At the end of his story Donnovan finally leaned back and sighed. “So you can see why I need to leave here as soon as possible.”
Mal looked at Alec. “What do you think of all of this?”
Alec smiled grimly. “He’s right about one thing. Donnovan can’t stay here. His life is in great danger.”
Mal nodded. “I understand that. I’m just not sure that joining the refugees is the right place for him.”
I understood Mal’s hesitation. He was putting everyone at the refugee camp at risk. What if Donnovan went crazy? Or was spying for the militia? He could be capable of anything.
Mal turned to me. “Do you trust him Lizzie? With the lives of our people? Because that’s exactly what he is asking.”
“I know,” I sighed, “I honestly have to say that I want to trust him but I’m not one hundred percent sure. I’m not a hundred percent sure about most people Mal. There are few that I trust.”
He frowned. “I don’t know if I can bring him to camp, lie about who he really is, and hope that he doesn’t do something that hurts people or puts them at risk.”
Donnovan snorted. “I’m not going to hurt anybody. Do you think I’m stupid? I know you will kill me just as easily as the militia. I’m not asking you to trust me, not yet, but consider this: I have militia secrets and knowledge. I’m offering a fair trade. Give me sanctuary and I will help the refugees in any way that I can.”
Mal sat back and pondered his offer. “I make no promises. This is a day by day situation. As long as you hold to your end of the bargain, I will hold to mine.”
Donnovan nodded, clearly pleased.
“I want your word Donnovan.”
Donnovan sat up and looked straight into his eyes. “You have my word. I will not harm anyone at the refugee camp and I promise to do everything I can to help the refugee cause.”
Mal leaned forward, his arms resting on the table. “Good because if you don’t, I’ll be the one who deals with you.”
He might be tall and lanky but Mal was a powerhouse. His arms were muscular and covered in tattoos. He had the physique of a runner. Fast and agile.
Fear flickered momentarily in Donnovan’s eyes and then disappeared. “You won’t regret it.”
“I already am. But Lizzie asked. That’s the only reason I am saying yes. You owe her a debt.”
Donnovan glanced at me, then at Alec. “I know and I’m grateful.”
Alec grinned. “I guess we need to figure out the specifics.”
I quickly agreed. “What are you going to say to Darren?”
Mal shook his head. “I’m not sure. I can’t very well say I was here. He would come for you Lizzie and I won’t allow that.”
“Neither will I.” Alec promised.
Donnovan spoke up. “The best lie is the one that is closest to the truth. Tell him I escaped from the militia. I was tortured and fled to join the refugees. You found me injured on the road and agreed to let me speak to your leader.”
Mal raised an eyebrow. “And if he doesn’t believe you? Or decides you are lying?”
“I don’t have much of a choice Slug. The sooner I meet him, the safer I will be. If he decides I’m not worth the risk then you have nothing to worry about. All you have to do is introduce us.”
Mal took a deep breath. “He may kill you.”
I gasped. “Would he really?”
Mal put his arm around me. “You know Darren better than anyone Lizzie. You know what he is capable of.”
He was right. I knew. “You had better be convincing.”
I shuddered at the thought of Darren torturing him for information. No one deserved that.
Donnovan nodded. “Yes, and that’s why Mal is going to beat me up.”
I stared at him, shocked. “Excuse me?”
Mal looked surprised, laughing under his breath. “I didn’t see that coming.”
Donnovan chuckled. “I need to look the part. Don’t worry. A few bruises are a far less punishment that what the militia would do to me.”
Alec looked at Donnovan, concern on his face. “Are you sure this is what you want?”
“Yes, Alec. This is on my terms. At least this way I have some control over my life. The militia will never harm me again. I’ll kill myself first,” he promised.
I knew how Donnovan felt. When my mother and sister died the feeling of helplessness and loss of control almost killed me. Joining the refugees had given me control of my life back. It had given me purpose. I hoped it would do the same for him.
Alec nodded grimly. “Be careful Don.”
He grinned. “I always look out for number one.”
Mal’s eyes filled with a small amount of respect. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“When will you leave?” I asked, worried for them both.
“Tomorrow morning. We need to be there when Darren returns.”
Mal squeezed my hand. He knew what I was thinking. It must have shown on my face.
“I thought you were staying another day,” I reminded him, disappointed.
“It’s for the best Lizzie,” he answered softly.
“Of course. I’ll take you after Alec leaves for work,” I offered.
Alec stiffened next to me. “I’m calling in sick. There’s no way I am leaving you vulnerable or alone.”
I sighed. “I’m capable of driving Alec.”
“I know Lizzie but I would feel much better if I was with you. Please,” he pleaded.
I conceded, too tired to argue. I would not win anyway. “All right.”
“He’s right Lizzie. You should not be alone, not now,” Mal agreed, glancing at my belly.
I didn’t bother getting irritated but I was going to be supremely happy when I was not coddled so much and the baby was born.
“Well…I’m hungry. Who wants a burger?” I asked, patting my stomach.
Alec and Mal grinned and Donnovan laughed.
“Waitress!” All three of them called at once.
I dissolved into a fit of giggles and shook my head.
“You know, there’s one thing you both haven’t discussed with me yet.” Mal leaned back on the couch after we came home from the tavern.
“What’s that?” Alec asked, reaching into the fridge for a cold beer. “Want one Mal?”
“Yep,” he answered, catching it as Alec tossed it to him. “When are you leaving?”
I shrugged and glanced at my husband. “He has the answers.”
“I haven’t made that decision yet,” Alec admitted.
Mal glanced at my belly. “Your son is coming. Shouldn’t that be a priority?”
Alec blinked, looking slightly taken aback. “Yes, of course it is Mal. It’s just not that simple. I’m making progress with the militia.”
“What kind of progress?”
“The kind where I get close to Haden.”
I gasped and shot a look at Alec. “Close to Haden for what?”
Alec made a throat cutting gesture and Mal grinned. I shook my head, instantly irritated and angry. “When were you going to talk to me about it?”
Alec refused to meet my eyes. “When I needed to.”
“What?” I screeched, standing and putting my hands on my hips.
“Now Lizzie…” Alec tried to downplay his lack of communication.
Mal laughed. “I’m pretty sure he didn’t tell you because of that reaction.”
I shot him a glare. “You’re not helping.”
Alec grinned back at him. “Mal has a point.”
“Only because he agrees with you.” I brushed the stray hair out of my eyes. “You two are ridiculous.”
Mal smirked. “Yes, that is most assuredly true.” He gestured to the empty bottle as he drained it. “Especially because after three beers and two drinks at the tavern, I’m…feeling pretty damn good.”
Alec laughed so hard he almost unseated himself. “I’m feeling pretty damn good too.”
I rolled my eyes. “Dear Lord, the both
of you, at the same time?”
Alec pulled me down on to his lap gently and kissed me, his hand resting on my stomach. “You know how much I love you.”
“Sweet words won’t help.” I replied stiffly but I lay my head on his chest and yawned.
“Go to sleep my darling wife. I’ll take you up later.”
Alec’s snoring woke me up. I didn’t have the heart to shake him or roll him over. I grabbed my robe and tiptoed down the stairs, walking past a sleeping Mal, sprawled out on the couch, and into the kitchen. I drank a glass of water and walked back into the living room, glancing out the window.
I sensed when I was no longer alone. Mal had awakened. Alec’s low snores were trickling down the staircase.
“Lizzie.” I felt his arms on my shoulders.
“I can’t Mal.”
“I know,” he whispered, “I won’t kiss you.”
I turned around and lay my head against his chest. His arms held me tightly against him, for so long I wondered if we would ever move at all.
Mal tilted my chin up so he could see my eyes.
“I don’t like that you’re in danger.”
“I know.” I sighed.
“Come to me.” His eyes pleaded with mine. “If anything happens, contact me. I’ll protect you.”
“I don’t know Mal.”
“If something happens to Alec promise me you will go to our bench and meet me, leave me a letter, anything. I’ll check it every day.”
“All right,” I promised.
Mal’s eyes lowered to my lips and back again. “Thank you.”
“I’m sorry Mal.”
“For what Lizzie?”
“For not being able to give you what you want.”
“Oh sweetheart, is that what worries you?”
I nodded. “Please don’t be angry with me.”
“Never,” he whispered, placing his hands on my face. “I could never be angry with you.”
“Promise?” I asked, searching his eyes.
“Yes.” His eyes darted to my lips again. “Go to bed Lizzie, go to bed now, because I can’t deny my desires any longer.”
“Ok.” I leaned forward and kissed his cheek. “Good night Mal.”
“Good night…” He answered. “…my love.” The last part I barely heard on my way up the stairs.
Alec called in sick the next morning and we left early, before sunrise. Donnovan was planning on sneaking out of the base and meeting us at the bunker outside the gates. It was the same bunker we used to borrow the car. Only this time I had my own car. Black as sin and shiny with a sunroof. I loved it the moment he brought it home.
It was a necessity with all of the plans we made. We needed a car of our own. Alec bought it after work and led me outside, surprising me. He said we might as well have a getaway car, especially with the baby coming soon. No argument from me.
Alec and Mal decided to join Donnovan so it would appear I was leaving on my own to visit a friend. I approached the front gates of the militia base with the engine purring, half wishing I could step on the gas and blow past them, but knowing it would only cause chaos. Darn it. Was I always denied the ability to have a little fun?
“Good morning Mrs. Sheridan. Where are you off to so early?” One of the soldiers asked.
I smiled. “A friend of mine is sick. I’m going to take her some soup. Alec is home sick too and I want to get back for him.”
He nodded. “Where’s the soup?”
I was glad I remembered to toss a pot into the car. “The passenger seat. Why?”
I pointed to the pot and the guard relaxed. “Sorry but I needed to check.”
I pretended to be offended. “I certainly hope you are not doubting my word.”
“Oh no Miss, but…you see…my superiors…” He stammered.
I nodded. “I understand you need to do your job. I’ll be on my way then.”
He gestured to the other guard and the gate opened. “Have a good day Mrs. Sheridan.”
Outside the main gates, I headed down the road without gunning the engine. A was rather proud of myself for holding back. I could feel the eyes of the militia guards on my rear bumper. Nervously I forced myself to drive at a consistent speed and it sucked all the joy right out of it. I pulled into the bunker parking lot a few minutes later. Alec was waiting outside, watching for me.
I parked the car and got out, finagling around the steering wheel so I didn’t bump my belly.
Alec hugged me instantly. “What took so long? Were you detained?”
I shrugged. “The guards doubted my story. I’m glad I brought the pot.”
His eyes narrowed. “Who was at the gates?”
“I didn’t know their names. One of them I recognized from the picnic. Young guy with black hair, tall and skinny?” I asked, hoping he would know.
“Ah, yes, Parker. He’s harmless. Probably a little over eager. No need to worry.”
“I’m not worried if you aren’t.”
He took my hand. “Good.”
“Where are Mal and Donnovan?” I asked, curious.
“Hiding. They don’t want detected on camera. Let’s get moving. We are going to pick them up about a mile down the road.”
“Aren’t we going to be on the cameras?”
“Not this dark. I’m not worried about it. I can always wipe the data later if it picks anything up. Those two are paranoid.” He laughed lightly. “I’ll check later,” he promised.
I sat in the passenger seat and buckled the belt, adjusting it under my stomach. Alec grinned.
“Don’t you dare say a word about how much seat belt strap I am using right now,” I told him threateningly.
The corners of his mouth twitched. “You can use all the seat belt you want my love.”
I frowned at him but he took my hand and kissed it. “You are beautiful Lizzie. I love you.”
“And I love you Alec.”
He dropped my hand and pulled onto the road, driving toward Worthington again. Along the way we picked up Mal and Donnovan and continued the journey. It was after sunrise when we reached the park, muddy and dull brown from the recent rain. Alec parked along the street, angling the car toward the main road, and I realized he always parked the car so it faced the destination we would leave in. Smart. Mal and Donnovan grabbed their backpacks and duffle bags from the trunk, loaded down with supplies.
The ground had thawed again. My feet sloshed and stuck in the sticky ground. More than once I teetered, my balance offset by my growing belly. I almost laughed with the numerous amount of times Mal and Alec reached out to steady me. We walked with them into the park and stopped at the familiar bench.
“Well, this is it.” Donnovan observed, dropping his bags on the bench.
Without warning, Mal punched him in the upper jaw and then in the stomach, causing him to double over in pain. Blood dripped from his bottom lip. Another left hook had him tumbling to the ground, blood coming from his nose. Mal shook his hand, grimacing slightly.
I stared in horror at them both.
“You might need to ice that.” Alec observed, his voice laced with humor.
Mal looked sheepish. “Best get it over with before you had a chance to dwell on it.”
Donnovan nodded, holding his side. “Agreed.”
Alec laughed, clapping Mal on the back. “Did you ever box?”
“A little,” he admitted.
Mal was a boxer? How did I not know that?
“More than a little,” Donnovan gasped, “that left hook is brutal.”
Mal smiled. “Yeah, old south paw.”
The other two grunted, a clear sign of respect.
I rolled my eyes. “Was it necessary to do that before I left?”
Mal looked apologetic. “I figured you would want to know he was all right. And he is. Besides, he was getting jittery thinking about it on the way here.”
I looked at Donnovan.
“How did you...that obvious huh?” He chuckled.
“Yep,” Mal replied.
“Well, I leave you in capable hands Don. Good luck,” Alec told him, taking his free hand and shaking it.
“Ha, yeah, thanks for that.” Donnovan grunted.
“You asked for this,” Mal reminded him.
“Yeah I know. I think you bruised a lung,” he smiled and winced, remembering the cut on his lip.
“Why do you think I volunteered to help assimilate you?”
Alec laughed hard at that, his eyes watering.
Mal grinned. “Payback for Lizzie. I might have enjoyed that a little.”
Alec laughed harder, unable to speak.
I ignored them both, putting my hand on Donnovan’s shoulder. “Good luck. These are good people. If you prove yourself, they will be loyal to you and protect you. Don’t forget that many of them have suffered as much if not more than you.”
He nodded. “I appreciate what you’ve done. You won’t regret it.”
Mal and Alec sobered up. This was where we said goodbye. I hated goodbyes. I was terrible at them, even more so after my sister’s death. They were difficult for me on many levels. Emotionally taxing. I think it had a lot to do with the unpredictability of the future. It was wartime after all. No one was safe.
I turned to Mal, sudden tears springing to my eyes. “I don’t want to say goodbye Mal.”
He embraced me, a tremor running through his lanky frame. “I’ll miss you Lizzie. Send word to me when you can. I want to see that bouncing baby boy…” His voice broke and he cleared his throat. “I want to see him when he is born.”
“You will. I want you there. Please,” I whispered.
He put his palms on either side of my face. “I wouldn’t miss it for anything. Bye sweetie. Take care of yourself.”
He leaned down and for a split second I thought he was going to kiss me in front of Alec but his lips brushed against my forehead instead. I caught a glance in his eyes before he turned away and it lurched my heart almost out of my chest. Mal loved me. I knew that. We loved each other like siblings. Like Family. Like blood. Even with his declaration I had still convinced myself it was not the same kind of love that I shared with Alec. I was wrong.
For the first time I saw the strength of emotion he hid from me. It was raw. Vibrant and real. Like Fire. And fierce in its intensity.
Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) Page 23
