I pushed the memory away. It made me sick to think that I was capable of killing another human being.
I wasn’t the type of guy who’d ever head off to war. Not that there was anything wrong with that but it just wasn’t me. But since the flash of light that started everything, I had no idea what type of guy I was anymore.
Leah and I had been mostly holed up in our cabin for the last several weeks. I’d lost track of time, which was easy to do when all we did was watch movies, eat, and sleep.
Leah could spend hours writing but I was just waiting for the next disaster. I wanted to be prepared but without knowing what was coming, it was impossible to be ready.
“When do you think your dad will stop by again?” Leah asked looking up from her notebook.
“Not sure,” I said. “Do you need something?”
“No,” Leah said. “He usually comes once or twice a week.”
I exhaled. “That seems to be changing.”
“Right. Eva’s not allowing him out as much,” Leah said.
“She probably figured out he was coming here,” I added.
Leah groaned. “Probably. She could have easily followed him or even had one of her boyfriends do the job for her.”
“I’m sorry that I got you involved in all this,” I said.
“Nonsense,” Leah said with a smile. “What choice did I have? I don’t think I’d be alive if I wouldn’t have found you.”
I huffed. “Of course you would. You’re tough. Much tougher than me. That’s one thing Eva was right about.”
“What?” Leah said setting her pen down to look me in the eyes.
“That it was you that got us here,” I said.
“Oh, shut up, Adam,” Leah said shaking her head. “Maybe we just make a good team.”
I smiled. “Maybe.”
“I’m going to make some coffee. Would you like some?” Leah asked.
“I thought you’d never ask,” I said.
Leah shook her head. “You know how to make coffee, don’t you? You don’t need to wait for me to ask. All you have to do is get up and make your own coffee.”
“But you make it so much better,” I replied giving her my best grin.
“I put the grounds in the coffeemaker and press the start button,” Leah said.
“I now but you use the perfect amount of grounds,” I said with wide puppy dog eyes.
Leah stood, placing her hand on her hip. “Well, since I make it so good, I might as well just do it then, huh?”
“Thanks, babe,” I said.
Leah threw a dishtowel at me and rolled her eyes so hard I could have sworn I heard them moving. I turned my eyes back to my book, still smiling.
I’d never been much of a reader until recently but it helped to pass the time. Too bad we didn’t really enjoy going out to check out new books.
“Smells great,” I called out after reading the same sentence three times. We really needed new books.
“Does his highness want anything else?” Leah asked.
She enjoyed giving me a hard time but I knew she liked to take care of me. Leah made all my meals, brought me drinks, and even tried to make desserts she thought I’d enjoy.
I could put together a mean peanut butter and jelly but not much beyond that. And with the freshly baked bread the ladies in the kitchen made, they were quite remarkable too.
It was nice to have hot meals. It was nice to have three square meals a day. I wasn’t going to take being in the resort for granted but I also couldn’t help but feel as though our time here was limited.
One of the best things was being with Leah. Life at the resort would be nearly unmanageable without her.
I got up and walked into the kitchen. She leaned back as I slid my arms around her middle, crossing them in front of her stomach.
“I don’t think I tell you enough how lucky I am to have you,” I said into her ear before grazing my lips down the side of her neck.
“You tell me every day,” Leah said. I could tell she was smiling even though I couldn’t see her face.
She poured the rich smelling coffee into my favorite mug. “Want any sugar?”
“Oh, yes,” I said kissing her neck. “I always want sugar.”
“In your coffee?” Leah said.
“Sure,” I said taking the cup from her.
Leah poured her own cup. She held it with both hands and took a quick sip, wincing at the heat.
“I really do make a damn good cup of coffee, don’t I?” she asked. She kissed my cheek and set her cup down on the table next to her notebook.
“When are you going to let me read that?” I asked.
Leah shrugged. “When I’m done, I guess.”
“I don’t think I can wait,” I said. “Dying to read what you have to say about me.”
“I haven’t even gotten to the part where I met you yet,” Leah said tapping the back of her pen on the notebook.
“Saving the best for last?” I teased.
I went back to the sofa and set my coffee down on the table next to me. I exhaled as I picked up my book. My eyes scanned the words, quickly bringing me deep into the story.
The knock at the door startled me so much I shook, dropping my book into my lap. Leah was frozen, her wide eyes locked on mine.
I stood, wiping my palms on my jeans as I walked to the door. The pounding wasn’t something we’d ever get used to. My knees felt like they were made of rubber as I sucked in a breath and hoped my dad was on the other side.
I nearly choked on my own saliva when I opened the door and saw the four guards staring back at me.
3
Stevie
Every time I woke up, I wasn’t sure if I was still alive. I’d look around, carefully studying the room. The grayness was always present, which I hoped and prayed meant that I was still alive because I couldn’t handle an afterlife where the rain followed me.
It was a strange feeling but every day felt like I was starting over. The only thing constant in my life was Gage. I could count on him. Sometimes I wondered if him and I were trapped in the same nightmare.
Of course, there was Shawn but things were different with him. Gage was like family. Gage was my family.
It was weeks since we had helped the girl escape from the wild gorilla. Gorilla. It was bizarre to even think that we’d need to worry about that sort of wildlife. We had enough to worry about but sure, why not throw gorillas into the mix?
They hadn’t come around again since that day. We all hoped they had moved on. We did, however, find more survivors.
There were a few people living in the next house over. It was getting to the point I was struggling to remember everyone’s names.
Everyone got along well but still, I felt more pressure with each person that joined us. I felt responsible for keeping everyone safe. It was easier to just not think about it. I didn’t have a choice, though. It wasn’t like I could turn people who were in desperate need away.
All we could do was help them.
After the disappearance of Josh, I had to keep an eye on his wife, Kieran. I knew she was responsible after she caught him flirting with Winter, one of the other girls living in the house. I wasn’t entirely sure what she had done but I hadn’t been able to rule out murder.
Kieran had been nothing but helpful since that night I’d heard the gunshot and Josh had disappeared. She claimed to have chased him away but I didn’t think I would ever know if that was the whole story.
Even if she had just chased him away, he was probably dead. He hadn’t come back begging for forgiveness and shelter, which led me to believe that it was likely the wild animals had got to him or maybe starvation.
Now, Kieran just works at keeping things running smoothly. She prepares the miles and keeps the younger girls in line. She managed the kitchen far better than I would be able to.
I stretched my legs before pushing myself to a seated position on the side of the bed. My muscles twitched as I stretched my arms over my head.
&nb
sp; I yawned and glanced over my shoulder at Shawn’s sleeping body. His chest rose and fell slowly with each deep breath.
Sometimes I didn’t quite understand how Shawn and I got to this point. I fought it. And a lot of times, I still felt like I should fight it.
But then there were times when I appreciated having him with me. A relationship had been the last thing on my mind, yet it happened.
I walked over to the chair next to the dresser and grabbed a clean shirt from the drawer. As I pulled it on, Shawn groaned.
“Aww, Stevie,” he said his eyes still ninety percent closed. “Come back to bed.”
“I wish I could,” I said standing as I pulled on a new pair of jeans. Something Gage had brought back from one of the other houses. They still had their tags. “It’s time to get the day started.”
Shawn’s eyes slowly opened. He scooted back slightly and crossed his hands behind his head.
“There isn’t anything left to do,” Shawn said with a smirk. “We’re ahead of schedule. I think you can lay with me for a few more hours.” He pointed at the window. “It’s barely even morning.”
“I have to help,” I said.
“Maybe you should give everyone a day off,” Shawn said.
My eyes narrowed. “You think I work everyone too hard?”
“No, but even before all this, people had weekends off,” Shawn said.
“I just want to make sure we’re prepared,” I said. “Who knows what will happen next.”
“I’m not sure we can be any more prepared,” Shawn said. “It’s time to relax and enjoy what we’ve accomplished.”
I shook my head. “Our work will never be done.”
“Well, I know that.” Shawn sat up, becoming more serious. “Is it so wrong to want more time with you?”
“No, of course not,” I said sitting down on the side of the bed next to him. “But there is still so much stuff out there. We need to get as much of it as we can. Our numbers keep growing. What if people keep showing up?”
“We’ll figure it out,” Shawn said. “You’re not in this alone.”
Shawn leaned forward and kissed me. His lips were soft. He was trying his best to lure me back into bed. I leaned toward him, kissing him back.
His hand slipped around the back of my neck as his kisses became more ravenous. Shivers of desire ran through my body.
“Shawn,” I said.
“Don’t say it,” he whispered back. “Stay. Just a little while longer.”
My head fell back and he kissed down my neck. “You know I can’t do that.”
Maybe Shawn was right. Maybe I should take a break.
I pulled back. It was like I’d been struck by lightning. I couldn’t take a break. I had to keep working because there wasn’t a place where we’d ever be able to stop.
Shawn sighed and leaned back. “I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.”
“Get used to what?” I asked my nose wrinkling.
“That you’re a workaholic,” Shawn said.
I rolled my eyes and shook my head. I wanted to argue but he wasn’t wrong. Keeping myself busy had been my way of life since I was young. If I was busy, I wouldn’t dwell on the crappy things that were thrown at me.
“Staying on top of things will keep us all alive,” I reminded him.
He rolled over on his side and yawned. “Well, I need more sleep.”
“Get as much as you need,” I said leaning over and giving him a kiss.
I hoped I didn’t sound sarcastic because that wasn’t what I was trying to do. It didn’t bother me when others were resting or taking a break… only myself.
His jaw relaxed and his breathing slowed before I even left the room. Most days, Shawn worked just as if not harder than anyone else. I knew he needed the rest.
As I stepped into the hallway, Gage was making his way up the stairs. He gestured for me to come down.
“Something wrong?” I asked.
“Jake Quinn from down the road is here to talk to us,” Gage said.
“What is it?”
Gage shook his head. “He didn’t want to have to repeat himself, so he’s waiting for you.”
“Okay.”
“He did say he was shocked how many people are here,” Gage said. “What are we up to? Twenty?”
“Twenty-five total,” I said. “Is Kieran making breakfast?”
I knew that she had at least started preparing something because I could smell the potatoes cooking in oil. Kieran liked them crunchy, which meant they were slightly overcooked.
We’d been lucky to find a massive supply of all sorts of freeze-dried foods. There had been everything from powdered milk to freeze-dried beef and, of course, everything in between.
My favorites were the peaches and pineapples. And the soups. Anything warm made me forget the rain that constantly fell from the gray sky.
Jake was standing by the door, squishing his hat between his hands. He looked worried.
“Welcome,” I said offering him a smile. “Come on in. Have a seat.”
“I don’t have time for that,” Jake said.
“We have plenty of food,” I said gesturing toward the kitchen. “Would you like some breakfast?”
He shook his head. “No, thank you. I don’t eat much in the mornings. I didn’t come here for a social visit. I came to warn you.”
“Warn me about what?” I asked.
He exhaled sharply. “You may have thought the animals were our biggest problem but I’m here to tell you it’s not the animals we need to be concerned with. It’s the people.”
4
Joss
It didn’t take long before I couldn’t see the group which, of course, meant I couldn’t see Robby either. Caleb was shaking his head as if he knew what I was going to say.
“It’s not going to happen,” Caleb said. “Robby would have my head if I let you go out there.”
“This is ridiculous.” I crossed my arms with a huff. “If Jenna was out there, you’d go.”
“And you’d probably try to stop me,” Caleb said raising a brow.
He wasn’t wrong. But the difference was I wouldn’t be able to stop him.
“Don’t worry,” Jenna said. “Robby will be back any minute.”
“How can you be so sure?” I asked sharply.
Jenna drew in a long breath and shrugged. “Because he’s Robby. He’s taken care of me since the store. He’s smart and strong, and tough.”
“Geez, Jenna.” Caleb rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you marry the guy.”
“Why would I do that when I have a guy with all those things plus, he’s unbelievably handsome,” Jenna said with a wink.
“You don’t think Robby’s handsome?” I asked.
Jenna scrunched up her nose. “He’s a bit hairy for me.”
I flopped down in the chair by the window and buried my face into my hands. They were trying to keep me in good spirits but with Robby outside and me trapped in the room, the weight on my shoulders felt too heavy.
I realized how much I needed him. If I lost Robby, there was no way I could continue on. Even if I did, I wouldn’t make it far. Robby was my everything.
It felt like an eternity before there was a knock at the door. It was a familiar knock.
“Oh, thank God,” I whispered as I popped up and dashed to the door.
“Told you,” Jenna muttered.
I reached out for the knob but Caleb caught my hand. He shook his head. “Tsk, tsk. We must always check first.”
“It’s Robby,” I said.
Caleb gently moved me to the side and looked out. He held out his hand, bowing slightly as he stepped back. “As you were.”
“Told you,” I said using the same tone Jenna had just used responding to me. I opened the door and threw my arms around Robby’s neck. “What happened? I saw you guys dragging someone down the road.”
Robby kept his arm around my shoulder as we went back into the room. He let out a breath as he dragged his h
and down his face, wiping away the water that dripped down from his hair.
“I want you to know I didn’t vote for what we did,” Robby said. “In fact, I feel kind of sick about it.”
“What happened?” I asked looking into his eyes.
Robby exhaled slowly. “They killed him. He’s hanging in a tree on the path to the north.”
I knew the path. It was no doubt the one I’d taken when Bill led me out of town to steal from the other people.
“That’s sick,” I said.
“I agree,” Robby said. “Rex is ready for war.”
“What?” Caleb said.
Robby shook his head. “He seriously thinks we’re ready. The body is his way of sending a message.”
“Who knows what that person saw when they were snooping around,” Jenna said.
My eyes flicked over to her. She could feel the heat from my stare.
“What?” she asked barely glancing up. “If they let him go, it could be worse for us.”
“What is Rex’s plan exactly?” Caleb asked.
Robby pulled in a breath through his nostrils. “I’m not entirely sure but I don’t think it’s our concern. He has his own army.”
“Are you in that army?” I asked.
“No,” Robby said. “We have time yet. At least they think we do. Rex doesn’t think they’ll come looking for their spy for at least a few days, probably longer.”
“Sounds like he’s guessing,” I said.
Robby shrugged. “Maybe they’ll see Rex’s message and they’ll turn around and go home.”
“Was that something Rex said?” I asked.
“Yeah, but it’s possible they don’t want to fight us,” Robby said.
I winced at his word choice. It didn’t feel to me as though I was part of the ‘us’ he was referring to.
“Anyway, let’s go back to our room,” Robby said.
“Okay,” I replied unable to stop myself from feeling a sense of relief. It wasn’t much but being alone with Robby, locked inside our room, was the closest to feeling safe I’d get.
After locking the door, we hugged for nearly ten full minutes. It was how we recharged.
“Are you okay?” I finally asked pulling back slightly to see into his eyes.
The Reset Series | Book 5 | Torrent Page 2
