Kira knelt next to Lotus. “She’s alive, but she’ll have one hell of a headache.”
I stood and pulled Lara to her foot, then shoved her in the direction of her husband. “Take care of her or I’ll use her as a distraction when we cross that lot. If she tries something that stupid again, I’ll kill her myself.”
Nodding, he led his wife to the other side of the courtyard, doing his best to calm her hysterics. “Shh. It’ll be okay.”
Idiot. I moved over and patted Lotus’s cheek. “Open your eyes.”
They fluttered open. “Why’d she hit me?”
“A failed attempt at suicide, I think.” Seeing that the woman would be fine, I pressed the button on the radio to call Sharon.
“So soon, Miss Dayholt?”
I explained what had happened. “She’s a nuisance to us.”
“Have you handled the situation? As leader, it’s up to you to reprimand.”
“The chip?” I arched a brow.
“You know as well as I do that isn’t possible.” The screen went black.
“All these years it was nothing but a lie?” Ezra’s face darkened. “A ploy to manipulate us?”
“I’m surprised no one thought to test it before now.” I resumed my seat against the wall and watched as Kira gave Lotus an extra ration of water.
“What made you suspect?” Dante asked.
“I read everything I can get my hands on. It didn’t make sense that they’d kill off someone who most likely wouldn’t make it to their ten years out here. We aren’t as expendable as they’d like us to think.” I closed my eyes. When I opened them again, night had fallen and the area silent.
Kira handed me a strip of dried meat. “It’s not much.”
“It’ll be enough. Thank you.” I got to my feet and glanced around at Lara who sat a few feet away from the rest of us with her husband. “We’re moving out. Get her up. Keep her in the center of the circle if we have to fight.” A fool or not, we couldn’t lose anyone.
“I’ll fight,” Lara muttered. “I said I didn’t want to get torn to pieces.”
After scouring our camp to make sure we didn’t leave anything behind, I donned my rubber suit and led the others from our safe place. Fawke stepped to my side, taking the lead.
“Forget about your special assignment,” I ordered. “If something happens to me, you’ll have to lead these people. You’re more valuable than I am.”
“No way am I going to jeopardize not getting released on time.” He shot me a glance. “Get used to it.”
I squared my shoulders. “Are you disobeying a direct order?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He gave me a sarcastic salute, then put his finger to his lips.
The rattling of wheels over stone and concrete the only sound as we traveled. When we reached the pass through, we spent too much time clearing the way to make room for the wagons. By the time we’d finished, sweat poured down my back inside the suit.
“A fifteen-minute break,” I said, collapsing on a cement block tossed to the side. It could be the end of my ten years before we reached the far away mountain.
After ten minutes, I motioned for Fawke to come with me and marched to where our latest arrival had been attacked. Thankfully, the light from my headlight kept the carnage from being as stark as it would have been in the light of day.
Shreds of clothing and a few bones were all that was left of the poor girl. Her backpack yielded another long-range rifle and some food we could add to our stores. Her inexperience showed in the fact she’d chosen perishable items. Still, the couple pieces of fruit and the loaf of bread would be enjoyed by all, even if we only got a bite each.
“Nice score,” Fawke said. “My mouth is watering in anticipation of those apples.”
“I’d hoped for weapons.” Knowing he’d take the pack anyway, I handed it to him.
He slung it over his shoulder and gave a shrill whistle, calling the others to join us with the wagons. While we waited, he cut the two apples into the right amount of slices. “We’ll hold the bread to dunk into our soupy breakfast.”
“Sounds fine to me.” I accepted my slice, savoring the juicy sweetness on my tongue. Surprise that Soriah would offer such a luxury in the supply room rose. Yes, they’d sent chocolate once, and a pear, but it still seemed out of character. Unless they knew we’d derive strength from the gesture.
Moans arose from the others as they savored their treat, smiles gracing their faces. I’d like to see more happiness, something in very short supply in our dark and dangerous world. When they’d finished, I urged them on. We had a lot of ground to cover before morning and needed to find a place to hole up once the Malignants started to stir.
A stiff breeze kicked up dry grass, swirling it around us. A few times, they’d blow on one of the fires, then lift, burning orange, into the night sky, the only hint of color other than black and gray and the oranges and yellows of the gas fires.
Lara tripped and yelped before being helped by Shane. I rolled my eyes and shook my head. At least she could cook the unappetizing gruel that filled our bellies.
“Careful about showing your feelings for Lara on your face,” Fawke said. “She’s insecure as it is.”
Remorse slumped my shoulders. “I know. I try, but she’s more of a hindrance than a help. Even I did better when I arrived.”
“Because you’re one in a million.” He bumped me playfully. “The others have started taking their cues from your behavior. I overheard Gage berating her for using too much water in the gruel.”
“We shouldn’t waste water.”
“That’s not my point, Crynn.”
I sighed. “I know,
