“Just what are you insinuating?” Steven looked ready to blow his temper.
Travis appeared out of the crowd looking tired and annoyed.
“Steven, take your keys and go to your room. The world that you loved so much is gone now. You’re now just one of us. A survivor.
You hardly carry your weight so I think you’re damn lucky we don’t just make you sleep on a cot in the hallway. ”
There were murmurs of agreement.
Steven grabbed the key and fastened his gaze on the Mayor. “I will remember this. ”
“You do realize,” Peggy said with a snarky smile, “there are no more elections to fund anymore. ”
“For now,” Steven snapped back. He grabbed his wife’s arm and dragged her off.
“I don’t understand why you let them treat us this way,” Blanche said as she was lead through the decidedly hostile crowd. “They're just common people. ”
Travis shook his head.
Katie looked down at Jack. “People are silly. ”
The German Shepherd thumped his tail in response and nudged her hand for more scratching. She obliged.
Mike’s girlfriend, Belinda, sobbed when her name was called.
Katarina helped her claim her key. The young Hispanic woman was Juan’s life long crush until Jenni had claimed his heart. Belinda looked frail and shell-shocked as Katarina lead her away. Losing Mike had been devastating to all of them, but Belinda was shattered.
Jenni’s name was called a few minutes later and she came up to claim her key. Jason tagged along behind her looking surly. Katie realized why. Juan’s name had been called with theirs. It was their first public acknowledgment of what everyone already knew. Juan was absolutely beaming.
“C’mere, Jack,” Jason called out. The dog gave Katie an apologetic look, then trotted off.
“The Four J’s,” Travis said with a weary smile as he joined her.
“Uh huh,” Katie answered.
Jenni did look happy and taken care of. Juan helped her walk and Jason trudged along behind them, looking annoyed. Since they were considered a “family,” they had ended up with a small suite with two rooms.
Eric and Stacey claimed their key together. Pepe danced around at their feet as the young couple kissed happily. Stacey had complained to Katie about the lack of privacy that haunted all the couples in the fort. Only Jenni and Juan seemed comfortable with everyone overhearing their business, or maybe they just didn’t think about it.
When Nerit’s name was called, she walked forward, her dog in tow, and claimed her key. She looked very weary, like she wanted nothing more than to sleep. The older woman forced a smile as she passed them on her way to claim her things.
“We’re finally inside,” Katie said to Travis in a low voice. “How does it feel?”
Travis looked around at all the people gathered around them, then back at Katie. “Like the cost was high, but the right thing to do. ”
She nodded, then heard her name called. Moving forward, she smiled at Peggy. “I’m wanting to check in. ”
Peggy grinned. “I have your reservation. Room 718. ”
Katie lifted an eyebrow. “Kinda nice for just little ol’ me. ”
Peggy had a wicked gleam in her eye. “Uh, is it just you?”
Katie gave her a look and dared not look at Travis. “Yes, it is.
Thanks, Peggy. ”
Peggy just smiled and called out the next name.