Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1)

by Landis, Nikki

  It was at the moment I realized that I was no longer alone, no longer a single person out against the militia and the world. I had something to lose now, someone to lose. A reason to be cautious and a reason to fear. I gasped with the knowledge, knowing in my heart it would rip me apart, consume me, and surely kill me if he ever died. I could not fathom the thought.

  The militia wouldn’t win, they wouldn’t take him from me. Not after the last few months. Not now that my heart was cleaved to his, attached, beating and pumping the same blood through our veins. I made a promise, right there and then, no matter what, I would follow him and stay by his side. In war, peace, danger, or worse.

  Nothing was going to stop me, not even him.

  Chapter Fourteen

  After Alec left, I took a long hot shower and made myself pretty. I walked upstairs and unpacked our suitcases, putting all of our clothing away in the closet and dresser. I arranged our toiletries in the bathroom and made the bed. Walking back downstairs, I went into the kitchen and cleaned up after breakfast. The house was meticulously clean.

  We lived in a townhouse. It was a two story with two bedrooms and a full bathroom upstairs. It had a half bath, spacious kitchen, living room, small dining room, a small laundry room, and the entryway downstairs. There were sliding glass doors that led into a small fenced in back yard with a concrete patio. It was big enough to entertain a few guests or for a family.

  The townhouse was a nice place. Alec was an officer. I’m sure the lowest on the payroll didn’t have such nice accommodations. I did notice that everything was provided by the government and the militia. There was a television and radio but only with militia channels, the washer and dryer, a microwave and dishwasher, and even a large BBQ grill out back. We were already in their debt, just getting started on our own. I’m sure it was engineered that way. Any method to secure our dependence and debt.

  I quickly became bored. Alec wouldn’t be back until around noon. It was only ten a.m. How was I going to occupy my time around here? Keeping this place clean would be easy. It wasn’t very big and there was only the two of us. Cooking dinner every night wasn’t going to take long either. What was I going to do with my time?

  I managed to find a book to read on the bookshelf, barely concentrating on the words, nearly pouncing on Alec when he came in the door for lunch. He laughed and kissed me, tossing his hat to the side. I pulled him into the kitchen, making him a sandwich and slicing an apple. He sat down and ate, filling me in on his day. Nothing exciting so far.

  “So, Lizzie, how was your first morning as a militia wife? Were you bored to tears or have you found some monotony to pass the time?” He asked, teasing me.

  I rolled my eyes playfully. “Well, world peace wasn’t an option so I cleaned the house and nearly took my own life out of boredom.”

  He laughed heartily at that and shook his head. “I’m sorry love, but it may be like this for a while. There isn’t much to do around here. Even the other wives get bored. I hear there is lots of sewing and gossip, right up your alley. Maybe they will invite you.”

  I made a face. “No way. I’d rather pluck chickens.”

  He raised an eyebrow at me. “Pluck chickens?”

  “When I was bored at base camp…you know…we had to pluck chicken or duck feathers from the carcasses. It was nasty, sweaty work. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” I told him.

  He nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching in suppressed laughter. “I’ll have to keep that in mind. I would have thought the wives better company than…chickens.”

  I giggled as he pulled me into his lap, laughing. He kissed me as I adjusted sitting on his lap, straddling him. Long lean fingers traveled from my shoulders, down to my waist, and lower still to the hem of my dress. He slowly pushed the material upward, brushing my thighs, until his hands lingered on the edge of my panties.

  “I want you,” he whispered huskily, his fingers tightening on the seam and ripping them off.

  “Oh!” I panted, startled.

  A devious glint in his eyes revealed his hunger and desire, both transparent, both raw and carnal. His breath was hot, trailing the curve of my breast.

  “Take me then,” I whispered back, into his ear, “love me Alec.”

  His lips met mine in a crushing kiss, deepening, plundering, searching for riches, and I moaned, calling his name. Like some dark pirate, intent on ravishment, he thrust his tongue into my mouth. His hips grinding beneath me, I met his call, answering with my own lustful response.

  “Take me!” I pleaded. I could hardly wait any longer.

  Alec responded swiftly, tearing off his uniform in haste as I unzipped my dress. We made love right there, lost in passion and desire, unaware of everything around us. One of his arms held me close at the small of my back, and the other laced his fingers through mine, clenching, holding on for the ride of his life. It was wild this time, leaving us both sweaty and breathless. I collapsed against his chest, smiling, half in awe that love like this existed at all.

  “Damn Lizzie, if this keeps up, they are going to wonder why I never want to leave my house.” His ragged breath was cut off by a laugh. “Your response is so amazing. I love you…” He trailed off, his mouth lingering on the delicate column of my throat.

  I blushed. “Is that a good thing?”

  He looked at me, noticing my confusion. “You are so innocent my love. I only meant that making love to you is amazing and I never want to stop. So, yes, it is a very good thing.”

  He kissed me again, tender, sweet, and lay his forehead against mine.

  “I must leave, my darling wife.” He hugged me and let go, standing. I knew he had to return to work. I helped him dress and smoothed out the wrinkles. He looked wonderful. His muscles and lean torso made that uniform conform to his body in a very attractive way. His eyes stood out against the navy blue, a grey mist in the middle of bright blue sky.

  I was so lucky to have such a charming and desirable husband.

  “You are very handsome in your uniform. I may have to beat the other wives away,” I told him, winking.

  “I wouldn’t know. I only have eyes for you, my beautiful wife. Don’t go far. I already know what I want for dinner,” he responded, his eyes becoming smoky grey.

  I blushed. “Maybe I should have something special on?”

  He shivered, clearly turned on by the thought.

  “Anything will do…or nothing. I have to go. I’ll never leave this house if I don’t. I love you Lizzie,” he looked at me apologetically, clearly wishing he could stay.

  “I love you Alec. Have a good afternoon. I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too my love. Enjoy your afternoon. Take a nap…you might need it,” he winked and left.

  I smiled, waving goodbye again. I watched him walking away, content and happy. A part of me felt slightly guilty. Revenge still lingered in the back of my mind. I let it go but I knew it would return. I was incredibly happy right now but I wouldn’t stay happy this way forever, not with the thirst for vengeance burning brightly inside me. Vengeance for my family could not be ignored. Contentment made it burn low but it still lingered. Someday it would rise to the surface again, then what would I do?

  At least in the revenge aspect I was not alone. Alec thirsted for it too. Both of our families had suffered, both our friends destroyed. We knew in our hearts we would never be satisfied until we made them feel the same pain. Made them suffer in anguish and agony, took everything away from them until they wanted to die too.

  I didn’t want to slaughter innocents, it was the part about being in the refugees that bothered me. I wanted to make those in charge pay. The men who sent those bombs into the cities. The ones who signed the death warrants. The ones who watched with calculating and unflinching coldness at the murder and chaos they inflicted.

  Here I could make a difference. Maybe, just maybe, I could figure it out. I would find some way, some ability that I could use to help. Perhaps I could help those same innocents,
saving them from pain and loss, the way I wish someone could have done for me.

  I spent the afternoon making a homemade lasagna and a tossed salad. The lasagna came out just as I heard Alec come in the door. He called for me, making his way into the kitchen. I lifted out the lasagna and set it on top of the stove to cool. He smiled, looking me over. I was wearing an apron, only the apron. I grinned broadly.

  He immediately noticed, those gray eyes turning smoky, and locking onto mine with a fierceness that made me melt with anticipation. Alec grabbed me, determined but gentle, and started kissing me, ripping off the apron, tossing it somewhere in the vicinity, and setting me down on the kitchen counter. His clothes hit the floor next, landing in a heap as I reached for him, impatient. We made love again, bumping into walls and furniture, and finally falling on the living room couch.

  Afterward, I lay on his chest, trying to catch my breath. He squeezed me tight, his breathing just as rapid.

  “How did I get so lucky? I must have done something right somewhere, somehow to end up with such an angel. Maybe in a past life.” His warm chuckle vibrated his chest. “I’m the luckiest man on earth to be able to have you for my own. You are the most beautiful and wonderful wife in the whole world. I love you my Lizzie,” he declared, his voice catching.

  “You’re not the only one who is lucky. You are handsome, sweet, loving, and smart. I’ve never wanted anything the way I want you. I love you Alec.” I told him truthfully, my own voice tight with unshed tears. How could I possibly express everything that I felt, all that he was to me?

  He squeezed me tight again, looking into my eyes. A finger smoothed a stray hair out of my face.

  “Are you happy Lizzie? Are you glad you left and came with me?”

  Why would he ask me that? “That’s an odd question. Of course I’m happy. I wouldn’t go back to that life if someone paid me. I want to be here with you. Always. Why?”

  “I was just curious. You seem happy. I want you to feel like you can share anything, whatever you are feeling with me. I don’t want any secrets between us.” At my frown of confusion he continued. “I have none to disclose and I know you don’t either. Now that we are married, I just want you to know that nothing is more important than you and I. You mean the world to me. I want us to have the right foundation. The best start to our future. It’s important.” His voice was soft.

  How wonderful and sweet of him. Such a loving man.

  “I understand Alec and I agree. Don’t worry my love. I feel the same as you do. Nothing can come between us if we are honest.” His eyes crinkled with happiness at my response, clearly hoping I would respond that way. “It’s a good pledge to make to each other. I promise you now, I will tell the truth, and always make it a priority to do so.”

  “Thank you Lizzie. I promise to tell the truth and always make it a priority to do so.” For a few seconds my heart stopped beating at the depth I saw in his eyes. “Now, let’s get to that wonderful dinner. I’m starving and I need energy…for later.”

  He kissed me quickly and jumped up, grabbing my waist. His strength often surprised me. There was a lithe grace and sensual fluidity to his movement. Sometimes I watched him through lowered lashes, almost embarrassed, for the chance to observe him at my leisure.

  We got dressed and ate dinner by candlelight. Alec loved the lasagna, eating two helpings. I laughed and shook my head. His appetite was huge. I dare not ask him why he was so hungry. I knew what his response would be and the blush that would follow would burn my cheeks. After dinner we sat outside and watched the sun set, just like we did on our honeymoon. Later that night we held each other close, falling asleep after making love.

  The next three weeks passed exactly the same. Alec came home for lunch and I cleaned the townhouse and cooked. We had plenty of leftovers so I didn’t have to make a new meal every day. He promised he didn’t mind, not wanting to waste good food with so many out there who were starving. We had an abundance here, more than we could ever use on our own. I had to admit, the militia knew how to keep their officers happy.

  I was bored most of the time. I read often, walking to the library I found close to our house. It was free, of course, but I was careful about my choice of literature. I’m sure the militia regulated and watched what was borrowed. They kept tabs of everything we purchased, borrowed, needed, or liked. I hated the idea of it. The false pretense, the lie that we were free. Who actually bought it? You would have to be naïve.

  There was one other thing that bothered me and I hadn’t talked to Alec about it yet. The news media was not free. All of the information on the radio and television was from their correspondents. Their doctrine, their spin, their omission of truth. It wasn’t free and open journalism. I didn’t know what was going on out there, on the outside. Were there any raids or bombings? Any attacks from the refugees? Was the fighting heavy? Had my friends survived?

  I decided to talk to Alec when he came home tonight. Maybe he had news or maybe he was in the dark too. Did he share my concern?

  Alec seemed tired when he came in the door, not his usual self. A feeling of depression hovered around him. I helped him out of his coat and shoes. Maybe he wasn’t hungry?

  “Are you hungry or did you want to wait for dinner?” I asked him, concerned.

  He frowned, clearly agitated or upset about something. “I have some bad news. Sit down next to me my Lizzie.”

  I sat down on the couch, nervously tugging at my lower lip. “What is it Alec?”

  “There have been several raids recently by the refugees. Nothing of consequence was taken but it has stirred up a hornet’s nest with the officers. Orders came from high up in the command today. A general, a man named H-”

  “Haden.” I interrupted, knowing exactly what name would fall from his lips.

  “How did you…?” He sighed. “Where have you heard that name before?”

  “With Mal, when we left camp to scout for new recruits…” I tore my gaze away from the frown of disapproval he flashed me. “Ballard said he knew who he was. He said Haden was one of the men responsible for the air raid bombings during K.D.”

  Alec avoided my attempt to look in his eyes. He was not surprised. “I see you already know that.”

  “Yes,” he swallowed loudly, “I had hoped to keep that from you, at least until I had a concrete plan in place.”

  “Why?” I asked, hurt. Was he keeping secrets so quickly after his declaration to always tell me the truth?

  “Because…he’s here.”

  I jumped up in shock. “What!?”

  “Calm down, please. Sit back down,” he told me with some chagrin, and stretched out his hand.

  I took it and sat, running my fingers over his in agitation. “Why is he here?”

  “He’s heading up a new task force. The objective is to infiltrate the refugees, find their hidden bases, and crush them, completely.”

  “Oh God,” I whispered, suddenly afraid.

  “General Haden is not a man to trifle with. He’s smart, cunning, and ruthless. I don’t want you anywhere near him. I mean it.” There was a hard edge to his voice, brooking no refusal.

  “I agree, I won’t be.”

  He squeezed my fingers, a frown on his face. There was more to say. Judging from his expression, he was not happy to share it with me.

  “We have Intelligence. We know where one of the bases are located. They want us to issue a surprise attack, in two days. It will be at night,” he informed me.

  I nodded. “We were expecting a retaliation like this, right? I mean, you aren’t surprised.”

  “No, I am not surprised. I knew it was coming. It’s the location Lizzie.” He pulled me closer as the fear I felt a moment ago increased. “It’s the mountainside base…where Darren’s group is hiding,” he mumbled, watching my face. He absolutely hated telling me. I heard it in his tone. Was he worried about my reaction? My loyalty?

  I gasped, shaking my head vehemently. “Oh no, what will they do? There won’t be
any notice. They’ll all be killed. They have to be warned. Alec!?”

  He put his arm around me, trying to calm me down.

  “Lizzie, it won’t help. It’s too late. Even if I wanted to, there is no way for me to warn them ahead of time. We just have to hope that they are smart enough to prepare and they get out before too many casualties happen. I’m sorry my love.”

  I knew he was. I believed him. It wasn’t his fault.

  “I don’t know what to say or do. I feel helpless. What if they can’t escape the compound in time? Oh God Alec, all of those people…” I choked up, not able to finish.

  “I know. They have to have a plan. It’s been getting hot around there for a while. I doubt this is unexpected. I’m sure things will work out. Trust me darling.”

  “Oh Alec, I am still worried. Please try to find out what you can. I need to know.”

  “I’ll do what I can,” he promised.

  I thought that was the worst. I was wrong. He stood, his hands shoved into his pockets, pacing the room. Sudden fatigue showed on his face and his shoulders drooped slightly, like a man with a heavy burden to carry. I watched him patiently.

  “There’s more. I have to leave you.”

  He spoke in a whisper, his voice breaking slightly. I shook my head, concerned.

  “They are sending us out tomorrow and I will be gone for a week.” A bitter edge to his voice left me baffled. “You are going to be alone and I’m sorry for that. I’m sure the other wives will check on you. Try to appear friendly and not worry too much.”

  A lone tear slid down my cheek. A whole week?

  “I’m going to miss you terribly,” he admitted, his voice wavering just a little.

  “I’ll miss you more.” I jumped up and hugged his waist, feeling forlorn.

  He lifted a finger to wipe away the tear. I heard his sigh. Although he said nothing, the sigh spoke volumes.