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She reached forward, meeting his hand and shaking it.
“Glad they let you out so fast,” Carter said, leaning back in his chair.
Saff looked over at him. She wanted to know if he knew they would do that to her before they arrived, but figured this wasn't the time or place.
“What do they have you doing so early on patrol?” Erin asked.
Saff caught Josh throwing a quick glance at Carter, avoiding Erin’s gaze as he answered. “Just checking some stuff around the perimeter.”
Erin gave a small nod, but even Saff could tell she didn't really believe him.
A second later, a bell rang out, and people immediately began making their way toward the back area.
“I better go help,” Erin said with a small smile. “I'll bring plates over for everyone.”
They all fell quiet for a few moments as she left. Then, when she reached the back of the room, James finally spoke.
“So, what's really going on this morning?”
An apprehensive look passed over Josh’s face before he shot a quick glance her way. She wondered if there was something going on that she wasn't supposed to know about.
After a few moments of silence, he answered. “Apparently, some raiders attacked one of the patrols that was out last night on the other side of the wall.”
James let out an exasperated sigh.
“They fought them off,” Josh continued. “But from what I've heard, apparently this has been happening more and more often.”
Saff wasn't the least bit surprised. It was bound to happen anywhere, no matter what. The world was still in chaos, and it would be for a very long time. She couldn't imagine any settlement, even the military-run safe zones being long-lasting throughout her lifetime.
“Do they have a plan on how they're going to deal with it?” James asked, resting his chin on his knuckles.
“I was hoping you would know that,” Josh answered. “I thought maybe Sylvia would have filled you in.”
“So, what, we're dealing with all the same issues as before?” Maddie suddenly cut in, frustration evident in her voice. And Saff couldn't blame her.
“I mean,” Carter started, “the walls here do seem stronger than what we had before. I think we're in a better situation here.”
Saff wanted to interject, but it really wasn't her place. This wasn't her community to worry about.
“Sylvia has mentioned some things,” James said, “but she's been light on the details.”
“Great,” Josh grumbled, rubbing a hand down his face.
Saff picked up her mug and sipped on the coffee. It tasted a little sour, but it was definitely better than nothing.
They sat in silence for a few moments before Erin returned with the food. She made two trips, bringing each one of them a plate. Then she set the last one down in front of Saff with a warm smile, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Eat up. I'm sure you're hungry after what you've been through the last few days.”
Saff took another sip of the sour coffee, finding Josh watching her.
“So, were you in the military or something?” he finally asked, still staring at her as he took a bite of the bread on his plate.
“No,” she answered, setting the mug on the wooden table.
“I saw the weapons they found in your bag,” he mumbled through a mouthful of food. “How'd you end up with grenades? It's not really something you just stumble across.”
“I had them before,” she replied cooly.
He watched her, eyes full of skepticism, like he was waiting for her to elaborate. But she didn’t care. She was exhausted, and the last thing she wanted was to have that conversation for what felt like the hundredth time in just the last few days.
