by Angela White
“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 giv
en.
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?”