The Girl Who Broke Free (Death Fields 5)

“We’re in Kentucky. I think we’re stuck with bourbon.” He offers me a hand. I stare at it for a minute. “Come on, sitting in here, alone, isn’t going to help.”

I roll my eyes but take his hand. In an instant I’m standing toe-to-toe. “Just a walk. Don’t drag me into something crazy.”

“When have I ever led you down the wrong path?”

Over the last year there have been so many paths and so many mistakes and so many decisions I’ve come to regret. My biggest may come tomorrow and Jude’s right. I should spend my last night as a human with another human.

*

Jude and I circle around the familiar blocks of Main Street and I remember how much I love this kid. From the second we found him in that house outside Augusta, the oldest man in a house of children and women, he’d been a presence in my life. I didn’t know then we’d go through so much together or that he’d end up a leader in the rebellion, learning from the best.

His face no longer carries the soft flesh of that kid. He’s not that much older than I am but he’s aged—just like everyone else. His jaw is wide. His cheekbones high. I notice his beard grows thicker than before. There are also thin lines that tug at his mouth and others near his eyes. He used to want to be a minister. I’m too afraid to ask if he still does.

Once we leave the main drag it only takes a moment to realize we’re following the familiar path to the gym where Jackson taught Walker, Jane, and I how to really fight. I shouldn’t be surprised they found out about this place. It’s off the main grid of Catlettsburg and the perfect place to blow off steam.

“How are you doing?” he asks me once we step off the sidewalk and cross over a wide, abandoned parking lot. “Like, really doing?”

“It’s been an adjustment,” I admit. “Those six months with Chloe were…” I search for a word and finally come up with, “long.”

“We were worried about you guys. Paul had to talk Wyatt and me out of going for you more than once.” His face reveals the guilt he feels over that.

“I understand why you couldn’t. It was just too risky. So many other variables at play.” I feel like a stooge, repeating Erwin’s words from before.

Jude nods but I can tell from the haunted look he didn’t agree. They were men following orders. Not just the orders of a superior, but of a Mutt holding all the cards.

I reach for his arm before we start down the street toward the gym. “Did Green really volunteer to turn into a Mutt.”

He glances at his feet. “Yeah. Wyatt tried to talk him out of it, but he was determined. Something about honor and duty—seeing this whole thing through.”

“Sounds like he’s not planning on coming back.”

Jude shrugs. “Are any of us? He just wants to take out as many of those bastards as he can.”

“Did Green tell you about this place?” I gesture to the warehouse.

“He did. We spent the last couple months working off our frustration in there. You up for a round?”

Maybe this is what he wanted to drag me out for. To get me fighting—or at the very least moving. It’s been weeks since I threw or took a punch. Not since Cole nearly split my ribs in two.

“It’s been a while.” I don’t even want to explain the last six months of Fight Club.

“Good. Maybe I can finally kick your ass.”

I laugh and he moves past me to open the door. Poor Jude, I think, passing him and getting a look at the musty, dirty ring. He has no idea what he’s in for.

Chapter Twenty

I try to sleep that night, alone in the apartment, but fail miserably. I’m dressed, awake, and ready when the knock comes on the door. Jude has been sent by Erwin as my escort. I now question our evening together. Was it just to keep an eye on me? Is Erwin that desperate to keep me away from the fight?

We step out of my building and onto the street. A chill rolls down my spine. It’s a ghost town. “Are we the only ones left?”

“We’re not the only ones going into hiding. The children have been taken somewhere secure. Erwin wanted to make Catlettsburg as unappealing as possible. You know if Chloe can’t further her mission she’s not interested.”

“My dad? Jane?”

“They’re safe.”

“So where are we going?” We’re approaching the looming, fortified gate. Part of me doesn’t want to leave. It’s been a long time since I was in a fight with someone other than Cole.