Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1)

by Landis, Nikki

  Darren suddenly waved at me, his eyes wide as saucers, and shook his head. He pointed behind me when suddenly someone grabbed me, put a hand over my mouth, and yanked me backward into a darkened building. I tried to struggle but this person was too strong, with muscular arms holding me like steel cables.

  “Lizzie, it’s me. Stop struggling, gorgeous.” Alec!

  He let go and laughed lightly, spinning me around. Relief flooded my system. I threw my arms around him, ecstatic. He instantly hugged me, his mouth lingering dangerously close to mine. The heat of his breath stole through the air and brushed against my lips.

  “I missed you Lizzie.” His eyes locked on to mine. For a second I forgot how to breathe. “It was good luck I spotted you. Your braid gives you away.” He laughed, pulling on it lightly.

  “I missed you too. What’s going on?” How did he find me?

  “I caught you on the television monitors. You guys are lucky it was only me that saw you.” He smirked and cocked an eyebrow in my direction. “Are you always this careless?”

  “Uh oh. Um, no. Are we in danger?” I asked, alarmed.

  “Possibly. From now on, you should try to warn me so I can be on look-out for your supply runs. It would be much safer,” he suggested.

  “Are you offering your services?” I teased.

  He grinned. “Yes, of course. I’ll save you milady.”

  I giggled as he pretended to bow. I really had missed him.

  “Can you get away? We never got a chance to talk,” I asked, wishing I could speak to him longer. There wasn’t time now. Darren would be here any second.

  “I know. I only have a few minutes,” he replied, suddenly serious, his hand brushing across my cheek softly.

  That’s how Darren found us, bursting into the room, pistol aimed at Alec’s head. He froze when he saw how Alec was touching me, his eyes narrowing in confusion and mistrust.

  I ran over to him and grabbed his hand, preventing the inevitable explosion that would have followed. “Darren, this is Alec. He’s on our side, infiltrating the militia. He has a proposal I think you will want to hear. Alec, this is Darren, our leader.”

  Both guys sized each other up, in a matter of seconds, shaking hands stiffly. Alec immediately seemed to relax, considering Darren less than a threat. Darren, however, seemed to grow more irritated by the moment. It was clear he had formed an instant dislike of Alec. With humor, Alec watched his reaction.

  “As I told Lizzie, it’s lucky I am the only one who saw you both on the monitors. The alarm would have been sounded and you never would have made it out of here. If we can work some kind of schedule or plan, I can make sure I’m the one on watch when you come for supplies. I’m stationed here for a while,” he informed us, winking at me.

  I smiled. This was good. I would see him again. Regularly.

  “Why would you do that? Aren’t you risking your own neck?” Darren asked, his eyes darting back and forth between Alec and me. I’m pretty sure he didn’t miss the wink.

  “I have my reasons,” he paused and looked at me directly, “but you should know that I don’t have any love for the militia either. They killed my family…brutally. You can trust me on this.”

  Darren looked pissed but conceded. I know he was unhappy. It was obvious that Alec was making the majority of his choices because of me. More than that, Darren was a control freak, and always wanted to be the one who decided everything. Not this time. It chafed at him. You could see it in his eyes.

  “Agreed. We should work together. This could benefit our camp a great deal. We usually run this route once a month, if able. Is there a time that works best for you?” Despite his obvious feelings, Darren held himself in check.

  “The end of the month is best, before count. Things can get lost, misplaced. If the count is off on supplies, it is less of a concern. Work for you?” Alec asked.

  “Yes, I’ll make sure that we arrive the last Friday of each month. It’s good to have someone on the inside. Thanks,” he admitted roughly.

  “I wouldn’t thank me just yet. I have a condition. I’m only going to cooperate if Lizzie can come every month. It’s not a request.” Alec stood his ground, staring at Darren.

  Darren looked like he was going to refuse. He rushed over and grabbed my hand and started pulling me toward the door. I struggled, trying to get lose from his grasp. Frustrated, I was just about to start yelling when Alec shoved Darren in the chest. He flew back a few feet and steadied himself, spinning around. He drew his knife and crouched toward Alec. Alec was ready for him, his own blade in his hand, a smile curving his full lips. Seriously?

  I rushed between them both, arms outstretched.

  “Are you two completely crazy? We are on the same side. This is my decision anyway. At this point, I’m so disgusted with both of you that I don’t know if I’m going or not. Stop this and lower your weapons. This isn’t a schoolyard. We are at war.” I yelled, furious at them both.

  Neither one of them moved, watching the other, eyes wary and mistrusting. Hostility filled the air between them. I had enough. I turned for the door, ready to leave when the sound of sirens blaring overhead made me freeze. This wasn’t good. We hadn’t left yet.

  Alec was at my side immediately. “Lizzie, I’m sorry. Someone else must have discovered the missing supplies. You are in danger,” he paused and glanced at Darren. “You can’t leave now. They will let the hounds loose. You’ll be found. Come with me and hurry, both of you.”

  We left the building, crossing into an alleyway behind the infirmary. There was an abandoned basement cellar that led below ground and we quickly followed it down a flight of stone steps, into a narrow walkway. He led us into a storage room and shut the door.

  “This part of the officer’s quarters isn’t used anymore. No one usually comes down here but I can’t guarantee it. You have to be quiet. Don’t leave this room. I’ll come back for you when it is safe.” Alec stared into my eyes, silently begging. He was worried. “It might be hours before I can return. I’ll try to bring some rations with me. Please be safe…and careful.”

  Alec grabbed me close and hugged me tight, his lips brushing my forehead, then left quickly. I watched him slip out the door and close it, the sound of his footsteps fading in the distance. I locked the door. Hopefully anyone trying to enter would be deterred by the locked handle. Slowly, I turned around, hoping to avoid questions.

  I looked at Darren, trying to discern his mood. His face was carefully blank. I knew the look. It was his diplomatic face. The one he wore when he was hiding his true feelings. I sighed and sat down on the ground, gesturing for him to join me. He sat but didn’t look at me.

  Tiring of his games, I found a cushion, long since abandoned from a chair and used it for a pillow. I yawned and closed my eyes, deciding to take a small nap. My emotions and the threat of capture left me fatigued. I was so tired, of games, of Darren, of militia soldiers, and pretty much everything at the moment. I needed a few minutes, and sleep was the best way to obtain a reprieve.

  Chapter Six

  I awakened later to a warm body next to mine. Darren’s arm was around me, just like that morning in his room. He must have known I was awake. He leaned over me, looking down and into my eyes. The chain around his neck hung in between us, dangling in the air.

  “Who is Alec? How do you know him Lizzie?” His voice was tight.

  “I met him three years ago, before the war started, at my sister’s wedding.” I sighed softly. He would not be satisfied until I told him everything he wanted to know. “He was my best friend’s cousin. We had a great night together and…I hadn’t seen him all this time until the night I got captured. I thought he was dead.” I looked away from his penetrating gaze. “Turns out I was wrong. He’s the one who saved me and sent me home. He saved my life…twice now if you include today.” I admitted.

  Darren seemed to think that over. “Were you dating or something?”

  I shook my head. “There was no promise between us but
he never had the chance. I believe he would have…wanted more. The bombing happened just days later. I’m not sure of his intentions. We haven’t been able to talk.”

  He leaned closer. “Do you love him?”

  His question took me by surprise. “I…don’t know.” An honest answer.

  “Has he told you he loves you?” He asked quietly.

  I didn’t answer him right away. His questions made me uncomfortable and irritated me. Why was it his business? Why did he always have to know everything about me? I had no privacy at all.

  “No.” I whispered.

  His response was quick. “There you go. I love you Lizzie. You don’t have to wonder with me. I don’t play games.”

  But that was a lie. All Darren did was play games. “I...”

  He kissed me, crushing my body against him. For once, I kissed him back. I needed to know if I responded to Darren the way I did with Alec. Did my heart skip a beat? Did my stomach get butterflies? Was I weak in the knees, slightly nervous? I let my fingers travel up his chest and around his neck. He seemed surprised and kissed me deeper, squeezing me tight.

  Analytical to a fault, I internalized the moment. Darren leaned back and lay down next to me, pulling me into his arms. I let my head rest on his chest, introspective, searching for answers to questions I swore I would not consider. Lost in thought, I absently ran my fingers along his chest. I did feel something for Darren. It was simple and nice. Friendly. Happy. But not serious. Not deep.

  It wasn’t the same as Alec, wasn’t nearly as strong, but was that because of the past? Because of Angela? My sister? The war? Was what I felt for Alec real or was it because of the connection we shared one night three years ago?

  Darren was good to me. He watched out for me. I felt safe and cared for. Until recently I had never doubted him. But his behavior lately left me confused. Baffled. After the warning from Mal I felt I needed to be cautious. Things were not as they seemed. Darren was looking for a commitment. I had a feeling when I turned him down it was going to get ugly. My gut told me to be careful.

  Maybe I needed to think things over. Not just with Darren. What were Alec’s intentions? Was he even telling the truth? I didn’t know. I had no proof. I hadn’t seen or heard from him in three years. Why did he care about me? Were his feelings genuine? I knew nothing. He kissed me but what did that mean to him? Was I just some fling to tide him over during the war? Or was there something more, a deeper sensation than simple lust or desire?

  I decided to play things loosely with Alec until I could figure out what he really wanted. He was too mysterious for me to trust so implicitly. I was naïve at times. Too trusting. Too easily manipulated by emotions. Too innocent. I had to be careful. My heart should be guarded more carefully than that. I knew the man he was, three years ago, but now?

  Sometime later we heard someone walking in the hallway. I sat up quickly, preparing to fight, slowly standing in a crouched position. Darren stayed out of sight behind the door, ready for action. I pulled my knife, watching the doorway. The footsteps got closer. Someone was rattling the door and the knob. A key turned the lock. I glanced at Darren, catching his nod. We were ready.

  Seconds later Alec slipped through the door. He smiled at me, so genuine and sweet, I was nearly swept right off my feet. Butterflies emerged. And lots of them. Right into the pit of my stomach. This wasn’t going to be easy, keeping my distance. Why did he have to be so handsome?

  “They think you escaped. The search has been called off for now. I think it is safe enough to sneak you out.” I breathed a sigh of relief and he grinned, his grey eyes shining. “Here’s some beef jerky and bread and water. It’s the best I could do. Follow me.”

  I handed some of the food to Darren, who looked more than a little disappointed that he couldn’t inflict any harm on Alec. We hadn’t eaten since morning. I knew he was starving. Earlier the sound of his belly growling had made me giggle. Chewing thoughtfully, I followed Alec. He led us back outside, dark now in the early evening, and down a different alley until we came to the abandoned part of town. The Worthington Industries district.

  “This is good. Thank you Alec. I owe you one.” Darren stopped, extending his hand.

  I wondered what he was up to. Saying nothing I raised an eyebrow in his direction. He shrugged his shoulders lightly. Perhaps Darren could be reasonable.

  Alec shook it. “You’re welcome. I hope we can learn to trust each other. The war is the most important thing right now. Our differences don’t matter. It’s the militia we are both up against.”

  “You’re right about that.”

  “Please bring Lizzie with you. We have always been good friends. It matters more now than ever to have your friends close. This you must know.”

  He nodded. “True enough. See you the last Friday.”

  Darren walked away, giving us some privacy. It was nice of him. Nice but I had the feeling I had not heard the last of it. I knew he didn’t like Alec, hated him instantly, but he wasn’t going to make another scene right now. Darren’s eyes would never leave me. I knew that. I should have been more cautious but Alec pulled me close, his arms snaking their way around me, and I lost all thought.

  “Lizzie, stay close to Darren. He’ll protect you if something goes wrong.” He sighed softly as if something bothered him. “He loves you…doesn’t he?”

  I nodded, surprised he saw it so easily. “Yes, but-”

  “He will keep you safe,” he interrupted, “will you come the last Friday?”

  “Yes, if you want me to,” I responded, slightly unsure.

  “Lizzie, I want you to always come. Don’t you understand yet?”

  I shook my head. “No.” Standing there I had never been more confused in my life.

  “Silly girl.” He raised his hands and placed them on my face. His thumb caressed my bottom lip. “I always want to see you. Always want you near.” His gaze dipped to my mouth and traveled back to my eyes reluctantly. “Promise me you will come back.”

  “I promise,” I whispered, knowing I would have whether he asked me to or not.

  He enveloped me in a hug, his arms wrapping around my body, sheltering me in his warmth. The heat penetrated my body and I relaxed, my ear to his solid chest, my head over his heart. For the briefest of moments I felt a tremor run through his tall frame, causing my own heart to skip a beat, making me wish, foolishly so, that I could read his thoughts.

  When I walked away, I looked over my shoulder to wave goodbye, unable to resist the compulsion to see if he watched me. His eyes never left mine until I was out of sight. With satisfaction I smiled, not missing the frown that marred Darren’s face. He said nothing, him and I walking in silence, rather awkwardly, until we reached the others.

  “Where the hell have you two been?” Big Dog asked us.

  “It’s complicated. The alarm was tripped before we could get away. We were almost caught but Lizzie’s friend is on the inside. He helped us lay low and escape.” Something in his eyes worried me. “He also offered to be on watch when we come for supplies once a month. It should be very…beneficial.” Darren explained.

  “His name is Alec. Just so you all know who he is and don’t mistake him for the enemy.” My eyes never left Darren’s face. His stiff demeanor came off as a warning.

  “You agreed to this?” XXX asked.

  “I trust Lizzie and her judgment.” Darren explained.

  The others nodded. If Darren was all right with it, they would be also. There was little choice except to go against him and that was not an option, not if you wanted to stay. He would not condone an open challenge.

  “Slug nearly worried himself into an early grave.” Diva admitted, elbowing him.

  He blushed. “I heard the alarms and thought the worst.” His eyes shot straight to mine.

  I winked at him. “We are both fine Mal. No need to worry.”

  He seemed to visibly relax. Poor Mal. He needed an extended vacation. The man took way too much responsibility on himse
lf.

  Everyone easily agreed it was a good idea to follow Alec’s advice for the supply runs. We would be back in about four weeks. Our haul was good today despite the delay. We had two bags full of medical supplies. Malcolm and XXX had three bags full of ammunition and weapons. Big Dog was carrying two duffel bags full of food and Diva had her back pack full. It had been a success.

  “Hey Lizzie, got something for you.” Big Dog reached into one of the duffel bags and pulled out two small jars of peanut butter. He tossed them to me and I caught them, flashing a ridiculous grin.

  “Has anyone ever told you that you are the greatest?” I asked, opening the zipper on my backpack and placing them inside. “Seriously, Dog, I think I love you.”

  Mal burst out laughing. “All of that because of peanut butter?”

  Diva grinned. “The way to a woman’s heart is an unknown path my friends.”

  Big Dog smiled, fairly gentle for such a large man. “I like to make her smile.”

  “Thanks.” I ran over and placed a big kiss on his cheek. “And you always do.”

  The only one not smiling was Darren. “I find her heart is easy enough to understand. Especially today.”

  I pretended to ignore the look Mal gave me, shaking my head slightly. “Yep,” I replied, but no one was listening now.

  In an instant the playful mood had disappeared, as one by one, we left for base.

  The last one to go my gaze turned to the direction of the militia army base. “Maybe,” I whispered in the silence, “maybe my heart is not so hard to figure out at all.”

  We traveled back quickly in the cool night, making it in good time considering we were all laden down with supplies. The trip back was quiet. Subdued. Mal fell back with me, bringing up the rear of our group. He nodded to me a few times, making sure I was all right. It was in the early morning hours when the base came into view. I was happy to see it, exhaustion making my feet as heavy as lead.