The Girl Who Punched Back (Death Fields 2)

“I don’t trust her,” I say to Cole as everyone files out.

“I know. I hear what you’re saying about Erwin. As much as I hate that guy, we need his help if we’re going to vaccinate as many people as possible.”

“It’s only logical.”

“You would think,” he agrees.

“Then why isn’t it? Why can’t they work together? PharmaCorp provides the vaccine—Erwin distributes it. Why have they been fighting each other?” Erwin captured us on the way from Raleigh and had an active lab seeking to make their own vaccine. They wanted the information left with me by my father. In theory, PharmaCorp should create the vaccine and the military distribute it.

“Maybe you should go talk to her in private. Or your dad. I’m sure if you approach them, calmly,” he gives me a look; “they’ll be willing to talk.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “I doubt it.”

Cole shifts so that he’s facing me in our uncomfortable auditorium seats. His knees touch mine. “Look, I know things are bad between you and your sister but you have some legitimate concerns. Everyone else here is just happy to have food, shelter, and a big fat wall between them and the bad stuff out there. I’ll try to do a little digging on the actual vaccine now that they’ve announced it. If they’ve been doing trials it’s all been very quiet. I know we’re running out of time on this, but I’m worried about side effects; does it need a booster at some point, and how much vaccine do we actually have?”

I reach for his chin and cup it with my hand. “Smart guys are hot, did you know that?”

He tips his forehead to mine. “So are brave, stubborn girls.”

“Hey!” I pull back, but he’s already standing and his laughter echoes off the high ceiling. “I’m not stubborn.”

“Sure.” He leans forward and warmth spreads through my chest. He steals a kiss, although I wouldn’t exactly call it stealing. I pretty much handed it over.

The metal door swings open and a figure moves into the doorway. We freeze, both unsure about making our feelings public, but relax when Wyatt’s face comes into view, an eyebrow lifted.

Cole sighs. “Duty calls, I guess.”

I nod and squeeze his hand. “You do your job and I’ll do mine.”

Chapter 6

I’m not afraid of my sister but I decide to take back-up anyway. Or at least I’m trying to. From the expression on Wyatt’s face, it’s clear he doesn’t want to get involved.

“You know I’m right.”

“No,” he says. “I don’t.”

I corner him in the stairwell. I don’t think he likes the elevator, either. “We’ll get slaughtered out there without military backup. Or even worse, Erwin will find us and take us down.”

“It’s not my call, Alex. Or yours.”

“Look, I just want to talk to her, but she won’t be such a raging bitch if you’re in the room.”

He snorts. “Why’s that?”

Because he’s hot. And dangerous, and clearly my sister likes having him around. “Just do me a favor. For old time’s sake?”

He rubs the strip of hair on his head and glances up the stairwell. Finally he says, “I’ll escort you to her office but don’t get your hopes up. She’s got her plans ready. They don’t involve Erwin. At all.”

I narrow my eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“Look, I get what you’re hinting at with Erwin. He would be a good ally but you and I both know he’s not to be trusted. He tried to kill me. He shot Chloe.” Wyatt shakes his head. “I don’t even know why you’re suggesting this.”

Why? Because something has bothered me since I got here. Yeah, Erwin is a little intense. Definitely focused. I’m just not sure he’s any different than my sister, but I have a feeling he may keep her in check. He may keep the rest of us alive. I open my mouth to say all of this but I stop myself. It’s not worth fighting with Wyatt right now.

He sighs and turns to the door leading toward the elevator. Jane’s office is on the top floor. Too far for us to voluntarily walk. His hand is on the doorknob when he turns and says, “My advice? Go in with an open mind. Get on her good side. Pretend—” I groan and he continues, “I said, pretend you’re part of the team. Maybe you’ll get somewhere.”

“And what if I don’t?”