by Angela White
Kenn let the truth slide out. “But…I do know them, and I can understand why you want her, but he’s only here to– It’s an insult to me and should be to you too. He’s using your dream to stay close to her.”
“Like you did, when you first got here?”
Kenn didn’t deny it, flushing, and Adrian laid it out. “You can’t keep them from getting close. Any fool can see it’s much too late for that. As to the dream, how or why we join up doesn’t matter.”
Kenn said nothing.
Adrian sighed at the silence. “Hardly anyone here has a good past, but we all came to believe. Unless you still don’t?”
Kenn snorted. “No, I like living on the edge all the time. Of course, I believe. It’s our future, our duty to try.”
“Angela and Marc are a part of that future, and I need you to cooperate with them, with me.”
Kenn wanted it badly at that moment, wanted his true place back more than anything. The desire to be everything that Adrian needed hadn’t vanished with Angela’s appearance.
“Always, you know that,” Kenn vowed. “I’ll handle it. The sheep come first, right?”
Haunted pain flashed across Adrian’s face. “Yes. Above all else, and I do mean all. You’re not the only one making sacrifices.”
Despite his warning, Adrian couldn’t have been happier. His help was here. The magic and the strength had come to him. They didn’t know their destinies yet, but he would teach them. The next part was getting Angela into his army.
Adrian picked up the mike, held it out. “Start the count-off. I want the Borderlands before our next three-day break.”
5
The light had begun to fade as the caravan made camp in the middle of 34, out of sight of Sturgis, SD. With a darkened skyline to cast distant shadows, it was another of those rare places that Adrian had found for them. The only signs of the war were the ones he couldn’t hide, like the black mold growing up weakening trunks and the bodies of mauled pigs. The Eagles would get those out of sight shortly and people would avoid the trees. Adapting had become a normal part of everyday life for the refugees of 2012.
The center fire and cans pushed back the falling blackness as the perimeter was taped and secured. A full team of rested men took up posts over their new surroundings, along with a dozen members, and the entire area became a flurry of activity in the sharp wind. Men moved things from trucks, women and kids ran for bathrooms, and dogs yapped excitedly, knowing it was almost time to be fed. Safe Haven was full of noise and movement, but it was organized, like a well-rehearsed play. They'd done it many times.
Angela exited the Blazer that Neil and Kyle had already flown from almost before it was stopped and found Seth waiting nearby.
“Guess you're the first wave?” she asked.
Seth threw a charming smile, freckles standing out in the dusky emerald light. “Yes, ma'am.”
Angie snorted and slung her duffle bag over one shoulder. “All right, Sir Eagle, here's my plan. First, I need a shower. After that, I'd like to be fed, smoked, and then sleep for a week. That okay?”
Seth gave her half a graceful wave. “After you.”
Kenn had point during setup, which meant continuous helping and supervising until the camp was in place and settled down. He did it with his usual thoroughness, but Tonya's words echoed in his mind as he labored.
Joined Adrian's super-troopers.
In time, she may not even answer to him.
Kenn had wanted to go to the Quarantine zone, but by the time camp was up, mess was being enjoyed at the boss's center table, something Kenn tried not to miss. Then, Adrian had asked detailed questions of the dirty steelworkers he'd invited to eat with them and Kenn had stored the knowledge that the Miller family was doing something for the boss. Normally, Kenn would have dug into that a bit, but right then, all he wanted was to be free to discover what was going on with Angela. Had she really used her power in front of the Eagles?
What does it mean to me if she has? Will I defend her? Help them drive her out? If I do that, I lose Adrian’s right.
Unsure, Kenn suffered through the meal, smile plastered on as the tales spread. If she and Brady were both in Adrian’s army, he was beaten. Kenn knew the bond men formed from training and fighting together. Add that to the spark already between the couple and there wouldn’t be any keeping them apart.
Kenn now suspected his boss had known she was an Eagle as soon as he saw her. Adrian recognized power and talent in many forms, and there was no way he would let it go to waste. Angela would be a part of Safe Haven, the real one that the sheep avoided.
What does that leave? he asked himself. If I can’t get to her… I have to handle it from the other side. I have to tank Brady with the camp or they’ll see how good he is.
And risk my place anyway to accomplish it.
Subdued, Kenn continued stewing and those around him continued to notice.
6
“The movie party is a distraction, right?”
“Uh, yeah.” Kyle was surprised to be around a woman who was so quick on the pick-up. He was also unhappy to be the one telling her the changes she had to make. He had waited until she ate, hoping she would be more receptive to their plans.
“It makes them feel safe and gives us time to accomplish things without having to answer their questions,” he explained further.
Not responding, Angela inhaled and then put the blunt back into circulation. It was one of many traveling the companionably crowded little mess.
“There are some things we need you to do, like change your clothes.”
“Excuse me?”
“Until we put more miles between us and them, we're requesting that you dress like an Eagle. You'll be harder to pick out. Get changed ASAP.”
He revealed a black duffle bag and set it on the table, thinking they would all miss the sight of her bare skin under those thin tank tops.
Angela studied the tanned man intently, not taking pity on him. “You would, huh? ASAP?”
“Yes. With your hair up, from a distance, you’ll look like one of us.”
Angela opened her mouth to protest, but Marc slid onto the bench next to Kyle.
“That's nothing,” Marc teased. “Wait for it.”
Dog lay down at his feet protectively.
When her lids narrowed, Kyle heard Adrian's words again. Marc is the only one who can stand her heat.
“What else?”
“We want you to stay out of sight until John clears you. We're putting up one big tent. You'll be in it with us.”
Thunder filled her expression. “You mean during the day, right? At night, I'll be in my own tent.”
Mindful of the warning he'd received, Kyle gave control to Marc with a subtle gesture.
“No, Angie,” Marc informed her evenly. “You can't even have an area partitioned off because any sniper worth his salt will know you're there. We'll all be in bedrolls and keep our vests on.”
Marc cut her off before she could protest. “It's for a couple days and then you can go on like before. We need time to put some things into place.”
“What things?”
Kyle jumped back in, not wanting Marc to be burned too badly. “Bulletproof canopies over the areas you use and later, a 3-plate-thick steel roof for the entire camp.”
Angela raised a brow, feeling guilty. “That's a lot of work. You sure I'm worth it?”
“Yes.”
“Aye.”
“Absolutely.”
It was an echo from the men at her table and from the other Eagles listening to the conversation. She blushed, heart warmed, but the anger was still there.
“Then I agree, but someone else will have to drive for me tomorrow. There's no way I'll be able to fall sleep in a tent full of men, no way.”
Kyle glanced at Marc. “We've got it covered.”
“If you say so.” Angela lit a smoke. “What else is on the list about me?”
Kyle flinched, not expecting the question. “
Camp stuff.”
Marc wasn't the only one who noticed she didn't protest when Seth slid onto the seat next to her, gently bumping shoulders.
“You're putting us in a rough spot,” Seth said. “We don’t know how much Adrian wants revealed to you.”
Her puckered brow remained, but she didn't give the impression that she minded the scold or the playful greeting, and envy went around the table at their fast friendship, hitting Marc harder this time. He knew he had nothing to worry about, but the openness with which their friendship could be had, hurt. His own moments with her would be stolen, brief. Neil said this was the perfect foundation, but Marc wasn't convinced. Neil wasn’t the one with this need burning in his guts.
“So, let me get this straight. You think I'm gonna accept these new chains, knowing they'll last more than a couple days, and I'm not even allowed to ask questions and get honest answers?”
Angela snorted at the silence. That was exactly what they expected. You guys don't know me yet, she thought, but you will.
“How do you plan to explain those changes? If the camp finds out about me, I'll have to run.”
“We lie.”
Doug's calm words drew her surprised attention to the table behind them.
“What?”
Doug was still purple and yellow from Marc’s single hit. “We lie. We'll tell them it's for the camp's protection.”
Not certain she believed that would succeed, Angela shrugged. “Anything else I should know?”
“He wants you checked out on the gun class,” Kyle said. “But we'll do that in the morning after you've calmed down and gotten some sleep.”
“Oh, hell,” Marc groaned, dropping his head.
“Are you kidding me? Calm down and get some sleep?” Angela blew out a frustrated snort, hand sliding to the Python on her hip. “Pick a target. Better yet, let me pick one.”
“What did I say?” Kyle glanced around in confusion.
Angela’s fingers flew over the .357, checking it with a familiarity the men knew came from being comfortable with the weapon.
“Let’s go.”
“Now?” Kyle hadn’t realized his mistake. “Won't it bother you?”
Her eyes were cool blue flames in the dimness as she sharply flicked the cylinder shut. “I either can or I can't, right?”
“But, now?”
“Yes.” Angela spoke slowly, tone biting. “Putting holes in something sounds good.”
There were chuckles and snickers from the Eagles.
Kyle raised a bushy brow at Marc. “What level?”
Marc was always awed by her strength. He had expected this to intimidate her, but here she was, mad instead.
“At least a 3, but she’s hot. Right now, she’ll hit whatever she aims at. Make it a challenge for her nerves too.”
Angela was suddenly flooded with memories of him doing that on the way here, bitter pain brewing in her heart. She already missed those nights alone with him.
“What kind of challenge?” Kyle asked.
“She’s just a girl,” Marc goaded. “Any level man should be able to beat her.”
Angela's fury rose to the surface and Kyle pushed the button on his mike before she could unleash the four letter words he felt coming. “Four to Eagle. We're doing the test. Now.”
“Level Two,” Adrian directed. “But first explain the consequences for failure and let her withdraw if she wants to.”
“Son of a bitch!”
Angela’s voice was clear over the radio, causing a myriad of chuckles and frowns.
“Copy.”
“Pick a damn target!” She holstered with cool, icy movements.
“I’ll get the rollouts.” Seth stood, eager to witness the action. She didn’t feel like she was bluffing.
Seth didn't make eye contact with Neil, who now had Point, or with Kenn when he spotted him lurking in the shadows outside the QZ. That black-clad Marine could probably hear at least half of what was being said, but Adrian’s right-hand would have to suck it up.
“Who’s the best shooter among the Level Two’s?”
Alex, Safe Haven’s math teacher, raised his hand. “Me.”
Kyle waved him over. “This is a test, Eagle. You will win.”
The bald man from Montana acknowledged the order and didn't glance at Angela as they waited for the opposite side of the small mess to be cleared.
Kyle nudged the duffle bag toward her. “As far as the camp knows, you're sleeping in the medical tent with the new girls.”
He was relieved when she took the bag with an annoyed movement.
Angela went to the stairs leading into the cooking area of the mess truck, instead of leaving the canopy to go to the Quarantine zone bathroom. The big cook came out a few seconds later, moving fast.
Maria cast a worried glance behind her and the Eagles shook their heads in admiration and amusement. Angela definitely wasn’t a coward and that was something they respected. Her animosity toward Maria wasn’t questioned. Men might enjoy the shows, but they wanted no part of the catfights themselves.
7
There was a small group of members at the caution tape, waiting and watching. There were those who had heard her, and understood the first female was taking a level test–Tonya, Hilda, Cynthia and Becky. The group was also made up of level men who had heard the stories, but hadn't gotten to go along for the rescue.
Kenn casually joined them. Unwilling to miss her first test, he stood stiffly with the others and tried to hide his worry. If she failed, he was safe. If she did well, everything he had built here would fall.
Angela’s emotions were boiling. The horror-filled day and the new restrictions had her feeling as if she was on fire. She stood where they told her, nodded when they said something, and waited impatiently for the release she needed. She cared little for their words of having to give up her gun if she failed. After all the time alone, with no rules, it was suddenly too much and she couldn’t wait to fight back in the only way she would be allowed to.
Calm down and get some sleep, my ass!
Marc noted the cool glaze of control and the furious heat lurking beneath, and knew she was about to do some of the best shooting he’d witnessed from her. When she got into the groove, things rolled.
“All right, let’s do this.” Kyle set a box of ammo on the table. “We’ll give the lady a few warm-up shots. As a Level Two, Alex doesn’t need it.”
“Neither do I!”
Angela’s hand felt like it belonged to someone else as she drew and shot from the hip. Not waiting for them to give her a clear line of fire, the men froze in training positions, apprehensive as she aimed and fired, slid to the right, fired, fired.
Counting off six shots, Angela deftly reloaded on the move, using the speed loader positioned on the left side of her belt where it could be quickly grabbed by her free hand. With a practiced precision that all the men approved of, she snapped the cylinder of her Python shut with a flick of her wrist and fired off the last two shots.
“Bulls-eyes in all 8 targets!”
“Damn.”
“Wow!”
The furious rage melted into cool, calm anger as her fingers reloaded the two expended rounds, and topped her speed loader off, something else all of the males noticed. It was what they did.
“She shoots like Adrian. You see that hip action?”
“And with a gun too big for her hand!”
The level men cheered and Kenn tried to appear proud as friends slapped him on the arm, but his stomach twisted. It came as no surprise to him that she was so good, though Brady had only had weeks to teach her. Hadn’t he known it would be this way all along? It was part of why Kenn hated her being here. Now everyone would know it all came down to male insecurities and pride.
To hell with Brady! Angela is the real threat.
Kyle was shaking his head, smiling. “Shoulda known. That’s a pass and then some.”
Angela didn’t return his grin. “Move ‘em.”
/> She caught his tightening jaw at her tone and added, “Providing Alex can match me?”
Kyle looked at Marc, who snickered at the helplessness he read there.
“I didn’t challenge her. I know better. A higher level shooter maybe?”
Alex cleared his throat. “I’m a Level Two Eagle, but I’m a Level Six shooter.”
The teacher turned and fired smoothly, matching her quickness with grace.
“Bulls-eyes in all 8 targets! Matched!”
The men cheered again and Angela refused Alex’s apology.
“Don’t be. It’s all or nothing with me, too, and I’m not a sore loser.” She beamed widely. “I am a sore winner though, and I plan to rub it in.”
It was a loud, tension-relieving hour for most of them, Angela and Alex matching each other shot for shot until she finally missed at 100 feet. It also had a good effect on the camp, the normal noises giving credence to their tales of it being a random attack on what was thought to be an easy target.
Most people on both sides of the caution tape enjoyed the show, but others worried restlessly. Their fears ranged from isolation and betrayal to the future and how to prepare. They were wise to be concerned. It was almost Fate’s turn to play another card.
8
“Don’t like the movie?”
Angela hadn’t heard him and she tensed, hand dropping despite the two guards hanging back to give her a little space, and the wolf now pacing a perimeter.
She was sitting in the middle of a moldy picnic table, smoking a joint and she stared at Adrian for a long moment. Was he here to scold her for leaving the QZ? She really wasn’t in the mood.
When he only stared back, she finally answered, “Not really. That one bothers me.”
She offered him the smoking weed and Adrian hit hard as he sat down next to her, closer than either of her men would like, she was certain.
The sky above them was black, no stars or moon visible, and that was depressing. The dying leaves rustled sadly with the breeze in an eerie howl of mourning and she shivered. Their enemies were closer now and their hatred was so clear!