing side by side as a team, in total agreement, they will believe in us. And that’s what matters. They must trust us and know we will keep them safe, no matter what.”
“You’re right. A united front type thing.”
“Precisely.”
“Okay. I can do this. I think.”
“Oh, and while I’m gone, you need to go have a talk with Liz.”
“About what?”
“I’m not at liberty to say. But it’s important. She’s been waiting to speak to you ever since we got back.”
Summer didn’t like the tone of those comments, but she wasn’t about to show it. Not after Krista’s speech about stepping up. “Sure, I’ll head to medical next.”
“Actually, she’s in the brig.”
“Patching up the prisoners?”
Krista nodded. “You also need to get your speech ready. It’s time to bring everyone up to speed. I’m sure the rumor mill is working overtime. The citizens of Nirvana will need answers.”
“All right. I’ll work on it. When do you think you’ll be back?”
“Not sure. Depends on how well the tracks hold up. The wind is whipping around pretty good out there.”
“Okay, but be extra careful. I need you back here in one piece. I can’t do this alone.”
“I will. That’s my job,” Krista said. “So now I have to ask the hard question. What if the fugitive won’t come in peacefully? What am I authorized to do?”
Summer thought about it for a moment, then felt a sudden rush of confidence as the answer became clear in her mind. “Put her down. Our people come first. We can’t let Fletcher get his hands on her.”
“Now that’s the mark of a good leader. Making the tough decisions. Most could never do that.”
Summer nodded. She was starting to believe.
Krista continued. “You just need to accept your new role and grab it with both hands.”
Summer smiled, appreciating the woman’s support. “Maybe you should think about taking Horton along, like he suggested. If Helena really does trust him—”
“Already ahead of you. Decided that ten minutes ago.”
“Good, do whatever it takes to complete the mission,” Summer said as the pain in her chest vanished.
“Roger that, boss.”
CHAPTER 12
Dice waited to speak until Fletcher was done stuffing a high-capacity magazine with three more 7.62 caliber bullets, clicking the rounds in one at a time with a press of his thumb. “Finished our search, sir.”
Fletcher spun the magazine around in his hand and put it on top of another six that Dice assumed he’d already checked.
His boss then picked up a fixed-blade knife from the table and stuck it into a sheath next to it. There were three more Ka-bars like it sitting side-
by-side, each nestled into their sheaths as well. “It better be good news.”
“It’s not.”
“Damn it! Doc has to be here, somewhere. Did you check his quarters?”
“Just came from there. Nobody has seen him since about the time we went to the monthly meet.”
“Is he AWOL or did something happen to him?”
“AWOL, most likely. His travel pack is missing and so is his fedora.”
Fletcher nodded as if he expected that answer. “He never goes anywhere without that stupid thing.”
“Found some empty hangers in his closet. Must have slipped out while we were away.”
“Slipped out to where?”
Dice shrugged, wishing he had better intel. “Good question. It’s not like he can survive out there on his own.”
“Hell, he can barely survive in here.”
Dice laughed, but didn’t respond.
Fletcher shook his head, his lips in a thin line. “What the hell was he thinking?”
Dice took that question as rhetorical, deciding to deliver the next bit of news instead. “Armory reports a handgun is missing. Plus a box of hollow points.”
“Lipton?”
“That’s my guess. Though I’m not sure he knows how to shoot.”
“What about the refinery? And the vehicle mods?”
“Jeeps are done, but the refinery is still offline.”
“Shit.”
“Do you think that’s why he took off?”
“To avoid fixing it?”
Dice raised an eyebrow. “Or because he couldn’t fix it. He had to know Frost wouldn’t have put up with any more delays.”
“That would explain his sudden disappearance.”
Dice agreed. “He certainly was acting a little more squirrely than normal right before we left. He must have been planning his exit for a while.”
Fletcher shook his head, looking as though he was ready to pummel someone. “That’s why the threat of a knife is the wrong motivator, Dice.”
“Couldn’t agree more, boss.”
“Men make mistakes. There has to be some leeway on occasion. Otherwise, this shit happens.”
“Plus, Frost hated that guy,” Dice said.
Fletcher smirked. “Who didn’t?”
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