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For four years, a damaged Cassidy Hood has had one focus; keeping her brother Cameron, and the band of survivors they lead safe in a post-apocalyptic world. But when they are forced to join two other bands on a cross-country journey, her goal becomes complicated.
Cass must now face the dangers of travel, the challenges of coexisting with other survivors, and the distraction of a new responsibility; a prisoner who is both fascinating and inexplicably familiar. |
Chapter One
THE SUMMER HEAT LEFT a sheen of sweat across her skin but did nothing to alleviate the numbness in her limbs as she pulled the trigger. Cassidy Hood did not flinch as the shot sounded but watched the deer’s body crumple to the ground with a thud. Birds squawked and scattered away from the meadow, but Cass was stiff and quiet, eyes narrowed on the buck. When she was sure he had breathed his last, she sighed, lowered her rifle to the ground, and collapsed beside it, face buried in the damp grass.
Tension flowed out of her. Now it wouldn’t be so imperative to organize a hunt today. They could rest, adjust to all the changes, and prepare.
Cass rolled onto her back and sucked in a too-large breath, causing herself to cough. Her lungs still felt thick and pinched from the smoke. The scent of fields and forests, houses and animals burning lingered in her nostrils and she opened her eyes to check that they had truly outrun the fire. She swallowed and nodded to herself. Yes, the sky was clear here. It was only her memory that was poisoned with smoke.
She was lifting herself to stand when she heard her name shouted just beyond the trees. The sorrel gelding who grazed nearby lifted his head and snorted in the direction of the voice.
“Cass! Cassidy!”
“Shit,” she said under her breath. Then she called, “Drew! I’m fine! I’m here!” She coughed a few more times and stared back at the horse who was now staring at her. “I shoot a deer, and you don’t even stop grazing, but my cough disturbs you?” she asked the animal. Huckleberry swished his tail and lowered his head into the lush, green grass, kicking the hind leg which bore a white sock, his only marking.
Drew burst through the trees and looked around. He relaxed when he spotted Huck grazing calmly, and his frown disappeared when he spotted the downed buck. Finally, he saw Cass sitting in the grass at the edge of the meadow.
“Nice,” he said. “You okay?”
She nodded as Drew stepped back through the tree line and shouted something. When he reappeared, he crossed the meadow, limping. His limp was the result of two toes taken by frostbite the first winter after the end of the world. It was more pronounced in the tall, wet grass. He extended a hand, and she took it, letting him haul her to her feet.
“It’s hot,” he said.
“It’s the humidity back here in the trees. Especially with the pond right there.” She gestured to the small body of water just beyond the grazing horse.
Cass pulled her wet shirt away from her body, wafting it back and forth a few times. She glanced down the neck at her small breasts and the ribs protruding beneath them. She frowned. She could see through her shirt; it had worn so thin.
She looked up to see Drew already unbuttoning his own.
“Sorry about the gunshot,” she said. “I didn’t think dinner would just wander in, or I would’ve warned you.” She took the shirt as he offered it and buttoned it over her own.
“We were hoping it was dinner.” He headed for the deer carcass. “I thought Rovers.” Then, with a laugh, “Your brother was sure someone from the Oregon clan had gotten handsy and you’d lost your temper.”
She rolled her eyes. “Do I need to go get the butcher kit?” she asked.
Drew said “no” just as a second male voice said “no” and Cass looked up to see her brother Cameron trudging through the high grass with a battered case.
“Did I see a smile on your face, Cass?” he asked.
Cass raised an eyebrow and headed for the deer. “The heat’s getting to you, big brother.” Cam laughed, and Cass allowed another small smile to lift her mouth. “Will you help us? It’s fucking hot.”
Cam nodded, and the three of them set to work, Drew and Cass gutting the deer while Cam buried what they discarded. By the time they finished, all three were sweating. Cass’s gaze turned to Drew’s skin, shades darker than her own even when she was tan. His muscles stretched and pulled, and she was struck once more by how well he kept his weight even when they’d gone weeks without decent food.
Conversely, Cam looked sunken, the leather of his belt frayed around the new holes. He hadn’t lost a lot of muscle yet, but it was clear the three of them needed this meat. Cass patted the hide of the shoulder in appreciation.
“Let’s get him cooking,” Cam said. His blue eyes glowed with thanks he hadn’t spoken as he gave her a nod. “Drew and I will drag him out.” A frown creased his face as he said it and she felt his eyes moving over her thin body.
“I have to get water, anyway,” she said, already walking toward the small pond. She knelt and dipped the first of two five-gallon buckets into the slowly trickling creek that fed the pond. The two men dragged the deer carcass back through the trees. After they’d passed from sight, she could still hear them grunting with effort and occasionally laughing.
As she switched the full bucket out for the empty, she felt a second wind rejuvenating her. She heard the slow hoofbeats as Huck ambled up to the pond and dipped his muzzle in for a drink. The horse was a little thin, his ribs protruding a bit more than she’d like, though considerably less than her own. The rapid pace they’d been forced to keep on the trip down from Montana had kept the horses from having decent grazing time, and they were all a bit worse for the wear. But, Huck was the oldest, and he still looked sound and strong. A few more days here, where there was ample grass, would prepare them.
Cass wasn’t sure what would prepare her. In the nearly five years since civilization ended, Cass had fought for survival. She had killed people to defend herself, her group, and their supplies. It didn’t faze her, anymore. She’d watched people she cared about die, sometimes slow and miserable and sometimes so suddenly it didn’t feel real. But, she’d dreaded nothing with such strength as she dreaded this move.
The bucket overflowed, spilling water over her hand and she stood.
“Huck,” she said, hefting a bucket in each hand. “Let’s go.”
The horse began to follow her, stopping every few feet to yank another mouthful of grass from the earth. Cass wove through the copse if trees, stopping to rest now and then. As she was crossing a short field toward camp, Huck trotted up behind her, catching up.
She smiled at the sound of his hooves swishing through the tall grass, his tail periodically brushing a fly from his rump. Free of the smothering humidity in the trees and out in the cool breeze, she felt her body reviving. Her mouth watered for the venison that would soon be cooking. Ahead of her, Drew was smiling as a dog licked dried deer blood off his fingers and for a moment, Cass thought maybe, with a little luck, she might manage to get everyone she cared for safely to their destination. Maybe this cross-country journey could work.
Just three—maybe four—more months of exhausting travel, lucky hunts, and managing to avoid Rovers. And of course, getting along with two other bands of survivors with their own rules and agendas. Right. No problem.
CASS HAD JUST PULLED a clean shirt over her head when she heard a shout, then another. She scrambled across the tent on her knees and unzipped the flap. She had barely stood upright when a teen girl ran up, blocking her path.
“They’re here,” Lena said, apprehension in her voice. “The California band. They’re just down the valley a ways. Your brother went to meet them, and he told me to tell you to change and get ready to stand on the platform with him.”
Cass cursed mentally and rolled her left shoulder in its socket. When she caught Lena watching the action, she forced away her frown and managed a half-smile.
“Thanks, Lena,” she said.
The girl began to pull her unruly, red hair into a ponytail and stepped to Cass’s side, keeping pace as the older woman began to walk toward the circle of burnt-out buildings where the people would gather.
“I guess they have several horses. And wagons,” Lena said, lowering her voice as they moved closer to the group assembling in the ranch yard.
Cass felt her stomach lurch. When the Oregon band had arrived two days earlier, she’d been shocked to find they had more people than her group. Rumor had it, the California band was double the size of the Montana and Oregon bands combined. Until two days ago, Cass hadn’t known this many people were left on this side of the country, much less all convening in one spot.
“Horses and wagons are good news. I can handle horses and wagons,” Cass said to Lena without looking at her. “It’s the people that concern me.”
Those people were assembling around a long-rusted and overgrown semi-truck and flatbed trailer conspicuously jackknifed in the middle of the ranch yard between the buildings. Cam and the Oregonian leader, Hank, planned to do all their speaking to the group standing on the flatbed.
Gone were the days of chatting around the fire like a family. Now there were so many people one would have to be elevated to speak to them.
Cass jumped as a hand closed around her arm. She turned to see Trista, her brother’s girlfriend, shooting her an apologetic look. Drew was with her, looking ill and angry at the same time.
“Sorry,” Trista said. “I just thought you might be able to convince Drew that this isn’t the second end of the world.”
Cass smiled and gave a shrug. “I’m not sure it isn’t.” She kept her voice quiet.
Trista scoffed and shook her head, but Drew gave Cass a wink and moved in to throw an arm around her.
“You both agreed to this,” Trista said. “And you would’ve been outvoted if you hadn’t.”
“If there’d even been time for a vote,” Lena said as she scanned the crowd. Everyone seemed to have turned to the left.
Cass turned as well and caught sight of her brother riding into view beside a large man on a black horse. Cam’s horse, Madison, was taller than the black one but this man’s height easily made up the difference. His shoulder length, curly hair rested just above his muscular arms, exposed by a sleeveless shirt which completed an entirely black wardrobe. He was an intimidating sight.
“I never had a problem with going to Stronghold,” Drew said near Cass’s ear in a voice muffled by lips that barely moved. “I just wish we’d traveled alone.”
The group of onlookers had to shift and move aside to allow the entire party to enter the ranch yard. There were murmurs and even a gasp or two as three mounted men came into view all wearing pieces of police riot gear despite the heat. Cass noted the look of pleasure on the California leader’s face as his obvious attempt at intimidation had the desired effect.
Cam had already dismounted and seemed to be searching for someone, but Cass ignored him, instead turning to count the new horses. Most bore riders, but four were hitched in pairs to two wagons loaded with supplies and people. Other people walked beside the wagons, including a group of half a dozen scantily-clad women.
“That’s interesting,” Trista said.
Cass was about to ask what was interesting when Drew leaned in close again and said, “Your brother is looking for you.”
Cam stood near the makeshift staircase of cinderblocks leading up to the flatbed. He was indeed scanning the crowd with a soft frown. She sighed.
She didn’t mind the responsibility of being her brother’s second in command. She’d have taken it on without his asking. It was the appellation that irked her. And the fact it often drew attention she didn’t appreciate.
“Duty cal—” Cass was cut off by a gasp from Trista. Several other people in the crowd let out sounds of shock. A man with bound hands was tied to the back of the last wagon and had just been drug into view. At least she thought it was a man. The figure was quite skinny, the head covered by a feed bag
The leader of the group nodded at one of the men dressed in riot gear, and he freed the rope from the wagon and led the man toward the flatbed like a two-legged pet. Hank and Cam were already standing atop the trailer. Hank’s arms were crossed over his chest, and Cam’s frown had deepened. As Cass studied her brother, he met her gaze across the crowd. He gave his head a single shake, a signal to stay away for now. Cass nodded and turned her attention back to the prisoner.
The imposing Californian leader grabbed hold of one of the prisoner’s arms and helped hoist him onto the flatbed. The man who had led the prisoner initially turned his back to the trailer but stayed by the stairs with the strict posture of a sentry.
The crowd had fallen silent. Tension seemed to weight the air. The lowering sun blazed beyond the trees causing Cam to squint as he looked across the crowd and then took a step toward the Californian leader with his hand extended.
“On behalf of the Montana band, I would like to welcome you. My name is Cameron Hood.”
The large man shook the offered hand, then turned as Hank approached.
“My name is Hank Gleason. I represent a group of survivors from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We call ourselves the Coltonites for the city where most of us met,” Hank said as he offered his hand in turn.
When Hank and Cam had stepped back, the larger man turned to the crowd. “I am Derrick Mason, leader of Clan Mason. We are pleased to join you.”
There were a few awkward claps, but the sentiment did not catch on, and soon the crowd returned to heavy silence.
“There is a matter I’d like to take care of before we say any more,” Derrick said, giving the rope a sharp tug. The bound man stumbled forward and dropped to his knees.
“On our way here, we found this man locked in the basement of a house. Rovers killed the owners, but this man was alive in his cell,” Derrick cleared his throat. “He refuses to tell us why he was there, but he says he’s done nothing wrong.” Derrick moved to stand beside the prisoner who made no effort to get up but sunk back onto his legs with sagging shoulders.
“I don’t have food and clothing to give to someone who may be a criminal. Especially when he won’t confess his crimes. I would have killed him. But, some of the softer-hearted people in my clan convinced me to bring him here to see if any of you would have a use for him in your groups.”
Derrick reached down and pulled the bag off the man’s head, bringing on more gasping and murmuring. He had a split lip, and his mouth was caked with dried blood. His jaw was swollen, and his eye was an angry purple. The man blinked and raised his bound hands to shield his eyes from the brightness of the unfiltered sun. As he did, his bare chest was exposed through his torn shirt, sickly-thin and likewise covered with bruises in various stages of healing.
The man sat up straighter and pushed matted clumps of dirty, blonde hair away from his eyes. He squinted first at the crowd and then at the other men on the platform. When his eyes adjusted, he set his jaw and straightened his shoulders, unable to keep from wincing as he did.
When the pain passed, the struggle to control his expression began. Cass recognized resignation and fear in his eyes and the only way to mask that was with bravado. So, his look was brave to the point of arrogance. And Cass had seen it before.
Cass recognized the man with a rush of happy familiarity, like finding a favorite possession long lost. But just as the chaos of years running and fighting for survival made it impossible to name where her belongings had scattered, she couldn’t remember how she knew him. A cloud of confusion settled in on her mind.
She must have made a sound because Drew grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You okay?” he asked.
Cass shook her head and pulled away, taking a few steps forward hoping to see better. The conversation had continued on the flatbed as she’d been mesmerized.
“So, what’s the alternative here?” Hank was asking. “What do we do with him if neither of our groups takes him on?”
Derrick shrugged. “That’s why we bagged him. He won’t know how to get back here. Someone can take him back through the city and leave him.”
Cass could see Cam was about to speak, but the prisoner interrupted.
“You may as well kill me then,” he said.
Cass felt like someone had sucked the air from her lungs. The recognition was even stronger when she heard his voice. What the hell? Why can’t I remember?
“We might if you don’t shut up,” interjected the man who waited on the ground near the stairs.
“You may as well. I’ll die on my own and I’d rather it went quick,” the prisoner said. Then he coughed several times and slumped forward, wincing in pain.
Hank and Cam turned to confer with one another, and Drew was at Cass’s side once more.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Do you recognize him?”
“Derrick?”
“The prisoner.” Cass’s voice was sharp, impatient. She moved forward again, pushing through the crowd.
“No.” Drew followed. “Should I?”
“I dunno. I think I do.”
Cass glanced at Drew long enough to see his eyebrows shoot up. “From where?” he asked.
“I can’t remember.” On the platform, Cam and Hank were shaking their heads. Neither one of them would want to take on a new member at the start of a long and already perilous journey. Much less someone who might be a criminal.
“Are you gonna let him die?” Drew whispered. Cass glanced up to see Cam had stepped forward stuttering and running his hand up and down the back of his neck the way he always did when he had to give bad news.
Drew’s question echoed in her ears, and she felt her body pumping with restless energy. Am I going to let him die? She felt her body leaning forward, ready to leap, which was answer enough for her. She pushed her way through the front row of people and stepped toward the flatbed.
“I will speak for him,” she said, her voice ringing out and halting conversation on the platform.
There was some scattered muttering in the crowd behind her, but she took steady steps toward the stairs. The man on the ground raised a hand as if to stop her but Cam spoke.
“Let her pass,” he said.
Cass shot the man a threatening look as she climbed onto the flatbed. She passed behind the leaders, managing not to glance at the prisoner, and stood beside her brother.
“This is Cassidy,” Cam said. “My second.” Cass saw her brother’s gaze harden and turned to find Derrick looking her up and down with a raised eyebrow and an appreciative smile. “And my sister,” Cam added.
“What use does the lovely Cassidy have for this man?” Derrick asked. As he turned to face her brother, Cass made note of his slightly off-center nose. The cartilage of his ears was thickened like a boxer’s.
“We’ve experienced losses recently, and I could use an extra pair of strong arms to help care for our livestock,” Cass said, surprised she’d come up with an excuse and been able to speak it with confidence.
Derrick let out a harsh laugh, reached down to grab the rope still attached to the prisoner’s bound hands and jerked it up, stretching the man’s arms above his head.
“These arms are a bit scrawny, don’t you think?” he said, dropping them. Then he raised his brows, stepped closer to the prisoner and grabbed the man’s chin. He lifted the man’s face and tilted it left and right, presenting each side to Cass in turn. “His face is pretty, though. Maybe you have another need for his arms?”
There were a few snickers from the crowd, and the prisoner seemed to shudder in Derrick’s grasp. But Cass was aware of little but the heat blooming in her chest and radiating out into her limbs. Her arms grew heavy, her fists clenched at her sides, and her nostrils flared. Then Cam was standing in front of her, a hand loose on her arm.
“Let it go,” he said. His clenched jaw showed his order was firm, but his eyes were understanding. “First impressions, Cass.” She took in a breath and nodded. “Are you sure about this? Taking him in?”
“You’d rather let him die?” Her voice carried a bite that surprised even her.
Cam looked down for a moment. “What if he’s trouble?”
“I’ll take responsibility for him, Cam. I know what that means.”
Cam nodded once and turned back. “My sister is taking responsibility for this man,” he said.
Derrick bent and hauled the prisoner up by an arm. “See that? You’ve been pardoned. Don’t make her regret it.” He led the man over to Cass and handed her the rope with a smile. He glanced between brother and sister. “I don’t know how useful he’ll be to you really.”
“Cass will make him useful,” Cam said. “She’s quite a teacher.”
“Quite a hunter, too,” Hank said, stepping forward as if to remind everyone he was there. “That venison you smell was her kill. Let’s get this over with and eat.”
Derrick nodded and stepped away. He started to speak to the crowd as Cam put an arm on Hank’s shoulder and guided him around her and the prisoner, blocking them from the view of the crowd.
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate. As the men spoke of the journey to come and the promises of Stronghold, a buzz of excitement radiated from the crowd.
Cass had dropped the rope the moment Derrick had stepped away from her, but she remained stationed beside the prisoner. She turned her head as if she were listening to the leaders when really she was trying to banish the awkward feeling that had come over her; a feeling of not quite fitting in her own skin. She stole glances at the prisoner in her peripheral.
He stood stiff, gaze fixed on the boots of the speaking men. Close up he seemed less familiar. He was thinner than she’d realized and there were several more cuts on his face than she’d noticed. Cass wondered if the recognition had faded because it was harder not to focus on his injuries from this distance. Or maybe she was loony from hunger and trauma, and she’d never seen the man before.
She was startled by a loud whoop from part of the crowd. Then, the rest of the people joined in, shouting and clapping. Cam and the others were directing everyone to the tarp-shelter where dinner would be waiting. Cass watched as the separate groups began to mingle. Coltonites and Montanans stepped forward to help members of Clan Mason unhitch their wagons. Some split into smaller circles and shook hands.
For a moment Cass longed to merge with the welcoming, mingling groups below but she knew stepping down there would not change the tense set of her body or the cool, shielded look in her eyes. She had no room in her head for all those people—just enough for her band.
The prisoner beside her shifted his weight and a twinge of regret played in the back of her head. She hoped she had the energy for this new responsibility.
When she turned, he was looking at her. Taking in his face as a whole, overlooking the injuries, it again seemed familiar; the shape of his cheekbones and the sharp jawline. Most disturbing was the fact she had known his eyes would be blue.
Cass’s jaw dropped open. A puff of air left her lungs and behind it were words she’d not planned to speak.
“Do you recognize me?
Tension flowed out of her. Now it wouldn’t be so imperative to organize a hunt today. They could rest, adjust to all the changes, and prepare.
Cass rolled onto her back and sucked in a too-large breath, causing herself to cough. Her lungs still felt thick and pinched from the smoke. The scent of fields and forests, houses and animals burning lingered in her nostrils and she opened her eyes to check that they had truly outrun the fire. She swallowed and nodded to herself. Yes, the sky was clear here. It was only her memory that was poisoned with smoke.
She was lifting herself to stand when she heard her name shouted just beyond the trees. The sorrel gelding who grazed nearby lifted his head and snorted in the direction of the voice.
“Cass! Cassidy!”
“Shit,” she said under her breath. Then she called, “Drew! I’m fine! I’m here!” She coughed a few more times and stared back at the horse who was now staring at her. “I shoot a deer, and you don’t even stop grazing, but my cough disturbs you?” she asked the animal. Huckleberry swished his tail and lowered his head into the lush, green grass, kicking the hind leg which bore a white sock, his only marking.
Drew burst through the trees and looked around. He relaxed when he spotted Huck grazing calmly, and his frown disappeared when he spotted the downed buck. Finally, he saw Cass sitting in the grass at the edge of the meadow.
“Nice,” he said. “You okay?”
She nodded as Drew stepped back through the tree line and shouted something. When he reappeared, he crossed the meadow, limping. His limp was the result of two toes taken by frostbite the first winter after the end of the world. It was more pronounced in the tall, wet grass. He extended a hand, and she took it, letting him haul her to her feet.
“It’s hot,” he said.
“It’s the humidity back here in the trees. Especially with the pond right there.” She gestured to the small body of water just beyond the grazing horse.
Cass pulled her wet shirt away from her body, wafting it back and forth a few times. She glanced down the neck at her small breasts and the ribs protruding beneath them. She frowned. She could see through her shirt; it had worn so thin.
She looked up to see Drew already unbuttoning his own.
“Sorry about the gunshot,” she said. “I didn’t think dinner would just wander in, or I would’ve warned you.” She took the shirt as he offered it and buttoned it over her own.
“We were hoping it was dinner.” He headed for the deer carcass. “I thought Rovers.” Then, with a laugh, “Your brother was sure someone from the Oregon clan had gotten handsy and you’d lost your temper.”
She rolled her eyes. “Do I need to go get the butcher kit?” she asked.
Drew said “no” just as a second male voice said “no” and Cass looked up to see her brother Cameron trudging through the high grass with a battered case.
“Did I see a smile on your face, Cass?” he asked.
Cass raised an eyebrow and headed for the deer. “The heat’s getting to you, big brother.” Cam laughed, and Cass allowed another small smile to lift her mouth. “Will you help us? It’s fucking hot.”
Cam nodded, and the three of them set to work, Drew and Cass gutting the deer while Cam buried what they discarded. By the time they finished, all three were sweating. Cass’s gaze turned to Drew’s skin, shades darker than her own even when she was tan. His muscles stretched and pulled, and she was struck once more by how well he kept his weight even when they’d gone weeks without decent food.
Conversely, Cam looked sunken, the leather of his belt frayed around the new holes. He hadn’t lost a lot of muscle yet, but it was clear the three of them needed this meat. Cass patted the hide of the shoulder in appreciation.
“Let’s get him cooking,” Cam said. His blue eyes glowed with thanks he hadn’t spoken as he gave her a nod. “Drew and I will drag him out.” A frown creased his face as he said it and she felt his eyes moving over her thin body.
“I have to get water, anyway,” she said, already walking toward the small pond. She knelt and dipped the first of two five-gallon buckets into the slowly trickling creek that fed the pond. The two men dragged the deer carcass back through the trees. After they’d passed from sight, she could still hear them grunting with effort and occasionally laughing.
As she switched the full bucket out for the empty, she felt a second wind rejuvenating her. She heard the slow hoofbeats as Huck ambled up to the pond and dipped his muzzle in for a drink. The horse was a little thin, his ribs protruding a bit more than she’d like, though considerably less than her own. The rapid pace they’d been forced to keep on the trip down from Montana had kept the horses from having decent grazing time, and they were all a bit worse for the wear. But, Huck was the oldest, and he still looked sound and strong. A few more days here, where there was ample grass, would prepare them.
Cass wasn’t sure what would prepare her. In the nearly five years since civilization ended, Cass had fought for survival. She had killed people to defend herself, her group, and their supplies. It didn’t faze her, anymore. She’d watched people she cared about die, sometimes slow and miserable and sometimes so suddenly it didn’t feel real. But, she’d dreaded nothing with such strength as she dreaded this move.
The bucket overflowed, spilling water over her hand and she stood.
“Huck,” she said, hefting a bucket in each hand. “Let’s go.”
The horse began to follow her, stopping every few feet to yank another mouthful of grass from the earth. Cass wove through the copse if trees, stopping to rest now and then. As she was crossing a short field toward camp, Huck trotted up behind her, catching up.
She smiled at the sound of his hooves swishing through the tall grass, his tail periodically brushing a fly from his rump. Free of the smothering humidity in the trees and out in the cool breeze, she felt her body reviving. Her mouth watered for the venison that would soon be cooking. Ahead of her, Drew was smiling as a dog licked dried deer blood off his fingers and for a moment, Cass thought maybe, with a little luck, she might manage to get everyone she cared for safely to their destination. Maybe this cross-country journey could work.
Just three—maybe four—more months of exhausting travel, lucky hunts, and managing to avoid Rovers. And of course, getting along with two other bands of survivors with their own rules and agendas. Right. No problem.
CASS HAD JUST PULLED a clean shirt over her head when she heard a shout, then another. She scrambled across the tent on her knees and unzipped the flap. She had barely stood upright when a teen girl ran up, blocking her path.
“They’re here,” Lena said, apprehension in her voice. “The California band. They’re just down the valley a ways. Your brother went to meet them, and he told me to tell you to change and get ready to stand on the platform with him.”
Cass cursed mentally and rolled her left shoulder in its socket. When she caught Lena watching the action, she forced away her frown and managed a half-smile.
“Thanks, Lena,” she said.
The girl began to pull her unruly, red hair into a ponytail and stepped to Cass’s side, keeping pace as the older woman began to walk toward the circle of burnt-out buildings where the people would gather.
“I guess they have several horses. And wagons,” Lena said, lowering her voice as they moved closer to the group assembling in the ranch yard.
Cass felt her stomach lurch. When the Oregon band had arrived two days earlier, she’d been shocked to find they had more people than her group. Rumor had it, the California band was double the size of the Montana and Oregon bands combined. Until two days ago, Cass hadn’t known this many people were left on this side of the country, much less all convening in one spot.
“Horses and wagons are good news. I can handle horses and wagons,” Cass said to Lena without looking at her. “It’s the people that concern me.”
Those people were assembling around a long-rusted and overgrown semi-truck and flatbed trailer conspicuously jackknifed in the middle of the ranch yard between the buildings. Cam and the Oregonian leader, Hank, planned to do all their speaking to the group standing on the flatbed.
Gone were the days of chatting around the fire like a family. Now there were so many people one would have to be elevated to speak to them.
Cass jumped as a hand closed around her arm. She turned to see Trista, her brother’s girlfriend, shooting her an apologetic look. Drew was with her, looking ill and angry at the same time.
“Sorry,” Trista said. “I just thought you might be able to convince Drew that this isn’t the second end of the world.”
Cass smiled and gave a shrug. “I’m not sure it isn’t.” She kept her voice quiet.
Trista scoffed and shook her head, but Drew gave Cass a wink and moved in to throw an arm around her.
“You both agreed to this,” Trista said. “And you would’ve been outvoted if you hadn’t.”
“If there’d even been time for a vote,” Lena said as she scanned the crowd. Everyone seemed to have turned to the left.
Cass turned as well and caught sight of her brother riding into view beside a large man on a black horse. Cam’s horse, Madison, was taller than the black one but this man’s height easily made up the difference. His shoulder length, curly hair rested just above his muscular arms, exposed by a sleeveless shirt which completed an entirely black wardrobe. He was an intimidating sight.
“I never had a problem with going to Stronghold,” Drew said near Cass’s ear in a voice muffled by lips that barely moved. “I just wish we’d traveled alone.”
The group of onlookers had to shift and move aside to allow the entire party to enter the ranch yard. There were murmurs and even a gasp or two as three mounted men came into view all wearing pieces of police riot gear despite the heat. Cass noted the look of pleasure on the California leader’s face as his obvious attempt at intimidation had the desired effect.
Cam had already dismounted and seemed to be searching for someone, but Cass ignored him, instead turning to count the new horses. Most bore riders, but four were hitched in pairs to two wagons loaded with supplies and people. Other people walked beside the wagons, including a group of half a dozen scantily-clad women.
“That’s interesting,” Trista said.
Cass was about to ask what was interesting when Drew leaned in close again and said, “Your brother is looking for you.”
Cam stood near the makeshift staircase of cinderblocks leading up to the flatbed. He was indeed scanning the crowd with a soft frown. She sighed.
She didn’t mind the responsibility of being her brother’s second in command. She’d have taken it on without his asking. It was the appellation that irked her. And the fact it often drew attention she didn’t appreciate.
“Duty cal—” Cass was cut off by a gasp from Trista. Several other people in the crowd let out sounds of shock. A man with bound hands was tied to the back of the last wagon and had just been drug into view. At least she thought it was a man. The figure was quite skinny, the head covered by a feed bag
The leader of the group nodded at one of the men dressed in riot gear, and he freed the rope from the wagon and led the man toward the flatbed like a two-legged pet. Hank and Cam were already standing atop the trailer. Hank’s arms were crossed over his chest, and Cam’s frown had deepened. As Cass studied her brother, he met her gaze across the crowd. He gave his head a single shake, a signal to stay away for now. Cass nodded and turned her attention back to the prisoner.
The imposing Californian leader grabbed hold of one of the prisoner’s arms and helped hoist him onto the flatbed. The man who had led the prisoner initially turned his back to the trailer but stayed by the stairs with the strict posture of a sentry.
The crowd had fallen silent. Tension seemed to weight the air. The lowering sun blazed beyond the trees causing Cam to squint as he looked across the crowd and then took a step toward the Californian leader with his hand extended.
“On behalf of the Montana band, I would like to welcome you. My name is Cameron Hood.”
The large man shook the offered hand, then turned as Hank approached.
“My name is Hank Gleason. I represent a group of survivors from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. We call ourselves the Coltonites for the city where most of us met,” Hank said as he offered his hand in turn.
When Hank and Cam had stepped back, the larger man turned to the crowd. “I am Derrick Mason, leader of Clan Mason. We are pleased to join you.”
There were a few awkward claps, but the sentiment did not catch on, and soon the crowd returned to heavy silence.
“There is a matter I’d like to take care of before we say any more,” Derrick said, giving the rope a sharp tug. The bound man stumbled forward and dropped to his knees.
“On our way here, we found this man locked in the basement of a house. Rovers killed the owners, but this man was alive in his cell,” Derrick cleared his throat. “He refuses to tell us why he was there, but he says he’s done nothing wrong.” Derrick moved to stand beside the prisoner who made no effort to get up but sunk back onto his legs with sagging shoulders.
“I don’t have food and clothing to give to someone who may be a criminal. Especially when he won’t confess his crimes. I would have killed him. But, some of the softer-hearted people in my clan convinced me to bring him here to see if any of you would have a use for him in your groups.”
Derrick reached down and pulled the bag off the man’s head, bringing on more gasping and murmuring. He had a split lip, and his mouth was caked with dried blood. His jaw was swollen, and his eye was an angry purple. The man blinked and raised his bound hands to shield his eyes from the brightness of the unfiltered sun. As he did, his bare chest was exposed through his torn shirt, sickly-thin and likewise covered with bruises in various stages of healing.
The man sat up straighter and pushed matted clumps of dirty, blonde hair away from his eyes. He squinted first at the crowd and then at the other men on the platform. When his eyes adjusted, he set his jaw and straightened his shoulders, unable to keep from wincing as he did.
When the pain passed, the struggle to control his expression began. Cass recognized resignation and fear in his eyes and the only way to mask that was with bravado. So, his look was brave to the point of arrogance. And Cass had seen it before.
Cass recognized the man with a rush of happy familiarity, like finding a favorite possession long lost. But just as the chaos of years running and fighting for survival made it impossible to name where her belongings had scattered, she couldn’t remember how she knew him. A cloud of confusion settled in on her mind.
She must have made a sound because Drew grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. “You okay?” he asked.
Cass shook her head and pulled away, taking a few steps forward hoping to see better. The conversation had continued on the flatbed as she’d been mesmerized.
“So, what’s the alternative here?” Hank was asking. “What do we do with him if neither of our groups takes him on?”
Derrick shrugged. “That’s why we bagged him. He won’t know how to get back here. Someone can take him back through the city and leave him.”
Cass could see Cam was about to speak, but the prisoner interrupted.
“You may as well kill me then,” he said.
Cass felt like someone had sucked the air from her lungs. The recognition was even stronger when she heard his voice. What the hell? Why can’t I remember?
“We might if you don’t shut up,” interjected the man who waited on the ground near the stairs.
“You may as well. I’ll die on my own and I’d rather it went quick,” the prisoner said. Then he coughed several times and slumped forward, wincing in pain.
Hank and Cam turned to confer with one another, and Drew was at Cass’s side once more.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Do you recognize him?”
“Derrick?”
“The prisoner.” Cass’s voice was sharp, impatient. She moved forward again, pushing through the crowd.
“No.” Drew followed. “Should I?”
“I dunno. I think I do.”
Cass glanced at Drew long enough to see his eyebrows shoot up. “From where?” he asked.
“I can’t remember.” On the platform, Cam and Hank were shaking their heads. Neither one of them would want to take on a new member at the start of a long and already perilous journey. Much less someone who might be a criminal.
“Are you gonna let him die?” Drew whispered. Cass glanced up to see Cam had stepped forward stuttering and running his hand up and down the back of his neck the way he always did when he had to give bad news.
Drew’s question echoed in her ears, and she felt her body pumping with restless energy. Am I going to let him die? She felt her body leaning forward, ready to leap, which was answer enough for her. She pushed her way through the front row of people and stepped toward the flatbed.
“I will speak for him,” she said, her voice ringing out and halting conversation on the platform.
There was some scattered muttering in the crowd behind her, but she took steady steps toward the stairs. The man on the ground raised a hand as if to stop her but Cam spoke.
“Let her pass,” he said.
Cass shot the man a threatening look as she climbed onto the flatbed. She passed behind the leaders, managing not to glance at the prisoner, and stood beside her brother.
“This is Cassidy,” Cam said. “My second.” Cass saw her brother’s gaze harden and turned to find Derrick looking her up and down with a raised eyebrow and an appreciative smile. “And my sister,” Cam added.
“What use does the lovely Cassidy have for this man?” Derrick asked. As he turned to face her brother, Cass made note of his slightly off-center nose. The cartilage of his ears was thickened like a boxer’s.
“We’ve experienced losses recently, and I could use an extra pair of strong arms to help care for our livestock,” Cass said, surprised she’d come up with an excuse and been able to speak it with confidence.
Derrick let out a harsh laugh, reached down to grab the rope still attached to the prisoner’s bound hands and jerked it up, stretching the man’s arms above his head.
“These arms are a bit scrawny, don’t you think?” he said, dropping them. Then he raised his brows, stepped closer to the prisoner and grabbed the man’s chin. He lifted the man’s face and tilted it left and right, presenting each side to Cass in turn. “His face is pretty, though. Maybe you have another need for his arms?”
There were a few snickers from the crowd, and the prisoner seemed to shudder in Derrick’s grasp. But Cass was aware of little but the heat blooming in her chest and radiating out into her limbs. Her arms grew heavy, her fists clenched at her sides, and her nostrils flared. Then Cam was standing in front of her, a hand loose on her arm.
“Let it go,” he said. His clenched jaw showed his order was firm, but his eyes were understanding. “First impressions, Cass.” She took in a breath and nodded. “Are you sure about this? Taking him in?”
“You’d rather let him die?” Her voice carried a bite that surprised even her.
Cam looked down for a moment. “What if he’s trouble?”
“I’ll take responsibility for him, Cam. I know what that means.”
Cam nodded once and turned back. “My sister is taking responsibility for this man,” he said.
Derrick bent and hauled the prisoner up by an arm. “See that? You’ve been pardoned. Don’t make her regret it.” He led the man over to Cass and handed her the rope with a smile. He glanced between brother and sister. “I don’t know how useful he’ll be to you really.”
“Cass will make him useful,” Cam said. “She’s quite a teacher.”
“Quite a hunter, too,” Hank said, stepping forward as if to remind everyone he was there. “That venison you smell was her kill. Let’s get this over with and eat.”
Derrick nodded and stepped away. He started to speak to the crowd as Cam put an arm on Hank’s shoulder and guided him around her and the prisoner, blocking them from the view of the crowd.
The tension in the air seemed to dissipate. As the men spoke of the journey to come and the promises of Stronghold, a buzz of excitement radiated from the crowd.
Cass had dropped the rope the moment Derrick had stepped away from her, but she remained stationed beside the prisoner. She turned her head as if she were listening to the leaders when really she was trying to banish the awkward feeling that had come over her; a feeling of not quite fitting in her own skin. She stole glances at the prisoner in her peripheral.
He stood stiff, gaze fixed on the boots of the speaking men. Close up he seemed less familiar. He was thinner than she’d realized and there were several more cuts on his face than she’d noticed. Cass wondered if the recognition had faded because it was harder not to focus on his injuries from this distance. Or maybe she was loony from hunger and trauma, and she’d never seen the man before.
She was startled by a loud whoop from part of the crowd. Then, the rest of the people joined in, shouting and clapping. Cam and the others were directing everyone to the tarp-shelter where dinner would be waiting. Cass watched as the separate groups began to mingle. Coltonites and Montanans stepped forward to help members of Clan Mason unhitch their wagons. Some split into smaller circles and shook hands.
For a moment Cass longed to merge with the welcoming, mingling groups below but she knew stepping down there would not change the tense set of her body or the cool, shielded look in her eyes. She had no room in her head for all those people—just enough for her band.
The prisoner beside her shifted his weight and a twinge of regret played in the back of her head. She hoped she had the energy for this new responsibility.
When she turned, he was looking at her. Taking in his face as a whole, overlooking the injuries, it again seemed familiar; the shape of his cheekbones and the sharp jawline. Most disturbing was the fact she had known his eyes would be blue.
Cass’s jaw dropped open. A puff of air left her lungs and behind it were words she’d not planned to speak.
“Do you recognize me?
