I’m Everywhere
1
Adrian slipped into his site by jumping from the ledge above. A neat move requiring good timing and a certain level of physical fitness, it was encouraging to him after all the time he’d spent feeling weak and he enjoyed a moment of pride.
“Where have you been?”
Conner’s voice in the darkness was unexpected and Adrian slipped as he spun, landing on his ass in the damp dirt.
Conner couldn’t keep from snickering, but he knew to retreat. Making fun of Adrian while in range probably wasn’t smart.
Adrian sighed, picking himself up. That’s what I get for being proud of my skills, he thought.
Conner’s chuckles continued, sending a flush over Adrian’s cheeks, but he controlled the urge to strike out. It was often funny when someone fell and he wouldn’t punish the boy for being human.
Adrian took his shirt off and tossed it over a nearby branch to scrub later. He used the dew on the foliage around them to clean his hands, and then headed for his tent.
Conner followed, observing eagerly. Almost all of his survival knowledge had come first hand, after careful trips into the Little Rock Public Library. His mother hadn’t been allowed to teach him things that weren’t approved.
Adrian was zipping his jacket over a black turtleneck when Conner peered into the tent, and he noticed the missing dog tags, but didn’t comment on it. “Are you going to answer my question?”
“No.” Adrian slid his gun into its holster. “But you can answer mine. Why did you agree to heal Samantha?”
“How do you know that?” Conner demanded mistrustfully.
“Because she didn’t shoot you or try to remove your limbs,” Adrian replied, thinking of Jeremy’s Jeepster. “Samantha has a quick fuse.”
“No, how did you know she’s sick or that she asked me?”
“She was on John’s list of positive tests, and there isn’t anything else she would want from you.”
Conner let that sink in, thinking his father was smart. He would have a lot to teach.
“Yes, I will,” Adrian agreed. “To people who are worthy.”
“What do you want from me?” Conner snapped. “I’m trying!”
“Yes, you are.”
“But?” Conner insisted, as Adrian gathered things into a kit.
“Unless you prove yourself, those women won’t ever trust you.”
“So?”
“So, they hold your fate, boy. When they go to Angela and tell her that you’re reformed, she can let you inside those gates.”
“How do I become reformed?” Conner asked sullenly, saying the word as if it were a disease.
“Start by telling me why you agreed to help Samantha,” Adrian repeated.
“Selfish reasons,” Conner admitted, moving to let Adrian through the flap. “Same goal.”
“The methods matter,” Adrian told him, going toward their small center fire. “Do you like her, as a person? Do you like her men? Do you feel bad for her children?”
“That one!” Conner exclaimed, choice of words proclaiming his youth and inexperience. “I do feel bad for the kids.”
“Good,” Adrian praised, lightly kicking the heels of soldiers–some already awake, some not. “It doesn’t excuse using her to get in, but it does show that you’re not totally corrupt. A descendant who has gone bad will slaughter children to attain their goals.”
“I’d never do that,” Conner muttered, thinking of Autumn and the rescue.
“We know you can feel compassion for kids. What else?”
Conner concentrated. “Um… I care about a few people in there, like Charlie and maybe even Becky.”
“Why haven’t you tried to make contact with them?”
“It’s against the rules,” Conner evaded.
Adrian knew and said, “You’re scared.”
“Yeah.” Conner flushed unhappily. “What if they tell me to get lost?”
“Becky probably will,” Adrian agreed. “She’s been through a lot and I’m not sure forgiveness is big on her list.”
“Charlie will, too,” Conner stated. “He likes the good, the right. He might even tell on me.”
“There’s always a chance,” Adrian replied. “But what is life without risk?”
Adrian motioned to the soldiers using Eagle code and was pleased when all of them understood and started getting ready for their daily duties that he’d given them. They’d clearly been practicing and Adrian let a bit of good vibes wash over the dozen men. “Excellent.”
Conner also felt the pleasure, but didn’t get to enjoy it, since he hadn’t been the intended target. It was disappointing and motivating at the same time. “I’ll try harder.”
Adrian smiled at his son. “I know and you’ll succeed if you remember to put yourself last in every way, even your thoughts. The correct solutions are always easier to reach when you remove yourself from the picture.”
“Hey, are they headed down to the site?” Conner asked as the soldiers began leaving.
“Yes, but you’re not,” Adrian answered. “You’re with me today.”
Conner wanted to protest not being told, but the only thing he wanted in the world more than time around Candy, was time with his dad. “Okay.”
“We need to make a supply run. On the way, we’ll be hunting and doing recon. And I’ll give you a few ways to keep up your energy. Our gifts can be depleted if we use them up too quickly.”
Conner brightened and ran to get his own kit. He didn’t have much in it right now and he slung it over one shoulder.
“We’ll eat on the road,” Adrian stated, kicking dirt over the smoldering embers of the fire. “Check your gun.”
Conner was used to this part of a descendant’s life and Adrian was pleased with the smooth motions. “Good. Let’s go.”
“Mind if I tag along?” Kendle came through the trees.
Conner’s face tightened.
Adrian lifted a brow. “You’re on second shift. Have you slept?”
“A little. I’m good for a couple hours and then you can send me back.”
Adrian glanced at Conner and reluctantly said, “Next time.”
Kendle had expected it after overhearing Adrian’s last words. “Okay. Maybe I can sleep in your bed. Mine certainly isn’t cutting it.”
Adrian grinned, ignoring Conner’s blush. “In roughly fifteen hours, I’ll join you.”
Kendle didn’t tell him she would be on duty and Adrian led Conner down the mountain by means of a side path he’d discovered. He didn’t want to get close to Zone C right now. None of those people were happy.
2
“Someone came in our gate last night!”
“We want to report a killing!”
Kenn didn’t leave his place on the gate. The rookies were getting a taste of a shift here and Kenn already hated it.
“The boss will handle it,” Kenn spoke into the speaker that echoed into all of the quarantine zones. “Stay calm and tell us what happened.”
“Someone came in and killed two of our biggest men!”
“We want justice!”
“We want inside your gates!”
Angela shook her head. “Tell them my decision.”
Kenn hit the button. “Word came down, folks. Those people in Zone C will not be let into Safe Haven. Please take your things and leave.”
Shouts and horrible insults began flying and Kenn was glad they had another hour until it was time to open their gates.
“Open it now,” Angela instructed. She had a tripled patrol here right now, if she included all the rookies, and she wasn’t worried about any of the troublemakers getting inside. She didn’t honestly want to kill them in front of her camp, either, but if they didn’t leave, that’s exactly what would happen.
Hoping to forestall it, Angela climbed to the second tier of rafters and let her eyes glow that dangerous red. The witch surrounded her with protection and Angela let the bubble around herself be seen. She didn’t want to start her day with murder, but none of those people would be allowed in here.
Around the main gates, the other zone people came from their tents to glare and mutter.
“We ain’t leavin’!”
“Come out and make us!”
Angela denied the Eagles who would have responded to the challenge. “We have plans in place for this.”
Angela signaled Jennifer.
Jennifer whistled toward the far edge of their circular site, where the ants had set up their colony in the secondary cave. People stopped what they were doing to gawk, as a long line of soldier ants scurried from their cave and rushed toward the zones.
Instead of going through the crowd, the insects were able to run along the cliff to get to the zone and the people there began screaming in horror as the ants overwhelmed the opening gate.
Being used like farm dogs, the ants herded the people from the gates instead of attacking them, but a few of them men refused to be driven out and the soldier ants did kill those, using their powerful jaws to clamp down on tender throats after the men were covered and forced to their knees.
It was ugly for those in the other zones and Angela motioned to Kenn. “Explain this to them.”
“Like anyone could do that,” Kenn muttered, but dutifully hit his radio. “Those people refused to leave and they threatened us. We will not tolerate that. Follow the rules and if we tell you to leave, then leave.”
The mutters calmed down a bit and Kenn asked, “We’re not doing this to the other people, are we?”
Angela shook her head, though she wasn’t positive about all of the four dozen people they had split between the other two zones. “We won’t have to.”
Kenn didn’t like the answer, but he didn’t argue. Angela was capable of determining who was good and who was bad, a needed skill during any time, but one that was especially useful now. Unlike my own gifts, he thought. His were innate and usually not visible to other people, even descendants.
“Why?” Zone C people shouted, as they got away from the insects.
“Yeah! Why can’t we come in?”
“Tell us why! We can change.”
Angela stepped carefully around Kenn and hit the button. “You have a killer among you and I can’t tell who it is. You don’t care, you won’t share, and you burned the Safe Haven rules without ever reading them. You’ve conspired to take over my settlement as soon as you’re inside. You’ve plotted the death of each man on this gate, and because I don’t like you!”
Angela’s voice had increased as she listed their offenses and for a full minute, there was silence. As she waited, she rubbed the deep scar that occasionally ached. She could still feel the wolf’s teeth against her skin, hot and hungry, and it made her wince as the screams and shouts resumed.
“Boss, there’s a call for you,” the radio crackled.
Angela left the gate without giving any instructions. If the people didn’t go, the ants would continue to flush them down the mountain. Kenn was about to think of the crews waiting there and get on the radio to make calls. Her men were caring and sharing, and they would survive. Most of the camp was signing up for the classes or the Eagles. Weeding through that list had been harder than she had expected. Self-respect was returning to almost her entire herd and there was no way she would let in new disruptions without a good reason.
3
Seth and Becky stayed on the rafters of the main gate, both ready to offer assistance. Angela’s instructions had said to be helpful to the Eagles, in whatever way they were needed. So far, it had simply been spelling sentries for short breaks, but the people from Zone C were very unhappy. Most of them had fled down the road, but a few were still attempting to get by the ants and regain the safety of the gated area.
The guards had little sympathy for them. If Angela said they were bad, then they were.
“You okay?” Seth asked, coming to where she was standing. Her gaze was on Adrian’s site and Seth wondered what she was thinking.
“Sure. You?”
Seth heard the forced cheer and came nearer. “Can we talk?”
“Not if you’re about to ask me to resign from the Eagles, and then go hide in a tent or cave until the baby comes.”
That’s exactly what he’d been about to do, but Seth wasn’t going to admit it. He used his backup topic. “Actually, I was wondering how you feel about moving into the caves. Theo almost has them ready for everyone.”
Becky considered the idea, liking that topic much better than the one she’d been chewing over. Her mind had been whispering of Adrian’s betrayal and the woman sleeping with him. “Maybe. I don’t think I’ll have an issue with it.”
“I might,” Seth confessed. “It’s like being buried.”
Becky winced at the reminder of their last battles for Angela. Things had worked out in the end, but those moments had been terrifying. “I understand. I’m okay with topside.”
Seth smiled, thinking they needed a night out. “You want to catch the movie when they get the theater tent open?”
“Yes, please,” Becky answered, blushing. They could be alone in the dark.
Seth liked the sparks of attraction, but he returned to his post before either of them could get too distracted. He’d lost his team, except for Tommy, and Jeff had left Safe Haven with Kevin. Distractions were usually welcome. He hated thinking about his missing men.
Becky also returned to her musings, wondering if Kendle realized how much the Eagles were starting to dislike her for keeping company with Adrian.
“She knows,” Cynthia answered the thought on her way passed the gate. “She doesn’t care.”
Becky realized her mind was open and forced herself not to bring down the wall. She didn’t need people studying her more than they already were.
Cynthia kept going, busy handling things for the boss. She knew Becky’s thoughts weren’t all together, but she understood why. Time would remove the sting from the wounds she’d suffered and Seth’s love would heal her heart. They had to be patient.
Cynthia continued on to the path that led to the cave entrance. Large tents and bathrooms with Eagle stations covered the site and Cynthia took note of the progress. Angela would ask.
Cynthia spotted Jeremy coming from the large gathering tent halfway down the path and detoured that way. “Got your next run.”
Jeremy took the paper and skimmed it. “Sure, we can do that. When?”
“Tonight, after mess,” Cynthia answered, writing it in her book. “She said to call for the vet if you find anything alive at the fish farm next door. Have him run tests and if it’s bad, destroy it to keep other people from eating it and getting sick.”
“Sounds good,” Jeremy agreed, happy to be sent out on another gathering run. Anything was preferable to going inside that cave.
Neil came from the stone entrance and spotted them. Jeremy motioned him over. They hadn’t been working together, but they would be now. Both men glanced at Cynthia, trying to judge if this was a good time to talk to her, but she was clearly busy.
“Boss has new orders. You guys have a run.”
Neil read it. “Cool. You’ve already got the fine print?”
“Yep,” Jeremy confirmed.
Cynthia left as Jeremy filled Neil in. She was hoping to be finished and in the mess or her tent before the copies of her newspaper came out. She would stand by every word, but she didn’t expect it to go over well. The truth hardly ever did.
“Do you have a minute?”
Cynthia stopped to let Daryl catch up with her. They hadn’t seen much of each other during the last week.
Daryl took a risk and gave her a hug.
Surprised, Cynthia hugged him back.
Their small spat was easily forgotten as they held on and Cynthia sighed. “Nice.”
Daryl placed a kiss on the top of her head. “I missed you.”
Cynthia didn’t want to tell him she’d been too busy to miss him and said, “Me too.”
Daryl took it the good way and he stepped away reluctantly. “Free for a meal?”
“Not until evening mess,” she answered. “Still have a list right now.”
Daryl understood she needed to go and waved her off. “I’ll see you at dinner.”
Mood improved, Cynthia continued her rounds.
Daryl was also soothed a bit. She’d ignored him for days and he’d expected that to go badly. He also expected their talk during mess to be ugly, but it had to happen. If she was in love with Adrian, like many of the women here had been until recently, then he would have to bow out. If her heart was free and clear, Daryl wanted a commitment.
4
“You can ask for more,” Angela stated warmly into the radio. “We’d be happy to send anything you need. You’ve helped our men. We owe you.”
“No shit?”
Angela grinned. “No shit.”
Around her, there were shared expressions of relief. Angela could have demanded their men be returned or simply gone in and grabbed them. Rewarding their rescuers was a much better solution, and doing it over the open waves would encourage others to defend Safe Haven people instead of attacking them.
“You can bring whatever you want, but we voted and we don’t want more than we need,” the voice replied firmly. “Your men are safe with us.”
“Thank you,” Angela answered. “Please give my radioman the location in code and we’ll send a team out immediately. They will not hurt you.”
“We trust Safe Haven. You took out the government.”
“Yes, we did,” Angela confirmed. “And we’ll help you in any way we can. Expect a van.”
Angela gestured for Kenn to finish the call and headed toward the main activity tents. They’d placed their brig in the center so that members and guards could be responsible for them. Marc was there now, dealing with Darian.
Angela wasn’t anxious to join them and she detoured into an activity tent, where groups of Eagles were enjoying a break.
The men spotted her coming and stopped their games and conversations, sensing she wasn’t there to goof off.
Angela went to Joseph, pleased to discern he was being treated like any other rookie. Getting minorities into Safe Haven programs was a key to future peace. Everyone, of all races, had to feel the same pride, have the same goal of survival. No one could be set above the others and Angela didn’t have a full solution for that yet. Because of their gifts, descendants would always be viewed as slightly superior. In a few generations, when everyone had descendant blood, she hoped those perceptions would fade.
“But I’m not counting on it,” she muttered.
“On me saying yes to whatever you want?” Joseph snapped. He’d gotten tense the instant she’d locked onto him.
“I’m sorry,” Angela replied distractedly. “I’m still in my own mind. That had nothing to do with you.”
Known for telling the harsh truth, Joseph didn’t doubt her. If it had been aimed at him, she would have told him why.
“I did come here to ask you for something,” Angela said. “If you agree, you’ll be going with Marc.”
“Doing what?” Joseph asked, brow lifting. Other than the highest levels, no one worked with Marc anymore. He was the XO. Everyone labored for him.
“Did you hear the call that came in?”
Joseph nodded. All of them had. “Eagles keep their radios on.”
“I’d like you to go with Marc to collect our men. You’ll help provide security where needed.”
“And the real reason I’m being sent?” he asked snidely.
“I want you to get the people thinking about Safe Haven. They’ll be much happier here.”
Joseph wasn’t sure what to say at first. His race was being used. Should I be offended?
“No,” Angela answered his thought. “I didn’t ask you to do a dirty deed in a dark alley. I’m asking you to help save more of our people.”
Joseph liked the answer and he was able to agree. “Okay. Marc’ll tell me what he wants from me?”
“Yes, I will,” Marc stated from the tent flap. It hadn’t been hard to figure out what Angela would do for this situation. “Be ready after mess.”
“You know it,” Joseph gave the popular answer.
Angela scanned the tent. “As you were.”
The men chuckled and Angela favored Joseph with an approving nod that she knew he felt. The bald professor had already adjusted a lot since coming to Safe Haven. He was a good man and Angela wanted everyone to know that. His notions were about to be challenged. If he handled it correctly, his respect here would increase and they would have a new group of refugees. If he couldn’t handle the truth, Adrian’s dream of blending blacks in through Joseph might be lost. It was going to be up to Marc to know when to step in and when to move aside.
“I’ll handle it,” Marc stated, following her from the tent. “You’re positive he’s the one?”
“No.”
Marc understood why minorities needed to be a larger part of their population and agreed wholeheartedly with Safe Haven attempting it. In a hundred years, the race wars would sweep the country and this time, there wouldn’t even be laws of society to guide people through it. If they could encourage everyone to get along now, there was a chance that future wouldn’t happen. Safe Haven held a lot of power to influence the future and Marc approved of Angela using her power on this.
Before he could completely distract her, Angela lifted a brow. “What do you think about Darian?”
Marc chuckled. “And I thought I got away with it.”
Angela smirked and waited for the report on his interrogation.
“Show or tell?” Marc asked suggestively.
“Just tell, please.”
“He is Marcella’s twin brother. He wants to know why she was killed. He’s gonna keep snooping until he gets the truth or a bullet.”
Amusement gone now, Angela asked, “Your recommendation?”
“Show him,” Marc answered immediately. “He’s not like the others from Devine’s group. I was a little surprised to discover that.”
“Did you have to get rough?” she asked reluctantly. She had to know what to expect for the next time she saw Darian.
“No,” Marc said thoughtfully. “He opened right up. Gave me a nice image of their town.”
“Pine Bank?” she verified.
“Yes. They have more power than we do.”
“Quality over quantity,” she replied. “You know that.”
Reminded of his ulterior motive, Marc leered. “Yeah, baby.”
Angela blushed prettily and Marc kissed her.
Kendle came through the tents in time to witness it and she froze, pain filling her heart. She’d slept with Adrian and it had been amazing, but she would still trade him for Marc in an instant.
Angela caught the thought and glowered at Kendle with crimson orbs.
Marc felt the waves of coldness and sighed. “She’s not going to change. I was wrong to bring her here.”
Angela’s sense of duty warred with her jealousy, and she shook her head, tone scathing. “Give the princess a little more time. If she doesn’t snap out of it, I’ll handle her.”
Angela’s voice carried and Kendle blanched, realizing she’d created a scene. She spun in the opposite direction, struggling not to cry. I hate it here! I want Luke.
Angela’s anger faded at Kendle’s misery. “She’s lost. You’re like the man she killed and she’s having a hard time separating her grief from the attraction.”
“What should I do about it?” Marc asked. It was very uncomfortable. He’d never been one to enjoy being fawned over by multiple females, but this was even worse because Angie’s patience was running out.
“You’ve already tried to pass her around the Eagles,” Angela stated evenly. “And screwing Adrian didn’t fix her. Maybe you should give it a try.”
Marc gaped and Angela burst out laughing.
Realizing she was joking, Marc gave an exaggerated sigh of relief. “I’d do a lot for my country, honey, but that’s askin’ a bit much.”
Angela lifted a brow. “Sex is a bit much?”
“Trying to stay hard while wondering when you’re going to stab me,” Marc remarked.
Angela dissolved into laughter and Marc enjoyed it. She didn’t smile nearly enough.
Angela caught the next thought and smiled again, this time seductively. “I’ve got half an hour if you do.”
“We could take over a shower.” Marc leaned in, voice dropping into a sensual snare. “I haven’t had my mouth on you in weeks.”
Angela blushed down to the roots of her hair, and quickly nodded. “Yeah, um. That would be fine. Lovely.”
Marc snickered and steered them toward their tent for changes of clothes. He was supposed to go to bed now, but the hot, dreamy feel of her under his arm was enough to send fresh adrenalin through his system. I’ll sleep when I’m dead.
5
Early evening came over the mountains with all the grace of a hippo, splattering shadows and resentments along the stone as the survivors gathered for their meal.
Aware of the tension around her that was cutting though the rattle of paper, Angela chose to read the rest of the short edition first. The newspaper was Cynthia’s first and only four pages.
Angela skipped the headline article and moved onto the information at the bottom of page 2.
Settlement and Contest Updates
63% ready to transfer into the cave.
75% of materials gathered.
57% of building, installing infrastructure complete.
Top gathering teams: Shane–37% Billy–38%.
Top building team: Theo.
It only took a moment to scan the numbers and Angela continued on to page 3, where she had provided a number of Do and Don’t items for the reporter. Distracted, Angela skimmed the advice to boil the water two minutes longer, test expired goods with smelling, feeding animals before people, and the stand-by of never leaving without a radio and gun. It was standard information that the newer people would require.
Angela dropped to the bottom of page 3, to the short list of obituaries and her heart clenched. I should have been able to save them.
Around Angela’s table, mutters and scowls were being directed her way. Lost in her guilt over the deaths, she didn’t react.
Angela forced herself to go to the final page, where Safe Haven’s rules and code of conduct were printed. Below them were brief instructions on how to handle crime and Angela sighed. Nothing left to put off the interview she had given.
Angela flipped the paper to the first page and tried to read it like a member, so she could determine their reactions. So far, there were odd glares and mutters. She’d waited until the paper was released to send Marc out of camp, just in case. After so many of the people not voting for her, she couldn’t take the chance on assuming she was safe.
“Safe Haven Settlement: Too good to be true?
by Reporter Cynthia Quest
I recently sat down with the Boss and asked her some of the hard questions that I’ve heard people whispering since we arrived in these stunning mountains. The following is a copy of the conversation, but I warn you now–it is not comforting.
Cynthia: I’ll start with the questions I’ve heard most. Are we finally safe? Can we stay here?
Angela: For a while, but nothing lasts forever.
Cynthia: Does that mean you’ve foreseen something else coming?
Angela: That’s hard to answer. I see many things, but the choices people make can change them by the minute. Nothing is carved in stone.
Cynthia: So there is something coming, but it’s not certain that we’ll be hit by it?
Angela: Good guess. Yes, that’s close enough.
Cynthia: Why haven’t you told everyone?
Angela: Why should I panic everyone when I’m not sure it will disturb us?
Cynthia: Okay. How long before you are sure?
Angela: The next couple weeks will tell.
Cynthia: Weeks? That’s all we’ll get here?
Angela: If things go badly, yes.
Cynthia: What can we do to stop it from happening?
Angela: Nothing that I’ve found yet. It’s not a Safe Haven problem. It’s another apocalypse side effect.
Cynthia: Can I interview you again in two weeks?
Angela: Of course, but when I know, I’ll make plans to ensure our safety and then put them into motion. You’ll know.
Cynthia: Where do you think we can try to settle down and build those lives, if not here?
Angela: South, so far. I’m still searching, but if I had to pick right now, I’d take us to a small island in the south and keep us there until this country has revived itself.
Cynthia: People won’t like hearing that. They want to stay here.
Angela: I’m doing everything I can to make that happen.
Cynthia: Will it be enough?
Angela turned the page to finish the article, feeling the chill in the air that had little to do with the weather. The camp had been hoping for better news.
Angela: Ask me again in two weeks.
Cynthia: I will. Another whisper I hear a lot is about how secretive you are. It reminds people of Adrian.
Angela: I’ve been stabbed, shot, abducted, drugged, and many other awful things. How can I run this camp and keep people alive if I’m always fighting off would-be assassins? And how can I stop that if everyone knows my plans and schedule? Secrets are necessary right now. We still have powerful enemies.
Cynthia: That’s the final topic I’d like to discuss. Will Jack Devine’s people come here to avenge him?
Angela: Probably, but they can’t beat the power here.
Cynthia: You’re certain?
Angela: Yes.
Cynthia: And if they come?
Angela: The Eagles have it covered. We won’t allow our people to be harmed, but I have no plans to send teams out to attack this other group. We’ll have to learn to get along.
Cynthia: The men who came here don’t want to get along. I think they should be eliminated.
Angela: Personally, so do I, but Safe Haven stands for the good, the light. We have rules and laws here, and we’ll abide by them. Unless we’re attacked, we will not engage the strangers. They have as much right to live as we do.
Cynthia: Have you foreseen them coming? Is that the trouble?
Angela: That is not the possible problem, but considering the luck we’ve had with nature, the apocalypse, and strangers, it wouldn’t surprise me for all of it to come at the same time. If that future happens. As I said, the choices people make determine what comes. As long as everyone does their job, and remembers to abide by our code of conduct, we might be able to stay here for a lot longer.
Cynthia: Well, we’ll all be hoping for the best.
Angela: So will I, and I’m doing all that I can to give our people time here. In a few days, the cave will be ready for our official moving in. We’re so much stronger now. I take hope from that.
Cynthia: Okay. Thank you for the interview. Is there anything you’d like to add?
Angela: Yes. Please remind people that discussing the abilities and skills of the people here will make them a target, both in and outside of our gates.
Cynthia: I will.
Reporter’s final thought
As you can see, safety is a matter of perception and, in my opinion, not to be counted on. We were led here under false pretenses by Adrian, and now we have to blindly follow his powerful, secretive successor. That’s a lot of trust for these times.”
“You okay?” Marc asked, taking the seat next to her. He swept the mess with a hard expression, but found simple sullenness.
“Yes.” She admired his full Eagle gear. He was sexy and most of the time, he didn’t even seem to know it. He also looked tired, but he would get to sleep while Billy drove. Daryl would cover Point tonight.
“They’re taking it well,” Marc commented, nodding his thanks to Li Sing as the man came out with a plate.
“Better than I expected,” she agreed, enjoying his heat. Soon, they would use the rolled up flaps to enclose their main areas for warmth.
“Have you read it?” Angela asked.
“From thoughts.”
Aware that he was having his crew eat before they left, Angela passed him the paper. “Here. I have a couple meetings.”
“Thanks.” Marc glanced up from the headline to locate Jennifer, baby in her arms, threading her way toward them through the crowded mess. “Good meetings?”
“Mostly.”
Marc didn’t care for the sound of that and he skimmed the paper instead of allowing it to pull him into a place where he might miss trouble.
“How’s that beautiful little girl?” Angela cooed, unable to help it. Babies were so sweet.
“Grouchy,” Jennifer replied, sliding the baby into Angela’s surprised arms. “Can you hold her while I get a tray?”
“Sure,” Angela answered distractedly, staring down at the nine-week-old baby. It was an instant reminder of her unborn child and the danger that surrounded her. It was also a painful flash of the child that she’d lost.
Autumn’s lids opened gradually, brought out of her nap by different arms holding her, and Angela tried to force those bad thoughts away. Autumn didn’t need to know about death yet.
I already do, the child answered mentally. People think of another baby when they hold me. Can you tell me why?
Angela blanched. When you’re older.
It felt surreal to send that to a newborn, but Autumn was typical of all descendants. Their minds weren’t hampered by age, only their bodies.
That’s what mommy said. Then she cried.
Angela held the baby to her for a hug-type clutch, and refused to think of anything except sleeping. After a long moment, Autumn’s young body relaxed in sleep and Angela was grateful.
“Now we know why Jennifer needed a break,” Marc stated. He’d caught the quick conversation and also hated the truth that Autumn would have to be told one day.
Angela stared at Marc in horror.
He placed a hand on hers. “We’ll all be here for her. And, for ours.”
Angela nodded shakily. The newest vision of the future had been frightening. In it, there were babies who could think and adults who couldn’t.
“We won’t let that happen.”
“No, we won’t,” Angela agreed, gently placing the baby back into her mother’s arms after Jennifer sat the tray on the table and took a seat. “They only get one life and we’ll make sure it’s full and happy.”
Angela glanced over at a small group of soldiers entering the mess. “Watch this.”
Marc did, wondering why the men were marching eagerly toward the table where Kenn and Tonya were sitting all snuggled together. The couple was clearly on a dating meal and it was sweet.
“Hey, there, Red!”
“Good to see you again.”
Tonya smiled uneasily at the four men, suddenly realizing she should have told Kenn about that part of her mission. “You guys settling in?”
“Oh, yeah,” Captain Boothe stated, as all of the men sat down. “Safe Haven is great.”
“Yeah, man,” Corporal James agreed, spearing a potato wedge to dip in ketchup. “Steady food, hot water, and even enough females for sex! Great place.”
Tonya grimaced and Kenn flashed a scowl at the loud words. People across the mess were twisting to stare at their table.
“Well, we’re glad you like it here,” Tonya tried to cut off the coming disaster. “Kenn, let’s go and have that–”
“Oh, yeah, Red. We didn’t expect things to be so, well, free. I mean, most places wouldn’t be okay with one chick for two guys, but the Ghost doesn’t have trouble with it.”
Kenn froze, replaying the man’s words.
Across the mess, conversations ceased.
“Seems like one chick for two guys is a common setup,” Boothe commented, holding his bread around the loaded hamburger. “That’s great, considering there ain’t enough women to go around.”
Tonya nearly choked as Kenn’s fork clattered to the tray.
“No, it’s okay, man,” Boothe soothed. “We know you and Ghost got this one. No worries.”
Kenn was turning red and Tonya tried to slide under the table so she could vanish. This was bad.
Kenn’s hand on her arm stopped her exit. “Whoa there, big momma.”
Tonya froze.
“So, how does it work, man?” James asked, not realizing there was a problem.
“Yeah, can we pick one or do they pick us?” Boothe questioned. “How did you and the Ghost handle things?”
Angela’s snickers were floating toward them, but not fast enough and Kenn glowered at Tonya as he let go of her arm. “You’ve got some explaining to do.”
Finally realizing something was wrong, the four soldiers fell silent and the entire mess got to listen to Tonya.
She cleared her throat. “I, uh, had orders. I followed them.”
Kenn’s head swiveled to where Angela and Marc were sitting, both snickering. “What kind of orders, woman?”
“She said she was there to negotiate with the base commander. Told us she was the Ghost’s mistress,” James blurted. “Man, did we help her then!”
“Yeah, I’ll bet you did,” Kenn drawled in an icy tone that spoke of violence coming.
“It wasn’t like that,” Tonya said awkwardly. “Marc has always been nice to me and sure, he’s fantastic to look at, but I…” Flustered, Tonya realized she was making it worse.
“Son of a bitch!” Kenn glared at Marc. “Angie and Kendle weren’t enough–you had to have Tonya! Where the hell do you even find the time for all these women?”
Marc, feeling fantastic after making Angie moan his name twice, grinned widely and shrugged. “I’m the Ghost, dude. I’m everywhere.”
6
“What do you think about her?”
Jennifer stopped to scan the mess, where Tara and Shawn had joined the food line and created fresh gossip.
Kyle waited patiently, feeling quite happy with her arm linked through his as they did rounds. While Marc was gone and Angela was sleeping, Jennifer was Daryl’s XO as he covered Point.
“She’s very closed,” Jennifer said finally. “And the boss told me directly to–” Jennifer snapped her mouth shut, realizing she’d made a mistake.
“To leave her alone?” Kyle guessed. He’d had that same order from Adrian, many times.
“Yes,” Jennifer admitted. She could trust Kyle. “Angela has something planned with her, I think.”
“Matching her up with Shawn?” Kyle asked, thinking the couple looked very tense and not at all interested in each other.
“That’s certainly what she thinks,” Jennifer observed quietly. “But I’m not positive he likes her very much.”
Kyle wasn’t sure why. Tara was attractive, and obviously able to have kids. She had a job here and she’d been cleared by the boss. She had all the basics of a good Eagle mate.
“Do I?” Jennifer asked suddenly.
Kyle chuckled. “No. You’re top grade. She’ll have to work her way up.”
Pleased. Jennifer beamed at him.
Kyle refused to let her dazing ability freeze him and he pushed through the fog to tell her, “You’re beautiful.”
Jennifer blushed. “Thanks.”
Kyle kept them moving, aware of the sparks running up his arm from the innocent contact of her hand on his skin. Their intimate moments were burnt into his brain and they reared up at any provocation to sear him with need.
Jennifer tightened her grip on his hand. “We can sleep together.”
Kyle knew she meant actual sleep, but that didn’t stop his pulse from increasing. Despite wanting her desperately, Kyle planned to take his time claiming her and sleeping together meant an entire shift of feeling her warm, young body pressed tightly to his.
“Whatever you want,” he answered eagerly.
“I want you to work on your promise,” she blurted in a low mutter.
Shocked, Jennifer spun toward the gate to do a check in there before she got completely distracted. She knew Daryl and the Eagles had things covered, but she’d been given an important role today and she wasn’t going to mess it up.
Kyle followed slowly, mind spinning. She kept pushing him, saying she wanted another baby, and he had no problem believing that. However, he also knew Autumn was young enough that Jennifer didn’t need to get pregnant again right away. Would she settle for the pleasure side of that, without the pregnancy attempts? He wasn’t sure how to broach the subject with her and had chosen not to. He would stick to his plans of slowly bringing them together to ensure her good feelings for him didn’t change. When he took her all the way to being his woman, he would make the final choice then. As far as he knew, that was still a long time off and there was no sense in worrying over it.
Jennifer spun around to glower at him with crimson sight.
Kyle sighed. “Okay, baby. Okay.”
Mollified, Jennifer returned to her rounds and Kyle headed for the mess, suddenly wishing Neil or Marc was here for him to talk to.
Jennifer gave a short wave to the three Indian men who were escorting the ants toward the mess. Three times a day the insects came to the mess for the scraps, and Angela had assigned Marc’s Indian buddies to the chore of making certain there were no problems between ants and people. There hadn’t been any so far, and Jennifer didn’t expect any. The ants were very useful and the people here knew that now.
The trio of new men nodded to her respectfully and the tallest man sent her a tiny, hopeful smile that said he was interested in her.
Jennifer’s stomach twisted and the clammy feel of fear came over her skin.
She hurried toward the gate. Kyle was the only man who didn’t draw that reaction from her. The males here were mostly kind and patient, and even handsome, but Kyle was the only one she could trust.
Safe Haven’s engines echoed as Neil’s crew rolled through the gates. They were headed north–a direction that hadn’t gone well for their teams. “Good luck, gentlemen,” she wished. The rock salt was already needed, but in a few weeks, it would be the difference between getting off this mountain for runs and being stuck here until a thaw came. Winter in places like this came months before the rest of the country saw it, though, Jennifer was certain that had also changed. Between the war and then Yellowstone blowing, there was little doubt about what type of winter they could expect. The unknown was how long it would last and Jennifer hadn’t worked up the courage to survey that far ahead. She was positive, however, that Angela had. That woman was a walking crystal ball.