“Much work,” MacNamara repeated before shaking his head. “This is all a wee bit irregular.”
“Did you serve Mr. MacNamara?” Kat asked, changing tactics.
“Serve?” he asked, taken aback. “Serve what?”
“Did you serve in the army when you were young?” Kat asked.
“When I was young?” MacNamara said. “How old do ye think I am, Mistress Mewes?”
Kat shrugged. “You must be getting on in years. Early fifties, perhaps?”
“Fifties? Ye cut me deep, mistress. I’m forty-one,” MacNamara answered, “but ye are right. I did serve in the army straight out o’ school.”
“Well, that explains your obsession with time,” Kat said.
“My obsession with—” MacNamara threw his hands in the air. “I’m sorry, but what on earth are ye wearing?”
“Is there something wrong with my clothes?” Kat asked, feigning offense.
“No, it’s just… I’m not used to seein’ the women of Prime Hotel in such casual garb,” MacNamara replied, his cheeks turning the same color as his hair.
Kat hid a smile of amusement behind one hand. “I am not just some woman.”
“I can see that. Shall we start over?” MacNamara said, crossing the space between them.
“Alright. We can start over,” she agreed, aware of a peculiar warmth in her stomach.
“Good morning to ye, Mistress Mewes,” he said, bending at the waist.
“The same to you, Mr. MacNamara,” she said, inclining her head.
“Call me, Callum.”
“Very well. You can call me Kat, I suppose,” she said.
He bent over her hand, and her sharp eyes spotted a 44 Magnum hidden beneath his coat in a shoulder holster. She wondered what other surprises he hid and what level of threat he presented.
“I trust ye slept well?” he asked.
“Well enough,” she replied, wondering if he was the nocturnal visitor watching her the previous night. It made sense. Sikes was not a trusting man, and he’d want to keep her under observation.
“Are ye willing to talk about a few things that need sortin’ out?” he asked, and she found that she quite liked his Scottish accent. It was warm and soothing.
“I am,” she said, pouring herself another cup of coffee. “Do lead the way.”
He sat down at the table, and she took the seat next to him, aware of his gaze on her the entire time. He studied her with deep blue eyes that stirred a strange mixture of emotions within her breast. Emotions she hadn’t felt in a long time. She couldn’t decide whether she liked him or not, but she definitely didn’t trust him.
“What are we goin’ to do about the women? Douglas’ women?” MacNamara asked.
“I don’t know. The general wants them gone, but we can’t just throw them out into the street. They’re human beings,” Kat said. As much as she despised Rose, she couldn’t see the girl tossed aside like rubbish. None of this was her fault. She was simply a victim of circumstance.
“I know, and I agree,” MacNamara said, much to her surprise.
“You do?”
“I’m no’ a monster, Mistress Mewes. Leave the women to me. I’ll find them a proper place to live and work.”
“Where?” Kat asked, her suspicions rising to the fore. “I won’t have them forced into prostitution.”
“I have contacts. It won’t be glamorous, but it’ll be good clean work. Nothin’ shady, I swear,” MacNamara said.
“Alright, but once they’re settled in, I want to see it for myself,” Kat said.
“I’ll make the arrangements,” he said.
Relieved, Kat was able to relax while they discussed the rest of the items on Callum’s itinerary. The hotel’s running and its staff landed squarely on her lap while overseeing the Watch and Prime’s defense fell straight into his.
“Food presents a problem,” Callum said, rubbing his brow. “We’re running low, and the populace is gettin’ restless.”
“What about a hunting party?” Kat suggested. “The gate is open for the first time in years. That presents a golden opportunity.”
“You are right. Tis the perfect time to hunt,” he agreed. “I’ll send scouts out to locate the herds.”
“I can arrange for the drying, storing, and distribution of the meat,” Kat offered. “We have plenty of space and more than enough hands right here in the hotel.”
“Distribution?” Callum asked.
“Yes, I’d like to ensure everyone gets a share this time. We need to keep the people happy while the general is away,” Kat said, offering a viable excuse to feed the poor.
Callum flashed her a keen look. “That makes sense. We canna deal with an uprising while most of the Watch is gone.”
“What about the remainder of Douglas’ men?” Kat asked.
Callum shook his head, his voice curt, “Leave them to me.”
Kat pressed her lips together. While she pitied them, they also deserved being punished. They’d supported Douglas’ reign of terror long enough. “Fair enough.”
She got to her feet. “That’s everything, I believe?”
“Indeed,” Callum said, standing up as well. “We’ll talk again, Kat.”
“I look forward to it,” Kat replied, shocked to find it was the truth.
She’d enjoyed his company and watched with regret as he exited the dining room—a foolish emotion. The last thing she needed now was more complications in her life. And Callum surely counts as one.
In an attempt to shake off his influence, Kat grabbed a plate and busied herself with breakfast. Soon, the hotel’s various people would descend on the buffet, a mouthwatering selection of foods. Mindful of her figure, she chose a bran muffin, scrambled eggs, an orange, and more coffee. I’d better eat while I can. Today is going to be a long day.
As she sat down, her mind ran wild with lists of everything that needed to be done. There was the staff meeting at noon. Contrary to Sikes’ belief, she did not think the servants were lazy but rather that they lacked motivation. Increased rations, shorter shifts, and a few kind words would go a long way. She also wanted to review the menus. They were serving far too much food, and an awful amount was going to waste. Food that could go to the poor instead.
Kat’s thoughts were interrupted when a maid pressed a napkin into her hand. Perturbed, she unwrapped the cloth and found a note inside. It read, “Kitten. The meeting with P is set for five tomorrow afternoon. Make sure you come alone. D.”
Her breath hitched in her throat, and she crumpled up the note with a shaking fist. For one brief moment, she considered not going. The price was too high. But, as much as she longed to forget all about her deal with Dorian, she couldn’t. The Rebel Faction was Prime’s only hope now that General Sikes was gone, and Douglas was dead. This is our chance. This is our one shot at freedom.
Chapter 13
On the morning of the third day after the raptor attack, everyone got up extra early. The living room buzzed with life as they made their preparations, and the bathroom looked like it had a revolving door. Everyone was eager to leave the boat. It was just too small to contain the lot of them, and they were getting in each other’s way.
Rogue likewise looked forward to the trip but for an entirely different reason. Though she hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, she missed her mother, Olivia. Their last conversation had ended in a fight, and Rogue longed to make amends. I have to tell her I’m sorry and that I love her. No matter what.
She was careful to hide her feelings from Moran; however, not willing to stir up bad vibes. Though she doubted the two women would get along, she still wanted them to meet. They were the most important figures in her life, after all.
With that thought in mind, she checked and double-checked that everything was in place. She wanted no problems to arise later on. In one corner sat a pile of rucksacks, packed and ready for the journey ahead. Each bag contained food, water, medicine, clean clothes, toiletries, a sleeping bag, and a raincoat—e
verything they needed besides their weapons.
Those had all been inspected, cleaned, oiled, and sharpened. Her machete, Moran’s hatchets, Bruce’s samurai sword, Bear’s hammer, and Steven’s crossbow. Seth also used a crossbow and a hunting knife for close quarters. She’d even dug out an extra supply of bolts for the bows. There was a whole box full in the storeroom, and they still had a few grenades left as well.
“All done,” she announced with satisfaction.
Outside it was still dark, and the world was quiet in preparation for dawn. It contrasted sharply with the low hum of conversation inside the boat, accompanied by an undercurrent of excitement.
The smell of fried wild onions and garlic hung thick in the air, competing with the heady aroma of fresh coffee. Her stomach growled in anticipation, and she headed for the kitchen. Along the way, she spotted Bruce relaxing on the couch and cut toward him. “How are you doing today?”
“Much better, thanks.”
“Are you up for the walk?” she asked. “It’s a long way, and it’s hot and humid. Not pleasant at all.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll make it,” he replied.
She placed one hand on his forehead, relieved to find it cool. “Alright, but if you start to feel bad—”
“I’ll tell you, I promise,” Bruce said, pushing her hand away with quiet determination. “Stop worrying about me.”
“I can’t help it,” Rogue said with a shrug.
“I know, but I’m sure Seth could use your help in the kitchen. He looks a bit overwhelmed.”
Rogue laughed. “I’m sure he is. Cooking for so many in such a small space isn’t easy.”
“Off with you then,” Bruce said, waving her away.
She sidled up to Seth and planted a kiss on his cheek. “How’s my favorite guy in the world doing today?”
“He’s just peachy,” Seth said with a grunt. He poured a cup of coffee with one hand and handed it to her. “Hot as hell and as black as sin.”
“Just the way I like it,” Rogue said, taking a sip. “Can I help you with something?”
“Sure, you can. Hand everyone a plate and tell them to sit down. The food’s ready,” Seth said, wiping one hand across his forehead.
“Come and get it, folks. Grab a plate and sit down, or you won’t get served,” Rogue yelled.
A rush ensued as the men jostled for space at the tiny dining room table. Moran lost out and settled for eating on the couch. “Men,” she grumbled, shaking her head.
“Coming through, coming through,” Rogue yelled, lifting the hot skillet high above her head. She squeezed in between Bear and Steven’s seated figures and piled a heap of baked beans and chili onto everyone’s plates, followed by Moran. “Eat up. We’ve got a long day ahead.”
“Thanks, dear,” Moran said, gracing her with a smile.
“No problem. I aim to please,” Rogue said. Whirling back to the stove, she plonked the pan down with a clang. “Whoo, that’s heavy.”
“Is that all of them?” Seth asked, his voice strained.
“That’s all of them,” Rogue replied, wiping the sweat from her brow. She leaned against the counter with one hip and reached for her coffee.
“Why are you so chirpy?” Seth asked.
“No reason,” she said, flashing him a brilliant smile.
“Might it have something to do with seeing your mother again?” Seth asked. “You must miss her.”
“Er…maybe.” Rogue glanced at Moran but was relieved when the woman gave no indication of hearing. “Anyway, let’s eat.”
Seth handed her a plate, and she dug in with gusto. Once she’d crammed in as much as she could stomach, she finished her coffee. “Right, I’m done.”
“Slow down,” Seth said. “I still need to wash up before we leave.”
Rogue groaned. “Fine, but the sooner we get going, the better.”
***
Several hours later, Rogue’s enthusiasm had waned. Sweat poured down her back and pooled beneath her armpits. A mosquito kept buzzing around her head, no matter how many times she slapped it away. The others were no better off, judging by their red faces and wheezing lungs. The only one who seemed unaffected was Seth.
“Are you a freakin robot?” Rogue asked, wincing when a stitch took up residence between her ribs. “Ow.”
“Ready for a break?” Seth asked.
“Uh-huh,” Rogue managed to reply, bobbing her head up and down.
“I think we all are,” Moran replied, and the group staggered to a halt.
Rogue slumped to the ground and leaned against the trunk of a tree. “How much further is it?”
“We’re halfway there,” Seth said, sitting down next to her.
“You’re kidding,” Rogue said, removing a bottle of water from her backpack.
“Not even a little.”
She cracked open the bottle and gulped the liquid down. It soothed the parched tissues of her mouth and throat and revived her strength. “That’s better.”
“Hungry?” Seth asked, offering her a handful of dried berries.
“No, thanks,” Rogue said, tucking away the empty container of water.
She spent the next few minutes fiddling with her machete and testing its edge. She wanted to be ready for anything.
“Why haven’t we seen any dinosaurs yet?” Moran asked, wiping her face with a damp cloth.
“Over the years, I’ve mapped out the various territories that belong to the predators. We’re currently moving between them.”
“Territories?” Bruce asked.
“That’s right. Predators form hunting grounds, and they tend to stick to them,” Seth replied.
“Except for the Utahraptors?” Moran said.
“They were an exception. I think they sensed we had several sick and injured people among the group. Even so, they hooved it back home when it became too dangerous to hunt us.”
“Those raptors were pretty smart. Smarter than a lot of humans I’ve met,” Moran mused.
“They’re a clever bunch, and they know how to coordinate their hunting efforts,” Seth said.
“That I saw for myself,” Moran said, shuddering. “They nearly had us.”
“Yeah, but thanks to Rogue’s infernal curiosity, they failed.” Seth stood up, shouldering his backpack. “Come on. We need to hurry if we want to make it before nightfall.”
“Fine,” Rogue said, getting up.
Once they got going, she fell in next to Bruce. “Are you doing okay?”
“Yeah, I’m good,” he replied. “You can stop coddling me.”
“Alright, but I can see you’re tired, and honestly, so am I,” she said.
“There’s nothing much we can do about that,” he replied.
“I can try to take your mind off it,” Rogue offered.
“How?”
“With a few lessons about this weird and wacky world,” Rogue replied, waving a hand around. “I picked up a lot from Seth.”
“Have at it,” he said.
As they walked, she pointed out anything of interest. “That tree bark makes a great tea for fever, and these vines are useful for tying up things. Those berries are delicious, but not those. They’re pretty sour.”
In time, she forgot about her discomfort and became lost in the beauty of the world around her. So did Bruce, his tense shoulders relaxing somewhat.
Dragonflies as big as her hand flitted past her face, their wings flashing like multicolored jewels. They distracted her from the gnats and flies that threatened to suck her dry while horned beetles and other insects burrowed in the dirt.
“Quiet, people. Follow me closely,” Seth whispered when they stumbled across a herd of Zuniceratops.
On silent feet, they snuck past the aggressive little beasts who were munching on a carpet of ferns.
Rogue heaved a sigh of relief when they escaped unnoticed, and Bruce saw her reaction. “Are they that bad? They seem pretty harmless to me.”
“They’re little monsters,�
�� Rogue said. “Remember when I told you about being trapped in the van?”
“That was them?” he asked.
“The very same.”
“They look a little like baby Triceratops,” he said.
“Maybe, but they’re mean and temperamental,” Rogue said.
“It’s all very strange, but also quite spectacular,” Bruce said, staring at their surroundings. A plant with crimson flowers caught his attention, and he reached out to touch it.
“Not that one. That one’s poisonous,” Rogue warned, remembering the day Seth gave her the same advice.
Seth yanked his hand back. “Thanks for the warning.”
Sadly, no amount of wonder could cure exhaustion. As the hours passed, Rogue ran out of things to say, and the conversation dried up.
When Bruce stumbled, she called Moran. Together, they propped him up on either side while Bear carried his bag. Though Seth and Steven offered to help, it was deemed better for them to remain on guard. Whether they were in a neutral territory or not, danger remained everywhere.
Finally, when Rogue thought she could go no further, Seth lifted a hand. “We’re here.”
“We are?” Rogue cried, a surge of energy spurring her on. She left Bruce hanging onto Moran and pushed her way to the front.
Her gaze panned across the vast clearing, and there it was, the sprawling settlement called the Zoo. It was just as she remembered too. A brick wall reinforced by a fence of sharpened staves surrounded the town, and watchtowers dotted every corner. An armored gate was the only way in, and guards patrolled the perimeter at all hours.
Rogue swallowed, suddenly nervous. “I think I should go in alone.”
“What? Why?” asked Seth.
“We don’t know what the mood is like inside,” Rogue said. “Maybe I should talk to my mom and Ric first.”
“Don’t be stupid. I’m coming with you,” Seth said.
“But what if they’re angry at us? What if they still believe we’re spies?” Rogue asked.
“Ric and your mother know we’re not,” Seth argued. “Besides, I’m not letting you face the music alone.”
“What he said,” Moran added.
The Extinction Series | Book 3 | Primordial Earth 3 Page 8