by Angela White
No one argued. It had been that way, off and on, since the war. They were getting used to it.
7
“The boss wants us to talk.”
Nancy peered up from her cup of oatmeal. “I’m surprised she sent you.”
“So am I.” Adrian sat down in the chair across from her, not sure why he’d been sent. Having a conversation with Nancy after leaving the cubby had been on his schedule, but that was it.
Nancy waited for him to speak. Around them, the mess was deserted other than Britani and Gus’s brothers. They were preparing for the next meal.
Adrian studied Nancy, assuming Angela wanted him to figure out what the problem was. As far as he knew, there wasn’t one.
Growing bored, Nancy’s mind began to roam. That was happening to her a lot lately and she didn’t know what to do about it. She wasn’t having bad dreams and she didn’t believe mountain sickness existed. Guilt was her problem.
“What do you have to be guilty about?”
Nancy flinched. “Shane.”
In that moment, Adrian thought he understood why Angela had sent him. Nancy was having trouble adjusting to Shane’s death and Angela knew that Nancy and Adrian had shared moments together. She had sent someone that the woman might consider a friend. “Would you like to discuss it?”
Nancy shrugged. “If Angela sent you, I don’t have a choice.”
Adrian wanted to rub Nancy’s hand as a wave of her guilt rushed over him, but he was afraid that it would be crossing a line. He wasn’t sure how close Nancy had been to Shane. “Did you love him?”
“I don’t even miss him.”
Now Adrian understood the guilt.” How long was your relationship?”
Nancy scowled. “We only flirted a couple times, but shouldn’t I at least care that I lost a friend and a fellow Eagle?”
“How do you know you don’t?”
Nancy regarded him pointedly.
Adrian caught the desire and put the pieces together. “You want a physical relationship again.”
She flushed. “I want a few dozen orgasms and then a baby.”
Adrian stored that information. “If you and Shane weren’t bonded, there’s nothing to be guilty about. Even if you were, Shane was a good guy. He wouldn’t want you to be alone.”
She studied Adrian. “I feel bad because he hated you and I don’t. I feel guilty because he’s dead and I’m just glad it wasn’t you. I feel awful because I only want it from you.”
Adrian hadn’t realized Nancy felt that way about him. He wasn’t sure what to say.
“I’m not in love with you or anything, but I like you.” She lowered her voice “We used to spend time together. Special time, if you know what I mean.”
Adrian chuckled. “Yeah, baby, I do.”
“I miss being able to spend an hour with you, or any guy for that matter, but it feels like I should be in mourning for Shane.”
“We should be living.” Adrian met her eye, oozing charm. “After we leave this mountain, you and I could resume spending time together if you’re not afraid that those moments with a traitor will hurt you.”
Nancy snorted. “You’re no more a traitor than I am.”
Adrian would have kissed her right then if not for their audience.
Nancy knew. She ducked her chin to break the intense contact. “Not here.”
Adrian understood she meant the mountain. He stood up, not wanting to hurt her by spending more time with her. “I’m gonna hold you to that.”
Nancy refused to look up. “The first night we’re out of here, schedule me an hour or two.”
“You got it, sweetheart.”
Adrian was smiling as he exited the mess. He had no doubts about where Angela would spend the first night out of this hellhole and he hadn’t been anticipating being alone. Now, he wouldn’t be.
It never occurred to Adrian that Angela had sent him to Nancy instead of anyone else for that reason.
It was the first conclusion that Nancy came to after Adrian left.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Someone’s Cow
1
“Open the door.”
Theo limped aside at Marc’s order so that his crew could do it. The constant use of his crippled leg since the earthquake had done two things for Theo. He’d never been in this much discomfort in his life. He’d also regained some of the use of his leg. He could almost put his foot down flat now. The result was a man determined to keep using it until it healed or he died from the pain.
Cold air flew into the passage as the door was shoved open, bringing shivers and the sound of zippers being drawn up as far as they would go. It was a grim reminder of what the leaving people were about to face.
“Five minutes.” Marc climbed to the exit. Bundled in more gear than he felt he needed, he took up a post.
Next to him, Adrian and Kenn did the same. Angela had sent all of them to monitor the entrance into their den. She’d also insisted on their thickest armor and a five-minute window. Her request (demand) had shaken the men a bit. It kept them searching for problems outside the cave instead of listening to the drama happening inside it.
“Kendle said they went southwest. Seth is from Arizona. Maybe they’re hunting for his daughter. Eventually, we’ll meet up.” Doug lifted a bushy brow at Jeff. “Right?”
Glad to be leaving again so soon, Jeff pulled on his pack. “Sounds good to me. If we hear anything, we might be able to narrow it down.”
Allan tugged more gloves over the two pair he was already wearing. “We’ll check in once a week.”
Doug made sure the boys were bundled up. Roy and Romeo were bouncing around in excitement, eager to be out of the mountain. Doug understood. He’d almost died here. It was more than time to go.
Doug placed Roy in Allan’s arms, who tickled the boy.
Romeo took Allan’s other hand, as he’d been instructed to do.
Jeff took the lead. They had to secure the vehicle, start and load it, then get out of the valley–all without drawing unwanted attention. Jeff had his rifle in hand. He and Kevin had spotted enough refugees while climbing to know there were random pockets all over these cliffs.
Doug shook Marc’s hand, nodding to Kenn and Adrian. “May God go with you.”
Marc slapped Doug on his shoulder, hard, but the big man didn’t budge. “Hurry back. We need you for Eagle training.”
Laughing, Doug marched off into the night. Doug and his group were wearing thick coats and layers of guilt. It was clear that they felt bad for leaving.
Their guards didn’t give them a hard time. They’d been told not to hassle any of the runaways and that included people from their camp. Still, it was hard to let Doug and Allan go when the two men were so dependable for everything that the Eagles needed. A little bit of hope for the future went with them.
A small group of sentries followed to provide security for the group. It was tense and cold, with boot steps crunching as the loudest noise. Above them, a moonless sky forced the use of remaining flashlights. Jeff had told Marc they could get by without an escort, but he was glad that Angela had insisted. It was dark and too quiet out here. Jeff could feel eyes on them. “Let’s make this quick.”
“Hand over the keys and food!”
Jeff glowered at the ragged band of refugees who came from between the dark, cold vehicles. “Leave and I won’t kill you.”
The man in the front lifted his gun.
Jeff raised his rifle and began pulling the trigger. He assumed Eagles were joining him, but he didn’t need the help against this group. His gift was holding them in place, unable to duck his rage.
When Jeff stopped firing, the men behind him hurried forward to make sure the attack was over even though they knew it was. The Eagles needed this practice for their own bugout. None of them flashed glares at Jeff or called him a freak as they went by. These were Angela’s men and they had accepted magic in their midst.
Some of us are also descendants.
Jeff regarded Brandon in surprise. Over all the time they’d fought together, Jeff hadn’t suspected.
Brandon grinned. Then I’ve done a good job at blending in like Adrian told me to do when I joined Safe Haven.
Are you safe to be coming out now?
Adrian cleared me today. Hasn’t told me why I had to hide, but it feels good not to have to do it anymore.
Same here, though I didn’t know until recently. Good luck.
Same to you. Jeff looted the first body and didn’t bother with the rest. It looked as if the small family had been starving. They had no loot.
Jeff slid into the cold truck they’d been given and stuck the key in the ignition. As it fired up and he adjusted the heat and seat, Jeff thought about staying. It was a brief second that implied he would miss the companionship of real men and the comforts of a home. Then it passed with a flash of Crista falling from the metal cart.
Jeff slammed the door and switched on the radio.
Doug got the boys settled and hurried in with them.
Allan filled the passenger seat, waving, and then they were gone.
The Eagle team lingered for a moment as the taillights faded and then switched off.
“Will we see them again?”
Daryl shrugged. “What would the boss say?”
The entire crew mimicked her as they returned to the trio of guards at the entrance.
“That has not been revealed.”
Laughter rolled across the valley, but it wasn’t enough to lift the curse. The mountains glowed in dangerous anger as the tunnel was resealed. Darkness was everywhere except one corner of a jagged cliff right above the door. A small campfire burned in simmering resentment, keeping a single form alive inside a stolen tent. The man, with one gun and four bullets, was waiting for dawn.
2
“You told her we’re low, right?” Adrian had to ask.
Kenn was asleep on his feet again. “She said the camp needs the water now, to pass out a snack and be generous on the H20.”
“She’s the boss.” Adrian wrote it down, aware of the chatter in the mess around them. It almost sounded like the old Safe Haven. Everyone’s mood was better now that they weren’t trapped.
“The door is shut and locked, and has three guards. We’ll also have a roaming patrol check it hourly, along with the top corridor exit, even though we know it’s blocked.”
Adrian made more notes and signaled for Kenn to keep going. “As soon as we’re done here, you can sleep.”
“Awesome. Uh, no trouble with Jimmy’s people, but all overnight sentries have orders to eliminate threats. Straight from Marc.”
“That should keep them in line.”
“I believe so. We’ve had radios on for hours, but there hasn’t been another broadcast from Market Town. Angela believes they’re keeping off the waves so their bosses don’t discover their loss. She said to use your best judgment there, but she plans to hit hard and travel south within a few days. She wants you to adjust for anything she hasn’t counted on.”
“I’ll go over it with Marc in the morning.” Adrian took the sheet of paper that presumably held Angela’s next battle plan. “You scan it?”
“Not this time. Too tired.”
“Fair enough. What’s next?”
“All of the Runaways are dead or gone. We searched the bottom floor a couple of hours ago, against Jimmy’s wishes. The entire cave is secure, as far as we know.”
“We still have a lot of restless souls in here.”
Kenn scanned the mess that held no less than fifty people. “They’d be this way even if Kevin and Tommy weren’t trying to outdo each other with tall tales.”
Adrian grunted. “What I’ve heard so far hasn’t been stretched much. Someone will have to teach them how to lie.”
Kenn chuckled, agreeing. It sounded as if both groups hadn’t had an easy time of it on their own.
Gus came over to the table with two mugs that steamed. “Ready for fresh?”
“Oh, yeah!” Adrian traded his cold cup for the hot one. “Thanks.”
Gus took his tray to the next table while Kenn sniffed his cup with a grin. “Only a few things in the world smell as good as a cup of coffee.”
Adrian chuckled. He could name the top four and coffee wasn’t on that list. “We done?”
Kenn skimmed his notes, focusing through the redness. “She said to wake Marc in four hours and he’ll handle it from there.”
“I’ll make sure he’s up.” Adrian glanced toward the tunnel. “He’s with her now?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Sleeping with your mate is great for healing. She needs it.”
“Others did more.”
“Not alone. Her gift magnified all of ours. No one is that powerful without an alpha backing them up.”
“Damn.” Kenn ran a hand through his matted hair. “I’ve got a lot to learn about this stuff.”
“But not now, Marine. Hit the rack.”
Kenn went without another word. He was too tired to do more than climb the ladder, nod to the guard on the TV room, find Tonya, and slide in beside her. He was asleep before his cheek came to a stop on her arm.
3
“Jeremy too? Aw, hell. That sucks.”
Kevin’s loud voice carried to where Neil and Samantha were having drinks in the corner. She’d refused to even try to sleep again until they were out of the mountain. Neil hadn’t argued. He couldn’t have either.
“But no more fighting over her, right?” Kevin laughed, missing Samantha’s tensing shoulders and Neil’s ugly glower toward the table.
“Keep it down, man.” Greg glanced at Samantha. “Have some respect.”
Kevin flushed. Here or out there, he was always being scolded or made to feel bad. One day I won’t need any of you.
“Sorry about Tyler and Josh.”
Kendle’s team accepted Greg’s sympathy.
While Jeff was avoiding Kevin, Kendle was surrounded by her team. They had shoved two broken tables together, putting her at the connector spot along the wall. To her right were Conner, Whitney, Carl, and Ramer. On her left sat Tommy, Ben, Ryan, and Scot. Dexter was across from her and next to Kevin, but it was clear they didn’t consider Kevin one of theirs as they joked around and over him.
The changes in Kendle and her team were obvious. Compared to the thin, twitchy, subdued camp members, Kendle’s crew was a light in the darkness. Full of laughter and jokes, the mood around them was better than anywhere else in the cave. Eagles and camp members had gravitated toward the tables where the team was busy regaling them all with tales of their adventures in Market town.
“So, Kendle tricks the townspeople into staking her bet even though we were carjacked. We didn’t have a single item to trade except for our lives and she still managed to make a good deal and get a VIP bed with one of the rulers.” Ramer’s voice carried across the mess. “We were shocked when she killed him.”
Everyone broke into laughter and questions at that revelation, causing Kendle to flush.
“He wasn’t that good.” She snickered.
Amusement rolled across the mess.
“We couldn’t believe we got out of there, but then, we went back in!” Carl saw people frowning as if they didn’t believe him and held up a hand. “If you had seen how they were treating travelers and then you’d been betrayed by them the way we were, you guys would have gone back in too.”
Tommy pointed at Kyle, grinning. “Where do you think we learned it from?”
Fresh laughter echoed through the passages.
As they joked, Kendle’s team was observing everything that was going on around them. They noted the citizens who were missing, and the civilians who were among different groups, but the most obvious thing about everyone in the mountain was the desperation. People were thin and shaky, with twitchy glances that rotated, searching for the next threat. It reminded everyone on Kendle’s team so much of how life had been right after the war that all of them concentrated
on spreading good vibes, hoping it would help.
Hating it that he wasn’t the center of attention even though he considered himself a hero from the fight, Kevin only saw standoffish people who hadn’t missed him at all.
“So, we were locked in this cage.” Tommy tried to get the tension to shift back into amusement at their adventures. “Naked.”
That got everyone’s attention, even the guards on the room.
Bored with their stories, Kevin fell into planning how to top whatever Tommy said next. He’d missed the competitions.
Kendle frowned at Kevin. “This isn’t a competition. This is how we survived. Unlike you, we didn’t have Jeff to take care of us.”
Kevin glowered as he stood up, cheeks scarlet. “Excuse me!”
Kendle sighed as Kevin stormed from the mess.
“Don’t worry about it.” Daryl had been listening from the table with Greg. “All the descendants have been dealing with that since you left. The people without gifts hate us for having them, even when we save their lives.”
“Safe Haven people aren’t like that.” Conner smiled as men glanced at him. “No one had bad thoughts about us today or this evening when I went up to meet with Angela.”
“You spoke with Angela?” Greg leaned forward. “I guess things went well.”
“She said she’s lifting my banishment. It’s great.”
Kendle and her team congratulated the boy, happy for him.
Conner accepted it gracefully, but the proud smile from his father meant more as Adrian entered the mess.
I’m good. I’ll stay that way.
Adrian nodded. And I’ll do everything I can to help you, son. So stay away from me for a while, okay? It may not rub off.
We’ll see. Conner went back to listening to the stories of their adventure, glad Kevin was gone. The man had a bad vibe.
“Hey! Did he ever say where Dog is? I miss that wolf.”
“Dog stayed with Sally.”
