“That’s depressing,” Rogue said. “Why did you pick this as your base?”
“We chose Kalama for two reasons: Its proximity to the Columbia River, and the lack of human life. It prevents complications,” Jessica explained.
“Complications?”
“We’re not invading anyone’s space, and there aren’t any hostiles for us to deal with,” Jessica said.
“Do you meet a lot of hostile people?” Rogue asked.
“No, most are willing to talk and trade,” Jessica said. “But I’ve come across a few groups that aren’t very welcoming. We try to avoid those.”
Rogue digested that information while they walked. The world was a lot bigger than she’d ever dreamed it could be, but people remained people. Some were good, and some weren’t. Most couldn’t be trusted, and many were downright dangerous. I wonder what my future holds.
After Brittany’s sudden and brutal death, she no longer believed herself invincible and her blind faith in a rosy future was gone. In its place was a more realistic view of the world, and the realization that things didn’t always work out the way a person wanted them to.
Chapter 11 - Imogen
Imogen stared out of the window. It was getting late. Soon, the sun would set and night would come. In the morning, they’d leave in the Cessna-152 and fly home. Home. The word didn’t feel right. It felt strange. She didn’t belong in Vancouver anymore, but there was nowhere else to go.
“Are you hungry?” Casey asked from her seat at the table.
“Not really,” Imogen said.
“Why do you keep staring at the gate? Are you afraid the Spinosaurus will come back?” Casey asked.
“A little,” Imogen admitted, but another part of her hoped her missing friends would return. She had this fantasy that they’d walk through the gates, safe and sound. She knew it was stupid, but couldn’t help it. Hope was all she had left. Come morning, even that would fade, squashed by their return to the city.
The sky turned orange as the sun began its descent. Streaks of purple, yellow, and mauve colored the clouds. Squawks rose from the distant forest, and a flock of flyers burst from the canopy. They circled in place for a few seconds before winging off.
“I made coffee,” Casey coaxed.
“Thanks,” Imogen said, not budging from her spot.
“Come on; sit down. You can’t stand there all day.”
Imogen sighed. “Fine, I’m coming.”
She turned around but paused when movement caught the corner of her eye. “What’s that?”
“What’s what? Do you see something?” Casey asked. She jumped up and hurried over, joining Imogen at the window.
“I don’t know. There’s something out there.” Imogen said, squinting.
“Use your binoculars,” Casey prompted.
“Good idea.” Imogen snatched up the binoculars lying forgotten on the side table and raised them to her eyes. She focused on the gate and gasped when she saw several figures unlatching the chain. They walked through, stopping to close up again before proceeding down the track. “It’s people!”
“People? You mean like Jessica, Lee, and Barry?” Casey asked.
“I’m not sure. There’s… seven of them.”
“Seven?” Casey repeated. She grabbed her gun and checked the load. “They might not be friendly. Or they might be scavengers.”
“Maybe,” Imogen said, but one figure had drawn her full attention. That walk. I know that walk. “It’s Jessica!”
“Are you sure?” Casey asked.
“I’m sure.” Imogen dropped the binoculars and raced to the front door. She yanked it open and rushed outside.
“Wait,” Casey cried. “You could be wrong.”
Imogen ignored her. She knew she was right. Her headlong flight took her straight toward the group, and her feet fairly flew over the ground. “Jessica!”
“Imogen,” came the answering cry.
Jessica broke free from the group and rushed toward her. They met halfway and hugged for several long moments. Finally, Imogen pulled back and studied her friend from head to toe. Jessica looked like she always had: Tanned, toned, and healthy.
“For someone who just came back from the dead, you look great,” Imogen exclaimed. “What happened? How did you get here, and who are all these people?”
“It’s a long story, and I’d rather be under a roof when I tell it,” Jessica said with a laugh. “It’s getting dark out here, and I don’t want to push our luck.”
“Of course. Forgive my manners,” Imogen said. “Let’s go inside.”
She led the way to the living quarters and stepped aside to let everyone through the door. As Jessica and the six strangers filed past, she noticed one strange fact. Both Lee and Barry were missing. What’s going on? What happened out there?
“Oh, my God, Jessica. It really is you,” Casey cried.
Jessica embraced Casey with a laugh. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“Same here, Jess. I thought you were a goner, for sure,” Casey said.
“It was close,” Jessica admitted. “I almost didn’t make it. In fact, I wouldn’t have made it without my new friends.” She introduced them all, going down the line until she’d named each one: Rogue, Seth, Paul, David, Tony, and Bear.
They were a striking-looking bunch, tough and armed with handmade weapons. Their clothes were rough, threadbare, and torn in places. Their expressions were guarded, and Imogen got the idea she and Casey were being evaluated. It made her nervous, and she found herself babbling.
“Come inside, please. Make yourselves at home,” she said, herding them through the door and barring it against the night and its creatures. “You can put your things in the dining room. We hardly ever use it, and your stuff will be safe, I promise.”
The group obeyed, their movements sluggish. Groans of relief sounded as they dumped their gear on the floor, and she guessed they were exhausted.
“Long day?” she asked.
“The worst,” Jessica answered. “It’s a long hike from the river.”
“The river?” Imogen asked, before raising a hand. “Never mind. We can talk later. Let’s get you settled in first.”
“Thanks,” Jessica said, dragging one tired hand across her eyes.
Imogen hustled the group toward the kitchen. “Grab a seat at the
