by Angela White
Charlie’s low hiss went mostly unnoticed by those around them, but Matt jumped.
“Stay outta my mind!”
Charlie slid onto the seat across from Matt, thinking his face was almost clear of acne now. “Don’t be stupid. Pick someone you have a chance with.”
Despite himself, Matt was intrigued. “Like who?”
Charlie directed his attention to the corner of the expanded mess. “Any of those five.”
Matt gave each teenage girl a once-over, but none of their bodies were mature enough for him. He wanted a woman–Cynthia–and he would have her.
Charlie snorted. “Good luck.”
Matt stood up, lips clamped together, and left.
As he walked away, one thought beat against his brain.
I don’t need luck if I have a great plan.
Charlie watched his friend vanish into the tent that he and Cynthia shared. Matt was growing more restless instead of settling into the new lives they’d been given under his mom’s command. Charlie wasn’t sure what to do about it, but he made a note in his new book to mention it to Kyle or Marc.
4
“They’re back.”
“Copy.”
Angela didn’t leave the target range, where Peggy and Anne were currently helping with a lesson. One of them would come to her for an update, but it wasn’t needed. If they hadn’t found a body that would suffice, they wouldn’t have returned yet.
A few minutes later, Kevin came to her side, chuckling lowly. “Mission accomplished.”
Kevin kept chuckling softly and Angela raised a brow. “Something good, I hope.”
Kevin started laughing and had to get himself under control before he could answer. “I thought so. Marc thought so. Kenn, not so much.”
Angela settled against the tree to hear the story, sure the prankster had struck again. The camp was already placing bets on who it might be.
“Kenn’s tent collapsed...with him in it.”
“Sounds amusing,” Angela remarked, not sure why that was so funny.
“Tonya didn’t think so. She was…tucking him in.”
Angela swallowed a snicker, trying to act like a leader. “Anyone hurt?”
Kevin chuckled again. “Just the tent. When it fell, the sides ripped out and the couple was...uh, exposed.”
Angela could almost see it. “Lot of people around?”
Kevin was trying to keep from laughing again. “Oh, yeah. Wish I’d had a camera like Samantha did.”
Angela smirked. “Get it from her before she makes copies.”
“Kenn tried to, but Neil and Jeremy stopped him.”
“How?”
Kevin broke out laughing again. “They pulled the tent flap away that he had wrapped around his waist.”
Angela’s laughter floated over the camp and brought the shield to life for the first time since they’d returned from Little Rock.
The ripples of calm blue and gold sent waves of contentment through the people and eased the weary Eagles. It was almost as if everything could get back to normal with that bubble of protection over camp.
5
Zack stayed in the shadows as the kids’ daily lesson broke up. Angela had them working on communication for the next three sets and the airwaves had been a cluttered mess. Zack had little doubt that tomorrow would be the same. The only ones paying attention in the class were Matt and Charlie, but even their interest had waned as Ray explained about the radio codes. He wasn’t eligible for duty yet due to his injuries healing slowly, but taking a trim for Marc had put him in good standings with nearly everyone once Kenn had let it slip.
Hating his chore, Zack waited until the teenagers were in hearing distance and then turned his back to them and began to talk to Jax.
“They got the body, right?”
Jax scowled. “Shhh…”
Zack pretended that he didn’t know the kids were so close. “No one here would call the government and tell them it’s a decoy. Relax.”
Angry, Jax went to a different vantage point, and Zack subtly took stock of his audience.
The girls had already left, but Matt was staring at him.
Zack gave him a polite nod and went to a different spot as well.
Charlie and Matt turned toward the tents, but the conversation was gone. Each of them was thinking about what they’d heard.
Matt was wondering what channel the government would be on. Charlie was asking his demon if there was any way he could do something big and score points with everyone. Both were dangerous thoughts.
Zack stopped in the shadows of the medical tent, waiting for the right slender form to walk by. When she came, he said two words.
“It’s done.”
Angela sighed heavily. “Thank you.”
Zack assumed it was part of the plan to save them all, but he didn’t ask. “Get some rest soon. You look like hell.”
Angela barked a low laugh and went to the medical tent. She’d rest when Adrian was back in charge.
6
Samantha woke up grouchy and achy, cursing the rare sunlight that brought her to alertness.
Not bothering to change from yesterday’s clothes, she went to the mess for food, and settled at the center table without responding to many of the greetings or questions. If not for the shifts she had to work, she might have stayed in bed.
“Can I join you?”
Sam grunted, head aching. “At your own risk.”
Neil understood that might not be directed at him personally, and took the place across from her. She looked rough even though she’d slept until noon.
“I’ve got a shift. Can you give her my updates?”
“Sure. Okay to read them?”
“Yes.”
Sam checked them over quickly, aware of Jeremy approaching the table. It didn’t matter what her mood was like. When these two came close, she lit up. Today it felt like she could leap across the table and drain them both dry.
Samantha emptied her cup instead.
*Supply drop is ready. Tucker and Anderson are staying behind tomorrow to bury it.
*Dog will stay in the QZ tent for another week, but he’ll make a round of the camp today. A few people think he died and we’re hiding it from Marc.
*Parts of the camp that are packed for the move: Reserve trucks, all food and other essentials that won’t be used today, gear, tools, refueling setups.
*Three panels went up on the wall with Hilda overseeing. Estimate the same for today.
*People are starting to ask questions about A and C.
“Is the last one a problem?” Samantha asked, keeping her voice down.
Neil shrugged. “It could be if there isn’t an answer ready soon.”
Samantha waved a hand as Jeremy paused near them. “There’s room here.”
Jeremy took the seat next to Neil, a bit uneasy in the light of day, but determined to make himself adapt to the situation.
Samantha put the paper in her pocket and took a minute to stretch. She felt like hell.
Neither man could help the want, but both of them turned their heads to keep from staring at her body.
Sam realized the affect it was having on them and quickly stopped, shoulders slumping. She sat there, staring at the emotional writing on the table. Maybe she’d switch off and go to her tent.
“Can I talk to you guys for a minute?”
The trio glanced up in surprise at Bridget. Everyone knew the center table was invitation only.
“What’s up?” Samantha asked coldly.
Bridget leaned closer. “I think I saw something funny this morning.” She peered around at them. “Should I go find someone else? I don’t how this works.”
Neil stood up and led Bridget to an isolated table to get details.
“She’s good,” Sam muttered, glaring at the woman.
“Who, heart…Bridget?”
Samantha wondered what he’d been about to say. “Got exactly what she wanted and it only took ten seconds.”<
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Jeremy glanced over his shoulder and understood when he saw how Bridget was leaning into Neil’s personal space and hanging on his every word.
Jeremy turned, picking out Samantha’s jealousy in the way she glared at him.
“Why aren’t you doing anything about it?” he questioned carefully. In his experience, Safe Haven females fought for their men.
Samantha forced a calm expression. “Because I’m not allowed to kill her and that’s all I feel like doing.” She stood up, still appearing perfectly reasonable. “If you’ll excuse me.”
Jeremy watched her go, lips twitching, but inside, he was almost certain that she meant it.
Neil joined him a few minutes later and Jeremy resisted the urge to stir the pot. If Sam wanted him to know, she’d tell him.
“Where’d she go?”
Jeremy bit his tongue mentally. “Check in with the…boss.”
Neil didn’t comment on the hiccup. None of them had gotten used to the leadership change yet. Angela was doing great, better than they’d hoped, but she wasn’t Adrian.
“What did heart ass want?”
Neil chuckled. “She asked me out.”
Jeremy had expected that after agreeing with Sam’s evaluation. “Did she know anything?”
“She saw the vet roaming camp under the cover of the fog. Probably collecting more animals, but I’ll check it out. He’s sitting with Ray and Dale.” Neil chuckled. “I’m sure she knew he’s okay. She wanted an excuse to get me alone.”
Jeremy stayed quiet, trying hard to play fair.
Neil finally noticed the silence and looked over. “You okay?”
Jeremy finished writing down a few notes for later. “I’m good. Samantha, on the other hand, isn’t. I’ve been studying her and I’m worried.”
Neil made a face. “Yeah, I picked up a couple things in that area. It’s like she’s exhausted when she gets up and twisted too tight when she goes to bed.”
“I see her pacing through the tent walls some mornings when I start early bird duty,” Jeremy confessed.
The two men fell into a comparison of the things they’d noticed and the afternoon began to roll around them.
7
“Well? What did he say?”
Bridget slid onto the bench with the other Sisters. “Yes, of course.”
Silence fell over the table of nine.
Leslie was the first one to break it. “You know the history now. We’ve told you how it is.”
Bridget didn’t answer and the other women exchanged worried gazes.
“What’s going on?” Tracy demanded, wanting this morning meeting they did over with. She needed a shower…
“I have a date with Neil,” Bridget stated.
“It’s only relief,” Leslie reminded her. “They love Samantha.”
“Who loves Sam?”
All nine women glanced up to find Jeremy standing by the table. Another tense silence fell.
Jeremy knew what they’d been discussing–it was the same concern he had–but there were other things to be handled at this table.
“Angela wants the Sisters to help tomorrow. You ladies up for it?”
Excited cheers rang through the mess and Jeremy spent a few minutes outlining their duties. Nothing too hard, it would be a big help because it would free up the experienced Eagles for other work.
“Have a seat,” Leslie invited, shoving down, and the women eagerly made room.
Jeremy took the edge, giving them a friendly look. “Anyone free later?” he asked.
“I think most of us are, but we won’t cross Sam,” Leslie stated lowly. “Bridget’s the only one crazy enough to do that.”
Jeremy considered his answer, then gave it to them the way he saw it.
“It’s not her choice to make. Neil’s a grown man. So am I.”
8
“That’s trouble starting,” Doug stated under his breath.
Peggy studied the Sister table for a long minute before answering.
“Maybe, maybe not. Competition can be healthy. It clears the mind.”
Doug grunted. “It also causes disorder.”
Peggy couldn’t argue so she changed the subject. “How’s she doing? Really?”
Doug was glad he had positive news. “Better. She and Neil are talking again, and I’ve heard her laugh a few times. Better.”
Peggy was relieved. After the abortion of Rick’s assault, Becky hadn’t wanted her mom around much–only Seth–and Peggy had agreed to keep her calm.
“What about her training?”
Doug was saved an answer by a cleared group of QZ people loudly entering the mess. They were chattering excitedly about something and Doug understood when he saw the wolf.
Dog’s welcome was a bit worrisome for the Eagles. The camp rushed to greet him and no one was sure what to do if the wolf got tense and bit someone.
Dog, prepared for it, held still and allowed himself to be touched. His mind spewed out profanities to vent the steam and keep control, but his golden orbs were lit brighter than usual. He’d found a pack among the humans. How odd.
“That could be the trouble you’re expecting,” Peggy stated, directing Doug’s attention to the Sisters. In the rush to greet the wolf, the females were being overlooked by the camp and someone was taking advantage of it. Jennifer now stood at the end of their table.
Tracy stared with a stoic facade, but inside, she was scrambling for a way to stop the scene she saw coming in the girl’s body language.
“Tell him no.”
Tracy started to play dumb, and Jennifer’s eyes lit up a brilliant red, stunning all of them with the open magic. It was menacing.
“You get one chance, whore, and then I’ll drag us all down.”
Tracy gave a quick nod, aware that the camp was starting to notice that Jennifer had returned. She’d also been missed.
Jennifer pulled in the rage, but glanced around the shocked table in a furious warning. “Pass the word. Start saying no to some of them. If you don’t, whores will lose their rights in Safe Haven.”
“How…how do we know which ones?” Leslie asked nervously. She was the closest to the angry girl and had no idea how to defend herself against one of them.
Jennifer hissed like a cat, almost spitting, “Use your brain! If they’re cheating, say no! Start there and work your way up to real morals.”
Jennifer plastered on a sickly sweet smile as she started to turn to face the crowd. “If you don’t believe me about the changes that are coming, ask your new boss. She doesn’t have time to waste settling these petty games. She’ll remove you instead. It’s a lot less work.”
Jennifer let the people swallow her, smother her with their welcome. She hadn’t been in danger of dying, but her babies had, and it was almost life changing to discover that these people had been worried with her. She had a home now, minus a few here that she loathed, and it was one she had every intention of defending.
She’d heard Kyle and John talking enough to know they were both making preparations for when she lost her twins. They had little faith, but Jennifer had Angela and Adrian to help, and she believed in them. She also knew she had to help defend this camp against what was coming. Every one of the life forces hugging hers was important to her, special. She couldn’t let them die. When the government came and the others like her ran, she would stay and help fight. When the threat was gone, then she would leave.
9
“See,” Leslie pointed out through gritted teeth. “You can’t play with their men. You’ll make bad shit happen.”
Tracy didn’t say anything, just sat there and took the scolding. She’d only offered Kyle relief once that he’d taken and she’d only wanted to help after he beat Tucker and Anderson. Now, Kyle would be left to suffer until Jennifer was ready to handle him. Tracy wasn’t going to challenge Jennifer for a man that she didn’t even want.
Bridget was staring at Jennifer in a thoughtful way that made the others wary. When she stood up
and left without adding anything else, Leslie slammed her cup down. “I’ll talk to someone about it.”
“No, you won’t,” Kyle ordered, sliding into the spot left by Jeremy, who was still with Dog. “You’ll stay out of it. She’s been warned.”
Leslie clearly didn’t understand and Kyle took a minute to explain, hoping Jennifer didn’t notice him yet.
“This is how we handle rebellion in the Eagles. Our superiors don’t have time to sort it out and they wouldn’t anyway. She’s been warned. If she gets hurt, that’s the punishment and a lesson to others to not ignore the rules.”
“But it isn’t a rule,” Millie protested, finally feeling good enough about herself to speak to their top fighter. The medical work was something she’d always wanted to do, but hadn’t been able to afford in the old world. As a whore, she hadn’t thought she would be accepted as a medic and hadn’t offered.
Kyle was careful with his words. “When the chain of command gives you a warning like that, it either is a rule or will be. They know the changes that are coming long before we do.”
“You’re higher than she is. Is it true?”
Kyle glanced at Tracy. “It will be if she asks for it. They need her to help, after the delivery.”
Tracy stared back, not sorry for the moment with Kyle, but not turned on by it anymore either. “Maybe that would be best. We cause a lot of trouble.”
The other Sisters made faces, but Kyle understood. Tracy had a lot riding on acceptance now and was having self-doubts.
“Not just anyone can do it, but every hard-ass at this table can.” He stood up. “I should know. I recommended each of you.”
Kyle reached Jennifer as she started to turn around and he led her from the crowd with a gentle touch. To the camp, it appeared that things were fine between them, but Kyle knew better by the stiff muscles under his hands and the cold wall that stayed between them even when they touched. She was willing to fight for him, for his protection, but her heart was locked up again and Kyle wanted desperately to know what plans she’d made while refusing his company.
“I haven’t made up my mind,” Jennifer lied, reading him constantly now.
“Because they need a dad,” Kyle guessed.
