The Girl who Saved the World (Death Fields 6)

Wyatt’s been in a foul mood since the Hybrid attack and it doesn’t get any better when we spot the sign the next day. It’s plastered to the front of a gas station, using patriotism invoking colors and graphics. The colors are bright, which is what caught my attention. Everything post-crisis is faded and worn. The sign has bold reds and blues.

Wyatt, Zoe, and I approach the sign and I read it out loud.

Wanted!

Who: Soldiers from the Southern Army

Crime: Treason

Kill on Sight! Bounties given for proof in Safe Cities.

-Executive Order Issued by Colonel Hamilton, New Hope

Beneath this, in small print, is a list of identifying factors. Dark eyes, aggressive behavior. There’s a warning that they are armed and dangerous. What qualifies as proof is vague.

“I guess my dad sent out the propaganda teams,” Zoe says running her hand over the fresh ink. “He was pretty excited about it.”

“The what?” I ask.

“He had this big idea to push out ahead of the bounty hunters like us and get word out to the survivors. It’s also an intimidation tactic or something. He thinks it will rattle the Hybrids.”

“You’re not a bounty hunter.” Wyatt clenches his jaw. “And nothing rattles a Hybrid.”

“How many of these teams did he plan on sending out?” I ask, starting to grow worried. If they’re roaming the Death Fields alone they may be in serious danger.

“I don’t know. Maybe ten. They were hand-selected from New Hope’s Select Security Guard.”

“Jesus,” Wyatt mutters.

“How long ago do you think they were here?” I ask, scanning the area. There are faint tire impressions in the dried mud near the road.

“At least a few days.”

“What’s the big deal? They can take care of themselves,” Zoe declares. The sun has hit a hard angle and she’s wearing wide black sunglasses.

“Do you remember that attack last night? I don’t care how special those security officers are, if I hadn’t picked up on them miles away we would have been ambushed.”

The girl tilts her head and I really wish I could see her eyes. “Miles away?”

I swallow and Wyatt says nothing, just watches stone-faced. “I’m exaggerating. After a while you know the difference between a deer and a super-soldier. I’m sure one day, if you survive out here, you’ll be able to do the same.”

Her jaw drops. “If I survive?”

“What?” I ask. “Does that hurt your feelings?”

I take a deep breath and walk back toward the road. Wyatt isn’t far behind but I am surprised to hear him talking quietly to her. If anything, he should be more pissed than I am.

I feel his fingers tug at my elbow. I yank away and snap, “What? Am I being too mean?”

“A little. It’s not really her fault her dad is an idiot.”

Fair enough, there have been times I didn’t want the blow back of being Jane’s sister. “I don’t like where this is headed,” I tell him.

“Me either, but we may need her. Keep your enemies close and all that.”

I sigh. “I’m twenty. I don’t think I should have this many enemies.”

He reaches out and tugs the back of my ponytail. “The good news is now we have a place to start.”