Warzone (The End 3)

“Wait. You mean all this came out just because you felt like talking?” Suzanne asked. Stephen nodded. Suzanne sighed in exasperation.

“And here I was thinking that you had some connections somewhere that gave you the information or that you’d overheard something somewhere. It’s the same thing the organization thinks. They were afraid you'd spread your convictions to every other soldier. I used to think you were just a loudmouthed idiot who didn’t know how to keep a secret. Now I know you’re just a plain old fool who doesn’t know how to rein in his emotions,” she said calmly. “Look, it was nice meeting you, okay? But I need to run to Chicago soon. There’s someone I need to meet up with there.” She turned to go away.

“Wait. You didn’t just come to insult me, did you? You wanted something. What was it you wanted? At least let me know what’s happening in this damned country.”

Suzanne paused. Deciding to oblige him, she turned back to him.

“Do you know what cancer is?” she asked, and he nodded.

“Malignant cells that turn against the other sells in the body.”

“Good. That’s what’s happening in your country. America’s problem now isn’t external. Whether the EMP happened or not, it would still have fallen. The wrong people are everywhere in your country. You can’t afford to open your mouth everywhere. By the way, your life is in danger. Someone in your migrant group is an enemy and has informed your enemies of you being here. You need to get out of here soon,” she said.

Stephen thought about what she had said, then, he asked:

“How do you know all this? What side are you on?” Suzanne laughed at the question.

“How is that your business? Go to New York and face your future,” she said.

“You’re trying to fight this, aren’t you? You must be part of something. Let me join you, please. There’s no place for me to go any longer.”

She shook her head.

“I don’t think it’s a great idea. I work solo,” she said as she turned away to leave. That was when she noticed the dog sniffing the air. She realized something was wrong.

The dog barked. The same second, the sound of a bullet echoed through the woods.

“Get down,” Suzanne said as she dove after Stephen.

Chapter Four

“Have mercy on me, high priestess.”

20th November, 2021

2:53 pm

Cincinnati, Ohio. USA

Stephen and Suzanne rolled over on the floor and pulled out their guns. Luckily the first bullet hadn’t hit them. Suzanne got up and ducked behind a tree. She looked to see a woman with a revolver pointed at her. Behind this woman, there was a man with a rifle. Stephen was still exposed. Suzanne held two pistols. Diverting their attention from Stephen, she shot at them, giving Stephen the opportunity to get up and take cover.

“Tanner, come,” Stephen said as he went to stand behind a tree. The dog followed him even as it barked at the assailants.

The woman shouted at Suzanne.

“High priestess, what are you doing with this man? Have you gone rogue?”

Suzanne rolled her eyes.

“Do you really think that the Ray will fulfill her promises to you? You must be naïve,” Suzanne said.

From where Stephen hid, he shouted: "You know them?"

“Now is not the time for questions, Steven. Shut your yapper and focus,” she said as she emerged from behind the tree and shot at the lady. Running quickly, she hid behind another tree.

“Adelaide, go after the high priestess. I’ll handle the soldier,” the man said. Adelaide nodded to him and moved towards Suzanne.

“Obviously, you guys don’t know me. If you did, you’d know that I should have your full attention,” Suzanne said as she shot the branch right above the man twice. Her aim was precise, and the large composite branch went down over the man.