From the Ashes

by Angela White

  Seth paused. “Do you understand what that means?”

  Becky shrugged stiffly, following Kyle’s truck and ignoring his glare in the mirror at her. “It’s how I felt when I s-saw you over Rick’s shoulder.”

  Seth watched a tear trail down her cheek and his heart shuddered.

  Becky turned her head. John and Angela said so much crying was good–a release–but it felt awfully heavy to be healthy. Some nights the sobs were so hard that her stomach hurt the next day.

  “That’s not exactly what it means,” Seth stated neutrally, trying not to absorb any more of her pain. It was making him worry over her too much, distracting him from his duties, and drawing fire. People were starting to think he was doing what Kyle was. Very few people knew of Becky’s rape, and it was easy to misunderstand the assistance Seth felt compelled to give. He wasn’t like Neil or Kyle.

  “What did you mean?”

  That’s why she responds to me, Seth thought. Because I let her lead.

  “I mean good moments that are not a result of something bad. Watching kids play, petting animals, or even enjoying Kenn and Marc doing challenges at the shooting contest. Good things rarely happen outside our borders–you know that. Hold onto the light, and it will ease the hell inside your mind.

  “You really think so?” Becky asked coolly.

  “Yes.” Seth didn’t back down “I have my own horrors to handle. All of us do. I’ve just told you how we survive it, and I think it will help. Especially if you want to be an Eagle.

  “After all this, I’d never go beyond Level One,” Becky scoffed. “And that won’t be enough.”

  She’s growing up, Seth observed, hating Rick even more. “Not if you convince Adrian.”

  Silence.

  “Do you want to be an Eagle?”

  “Yes.” Becky sighed unhappily. “And yes, I know he’ll give it to me as a reward and to ease his own guilt, but I don’t want it that way.”

  Becky dug through her pockets to find a tissue, taking her attention and both hands away from the road–completely.

  Seth hurriedly grabbed the wheel and straightened the truck, heart pounding. John was right to still have her under suicide watch.

  “Did you take the pills John gave you?”

  Silence.

  “Be...Rebecca, you need to take the meds until you feel better.”

  Becky glanced over at him with fury. “Pills won’t fix me. My life is over now.”

  Instantly furious, Seth yanked the wheel and sent the truck into the muddy cornfield next to them. They hit a rut and flew up into the air, tilting dangerously.

  Becky jerked the wheel from his hand, tugging lightly, and easily regained control. “What the hell, Seth?”

  Seth leaned back in satisfaction. When he wanted to play with fire, he knew how to light a tightly twisted fuse. “Why stop us from rolling if your life is over?”

  “Why are you with me all the time?” Becky glared, jarred from her depression by panic and anger. “Don’t you have other duties?”

  “You are my duty!” Seth sent right back. “And I’m telling you it’s time to step up or Adrian really will overlook you.”

  Silence...and then, “Angela.”

  Seth frowned, eyes going to Marc’s Blazer far ahead of them in the line. “What about her?”

  “It’s Angela’s team. She’ll pick it.”

  “And you want a slot?”

  “Oh, yeah, just any slot.” Becky’s snort was derisive.

  Seth grinned, vaguely aware of how many vehicles had moved closer. Their driving incident had caused concern. “Well, you just showed you can handle an out-of-control vehicle. What would you like her to see next?”

  Becky didn’t think she had much of a chance at getting the XO slot, but it was all she had to hope for now. The bright dreams she’d had for the future were gone, left on a charred mattress stained with her blood. She was rolling through the motions as best she could, but there was only pain in her heart. She didn’t feel anything else.

  5

  “That’s where we’re going,” Charlie muttered, feeling eyes on the convoy as they rolled. He sent the information of the spies directly to Adrian and was shocked when his mom didn’t react. Had he slipped that by without her noticing?

  “No, boy.”

  Charlie grinned, but just as fast as she sometimes did, fell back into that hazy place between then and now.

  Angela closed her journal, staring at the battered billboard.

  The island paradise being advertised was one that Marc had heard of, but only distantly.

  “Pitcairn… That’s thousands of miles south,” he commented.

  Driving, a quick glance told him that Angela wasn’t surprised, and Marc swallowed the denial that wanted to fly out. Where she went, he did.

  “Are there other people there?” Angela asked.

  “A few. One is a woman with scars all over her body. She’s the one he needs.”

  Angela frowned, trying to decipher. Charlie had her glazed eyes from the precognitive trance that she was so familiar with, and it felt odd to be on this side of it “Who needs her?”

  “Adrian,” Charlie answered slowly.

  “Is she from the dream you told me about?” Marc asked.

  “Yes. She will come to mean a great deal to all of us.”

  “But especially Adrian?” Marc reinforced.

  “Yes. He needs her more than he knows.”

  Angela smothered her unwanted flare of heat. “Are we supposed to go find her?”

  Charlie shook his head, laying back against the seat. “No. She’ll save us.”

  Marc and Angela exchanged worried looks. To need saving meant danger was coming, and they’d already had more than their share.

  “Do you know when?” Marc questioned.

  “As we recover.” Charlie’s pitch began to normalize, breathing evening out. “With her comes salvation and blood.”

  There was silence as they pulled into the main parking area of their campsite and waited for the Eagles to secure it. Marc never stopped scanning the cloudy, corn-littered farmland around them.

  “All clear, folks,” Mitch gave the okay over the radio, after Adrian gave it to him.

  “Charlie to the livestock truck.”

  Billy’s voice didn’t sound encouraging.

  Charlie sighed, hitting the button on his new rookie belt. “Copy.”

  Charlie liked how the guards were eyeing him closer, paying more attention to his moods, and even calling on him for things. It was what they did with his mom, and the feeling was outstanding. Except for calls like these. Calls like these were hard on him.

  Marc was aware of Angela’s worry as they climbed from their vehicle, stretching and watching Charlie head into the lengthening shadows with a wolf at his heels. Marc wanted to offer her comfort, but wasn’t sure what would help.

  Angela placed a light hand on his arm. “Together, right?”

  Marc nodded. “You know it.”

  “I turned in my tent.”

  Marc grinned, leaning forward to press a gentle kiss to her mouth. “I’ll get a larger one and set it up.”

  Angela smiled against his lips and reluctantly moved away.

  The setting sun glinted off her long braid, sending a jolt through Marc’s body, and he forced it down. He’d always been attracted to Angie, even when it was forbidden, but he didn’t think he had ever wanted her more than now.

  Marc slowly moved toward the perimeter. At some point, he would get to help her conquer those fears, not Adrian.

  6

  As he got to the livestock truck, Charlie saw Matt in the shadows of the moldy trees. He motioned for him to come along, ignoring the nearby guard.

  It took Matt a full minute to gain his feet.

  Charlie grunted unhappily. When would Matt shape up? “Where’d you get the bottle?”

  “Paid Zack’s boy to lift it from the supply truck.” Matt was drunk enough to not care who got in trouble. “
Said it was for his old man.”

  Matt pulled the bottle out, and Charlie snatched it.

  “Knew you were ready for one!” Matt exclaimed.

  Charlie’s arm drew back. “I should hit you with this!”

  Matt flinched and fell clumsily back to the dirt.

  Charlie tossed the mostly empty bottle to the concerned guard. “Tell Adrian where it came from.”

  Billy pocketed it with an approving nod.

  Charlie looked at the confused boy on the ground. “If I catch you with a drink, Matt, or even smell it on you, I’ll never speak to you again.”

  Matt watched him go through hurt, blurry eyes. He couldn’t do anything right these days. His dad was talking to him again, but it was only in short scolds and the words were always the same.

  “Why don’t you try out for the Eagles, like Charlie?”

  “Why can’t you be more like Charlie?”

  “Charlie’s parents don’t go through this shit with him.”

  The tears started, and Matt ducked away from the hard-faced guard now hitting the button on his mike. You can all go to hell. What do I care?

  Charlie stomped toward the shower campers, and then headed for the area behind them. He ignored the other teenagers that were always trying to get his attention these days. There were thick trees here and the privacy to think. There had to be some way to reach Matt…

  Charlie stopped at the waves of fear and anger coming from a small group of women standing behind the campers. Six of them were surrounding one, all of them former slaves from Cesar’s camp, and Charlie inched closer, wondering who he should call.

  When he recognized the girl in the center of the mob, Charlie reached out to the one who would care the most.

  Kyle’s response was tormented.

  New group arriving. Can’t get away. Do what I would.

  Can’t, Charlie replied. I’m not allowed to kill.

  Jennifer kept an arm around her stomach as she faced her attackers, cursing herself for not bringing Kyle’s gun. These females had been a small threat in the Mexican camp, but here, where women were allowed to come and go, they were a serious danger.

  “You didn’t think we’d let you off the hook, did you?” Lilly demanded.

  Jennifer trembled angrily. “None of what he did was my fault. I wasn’t willing.”

  Lilly, who had cigar burns dotting her exposed skin, leaned closer. “I told you no magic, and you went and claimed that Italian man anyway! He’s in the chain of command. Ain’t that a surprise?”

  Jennifer was aware of their loathing, but also their jealousy. “It’s not my fault they’re avoiding you. I didn’t force anyone. In fact, you begged me to do it because you didn’t have the guts!”

  Knowing they couldn’t have children had caused Safe Haven’s males to exclude the women as their future mates, due to the need to repopulate. Cesar had cursed them beyond death.

  “I told you no magic!”

  Jennifer’s own weak control teetered. “You think I can’t do anything because we’re outside, but keep in mind that I’m being fed regularly now. I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”

  Lilly, once a children’s therapist who’d lost two sons in the war, slapped Jennifer across the mouth. “Not if you’re having a miscarriage!”

  Jennifer was ready to fight as she was shoved down at Lilly’s feet, but the shadows in the grass behind her attackers had her forming a different, more useful plan.

  “Don’t hurt my baby!” Jennifer shouted.

  Lilly hadn’t noticed the witness and drew back to punch. “Knew you were too weak right now!”

  “If you do that, I’ll have you thrown out of Safe Haven.”

  The male voice made all the women turn, but they weren’t intimidated by the sight of Charlie or his crossed arms.

  Lilly approached him with her hand on her hip. “I know who you are, and you won’t do anything, boy, or I’ll slip inside your mom’s tent while she’s still off-duty and–”

  Grrrr....

  “Oh, now you’ve done it!” Charlie warned happily as the bushes parted by his side.

  Dog’s expression was ugly, and the women moved away from Jennifer.

  The wolf’s body had filled out with the extra food and constant exercise. His flanks and haunches bulged with muscles and gave him an even stockier appearance. It was enough to keep rookies jumping back when he came by on a patrol.

  The wolf snarled angrily at the thoughts Charlie was flashing, and the women quickly began to deny that they were a threat.

  “We’ll leave her alone.”

  “We won’t bother her again.”

  “We were only talking.”

  “I think they’re lying,” Charlie stated. “Teach them some manners.”

  Dog snarled obligingly, padding forward, and the bullies fled back to camp with Lilly in the lead.

  Charlie patted the wolf firmly. “Nice.”

  Dog nudged his hand in agreement and they both turned to look at Jennifer, who was pushing herself off the ground.

  Jennifer had already heard enough stories that she hadn’t been afraid of the big animal. After this, she was grateful. “Thank you. Both.”

  Charlie shrugged, thinking Kyle would be pissed about the handprint across her cheek. “They deserved worse, but our rules are strict on not hurting women.”

  “He wouldn’t have attacked them?”

  Charlie stared at the wolf thoughtfully. “I don’t think so, but it was my mom that Lilly threatened, so I’m not sure. Angie and Dog are close.”

  Jennifer realized who her rescuer was. Rumors of Safe Haven having their own witch were fleeting here, but in Cesar’s camp, it had been public knowledge.

  “She’s who he wanted,” Jennifer remarked. “Why he attacked you guys.”

  “He paid for it.” Charlie’s gaze hardened. “Unlike some people.”

  Jennifer knew that wasn’t directed at her and knelt down. She held a hand out toward the wolf and was thrilled when she was allowed to stroke his soft fur.

  “Star had a litter last week,” Charlie told her. “You could probably play with the pups.”

  Jennifer smiled at the thought. “Maybe.”

  Distracted from his own troubles by hers, Charlie stayed close as they moved into view of the camp.

  Dog stayed on her other side and the trio drew attention from not only the herd and the Eagles, but also from the former slaves. It was clear that she had protection, and the hard glares she was receiving in return were enough to make Charlie silently ask Dog to travel with her for a while.

  Jennifer declared her plan a success. She hadn’t been able to ask for protection, but thanks to Lilly’s ambush, she would now have it.

  Charlie directed them by the area that Kyle was guarding, and was showered with Kyle’s relief and gratitude upon seeing that she was all right. Charlie sent a quick hand signal to forestall the questions about the handprint. Tell you later.

  Kyle stared until they were out of sight.

  “Busy?”

  Kyle grunted at Daryl’s question. His new XO hadn’t had his say yet about Jennifer, but he was going to now while they stood watch together.

  “Go on,” Kyle ordered stiffly. “Get it off your chest.”

  “I like her.”

  Surprised, Kyle swung around with clenched fists. “She’s just a kid!”

  “That’s part of why I like her,” Daryl stated.

  Kyle tried to stay calm. “In what way do you mean that?”

  “As a person, of course,” Daryl replied. “She’s tougher than the others we rescued. She’ll make a good addition...to Angela’s team.”

  Moving off to do a patrol, Daryl left him standing there, speechless, with that thought beating through his mind.

  In one short moment, his new XO had given him the answer to getting Jennifer accepted and a vision of the future that Kyle hadn’t considered. If Adrian gave her a place among his army, the rights of an adult came with it. It would be
her choice from there, with the full support of the camp, and it completed the plan that he’d begun in the farmhouse during their first night together.

  Kyle hit his button. “Sit with us at mess, Daryl, and I’ll treat you to a beer.”

  Daryl’s satisfied tenor came right back, “You got it, Boss.”

  Daryl had chosen not to confront Kyle at all, but to watch and see. He still had faith that the mobster was one of the good guys, and the team XO was eager to see that proven.

  7

  “I have to deliver trays. Want to help?”

  Jennifer nodded, happy to have the distraction while Kyle was busy. The people they were passing were giving her appraising looks now instead of only hostility and she understood it was because of who her escort was.

  “What were you doing behind the female showers?” Jennifer asked suddenly.

  Charlie picked up a large box of trays that Hilda had waiting.

  The German woman scanned them both with open curiosity.

  “I was headed for the trees to think when I found you. Call for Adrian next time. He won’t tolerate stuff like this.”

  Jennifer nodded, positive she wouldn’t. Kyle was the only one she trusted that way.

  “Give Adrian time,” Charlie suggested. “He always comes through.”

  Hearing that a second time in the same day caused Jennifer to overlook Charlie’s mind-reading.

  “For what?” she asked. “What does he do with new people?”

  “He’ll find your purpose, what you’re supposed to be doing.” Charlie led the way to the tents closest to the medical camper. “After a while, you’ll settle in here, and it’ll become home.”

  Jennifer held the flap after Charlie’s tap and call. She’d heard that a lot. Maybe it was true?

  “This is Rebecca Kelly.” Charlie introduced the teenage girls as he set the box down and lifted a tray from it. “Rebecca, this is Jennifer Morgan.”

  The flashes in Becky’s mind were ugly and Jennifer paled, recognizing the main player. It sent the former slave straight back to her life with Cesar. Jennifer trembled.

  Becky stared at the girl everyone was whispering about, feeling only sympathy and a bit of curiosity. After the help her own Eagle was providing, Becky understood.