He nodded. “Agreed.” He stood and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “I knew you’d come around.”
“You hoped.” She glanced at the woman staring at the overhead lights. “And I hope you’re right. At least it would give us an avenue to begin with.”
Simon watched Lana as she danced in the tiny kitchen, her headphones turned up so loud that he could hear the thump of the bass. Her words continued to echo in his mind, but he simply couldn’t take any pleasure in her gyrating form. Even when she raised her arms, her eyes closed, her slender body swaying to the music, even when he could see her bare breasts through the arms of the tank top, he wanted nothing more than to get away.
He stood and stepped around her. “I’m gonna get some air.”
She stopped and gave him a wide-eyed look, her hand pulling the headphones away. “Do what?”
“I’m gonna walk around. Get some air.” He gave her a quick wink and a peck on the cheek. “I’ll be back soon.”
She nodded, dropping the headphone back into place, her booty swaying with the tribal beat of the music.
Simon shut the door and stood under the awning. With the tree cover and the few clouds in the sky, it was a gloomy forest to be parked in. He inhaled deeply and took no pleasure from the pine scented air.
He stepped out from the awning and began to walk up the hill, his mind running through numerous scenarios in which he could attempt to please her without reverting to the bastard he’d once been. None seemed likely.
“Easy, buddy.”
Simon turned and was surprised to see Trent dressed in camouflage. “What are you doing out here?”
“Checking traps.” He held up what appeared to be two rabbits. “Got lucky today.”
“What kind of traps?” Simon asked, not sure if he really wanted to know.
“Nothing that would hurt a human.” He dropped the rabbits, letting them swing from his belt. “Mostly snares.”
“Aren’t you worried about predators?”
Trent shook his head. “I check them pretty regularly.” He stepped beside Simon and gave him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry about those two dimwits trying to pressure you into—”
“It doesn’t matter,” Simon replied, cutting him off. “They’re wanting out. I don’t guess I blame them.”
“Were you serious…? That there’s nothing left?”
Simon nodded. “Buildings. That’s about it.” He blew his breath out hard and stared into the woods. “The people? Not so much.”
“That sucks.” Trent’s voice was soft and low. “So, if we decided to leave and move into the governor’s house?”
“Odds are it would be empty,” Simon replied. He seemed to brighten for a moment. “Don’t misunderstand, though…there are some people. Small groups…well…” He trailed off. “One small group that I know of for sure.”
“Where?”
“Rio Rancho. It’s a little place just outside Albuquerque.”
“I’ve been through,” Trent said as he fell into step beside him. “And there’s some people still alive there?”
“Yeah. And they might even be decent folk. I really don’t know.” He stopped walking and looked back down the hill and through the trees. “I can’t even see the campground from here.”
Trent snorted. “Yeah, the woods are thick and it’s easy to get turned around.” He pointed down the hill. “There’s your trail coming up. Just follow it back.”
Simon shook his head. “You can see where I walked?”
“You’re easier to track than a jackrabbit.”
He raised a brow at him. “If you say so.” Simon turned and began to walk back down the hill. “So tell me this…why are you guys afraid to just leave? Why do you need me to lead you out?”
Trent hesitated then stopped. “Might as well come clean.” He glanced down the hill to ensure that nobody was nearby. “Mike and Tommy are wanted.”
Simon nodded. “And you?”
Trent shrugged, his face flushing. “I may have been in a bit of trouble.” He sucked at his teeth as he mentally argued with himself. “I may have been in the back of a patrol car being transferred to county when all of this went down.”
Simon raised a brow at him. “And you got out of the cuffs and the back of a cruiser on your own?”
Trent shook his head. “I had help.” He shrugged again. “He got attacked while unlocking the cuffs.” He drew his finger across the jugular. “He was gone real quick.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Yeah, well it’s not like I actually knew him.” He stared off into the woods, his mind replaying the events. “He just appeared and opened the door. He grabbed the keys from the cop’s belt and…” He snapped his fingers. “It was over like that.”
Simon nodded. “Well, it’s like I said. There’s nothing left. You’re a free man now; everybody’s starting from scratch. There’s nobody looking for any of you.”
Trent swallowed hard and blew his breath out. “Truth is…I kind of liked it out here. Nobody knew my history.” He shrugged again. “They just thought I was some dumb hillbilly that could help feed them.”
“So don’t tell them. It’s none of their damned business anyway.” Simon leaned on a tree and studied the large, shaggy man. “That still doesn’t explain why you wanted me to help you.”
“Tommy and Jake…they said they remembered you. Said you were a hardass. I figured if anybody knew their way around the law, it might be you.”
Simon reached out and patted the big man’s shoulder. “Lucky for you, there ain’t no law. You don’t need me anymore; you and the boys can split any time you like.”
Trent nodded then seemed to set his jaw. “Yeah, except me and the boys were talking it over.”
“And?”
“And we were thinking that maybe you were right.” He hooked his thumb towards the camps. “They owe us. I think it’s time we have them pay up.”
Simon raised a brow. “And how do you
