The Survivors
Man Down

Near Rapid City

April 5th

1

Adrian was waiting at the QZ when the water crew pulled in. He knew by their faces they’d had a narrow escape. They had gotten the precious liquid, though. Adrian could tell by the way the tires on the tanker were pushing out from the weight. He was relieved at least one of their big problems was solved for a couple weeks.

Neil came to him at the tape. “They followed us from the state line, tried to surround us while we got the water. Rough count is sixty men. They have jeeps, trucks, machine guns. We didn’t engage, but we did put a timer on the tower so they couldn’t have the rest of it.” Neil removed his hat and wiped his brow. “Maybe we took out a few of them when it blew, but it’s not likely since they were watching us the whole time.”

Kyle joined them, wearing the same grim expression.

Adrian’s gut tightened. “How did you evade them?”

“Can’t attack what you can’t find.” Kyle signaled a duty guard over so he could get an update on the camp as soon as he finished giving Adrian the details from their run. “We cut through a storm drain and rolled up the mill creek for a few miles, like Kenn had us do after Cheyenne. They never saw us come out.”

Adrian was pleased but not relieved as the whining wind mocked him. Something else happened. “You eluded the enemy rather than fight a battle you wouldn’t have won; they got no water or hostages, and you brought back supplies and information. So why are my top men so upset?”

“Because another city’s burning, Boss.” Kyle’s voice was grim. “They’ve taken Casper. The smoke will be visible to everyone when we clear the trees.”

Adrian dug into the pockets of his jacket for a smoke, acting as if he hadn’t known. “So they have enough men to scout this camp, follow you, and still sack a city–all at the same time.”

Neil guessed at Adrian’s thought. “We can do it. We’re ready.”

Adrian saw Kyle clamp down on a protest. He knew that wasn’t true. So did Adrian. They were good, yes, but that good? Not yet. I need another eight weeks. “These people aren’t ready. If we did it now, we might as well keep going. We’d be starting yet another war we can’t be sure of finishing, and there will never be support here for that.” Adrian sighed. “For now, we’ll double the security, increase the number of levels we start each month, and get out of sight.”

Both guards heard the tone and knew Adrian was thinking of all the people who would die in their place. Neil was sure Adrian would change his mind.

Adrian wanted to, but that wasn’t the prudent choice for meeting his goals. “We need to make some real distance. Don’t hold anything back when people ask about your run.”

Neil frowned. “They’re going to keep following.”

Kyle added his agreement. “They’re not just scavengers.”

“This is your job, gentlemen.” Adrian gave his top men more trust. “Protect her quietly, though. The camp can’t find out yet, not like this. We have to buy her time to win them over.”

“How have things been here?” Kyle spotted Kenn getting everything ready to roll.

“Interesting.”

Adrian’s tone caught their attention. They followed his line of sight to Angela, who was sitting at his center table, laughing at something Doug had said.

“She’s one of us–an Eagle. I want you to encourage it; let her have the lead if possible. I need to know how strong she is.”

Both guards wondered the same thing, but neither was able to imagine the Eagles accepting a female.

Adrian knew. “I have it covered.” I hope.

“What about the slavers?” Neil was still eager to fight.

Adrian’s face tightened. “I’m working on it.”

Immediately feeling like he’d overstepped, Neil switched back to confidence in Adrian’s leadership. “His people won’t travel as hard as ours will when they find out Casper’s gone.”

Adrian was sure the guilt of not trying to save those people would visit his dreams. “He’ll send scouts to keep track of us, maybe even try to slow us down. We’ll have to clear before we roll.”

“My team will handle that personally.” Kyle’s shoulders straightened; his voice deepened. “We’ll take support, but only level Six Eagles will clear the road.”

Adrian nodded. Kyle had grown into his destiny faster than anyone else so far. “We leave in one hour. You two should talk to Billy and some of the others before we head out. Catch up on what’s been happening here. Talk to Kenn for your driving schedules, then adjust where needed.”

Neil frowned. “What about today’s route?”

Adrian turned away. “We’re not taking a road. We’re rolling right through these Black Hills.” Adrian spotted Marc and the wolf walking through the small crowds of packing people.

He signaled Marc over. “You have things for me?”

When Adrian wasted no time on small talk, Marc understood he was worried. He didn’t like it any more than the rest of the camp. “Yes. After the call, I finished the plan you asked for. It’s good.”

“How good?”

Marc kept his voice low, making sure even the Eagle guards didn’t hear him. “For us, the casualty rate is 3-4%. For them, 90%, but it’ll have to be set up perfect to get those results.”

The three pages went into his pocket. Adrian would read them while Kenn drove. He’d told Neil no about an attack right now, but they still had to start getting ready for it. The battle was inevitable. When the time comes, I’ll kill every one of them or die trying.

Angela paused on her way to the vehicle area, duffle bag over her shoulder. She rotated slowly, searching...

Jeremy moved into her line of sight so she would know who to give the warning to. He had already memorized that look of fear. He knew it wasn’t good news. Jeremy hadn’t freaked out about her gifts the way a few of the Eagles had when they’d been told. He also hadn’t needed Adrian’s words of caution. Jeremy was as trustworthy as they came.

Angela relaxed even as she frowned. “The shower camper. Personal drama.”

Jeremy headed that way. He wasn’t on duty right now, but Neil had asked him to watch out for Angela and he was. Neil had called a team meeting and confirmed most of the camp gossip. All of them were now doing it on their down time.

Jeremy saw Wade take over his patrol around the loading vehicles, around Angela. We have a great team. We’re not as good as Kyle’s yet, but we’re closer, more loyal. I don’t think anything can come between us.

Jeremy paid attention as he neared the camper. He started to go up the stairs. An angry voice echoed from behind the metal trailer.

“You can say that because you weren’t there!”

Jeremy eased around, using the closed supply truck for cover. He peered around.

Jeremy’s eyes narrowed. That’s the new woman, Samantha.

She was surrounded by a group of females; all of them looked ready to fight. Jeremy noticed Samantha wasn’t backing away. She didn’t give the impression she was scared either, just angry. Jeremy obeyed the instinct telling him to wait and see how she handled it.

The angry ringleader put a hand on her hip. “You didn’t almost die there!”

“I escaped after being raped, you snotty twit!” The truth rolled out of Samantha’s mouth in a harsh snarl. “And I still say we should fight back!”

Silence echoed for a moment; the other battered women scrutinized her in disbelief.

Samantha read their thoughts. She let out another rough sound of private misery and dangerous fury. “Call me a liar! I dare you.”

Jeremy knew two of the females lurking in the rear of the group were about to accept that challenge. “Is there a problem?!”

He sounded so much like Adrian that all of them flinched.

Samantha stared at the guard from the creek. She hadn’t run into him again since then. He was closer now, enough for her to discover the attraction he already held for her. Sam felt a blush spread over her cheeks in response. Really?

The ringleader retreated. “We were just getting to know her.”

The other former slaves also backed up and added support. They didn’t want to get in trouble.

“Yeah, we were just talking.”

“And she got mean!”

Jeremy didn’t buy the excuse. “Play nice. Or you could end up digging toilet holes with Kenn.”

An immediate flare of hatred flashed across their faces, but all of them nodded to acknowledge the warning.

Instead of thanking him, Samantha turned away. I don’t need anyone to defend me. I’m learning to do it myself.

Jeremy watched her go, expression thoughtful. She needs a friend...

The radio on his belt crackled, echoing the others throughout the camp. “We leave in five minutes, folks. Get in your assigned vehicle and get ready to roll.”

2

Angela blew out a restless sigh, braking as the semi in front of her came to an almost complete stop before shifting gears and crawling along again. They were driving through a wooded area with nothing but thin trees and brown weeds. While she applauded Adrian’s choice, it was frustrating and almost painful for her. They were going so slow that the ghosts of the places they were creeping by were coming to her in strong waves. They were full of death scenes and madness, but the desperation of the living was worse. Angela had to force herself not to reach out to them.

She wasn’t sure what to do. This door was usually shut to her. She planned to talk to Adrian about each thing like this that came up, but she couldn’t tell him over the radio right now. Charlie would hear and she couldn’t allow that yet. Charlie and Dog were riding with the vet. The teenager was giving her, and now everyone else, the cold treatment after his day of hard labor for fighting. Something like this was exactly what he didn’t need to know how to do. It would put him at risk because he would use it without caution in his anger and people would discover the truth. That meant toughing it out.

The truck braked again.

Angela clamped down on a four-letter word. She took a fast look at each of the two men riding with her. Kenn’s initials on her schedule told her that he had been the one to put her in a vehicle with two older mining men. He hadn’t been happy when Neil and Kyle traded their places in sleep-n-bus bunks to those men. It had been a neat switch, with no time for her Marine to argue. Angela had been trying to place the chain of command since they’d arrived. After this morning, she now knew she was looking at third and fourth in command. So what were they doing here with her? Adrian’s orders? Marc’s cautions? Curiosity?

Angela tensed as a fresh blast of agony hit her. This one was a small group of starving kids; it was a struggle to keep her foot on the gas pedal. She didn’t want to pass them up. I want to help!

Kyle yawned from the backseat. “Are you okay?”

Angela’s eyes flew to his in the mirror. “Fine. Why?”

Kyle sat up, looking at her as Neil stirred restlessly in the reclined passenger seat. “Because we feel it, strongly.”

Angela cringed. She switched her vision to the truck that was finally moving faster. “Feel what?”

“Something is bothering you.” Neil frowned. “Spit it out so we can get some sleep.”

She flushed.

Kyle frowned at Neil. “He doesn’t mean it like that. Tell us what’s up. It’s why we’re with you.”

Both men stared at her expectantly.

Angela kept her eyes on the truck in front of them, not wanting to see their disbelief. “He’s passing up people and supplies, but I can’t tell him over the radio.”

Kyle hesitated, lifted a thick brow. “You can’t…send it to him?”

Angela struggled to breathe at the openness. She shook her head. “And since it’s my fault you’re all in danger–”

“They were already coming for us.” Kyle refused to let her carry that blame. “It’s not anyone’s fault. If we’re passing things you think Adrian wants or needs, tell us; we’ll handle it.”

Angela was stunned. Where are the questions and snide remarks? The threats, the laughter? “College kids and fuel tankers.”

Neil immediately sat up and took the mike from its holder. “Three to Base, requesting leave to pull out for a short recon.”

Adrian’s voice over the radio was pleased. “In sight?”

Neil looked at Angela.

She shook her head, surprised they believed her, but also that she could go along.

“Negative.”

“Roger.” Adrian’s tenor wasn’t as confident now. “Cars six and eight will provide escort. Half hour check ins. Happy hunting.”

“Copy, out.” Neil hung up the mike as two jeeps fell out of the line ahead of them. “Let’s go. The fuel, not the people. Adrian will send a team back for them.”

Angela didn’t look at Marc as she passed him and the stinking livestock truck he’d been put behind. Would he follow their deal about protection, or would he stay with Charlie? She hoped he stayed here. I want to do this on my own.

“We’ll need you to tell us what you can.” Kyle checked gear in the kit at his feet.

When Neil gave his agreement, hands busy doing the same, Angela felt a large chunk of that outsider shell crack and fall off. Adrian knew how much she had to offer; she would start helping right now, by giving him something he wanted.

Angela didn’t see the derelict beef ranches and wheat fields around them as she drove confidently over roads she had never been on. She used her gift, trying to get the kids into position. Move to the tankers. Help is coming.

“Angie?”

Kyle’s voice was so much like Marc’s at that moment that she responded as if he were, forgetting her fear. “Five refugees, three women. One of them is pregnant, but I don’t think she knows. The fuel is at an airport near them.”

Her voice doesn’t sound right.

She sounds odd.

Neil and Kyle stored details to report later.

Angela got Kyle’s attention in the mirror, sure he would be more sympathetic. “They’re just kids. No threat. I want to help them.”

Kyle shrugged, willing enough.

Neil frowned. His orders were clear, and they came from more than one man–keep her unharmed at all costs. “No. We get the gasoline and let a team come back through later.”

Angela frowned. “They’ll run. The three of us won’t feel like such a threat. I’ll be able to talk to them.”

“What about the two jeeps of men behind us?” Kyle wondered if this would be the time Neil finally used his higher rank.

Angela shrugged. “Someone has to get the tankers.”

“No.” Neil didn’t like his judgement being questioned. “They’ll both be pissed that I put you in danger.”

Angela glared at Neil in tight annoyance that Kyle recognized from his months with Adrian. She would deliver a final blow next. The stories they’d been told hadn’t been exaggerations.

“Yes, your ass. Let’s talk about that, Neil.” She shot him a quick glare. “Will Adrian take a bigger chunk if we do it now and bring in more survivors, one of them carrying the next generation of Americans? Or if we don’t because I might break a nail and they’re gone when you come back, taken by the slavers?”

The silence was deafening.

Kyle regarded her with new respect, shocked that she understood what a powerful weapon that was.

Neil blew out a frustrated breath. The only thing Adrian wanted more than female survivors were pregnant survivors. He began unbuttoning his shirt. “At least put on my vest so they don’t think I’m a complete idiot. Pull over. We’ll wait outside.”

3

The Rapid City airport rose out of the gritty skyline like a dark omen. Nothing moved except glints off broken Christmas bulbs framing dark, dirty windows.

Angela felt the tension growing as the wind whined. The Eagle guards didn’t like it here at all.

They rolled over pieces of the twisted, rusting, airport gate; the row of fuel tankers were the first things they picked out, all the way in the rear.

“We’ll be checking airports from now on.” Neil shook his head. “I never even thought about it.”

Kyle nodded. “Yeah, makes sense. Have to have normal fuel for their trucks and things.”

The two men swept the shadows. When they were near the middle of the vast lot, Kyle held up a hand. “Stop here.”

Angela kept her foot on the brake as the two other jeeps flanked her. She tried hard to see what they did.

There were two long, empty, grassy runways, and a large, main terminal building with a lot of dark doorways. Three big, faded, red and white passenger planes were lined up near the fuel tankers like forgotten toys; numerous small outbuildings and vehicles littered the area, most damaged. There were also charred places on the weedy concrete and an overturned security car in front of the burnt frame of a city bus.

Angela saw the two Eagles exchange worried glances.

“We need more men.”

“But they’ll run awa–”

“We cannot secure an area this size with only eight Eagles.” Kyle’s voice was firm.

Neil handed him the mike, letting the guard do his job.

“Four to Base. We have six A3’s and need drivers, plus two full levels for security. Someone is on the way to meet you where we left.” Kyle motioned through the window.

The jeep to their right pulled away.

“Copy, Four. Cars seven, ten, fourteen, and twenty-one are on the way.”

Kyle felt better knowing Adrian had just sent a few extra men, but it didn’t help them yet.

Angela wasn’t sure what they were so worried about. Yes, there was a bad feeling here, but it was like the other places she’d been. Empty.

Are you sure? the witch questioned from her cell.

Angela frowned. No. After the call, she’d forced the witch back into her cage, scared of the camp finding out. Except when she was with Adrian, she hadn’t used the power at all until this drive.

Kyle was watching her expression in the mirror. “What is it?”

She concentrated, but got only darkness. The rustle of her jeans was loud as she shifted restlessly. “Something might not be right here.”

“What?”

Angela turned to look at the driver on their left. “Not sure yet.”

Seth, the driver of that vehicle, shut off his engine; Angela did the same.

The silence was thick as they waited, listening to the nothingness around them.

“The kids are here. I got them to come.” Angela removed her seatbelt. “Don’t let anyone shoot unless I do. The kids are not a danger.” She unsnapped her holster with a smooth movement.

The two men exchanged looks again, thinking of their conversations with the Eagles.

“I can’t wait.” Angela grunted. “They’re about to run. There’s too many of us.”

Kyle saw a single shadow near the planes as Angela opened her door.

“Stay here for a minute so she doesn’t take off. That’s our little mommy. Don’t get out unless you have to. I’ll be quick.” She slammed the door on their protests.

This was the Angela from the hospital, the one who couldn’t possibly have been chest bumped into a corner the night before. She had lived two lives before the war, but now, she was free to be herself. It gave her an unknowing swagger the hiding people recognized in longing. It was the stride of someone who wasn’t living in fear.

Both Eagles were relieved, and instantly jealous, when Seth got out and fell in on her right but wasn’t sent away.

Neil hit the button on his belt. “She never leaves our sight!”

Seth nodded at the order as the doors on both sides of Angela’s Blazer opened in case Neil and Kyle wanted to get out fast.

Angela stopped about twenty feet from the stairs of the first plane, but she didn’t stare up into what was sure to be an ugly scene.

Right behind her, Seth keyed the button on his belt so the other men could hear.

“Can we help you?”

The shadow flinched at her voice, but didn’t respond.

Angela stayed where she was. “We’re from Safe Haven. It’s an American refugee camp. You’ll be safe with us.”

The shadow snorted.

Angela took a step closer, denying Seth this time when he wanted to follow.

They were by rusting gates and an enormous field of waist high grasses where anything might be lurking; Seth’s tired eyes swung continuously.

“I can prove it.” Angela noticed the slender female had no skin showing from her dark, heavy clothing. “He did what I wanted, right? If they were bad, I’d be a slave.”

The girl shrugged. “It could be a trick. Slavers are smart.”

Her voice was nervous, hopeful, young. Angela pushed comfort again. “Safe Haven follows the old rules. You and your new family would be well cared for there.” Angela hoped she had chosen correctly as the whine in the wind increased.

“How did you know I’m not alone?!”

“Maybe I didn’t.” Angela’s voice became as cold. “You just told me.”

“You tricked me!”

Angela could feel the others nearby. The group was warmly dressed and blended well into the surroundings. This fragile chemistry student had done a decent job of teaching them to survive.

Angela switched to an authoritative voice, making the disbelief thick. “You speak for the group?” She hid her relief when the girl stopped her flight instinct, hand going to her hip instead.

“I resent that! I’ve done the best I could!”

“Then it’s time to get them out of here. Hand that burden over to our guardian. In return, you’ll work and follow the rules. We have two doctors and none of us are starving.” Angela gestured behind her. “They came from all over the country. We can also give you answers.”

The girl’s eyes lit up.

That did it. Angela read the interest clearly.

“You know about Nevada?”

“Doug does. He was trapped under a bridge there for almost a week.” Seth smiled at the girl, thinking for a woman who had only been with them a few days, Angela had picked up Adrian’s style fast. Seth had snorted at the things he’d heard while Safe Haven packed for travel, but now he was seeing it for himself.

The girl studied them mistrustfully. “You have a lot of people?”

“Yes; doctors, lawyers, farmers, soldiers, housewives. We follow a set schedule; we travel a lot. Most people pick their own jobs, but with your education, you would be helpful to our leader.”

“Yeah, in exchange for being allowed in?”

The girl missed the fact Angela knew she had been a student.

“You’re welcome even if you’re not useful at all.” Angela’s tone was just right–a little patronizing, a little insulting, and implying laziness.

“What a load. You’ll take our guns and be in control. No thanks!”

“We are not slavers!” Angela lowered her voice at the girl’s fear. “We help anyone we can, and we’ve risked a great deal to come get you. The rules are simple. Pull your own weight.”

“What’s the crime rate?”

Angela wasn’t expecting the question. “Uh, there’s been one thief since I came. That’s it. No rapes, no murders. It makes bad people think twice when the penalty is death.”

The girl nodded, wanting to believe.

Angela pushed harder as rain clouds rolled in behind the grit. “We’re American survivors who help our own, and you are that, honey. Come with us. We’ll return some of what was stolen from you.”

The girl glanced over her shoulder. “I think we should go with them.”

Shadows next to the plane moved, stood up.

Angela knew by the way the girl flinched that the Eagles behind her were rushing their way with weapons drawn.

“It’s okay. They’re just not sure about you, either.” Angela waved a hand.

Again, there were flashes of jealousy when the others stopped but Seth was allowed to stay.

The two males in the small group of strangers flanked the thin, younger girls who would have been called nerds before the war. Angela was suddenly sure the guys had been athletes, with all of them flying home from some kind of contest.

“They’re right to be worried.” The tallest teenager pulled his gloved hands from his pockets when Seth’s pointed gaze remained there. “We’re in danger.”

The others sent long, worried looks toward the dark main building.

Angela followed their line of sight, frowning. “There are people living there?”

“If you want to call them that.” The pregnant girl wrapped her arms around herself. “Radiation victims. They landed like that not long after our pilot stole a fuel tanker and left us here. They don’t come out unless we make noise.”

Angela winced. “We need to get the gas and go. Now.”

Seth checked his watch, then signaled to Neil, who held up one finger.

“Ten minutes for the support,” Seth translated.

“The slavers are coming this way. They’ve taken Casper.” Angela pushed her calming gift over the nervous kids. “We are offering you a home. In ten minutes, we’re driving those fuel tankers out of here; we’re not coming back.”

The girl shook her head, ignoring the mutters of her group. “You can’t get the gas. It’s half the reason we haven’t left yet. When you get near the trucks, the radiation victims attack. It’s as if they’re guarding it. Every time we’ve tried, we’ve lost people.”

Seth picked out things around the tankers that made his stomach churn. Three boots, stains, and...is that a skirt by the landing gear? Seth nodded. This was exactly what it felt like–another place of death they needed to get away from.

“We’ll handle it.” Angela soothed them all automatically. “Why don’t you kids go wait in my Blazer? There’s probably going to be some gunfire.”

The small group of students moved toward her vehicle and the waiting Eagles. They stayed together as they reached the guards, exchanging nervous greetings.

Angela joined Neil and Kyle, ignoring the coldness they gave Seth. “How does Adrian handle radiation victims?”

Neither man wanted to answer her question because they expected her to have a doctor’s outraged response.

“Sorry if I stole your thunder, but they were going to run.” Angela tried to get them past it. “You heard everything. I suggest fire. It will prevent further contamination. Got any masks?”

The kids frowned, leery again at her emotionless words.

Angela went to them, using only the truth this time. “We can’t save them, and we can’t leave them to hurt someone else. It’s our duty to do something because we can.” She continued to sing to them as she got them into the Blazer.

The three Eagles exchanged glances.

“She’s a natural. Like us.” Seth stared. “Marc’s right to want her so bad. She won’t just be someone’s woman. She’ll be some lucky man’s other half.”

Marc’s? Kyle frowned. He wasn’t sure the man was that good. “Adrian knew she would be. That’s why we have code Raven already. Adrian knew she was like us the second he saw her.”

“No.” Seth met Kyle’s eyes. “She’s like Adrian.”

Kyle grunted in understanding, remembering the sandstorm. “Kenn’s going to shit.”

Neil didn’t echo their mirth. “He’s going to mess it up for her if he can.”

“Yep.” Seth sighed. “Come on. Let’s have a gander. Maybe we won’t need our guns. Be nice not to do it up close this time.”

Kyle followed.

Neil stayed, thinking of the last few mercy missions. They had been messy, ugly; the memories lingered.

The men were back a minute later, resigned. They met the others at the front of Angela’s Blazer, aware of her still talking to the kids, keeping them under control like Adrian would have.

“We’ll do the whole building. She has three full cans, and Seth has two. That’s enough to create a barrier, then we’ll run a tanker in. Bullets after that if any of them make it out.” Kyle looked at Angela, who was listening through her open window. “You should go meet the other men. They’ll be your escort.”

Angela settled into the driver’s seat, not sure if she had missed something important that might explain the warning bells suddenly blaring in her head. She didn’t want to leave, but the Eagles were waiting for her to go.

Angela rolled to the gates, stopping just out of sight. What did I–?

“Get down!”

Marc’s order over the radio made Angela duck.

A dart plunged through her window and stuck into the seat instead of her neck.

Angela hit the gas pedal, throwing the kids back in their seats as she sped for the safety of camp.

Marc! Her fingers fumbled for the mike as bullets slammed into the door of the Blazer.

She jerked to the other side of the two-lane road, putting up the windows to protect the screaming kids. “Help! Sniper!”

The call went over both mental and CB waves. Every man she had a connection with felt it, including those who were too far away to assist.

More bullets ricocheted off the ground in front of them.

Angela jerked the wheel; she dropped the mike as the Blazer’s tires lifted.

Angela turned them in a sharp motion and was relieved to feel rubber slam back into the earth. Before she could get out of the sniper’s range, a faded green army jeep appeared on the narrow road ahead of her.

She slammed her foot against the brake, throwing them all forward as the jeep rolled closer, cutting off her escape. The grinning madman behind the wheel was sickeningly familiar.

Marc! Angela slammed the vehicle into reverse, aware of her CB blaring with panicked male voices. Marc!

Get to Neil!

Angela followed Marc’s order; she flew backwards into the ravaged airport, leaving a cloud of dust.

The Eagles coming to her rescue scattered as the sniper switched targets.

The guards tried to return fire.

Angela slid to a stop in the middle of them. Dillan’s jeep was coming fast and so were the slugs; the Eagles used her armor-plated Blazer as a shield.

Angela searched hard. Where are you?

Tell the boy about me–the good me who wanted to be his father.

Her heart sank as she picked up Marc’s thought and understood what it meant. “No!”

Her scream drew attention. The men followed her line of sight to a muddy Blazer coming toward them from a nearby access road. The vehicle picked up speed, flying at the lunatic who hadn’t seen him yet. I Love you, Angie. I never stopped.

No, Marc!

Marc swerved out of the decaying trees.

The Eagles saw a rare glint of sun flash off his dog tag, bright enough to hurt. Marc’s Blazer lunged onto the cracked airport street as the army jeep reached the road.

Before Dillan had a chance to react, Marc slammed into the driver door.

Flames and heavy smoke billowed into the air from the collision.

“Noooo!” Angela flew toward the wreck, unmindful of the bullets now punching into the debris covered ground around her boots. “Marc!”

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