We moved again, slower now, sticking to the edge of the woods when we could, marveling at all of the traffic. Where were all of these people going? And why did so many of them look sick?
I glanced at Beck, worriedly, but he seemed fine. So did I. Whatever this was, neither of us showed any signs of it. Hopefully, it stayed that way.
Under the overpass, it was cooler. The concrete cast a quiet, comforting shadow.
Someone had dragged a shopping cart down there at some point and abandoned it half-tipped near the wall. A couple of empty bottles rattled when Beck nudged the cart aside with his boot.
“Clear,” he murmured.
I sat with my back against the concrete and finally let my head fall back.
For a long second, neither of us spoke.
Then Beck said, “That guy in the diner—what thefuck?”
“I have no idea.” I grabbed my pack and pulled out my last bottle of water. “Don’t pour this one over your head.”
He smirked, “Got anything to eat in there?”
I handed him a few strips of the deer jerky I’d grabbed before leaving the house.
As we munched, Ben rechecked his phone.
Two bars. Then one. Then the LTE flashed on and off, as if it couldn’t make up its mind.
He tried to call this time.
Straight to voicemail.
“Try again after we eat,” I sighed. “Maybe it’ll work then.”
He nodded, pocketed his phone, and crouched in front of me. Not blocking my view—just close enough that if someone came around the wall, they’d hit him first.
This man continually surprised me. I’d always thought he was gorgeous, but I knew he was in a gang and that trouble was written all over him. I hadn’t needed any of that in my life… I still didn’t, if I was honest. But the way he’d treated me since his arrival made me want to ignore my instincts, just this once.
“You alright?” He laid his hand on my knee.
I nodded. “Just tired. And… wired all at the same time.”
“Yeah,” he rubbed my leg slightly. “Same.”
I stood abruptly, causing his hand to fall. “I need to take inventory.”
The way he made me feel was beginning to worry me. I wasn’t that person.
“Sure, you do, Fox,” he smirked.
I flipped him off.
Opening my bag, I saw a few more strips of jerky. A small pot for boiling water. Matches. Some peanut butter crackers and a med kit. Not near enough for the long walk. We’d have to go into a town sooner rather than later. I moved my Ruger to the outside pocket so it would be easier to grab.
“I fucking knew you were carrying.” Beck was watching me in fascination.
“Ben may not let me carry a phone, but this is essential.” I rolled my eyes.
“If I weren’t already obsessed, this would do it.” He grinned. “Smart, sexy, and packing.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes.
