by James Hunt
It wasn't Senator Bryant before her or any of his creeps. She might not have been in such a bad place after all. She tried to speak, but barely had any voice left.
"You were really dehydrated, your voice is going to probably be out for a little bit," Julie continued.
"Where are we?" Samantha whispered in a raspy, barely audible voice.
Suddenly Jack entered the picture, standing next to Julie. He was a large, burly man with a woodsman's dark beard and wild, expressive blue eyes. He wore a thick plaid jacket, blue jeans and hiking boots. "You're in our underground hideout. Julie, here, brought us to you. Just in time too. You wouldn't have lasted another day," he said.
His wife, Cindy walked over to them and stood next to Jack. She was a lively middle-aged, fit woman, wearing several layers of clothing and thick plastic rain boots that went to her knees. She had a ski cap over her head, covering her thick blond hair. "At least now we can actually get you a good pair of shoes," she said.
Samantha reached out for Julie who hugged her in return. After they finished, Jack addressed Samantha with complete focus.
"We don't want to put too much on you right now. You get some rest and get better. Just want you to know that we're headed west soon. We're going to try for California. At least we'll find the ocean. Can't stay here too much longer, supplies are running out. You're welcome to what we have as long as we have it. And you and your daughter are welcome to come with us too. In fact, I'd insist on it. Just think about it, relax, and get better," Jack said with a pat on her knee.
Samantha smiled and shut her eyes.
"Okay," she said. "I will."
