Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1)

by Landis, Nikki

  Chapter Thirteen

  Lake Eerie was beautiful. It was odd to see something so pretty in the midst of all of the destruction and chaos of war. A place untouched and pure. Natural. The bombs hadn’t fallen here. No blackened scorched earth or burned trees, no dead expanse for miles on end. Only life, vibrant and real.

  The population was small, mostly only vacationers along the lake. Rows of homes, stacked along the shore, stood out against the lush green and brown, stark white in contrast, set against an endless blue sky that reflected on the shimmering water below. The lake color was more a dull green than blue and murky, hiding the depths beneath, but still a nice sight. It represented life; simple, unchanging, and normal. It made me feel relaxed and wistful, remembering life before the war, before the raids, and my family died.

  Alec had rented a house for a few nights. The rental house included a small boat and a couple of Seadoos. We arrived late in the day and decided to take the boat out, enjoying the last of the warmth and sunshine as it faded away. The beauty of the sun as it set on the lake was exquisite.

  I don’t think I have ever seen anything more breathtaking than the setting sun on gently rippling water, the waves gently lapping against the side of the boat, the gentle rocking motion relaxing my body against Alec. The vibrant colors of orange, pink, purple, red, and yellow streaked across the sky, reaching toward the heavens, mirrored in perfection by the shimmering water.

  I watched in silence, Alec’s arm around my shoulder, totally content and relaxed, wishing I would never have to leave his side or this place. I felt supremely happy, the kind of rare happiness that catches you by spontaneous surprise, never to be replicated again. In an instant you know you have to take a mental picture, storing the image in your heart, the chance of repeating it almost impossible.

  As if it weren’t perfect enough, Alec surprised me with champagne, toasting to a long life together. We ate strawberries and lounged together in the boat, surrounded by pillows and velvety blankets. He ended the night by making love to me under the stars, promising to cherish me forever.

  My sister told me once, many years ago, that you always remember your first time. Every detail stays lodged in your brain. Every sigh. Every touch. Every moan of pleasure. Perhaps it is because of the specific and special nature of sex, the experience of joining two hearts and souls, the intimate nature of skin to skin contact, and the feel of someone else inside you. The awe and ecstasy of exchanging the deepest part of yourself with another, carried by love, cemented by a bond so pure words cannot accurately describe it.

  With Alec, the second, the third, and now the fourth times were just as erotic, enjoyable, and mind blowing as the first. I imagined that every time with him would be as wonderful, no matter how often we made love. The tenderness he showed me, the gentle way he held me, the love that shined in his eyes was unlike anything I had ever experienced before or would ever experience after. Alec was a master lover.

  The next morning I awakened in the bed alone, strangely surrounded by furniture and walls I didn’t recognize. I had forgotten momentarily that we were at the vacation house on the lake. I yawned and stretched, rolling over. There was a red rose on my pillow and a note. I smiled, hugging the rose to my breast. It smelled divine. Fragrant. Light. Velvety soft.

  Alec was going shopping to buy some food and a few supplies. He didn’t want to wake me since I was sleeping so peacefully. I knew he would return within an hour or two. He would not leave me unprotected long.

  I got up and showered, slowly getting dressed and made the bed. I tidied the house and took a walk, making myself familiar with the house and my surroundings. I was so used to that. Instilled in me from years of consistent habit. Three years of being familiar with where I was. With daily surveillance. It was a hard habit to break.

  I made my way outside and sat down on a wicker rocking chair. It was nice this morning, slightly cool but vibrantly sunny. I smiled, rocking gently in the breeze that came off the lake. I didn’t hear Alec return. He surprised me when he put his hands on my eyes from behind and whispered “guess who”.

  I laughed. “Hi, how was your shopping trip?”

  He bent down and kissed my lips softly.

  “Very good but I missed you…already. I wasn’t even gone that long.” He laughed too.

  “I missed you too. I’m getting used to spending all of this time together. It’s nice. I think I’m going to miss you very much when you are gone all day,” I admitted.

  He kissed me on the tip of my nose. “I know I’ll miss you. I’m going to come home every night and ravage you. Be prepared.”

  I smiled. “At this rate, it won’t be long before I get pregnant. Then what will you do?”

  He winked at me. “I’ll still ravage you…just more carefully.”

  I couldn’t help but laugh. His bright sense of humor was infectious and his quick wit enjoyable. Alec was a highly intelligent man but kind and gentle. His patience often surprised me. Was there anything about him that I didn’t absolutely love and adore?

  Alec made us omelets and fruit for lunch. I don’t know where he got this stuff but it was probably expensive. I ate every bite, not wanting to waste anything. He smiled at my appetite. We went for a swim in the lake. Sunbathed. Played corn hole. Took a hike. We rode the Seadoos later and swam some more. I was exhausted at the end of the day, falling asleep in Alec’s arms.

  The rest of our honeymoon was just as romantic. We stopped all over, watching sunsets, and making love. Every second we spent together, each moment special and precious, deepened our experience, our connection, and even our hearts. The memories we made, these intimate filled days, and the passionate nights consumed us both.

  I would never forget. I tucked it all away in my heart, contentment filling me for the first time since K.D. I was truly happy…and not guilty for feeling this way. The two weeks sped by quickly. I couldn’t believe it when it was time to leave.

  Alec was stationed in Dayton this time, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. It had become the home of many militia in Ohio since the war started. Over the years it had grown, filled to capacity, one of the largest bases in the state.

  We were in the midst of the enemy, surrounded, infiltrating the den of murderers. How long would we survive here? Would it be possible to make a home among those we swore to hate? Could we make a new start and be happy?

  Despite the danger, and the need for caution, Alec seemed unconcerned. He spoke of the accommodations and his deployment with ease. There was plenty of housing on base and Alec wouldn’t be far if I needed him. It was perfect for us. For now. We traveled by train again and arrived late into the evening, picked up by a military armored car. An escort of soldiers held a welcome sign up that read our names.

  Alec and I rode in silence to the base, taking in the scenery. I memorized the terrain for future reference, spotting landmarks and paths to retreat. I didn’t know how long it would be before I had the freedom to explore. I still wasn’t certain of my requirements. Until I had more information, I would stay near home. I didn’t need to attract unwanted attention to us. Alec squeezed my hand with a slight smirk on his face. He knew what I was doing.

  When we arrived at the base, we were ushered into a large building, down a long hallway, and into a spacious banquet hall. It was bursting with people. A huge banner read Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Sheridan, hanging high above our heads.

  “Surprise!” People yelled, rushing forward to congratulate us.

  I nearly jumped a mile. Holy hell. Did they have to bombard us like that?

  I met a ton of people, quickly losing track of all the names and faces. I remembered some of the officers, especially the ones who were higher up the ladder. There were many wives, almost as many as the men. Alec was correct. Most of them had to be married. This was good for us. We would fit in easily. I could play the demure new bride. I was one.

  The party lasted several hours. Alec and I danced often, joining the packed room of couples. There
was plenty of champagne, so much I had to start turning it down. Many were staring, glancing at my belly now and then. I guess if you didn’t drink, you were considered pregnant. That was not the case of course with me. I simply did not have a high tolerance.

  Alec held me close and kissed me often, much to the delight of the wives. We would be gossip for quite some time. It was obvious to all that we were very much in love. I could hear the speculation rumors already. They would be betting on how soon the first baby would come. I could hear them discussing it already; whenever they thought I was out of earshot. Alec grinned broadly, enjoying it immensely.

  The evening was perfect, until we were interrupted by a man that I had hoped to never see. A man whose voice sent instant shivers of fear into my spine. The guard from the caravan raid, the one with the cruel smile and rough hands, the one who sent me sprawling to the ground.

  I glanced at Alec in a panic but he smiled, shaking his head with a barely perceptible nod. The cold gleam in his grey eyes and the slight tightening of his jaw was the only reaction he had. He told me his name only once, but I remembered it. Donnovan. In moments he had spotted us from across the room and cut through the crowd. I felt Alec’s arms tighten on my waist.

  Donnovan cut in, tapping Alec on the shoulder. His arms were instantly around my waist, whisking me away to the dance floor before Alec could object. Rigidly I let him hold me, glancing back to Alec often. He wore his officer look, the diplomatic face he used around the militia. I was still able to notice his anxiety.

  “You seem distracted my dear. Missing your new husband already?” Donnovan’s voice was barely above a sneer.

  I glanced up at him, plastering a fake smile on my face.

  “We are newly married. Of course I want to be by his side.”

  He laughed, his arm tightening around my back. Leaning down, he pretended to intimately whisper in my right ear.

  “I would hurry back to you. If you were mine.”

  I couldn’t stop the shudder of revulsion that flowed through me. I ached to slap his arrogant face. Instead I stepped heavily upon his foot, leaning all my weight upon it. He grunted but only smiled wider.

  “I bet you are quite the vixen in the sack.”

  Turning from his gaze, I attempted to leave his arms. He held on tighter, his fingers increasing their grip, not painful, but a warning. I would have to make a scene to get away.

  “Not so fast princess. The dance has only just begun.” I heard the implication in his voice.

  Men like him were predictable. I knew the kind. Darren was an excellent example. They enjoyed intimidation and fear. Got off on the chase. He was issuing an open challenge. The game was on. Great. What had I gotten myself into now?

  I would not let Donnovan see how his remarks made me feel. How cornered and small I felt. Weakness would only encourage him. He enjoyed the display of power, like a strutting peacock. All show. But nothing really there. I knew his type.

  “It’s a wonderful party here tonight,” I replied calmly.

  I would say anything to distract him. Inwardly, I was desperate to change the subject. On the outside I was a perfect dance partner, cool and serene.

  “Ah, such a diplomat. Bravo. And quite pretty as well. Your new husband must be so proud.” A hint of irony rode his tone.

  I bit my lower lip, chewing, a clear mark of my agitation. He noticed, his eyes lingering on my mouth. His lips parted slightly and he lowered his head, seemingly lost in the moment. I found myself leaning backward to avoid his kiss. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Alec making his way toward us. He was not happy.

  “Have we met before?” He asked, scrutinizing my face.

  Donnovan caught me by surprise, before I had a chance to alter my reaction.

  I shook my head. “I would remember you.”

  He laughed. “Quite so. I do not think I would forget you either...princess.”

  He danced for another moment in silence. Then his hands tightened on my back. Fear settled into the pit of my stomach. In a room full of people, even with Alec there, I felt totally vulnerable.

  “I do believe you are quite familiar.”

  I pretended to ignore his comment.

  “Certainly you can give me a hint.”

  Silence. There was no point in lying. He would be able to tell.

  “I see you insist on making this difficult.”

  It seemed to infuriate him that I would not acknowledge his attempt at persuasion. Did he think I was a fool? He frowned, then laughed without humor.

  “Do you think ignoring my attention will make me disappear?”

  I blinked up at him, blatantly challenging, and then shrugged my shoulders in response. I was goading him. He knew it. The game continued.

  Donnovan’s voice held barely controlled anger and certain suspicion. “I will find out how I know you. I promise you that.”

  I paled. It was an open threat. I had enraged him. Why? Wasn’t this all a game?

  “You will see me again, Princess. Next time I want answers and I will get them.”

  “I doubt in this setting.” His posturing was alarming. I swallowed the lump in my throat.

  “You won’t be able to ignore me so easily next time.” His eyes narrowed and traveled the length of my body. “I guarantee it.”

  Match and point. Defeat. Round one was a loss. Victory for Donnovan.

  “Ah, here comes the happy groom. Do enjoy your evening together…while you have the time.”

  Was that a threat? Or a promise?

  He spun me toward Alec who caught me easily and then he walked off the dance floor. I was visibly shaken. The memory of that cruel soldier the night of the raid was etched into my mind. My knee still ached. Meeting him was even worse. Now I had a name to that evil face.

  I hated him. I hated his ability to crawl under my skin and agitate me. I hated that I had to dance with him tonight. And I hated even worse that he had won.

  Now I was living close enough to him to be forced to meet him again and again. Forced to tolerate his nearness. I had to be careful in the future. I did not want to be stuck with him alone.

  “Are you all right?” Alec asked, his voice filled with concern.

  “He’s not a kind man, is he?” I asked, avoiding an answer.

  “No Lizzie. He’s dangerous. Stay far away from him. Whatever you do, don’t trust him.” Alec warned.

  “He said I look familiar. What if he recognized me?” I wondered.

  “I doubt it. Don’t worry about him. He was trying to upset you to ruin our evening. Don’t let him get away with that.”

  I nodded and Alec kissed me softly. His strong arms held me close, cradling my head against his shoulder, swaying to the gentle rhythm of the music. The encounter forgotten, I closed my eyes, listening to the hum of Alec’s voice as it echoed beneath my ear. In that perfect moment, nothing could harm me. I sighed happily, safe and content in the arms of the man I loved.

  We finally left and made our way to B-19. This was our new home. Our belongings had already been delivered. The suitcases were located in the narrow entryway, stacked to the left of the staircase. Our keys were in the door along with a welcome basket of fruit on the front steps. Maps, dining coupons, a phone directory, and a second set of keys lay on the dining room table.

  Alec unlocked the door and picked me up, crossing over the threshold, and climbing the stairs quickly to our room. The door closed with a loud click behind us. We undressed and fell on the bed, both of us exhausted. He kissed me and held me tight, before closing his eyes and falling to sleep instantly. It took me a little longer but I finally drifted out, listening to the sound of his heartbeat beneath my ear, the steady rise and fall of his chest, and the silence of security that I found only in his arms.

  It was early, still dark outside, when I awakened to Alec’s lips moving along my left temple. I smiled and opened my eyes. He was staring at me, so much love on his face that I kissed him. He responded passionately, his hands roaming
along my body, arousing my desire. It wasn’t long before we made love, initiating this small house that was now our home.

  Afterward, he held me, talking about last night. “That was very well done. I think the wives are going to love you. The officers seemed pleased. They love it when we get married around here. They think it secures our position here since it puts down roots, so to speak.”

  “They are right, in a way. Once we have children, it’s going to be much harder to leave. They know that. But home to me is anywhere you and I are together. We’ll make it,” I responded, being positive.

  “That’s why I love you so much. You are amazing Lizzie. Come here and let me hold you a little longer. I have to get ready soon.”

  I fixed him some eggs and toast while he showered. I even made fresh coffee and poured him some orange juice. The kitchen was fully stocked, a gift from the wives. Just in case I wasn’t sure, they left a nice little note with the fruit basket.

  Alec ate everything I made for him and smiled, patting his stomach.

  “I’m going to love being married. I may get fat from eating so much.” He chuckled. “Thanks for breakfast. I love you my Lizzie,” he told me, grinning broadly.

  “That’s ok with me. I love you no matter what,” I told him truthfully.

  His gray eyes sparkled, melting my heart. I loved that expression, the one that said he adored me, that the sun rose and set, and the moon and stars glittered just because of me. I knew when he was thinking that way because of his eyes. They always twinkled and shined when he was happy, a silver flash of melted steel, locking onto mine.

  I kissed him goodbye from the front porch, waving at him as he walked toward base. It wasn’t far, maybe a mile. He didn’t have me pack him a lunch. He planned on having lunch with me every day. Right here. I liked the idea.

  As I watched him walk away, I was overcome with emotion. A sudden wave of determination filled me, making my heart skip a beat. We belonged together, Alec and I. It may have taken three years to find each other but time was meaningless. As long as we were together, as long as we lived, everything would be fine.