The Girl who Saved the World (Death Fields 6)

“You’re welcome,” Zoe replies, as though Jude is speaking to her. He’s not.

Wyatt looks to Paul and Cole. “We’re headed to the next Safe City. We think it may be near Mount Airy.”

Paul shakes his head. “Past that. We heard Winston-Salem.”

It’s a small town west of Raleigh. I’m pretty familiar with the area made famous for processing tobacco plants and making cigarettes. My mom grew up there.

“I’ve heard that name,” Zoe adds. “My father mentioned it a few times. I never knew why though.”

“At the very least, it gives us a destination,” I say. “Once we’re there we can see what they know about what’s going on out here. If they know about Hamilton or the Hybrid wars or anything else.”

“Or the bounty most likely issued on our heads by now,” Jude adds.

“It’s a risk, but it’s one I think we need to take.”

“Guys, look,” Mary Ellen says. Her eyes are glued over my shoulder. The rain has finally stopped falling and a hard breeze pushes the clouds over the mountain just as the sun rises. The fight took place at the top of a ridge, giving us a magnificent view of the valley. I walk toward the sight, stepping over bodies and sticky pools of blood, in awe of the gold and pink sky bleeding through the haze. A hand rests on my lower back before Wyat

t’s arm snakes around my waist.

Movement to my left catches my attention and I steal a look at Cole, tugging his cap off his head. Curly yellow hair spills across his forehead, instantly aflame from the breaking sun. He stares at me for a moment and then looks back at the sunrise, his face awash in light.

“Maybe it’s a sign we’ll be okay,” I say quietly. “That we’re headed toward something better.”

Wyatt doesn’t reply, he’s too cynical for that, but his arms tighten around me and we stand on that mountain top with our friends, ready for what comes next.

*

We stop overnight in Mount Airy and find the town plastered in posters. The town itself appears abandoned—the streets are quiet other than a few roaming Eaters we ignore. No one is in the mood for an altercation and when we find a small house cleared and already boarded up, we settle in before dark.

“I’ll take first shift,” Cole says.

Jude’s expression doesn’t hide his concern at leaving Cole on duty, so before anyone can argue I chime in, “Me too.”

Cole heads outside and I check my weapons. Wyatt grabs my arm. “I’ll be inside if you need me.”

“I’m a big girl, Sergeant Faraday. I can take care of myself.”

He gives me a fast kiss and says, “You’re not the one I’m worried about.”

I walk away but then groan when I spot Paul loitering in the doorway. “You too?”

“I just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“About Cole? Trust me, I can handle him. We’ve been through hell and back together.”

He runs his hands through his hair. “He’s doing better. Less angry than before. The time on the road gives him a chance to breathe and think about everything without having to deal with people.”

“How’s he handing Chloe’s death?”

“Not great.” He grimaces. “He’s not dangerous—to you or anyone else here, but just be careful. He’s on edge.”

I nod. “Thanks for the info. I’ll behave out there.”

“He will too.”

I button my coat and step outside, tugging up my collar from the chilly breeze. Cole stands on the front porch, rifle standing by his leg. He leans over the railing and looks down the picturesque street. It’s dark with nothing but the moon to light the night.

“Did you know I used to be afraid of the dark?” I ask. My voice sounds too loud, but there’s no way to modulate it for the utter silence of the town.