“Hiking across country from Boise to xTerra, the Slains intercepted us. I was pressed into their militia. Guess they figured someone my size would be an asset.” He shrugged. “They sent me on patrol with Rod for ten days and kept Robin, who was pregnant with our first, back at their compound. A hostage. She taught the kids every morning and did chores the rest of the day.”
“Amanda was in charge of Robin?” Lissa couldn’t imagine Robin taking orders from anyone for long.
Kory shook his head. “Robin was caught in a power struggle between John’s wife, Shelby, and Amanda. Shelby is Robin’s sister. It was a shock to find her there, as both sisters thought the other dead. They’d been separated in the early days after the asteroid.”
“That’s right. Amanda is not Shelby’s biggest fan.” Amanda’s harsh opinion of her sister-in-law had shocked Lissa.
“Neither am I,” said Kory, his voice becoming a growl. “She gave Robin a black eye while I was away. We refused to stay longer and escaped the night I got back. I was shot busting through their barricade at Wright, but we made it here. The rest is history.”
“You’re really okay with taking the kids?” Lissa’s heart hurt. What if nobody wanted them?
“Absolutely. They deserve a chance. Obviously, I’ll have to talk to Robin, but she’ll say yes. She’s talked about both a lot. They’re good kids and stole her heart years ago. She would have brought them with us when we split if she could have.” He ran a hand through his hair. “How likely is Amanda to make it back?”
“She disappeared before dawn. My guess, she doesn’t plan to return.” Lissa’s heart spasmed again.
“That’s the sense I got from her letter.”
“We should know in a few hours. If Cam and Dave can help her at the Slains’ compound without endangering themselves, they will.” Lissa’s voice cracked. “I just hope they don’t get captured or killed.”
Kory exhaled. “I’m on duty today and can’t leave the Outpost until tonight. I get that you’d prefer to wait here for Cam, but I’d like to ask a favor. Can you carry on, talk to Robin, and give her the letter? The kids can stay with you for the day, giving her time to prepare. With the new baby expected any day, I don’t want to show up with two new kids in tow without giving her a chance to even ready a room.”
Everything he said made sense. Plus, it would keep Lissa’s mind busy while she waited. She nodded. “Okay. You’re right.” She’d been selfish to want to stay at the Outpost, but she’d go. She’d have to wait a little longer to find out if Cam was okay.
Kory passed her the letter, which she stowed in her front pocket. They returned inside.
“Who’s ready to head into xTerra?” said Lissa. She’d take them to the cafe and other public buildings while she got the letter to Robin.
Daisy looked up, hope shining in her eyes. “I’m ready.” She jumped to her feet.
“Me too.” Rod scooted off his chair, dropping the pencil. “It’s been too long since I talked to my pretty teacher.” He turned to Kory and cocked his head to the side. “Will you come too?”
Kory squatted in front of the exuberant little boy. “I’ll be home for dinner tonight, but I’m on duty and can’t leave until my shift is over. I’ll send a message when Cam and the others get back. Hopefully, your mom will be with them.”
Rod’s gaze turned to the floor, and Lissa’s heart broke for him. His voice was just above a whisper when he said. “I don’t think my mom wants to live anymore. Not without my dad.” He leaned into Kory and wrapped his arms around the big man’s neck. “I want you and Robin to take care of me and let me go to school.”
Kory hugged the little boy. “I didn’t grow up with my parents either. My dad died when I was about your age, but I promise to take good care of you and your sister.” He looked up at Lissa. “Robin and I both will.”
To Lissa’s surprise, the big man’s eyes were filled with unshed tears. He must be a wonderful, caring father. Maybe one day she and Cam would have kids, too. She had a feeling he would also make a terrific dad, even if his had left years ago. Growing up without a parent was something she and Cam also had in common. Though it was her mother who’d done the deserting.
Rod let go. “Okay. I’m ready, Lissa, take me to Robin, please.”
She stretched out her hand. “Okay. My cats are probably excited to get out of their carrier once we’re finished traveling. Let’s go.” She took a breath. Trying not to dwell on what might have happened in Bill. With luck, the men would return with Amanda. Daisy and Rod were incredibly brave, but losing both parents in less than a day would be devastating.
She sighed. Hopefully, Cam and Dave didn’t run into further complications.
Chapter 30: Cam
Cam flicked his gaze to the rear-view mirror again. The sun hung at the three-quarter mark in the sky, and he and Dave were making good time on the return trip. He loosened his white-knuckle grip on the wheel and exhaled. The road behind them remained clear. The three-hour drive back to xTerra seemed faster this time without inclement weather. Which was both positive and negative. As much as he looked forward to seeing Lissa and returning safely, he didn’t want to break the sad news to the kids.
He glanced at Dave riding shotgun. The sniper was quiet, his eyes trained on the passing countryside for the entire drive. Even with his former military training, he might be dealing with intense feelings about taking a life.
“I hope Lissa didn’t have trouble.” Cam would never forgive himself for sending her alone if she’d been harmed on the way to xTerra this morning. It should have been a peaceful drive as long as they avoided major routes.
Still, until he confirmed that she’d arrived safely, he wouldn’t feel easy. There had already been so many complications in the last few weeks. He also wanted to talk to her about something that had been on his mind for days. It hadn’t been worth discussing until they knew whether they could return to thehouse in Nebraska. Now, his revolutionary idea was once more in front and center.
“We’ll find out soon,” said Dave as they turned onto the final stretch of road leading to the Outpost and xTerra.
When they drove up to the barrier, Kory opened the gate and waved them through. Once inside, Cam rolled down his window but kept the engine running. He wasn’t planning to stop longer than necessary.
