Matt agreed with Derrick. It would be a pain to have to guard these men as well as patrol around the barn, but if their group left in the dark, how far would they get? Would they be forced to stop in a dangerous place? Better to face that in the light of day.
Matt helped his family get settled in the RV for the night, then he took Cleo and offered to do first watch around the outside of the barn.
“Sounds good,” Derrick said.
Matt held Cleo’s leash and headed outside. He hoped having Cleo would give him an advantage. She would hear someone approaching way before he did.
An hour later, as he rounded the corner of the barn, Cleo began barking. Startled—Matt had hoped he wouldn’t have to face more bad guys that night—he strained to see in the dark, focused on the direction Cleo was barking in.
“It’s Chris,” a voice called out.
Shoulders sagging in relief, Matt said, “Over here.”
Moments later, Chris came into view. He was alone.
“Where’s your family?”
Chris smiled. “Waiting for me in the car. I wanted to check in before pulling up in my SUV. Didn’t want to get shot at.”
Matt grinned. “Good move.” He paused. “So, you talked your wife into coming?”
Chuckling, Chris said, “Yeah. It wasn’t easy. But she understands it’s what’s best for our family.”
Matt nodded. “Exactly.”
Chris jogged off while Matt went into the barn to tell Jeff and Derrick that Chris had arrived. Derrick was sleeping in his truck just outside the barn doors, but Jeff helped guide Chris as he backed into a spot beside Derrick’s truck.
Matt finished his shift without incident, then he climbed into the RV, exhausted.
Curled up next to Jessica in their bed, Matt wondered where they would be when they next slept.
Early the next morning, a knock on the RV door woke Matt. He leapt from bed and hurried to the door.
Derrick stood on the other side. “We need to take care of a few things before we leave.”
Matt nodded, then woke his family. The entire group gathered around Derrick.
“I’ve been thinking, and, unfortunately, your RV will be a huge target on this trek. I suggest we distribute your food and supplies among all the vehicles in case we lose the RV. That way we’ll still have the bulk of your food.”
They were a team so he didn’t mind giving a large portion of it to them to carry. Besides, it made sense. “All right.”
With everyone’s help, they spread the food and other critical supplies among the four vehicles. Once they were satisfied, they climbed in their vehicles and left the barn. The sun was just beginning to light the day, fiery orange and red streaks filling the sky. It was a gorgeous sunrise and it gave Matt hope. They were headed on an adventure, one that would no doubt be fraught with danger, but one that would lead to a better life.
Glancing at Derrick’s truck in front of him, and Jeff and Emily’s truck and Chris’s SUV behind him, Matt knew their group was strong. He wouldn’t want to make this trek with anyone else. Sure, they would have their challenges, but they would stick together, protect each other. They were a family of sorts, one that could count on each other. In this crazy new world, family was the most important thing anyone could have. He meant to treasure his and do whatever he could to keep them safe.
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Books by Christine Kersey
Parallel World
Dare to Resist (Parallel World Book One)
Dare to Endure (Parallel World Book Two)
Dare to Defy (Parallel World Book Three)
Dare to Oppose (Parallel World Book Four)
Dare to Prevail (Parallel World Book Five)
Witness Series
Witness (Witness, Book 1)
Retribution (Witness, Book 2)
Ashley’s Billionaire
Snowed in with the Billionaire
Assistant to the Billionaire
Trouble with the Billionaire
Ever After with the Billionaire
Billionaires Find Love
The Protective Billionaire
The Missing Billionaire
Fair Catch Romance
Illegal Procedure
False Start
Blindsided
Pass Interference
Pass Protection
Game On
Park City Firefighter Romance
Rescue My Heart
Hearts On Fire
Emerald Falls Romance Series
Crushing On You: Travis and Gabriella (An Emerald Falls Romance, Book One)
Dangerous Lies: Sawyer and Amethyst (An Emerald Falls Romance, Book Two)
Chance Encounter: Gage and Melanie (An Emerald Falls Romance, Book Three)
Searching for Love
Falling for You (Searching for Love, Book One)
Finding Reese (Searching for Love, Book Two)
Surrender My Heart (Searching for Love, Book Three)
Bring Me Home (Searching for Love, Book Four)
Lily’s Story
He Loves Me Not (Lily’s Story, Book 1)
Don’t Look Back (Lily’s Story, Book 2)
Love At Last (Lily’s Story, Book 3)
Life Imperfect (Lily’s Story, Book 4)
Over You Series
Over You
Second Chances (sequel to Over You)
Standalone Suspense
Suspicions
No Way Out
About the Author
Christine has always loved to read, but enjoys writing suspenseful novels as well. She has her own eReader and is not embarrassed to admit that she is a book hoarder. One of Christine's favorite activities is to go camping with her family and read, read, read while enjoying the beauty of nature.
I love to hear from my readers. You can contact me in any of the following ways:
www.christinekersey.com
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The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Pandemic: The Beginning
Copyright © 2019 by Christine Kersey
All rights reserved
Cover by Novak Illustration
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Discover other exciting titles by Christine Kersey available through her official author website: ChristineKersey.com or through most online retailers.
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