Life After War 19
Troubled Waters
by
Angela White
 

Our Tolling Bell
 
The shards of hell
Oh, wrath
You fell!
 
My wayward wonder
The sky’s darkness
We ponder.
 
Endless myriads of silver
A star falls
Oh he, a giver!
 
The wish you make
I hear
And ruthlessly break.
 
Haunting sounds
Of days gone
The circle come ‘round!
 
I weep and yearn
The sun lights my face
I burn.
 
Darkness calls to like
We flee for safety
A lightning strike!
 
Our tolling bell
Heaven?
No. Hell.

 
 
 
Chapter One
Six Of Those
 
1
“This is the last of it, Boss. Everything else has been taken below.” Wade offered a hand to help Angela out of the RIB. She’d refused to leave the beach until everyone else was on the submarine. She came over with the last bit of gear and two tense Eagles.
Those Eagles hurried to unload the boat so it could be deflated and stored.
Angela stepped onto the submarine. “Don’t deflated it yet.”
“Why? Did you forget something?” Wade peered toward the shoreline, where Tilly’s people were piling into the sandy buses they’d found to transport them to the nearest city; they were going to make claim new home now. It made Wade anxious for them. Setting up a settlement in these conditions would be no easy feat.
Angela turned to face the man climbing out of the submarine. “No, but I was hoping it wouldn’t go this way.”
Saul was carrying a single bag in his hand, and he had a backpack over his shoulder.
Saul spotted her and lifted his chin against her disapproval. “We are not going with you.”
Angela was dismayed to see the entire sub crew climb out of the hatch behind him, but she wasn’t surprised.
The crew members shaded their eyes from the bright sun. They had been inside the sub for a long time. All of them were also carrying bags. Many were wearing heavy coats even though the weather was warm. They hadn’t wanted to leave the Safe Haven gear behind.
“I’d like to know why. Not many refugees give up a place in my camp.”
Saul’s red curls blew wildly in the warm breeze as he snorted. “I’m tired of being told what to do. I want a warm body next to me and solid ground under my feet for a while.”
Angela waved a hand. “Safe Haven has many single women.”
Saul stared at her knowingly. “But you’re not going to Safe Haven yet, are you?”
“No.” She started to mention the women who had been taken below.
Saul cut her off. “I don’t want Reicher’s rejects!”
Angela spotted Marc coming up the ladder. She doubted his presence would help things. “Are you sure this is what you want to do?”
She knew Tilly would be thrilled to have Saul and his crew in their group, but Safe Haven needed his experience. Despite not liking the man very much, he wasn’t bad. If possible, she needed to convince him to come along.
Saul sneered. “You can’t buy me, lass! This is my homeland. This is where I belong. You’ll have to find someone else. Unless you want to convince me again…”
Wade and Marc both frowned.
Before either of them could threaten Saul or try to make a deal that wasn’t going to work, Angela put out her hand. “Thank you for all your help. I wish you nothing but the best.”
The sub crew was relieved that she wasn’t going to force them to stay.
Saul was surprised. He hadn’t expected her to let him go so easily. For a brief moment, he regretted his choice and considered making a different one.
Angela went around him. “It’s done. Take the RIB and enjoy your time with Tilly and her group. I’m sure they’ll be grateful to use you.”
Saul realized she was right. Tilly and Trevor were just as likely to overuse him as Angela would have been. But I’ll still be in my homeland. Saul proceeded toward the RIB, waving his crew along. “Let’s get to shore before those buses leave.”
Angela stopped near Marc, but she didn’t watch Saul leave like he was doing. She ran through the options. Without an experienced captain, they were all in danger. Angela looked down the ladder into the sub.
Ray was standing there. “I’ll do my best, Boss.”
Angela returned his smile. “That’s all I’ve ever asked.” She glanced at Marc.
Marc reluctantly agreed. “I can try to help.”
Wade joined them. “Do you want me to go along and bring the RIB back?” They only had a few of them.
“No. Saul may decide not to stay with Tilly’s group. I would rather that he had other options. He’s a good man, even though he’s leaving us in the lurch.”
Saul heard that as he climbed into the RIB, but he didn’t respond. She was right. It was done. He was staying here; Safe Haven would continue on their perilous adventures without him.
Saul began helping the sub crew into the RIB. He was glad they had all chosen to come along. Even the happy whore was here, though he doubted her life would be the same. Tilly would expect her to work upright for her meals.
Angela carefully descended the ladder, holding tight so she didn’t slip on the damp rails. She could hear mumbling and muttering echoing throughout the cramped submarine. As she reached the bottom, she waved at Trent. “There’s a hatch in the floor about midway through. Get it open and then clear the bottom level.”
A small wave of relief went through everyone as they realized the sub was bigger than just this one level they were all currently occupying.
Angela had pulled the details from the submarine crew who had been glad they didn’t have to keep the bottom half clean. It even had a full-size mess. There hadn’t been any need to use it before. Now they needed the space
Wade came down the ladder next, leaving Marc topside by himself. He sensed the man needed a moment alone. “Where do you want me?”
Angela gestured toward the bridge. “Complete your daily call to Amy and let them know the mission was a success.”
Wade grinned sheepishly. “I thought we got that by you.”
Angela snorted but didn’t rub it in. There was little that she missed these days. It was exhausting and extremely useful.
Wade went to the bridge and opened the door carefully. He didn’t let Dog out even though the wolf was whining for it. Dog wanted to be reunited with Marc, but Angela had decided not to allow that to happen until the mission team had been given time to unwind from this run. Many of them had been abused by Reicher’s hounds. No one was sure how it would go.
Wade and Ray were both in full Eagle gear. They were alert enough for duty, unlike some of their weaker members, who were yawning and rubbing their eyes. Everyone would sleep hard tonight.
Saul had left the bridge in a good state. There was a little bit of dust on the equipment, but that was it. Everything else was neat and clean, though the hint of his body odor was lingering. Wade sat in the captain’s chair and picked up the headset for the radio. “Come in Safe Haven.”
The radio immediately crackled back at them. “This is Safe Haven. Go on with your message, Wade.”
Wade frowned a little. They weren’t supposed to use names over the radio, but Daryl didn’t know that. He was surprised that Daryl was the one manning the radio considering everything going on with his wife and the fact that he was one fifth of leadership. “The mission was a success. We have retrieved the mission team.”
Wade flinched at the loud cheer that came over the radio. It was obvious the entire camp had been listening for good news. He had to wait for the noise to clear before continuing.
Daryl knew what Wade wanted. “She’s doing a little better every day. She said to tell you to be careful and come home soon.”
Everyone listening was pleased to find out Samantha was doing better. It sounded like things were fine at home. The same couldn’t be said of the mission team.
Wade was relieved. “Tell her I will and I love her. Is Amy around?”
The radio cleared with a little girl’s excited voice. “Are you coming home now, Daddy Wade?”
Wade was sorry that he couldn’t tell her yes. “Not yet, sweetheart. Take care of your mom for me. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“I will. Bye-bye!”
Daryl took back over the radio. “Is there anything else?”
“Negative. We’ll check in with you soon and keep you posted.”
Daryl grinned into the radio. “Just stay away from the Bermuda Triangle, okay? That’s the last thing we need right now.”
Wade laughed. “We’re nowhere near that. Wade, out.”
Wade replaced the headset and looked over at Ray.
Ray was frowning. “There are six of those triangle spots scattered around the world, right?”
Wade shrugged. “You’re the captain, not me.”
The two men switched places carefully so Dog didn’t get out yet.
Ray sat and waited nervously for orders.
Wade was eager for it. They had rescued their missing men and disposed of another evil tyrant. The sooner they got out of here and made it to the recovery location Angela had chosen, the better.
The radios on both of their belts lit up with Angela’s calm voice. “Saul preprogrammed coordinates into the autopilot. As soon as Marc comes down, get us moving. I’d like to be there by nightfall.”
Ray began adjusting controls nervously, hoping nothing went wrong.
Wade paused at the bottom of the ladder, waiting for Marc so he could close the hatch.
On top of the submarine, Marc observed the shoreline, but he wasn’t seeing Tilly’s group or Saul and the sub crew as they flew toward the beach. He was staring at the debris-filled water and the light smoke still coming from the destroyed entrance of the lab.
He contemplated his time under the water in small, jerky replays that brought forth ugly emotions. I’m broken now. Angela says she and Adrian can put me back together, but I don’t believe that. I’m only going with them because it’s expected and because I do love her. I don’t think I’ll be able to make it for long. At some point, I’m going to be just another ghost wandering the wastelands, hunting for what I’ve lost.
Adrian came up the ladder. He made noise as he approached Marc so he didn’t startle the desolate man.
Marc felt Adrian join him. Animosity wasn’t the first thing that came to his mind this time.
The warm breeze ruffled their hair and brought the scent of salt to their noses. For Adrian, it was a common feeling and smell. For Marc, it was almost new. He had either been in the sub or the lab for months. The sights and smells of nature were welcome, but also strange. It would take him time to readjust to being in the outside world again.
The same was true of the entire mission team. All of them had stared at the water and the beach while waiting for their turn to be transported to the sub.
Marc swept Adrian’s Eagle gear, feeling out of place in the comfortable clothes from the lab. He assumed Angela would have all of them change and shower at some point. Part of him was looking forward to it. The other half didn’t want to let go of the comfortable clothing. “When do you want to start?”
It was more proof of how broken Marc was now. In the past, he never would have agreed to allow Adrian to help him without a long, drawn out fight. Adrian sent a wave of calm, but he didn’t use overwhelming force. He knew Marc and the others couldn’t handle that. “How about right now? We’ll find an empty room and a few beers.”
Marc hadn’t been drunk since before this run. It suddenly sounded good. He walked toward the hatch.
Adrian took one last glance at the shoreline, where his son was now helping Saul and the sub crew out of the RIB. Then he followed Marc. It wasn’t his destiny to stay here and interfere with Gordon’s parents. It’s my duty to help the mission team and I’m going to do that. It’s always been my job in Safe Haven. I’m very very good at it.
Wade waited for Marc and Adrian to come down and then he closed and sealed the hatch. He keyed the radio on his belt. “We’re all set here, Ray.”
A few seconds later, the intercom system activated throughout the submarine. “Prepare for departure. I guess that means hold onto something in case I screw up.”
Ray’s honesty and nervousness didn’t bother any of them after what they’d already gone through. Complete confidence would have been a lie. That would have bothered everyone. The only person who could get away with that was Angela. From her, it was expected.
 
On the shore, Gordon grabbed Saul’s hand to help him out of the RIB.
Saul had been scanning the boy’s thoughts. He was the only other descendant here and Saul didn’t like what he had picked up. He opened his mouth to start protesting the change in the natural order.
Gordon locked Saul’s gifts. Then he used the memory modification he had copied from Angela. He didn’t want a descendant rival in their group. I’m the alpha dog here.
Saul stared blankly, not sure what he had been about to say.
Gordon studied the submarine crew and was relieved to determine they were all normals. He didn’t dig into their thoughts. There wasn’t time for it right now. He needed to get his group under cover.
The submarine crew hadn’t noticed anything wrong. They waited for orders.
Gordon smiled calmly. “Hurry up and get on the bus. You don’t want to be left behind.”
The sub crew hurried that way.
“Thanks.” Saul followed them, not sure what had just happened.
“It’s my honor.” Gordon took a minute to watch the submarine as it began to glide through the choppy water. Then he got on the bus, proud of himself for handling the first real challenge to the new world order that Angela was establishing. He was already eager to seeing her again at the final battle where they would officially take over everything. Nothing can stop us now.
 
 
2
“It even has a medical bay. Awesome!” Harry entered the small medical compartment and began exploring the cabinets and shelves.
The medical bay was stocked with copies of most of the equipment that they had used in Reicher’s lab. Most of it had been untouched since before the war. The packages were dusty and wrinkled.
The bay held two exam tables, a partition on ceiling rollers that could be pulled over to provide privacy between the two tables, and a chair in each corner, along with one rolling stool for the doctor on duty. The rear of the room held a doorway that led to a small isolation compartment where Gus had been taken.
To Harry, it felt cramped after the empty rooms they had used in the lab.
For Shawn, it reminded him of the old world and provided comfort. In the old world, medical procedures had been done on willing patients, not captives.
Angela motioned Kenn and the military men to continue the tour. She stayed in the entrance, observing Harry.
Harry didn’t care. He was thrilled to find a fully outfitted medical center on the submarine. When he’d first boarded this vessel, he had been depressed by the small area. Finding out there was a second floor was good; discovering the medical bay gave him an immediate mood boost.
“Would you like to get started right away?”
Harry nodded at Angela. “Give me about half an hour to get things sorted and set and then you can send them in.”
“Does it matter what order?”
“No. I can pretty much handle whatever problems they have.”
Angela took a moment while he was distracted to examine his thoughts. She didn’t like invading anyone’s privacy, but it was important to make sure he was stable enough to carry out the medical exams.
Harry waved her off. “I’m fine right now. As long as you keep me busy, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
Angela was relieved to hear that and even more relieved to discern his thoughts matched his words. “I’d like you to avoid using magic in some of these cases. Our medics won’t always be able to handle it with gifts. We have to be able to cover it the old-fashioned way, too.”
Now Harry did pause. He looked at her suspiciously. “You’re going to curtail my freedom right away.”
Angela didn’t lie. “I have to, Harry. You may not be able to see it from where you’re at, but from where I’m standing, things have gone too fast. If I don’t slow it down, you’re going to burn up upon reentry.”
Unlike some of the other mission men, Harry didn’t have a new distrust toward Angela. He had always believed that she had the best interests of everyone at heart. “I’ll try.”
Angela smiled brightly. “I don’t mean you can’t use your new gifts at all. Some of the injuries we have can’t be healed quickly by normal means. I have no problem with you using magic for those.”
Harry’s mood immediately improved again. “Thank you.”
“It’s my honor, always. Let me know if you two need something that isn’t already in here and I’ll dig through the supplies and send it in.” Angela gave Shawn a comforting smile and then left.
Shawn joined Harry in exploring the medical bay. “Do you think she means it?”
Harry tried to be positive. “We’ve always been able to trust her. Everything she’s done has produced good results for Safe Haven.”
Shawn thought about Missy.
Harry scowled. “That part of your life is over. Try to move on. I need you more than she does.”
Angela continued down the hallway even though she caught that. Shawn’s adjustment would be different than Harry’s, but it wasn’t time to deal with him now.
Ahead of her, a large group was gathered around the one Navy man out of Kenn’s group. He was giving them a tour of the sub and filling them in on what each space was used for. Angela listened intently, memorizing it.
“This is the laundry compartment. Behind this, are pumps and another ladder up to the hatch that leads to the top of the submarine. Behind that are areas that you all want to avoid. It’s the nuclear reactor, ballast tanks, auxiliary equipment spaces, turbines and generators, and other stuff like that.”
Angela planned to explore all those areas when there was more time. She was curious if they were all stocked like the medical bay was. She also wanted to know how much room they had, and if the equipment was better than what they were enjoying on the cruise ship. The Adrianna used fuel for power. The submarine had a nuclear reactor. It would still be running long after she and everyone else here was gone. It was one of the huge advantages of nuclear power. The disadvantage was the possibility of something going wrong with it. “All of those areas are off limits.”
The Navy man, Thomas, looked over and saw her in the rear of the group.
Thomas lifted a brow.
Angela didn’t want to take over the tour. “You’re doing fine. Keep going.”
Thomas was in great shape. During the lab rescue, Angela had noticed the workout equipment. It was obvious that Thomas had taken advantage of it. He was muscular, with slightly curly reddish blond hair that framed a pale face, but his most striking feature was his vivid green eyes that observed everything intently. She had little doubt those mesmerizing orbs were hiding secrets.
Thomas directed them to the other side of the submarine, where several doorways were waiting. “This leads into the crew bunks. There are storage spaces, lockers, and bathrooms. We call those the head.” He went to the next entrance. “This is the mess. We call it the galley. There are also dry and cold storage areas, and a food preparation compartment. We’ll use this area a heap as soon as your boss picks a cooking crew.”
Kenn made a face. “None of it will be as good as what we had on the bottom level of the lab. Don’t expect that.”
The reminder of their captivity wasn’t welcome. The mood dropped.
Angela didn’t try to improve that. She wasn’t going to comfort them or distract them every time negative thoughts came up. That wasn’t the best way to help them recover.
Thomas continued the tour, taking them up the narrow hallway toward the front of the submarine. “This is where the officer berthing is located. There’s no reason for the captains to be in a bedroll on the floor like you were doing above us. Officers berthing is outfitted with nice beds, storage areas, and private heads.”
Angela didn’t tell him she preferred to keep her crew together. Now that there were so many people on the submarine, she may want to use the officers’ quarters for those who needed privacy. It was likely that couples would be assigned to these areas, but she hadn’t made up her mind yet.
“This ladder goes to the bridge. It’s actually called the control room or the attack center.” Thomas went up the ladder, expecting people to follow him.
The other military men did. Everyone else waited for Angela.
Angela motioned toward the crew residence area. “Everyone can use the bunks or they can stay on the top level for tonight.”
People in the group went into the bunkhouse to claim a spot.
The Navy man came back down the ladder as he realized no one was following him.
Angela shifted closer. “Tom, right?”
The man held out a hand. “Thomas Jackson, but everyone called me Bear.”
She shook with him and let go. “I’m Angela. I assume you already know that.”
“Yes.” Thomas automatically straightened under her firm gaze. It was obvious that she was the boss even without the introduction. “If there’s a job you need filled on the sub, I might be able to do it. I served on a battleship for most of my time, but I’m familiar with this vessel.”
“Do you know how to sail it?”
Thomas wished he could give a different answer. “Sorry. That wasn’t my job.”
“What was?”
“I repaired engines.”
Angela smiled. “We always need engineers in Safe Haven. I’m sure we’ll be able to find work for you.”
Thomas felt her digging into his mind. He didn’t resist. It had happened regularly in Reicher’s lab.
Angela didn’t find anything that concerned her. That was a relief. There was still a weeding process that would have to be done for everyone she had brought out of there, though. “They may have questions.”
Thomas got the hint. He joined the others.
Kenn came down the hallway and stopped near her.
Angela denied him. “I’m not ready for that conversation.”
Kenn wasn’t ready for it either, but the longer they waited, the guiltier he would feel about the way he had treated Tonya. “Is there something you’d like me to be doing right now?”
Angela could tell he was already getting restless. “Why don’t you and Thomas figure out how to get a meal going in the mess?”
Kenn wasn’t excited by the chore, but it was something to keep him busy for now. He went that way without pushing her.
Angela stayed there for another moment, listening to people pick their bunks and exchange meaningless conversation that wouldn’t lead to arguments or tense moments. Everyone was walking on eggshells to keep from upsetting any of the mission team or the new people.
Unlike the land camp, it wasn’t possible to put the new refugees into a quarantine zone. Having them all together was going to be a challenge. But I’m ready for it. As far as I’m concerned, showing them how to get along with each other will be the easy part.
Angela studied the dark doorways that led to the rear of the submarine. If anything went wrong with the nuclear reactor or the generators, they would have to abandon the sub. None of them had experience with that and she didn’t want to try learning on the job. Messing around with nuclear fire wasn’t a good idea. Angela made a mental note to have that entrance blocked off. Curious kids and bored adults could lead to more trouble than they were able to handle.
Angela keyed the radio on her belt. “Charlie, please escort all mothers and their children to the medical bay in 30 minutes.”
“Copy.”
Angela used the radio again. “The next appointment for the medical bay after that will be all of the other children. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a medical exam tonight. There will be no exceptions.”
Angela climbed the ladder, confident that Kenn and the others would keep things calm down here. She could feel the unrest on the level above her. That’s where she needed to be.
The next few days and weeks would keep her busy and offer challenges that she hadn’t faced in Safe Haven, but she was confident she would be able to get them through it. The only two men she wasn’t sure they could help was Marc and Biff. One of those men was broken and doubting if he wanted to survive at all. The other was terrified to live. If Adrian couldn’t help them, they might both still be lost.
Angela proceeded toward the rear compartment on the top level, where Adrian and Marc were now getting drunk. She wanted to listen for a few minutes and determine how it was going. If Adrian was making any progress at all, she planned to send Biff in to join them.
This recovery time would include a lot of therapy sessions. Adrian would need to use all of his skills to pull the men through this first stage. I told him not to hold back. I hope he remembers that.

 
Chapter Two
Just Walk Away
 
1
Adrian handed Marc a beer. “Do you remember doing this in Ciemus?”
Marc snorted bitterly. “I remember you making a lot of promises and not following through on any of them.”
Adrian went on as if Marc hadn’t spoken. “It seems like we do one of these sit-down talks every few months.”
Again, Marc let his resentment be known. “Yes, but only one of us ever gets anything from it.”
Adrian fingered his swollen eye. “Yeah, you do usually get to beat on me.”
“I didn’t do that.” Marc scanned Adrian’s black eye, wishing he had been the one to give it to him.
“I was making a point.” Adrian studied Marc’s bloodshot eyes and full beard. He had seen Marc upset a few other times, but nothing even came close to what he was viewing now. Marc was a mess, mentally and physically. He also smelled bad. None of it surprised Adrian. What did surprise him was that Marc wasn’t disfigured in any way, like the other team members. He assumed Marc was feeling guilty over that as well, but it wasn’t what they were going to discuss today.
Adrian took a beer for himself and then joined Marc at the small table. They were in the rear storage cubby with the door left open a little. “Let’s begin.”
Marc felt the old hatred return in full. It was ugly. “This sucks. You’re the last person I should be talking to about my problems. You’re the cause of it all!”
Adrian refused to accept that. “You got to marry her. She’s carrying your baby. I’m still banished. Tell me again how everything went wrong for you.”
Marc flushed. He tried to think of something snotty, but it wasn’t worth the fight anymore. Despite everything Adrian had just said, Adrian had won and he knew it.
Adrian grunted. “That’s not the least bit true. If I had won, you’d be dead, and I’d be married to her.”
Marc drank some of his beer. When Adrian had first suggested it, Marc had hoped this would help him, but all of his old hatred was still there, waiting to rise up and spew out of his mouth to ruin what little future he had left in Safe Haven.
Adrian gave Marc a minute to get himself under control. He scanned their surroundings instead of jumping into Marc’s thoughts.
The storage area was small, with fully stocked shelves built into three of the four walls that went from the floor to the ceiling. Many of those shelves were holding items Safe Haven needed, like powdered milk barrels, bags of instant potato flakes, and jugs of water. Adrian knew Angela was looking forward to getting those back to camp.
The rest of the storage room was empty except for a small folding table with two chairs and a lot of dust on the floor. It was obvious that this cubby hadn’t been used by the mission team or the rescue team. The table and chairs had been brought in a short time ago, at Adrian’s request. Angela had told him to start therapy sessions right away. This was the best locations he had seen. He hadn’t known about the bottom level of the submarine earlier, but it wouldn’t have made a difference. Most of these talks would make the mission men uncomfortable. It would be better that they were on the top floor, away from everyone else.
Adrian opened his beer and set it on the table. He studied Marc openly now, seeing wide cracks, self-doubt, and tons of guilt that would have to be shoveled out like manure. “I’m glad you survived.”
Marc snorted. “I’ll bet you are.”
“I am. Some of us weren’t sure that she was going to come after you guys at all. We know now that she had to act that way so Reicher couldn’t get in front of her, but it still placed a lot of doubt in our minds. A few of the dumber people even thought she was replacing you with one of the eager young bucks in camp.”
Marc’s head snapped up, eyes blazing. “Who? I’ll rip their guts out!”
Adrian chuckled. “That’s the side of yourself that you need to hold onto. It will help you get through this.”
Marc’s depression returned just as fast. “This is the side of me that makes her hate my guts. Stop lying. She’s never considered anyone but me.”
That was absolutely true, no matter how hard others had tried. “Since you know that, why did you allow Kendle to come between you?”
Marc was trapped by that question. In the past, he had claimed ignorance. He’d told everyone he thought Adrian was replacing him and he had claimed Kendle so he wouldn’t be alone after that happened. Now, it was obvious to everyone that he had lied about that as well.
Adrian waited, again giving Marc time to collect his thoughts. He expected the man to lie again, but he was hoping to get the truth out of him at some point. Only the truth would set Marc free from that ghost.
Marc suddenly wished he hadn’t agreed to a therapy session. “I don’t want to do this.”
Adrian wasn’t discouraged. Facing mistakes of this magnitude was hard for anyone, but for someone with an ego like Marc’s, it was actually painful. “Shall I guess and you tell me if I’m right?”
“No.”
Adrian went on as if Marc hadn’t refused. “Being with Angela is hard. She wants the best from everyone around her, including her mate. It crushes your pride and your self-confidence to be with someone like that. You choose Kendle because in that way, she was the exact opposite of Angela. You didn’t have to give her your best. You could be whoever you wanted to when you woke up that morning and Kendle was fine with it. You didn’t pick her to ease your broken heart. You picked her because you were considering ending things with Angela for someone who was easier to handle, easier to manipulate.”
With every word, Marc’s shame grew. It was obvious that Adrian knew exactly why he had created a bond with Kendle. Marc could deny it, but that would never change the truth. “Does she know?”
Adrian quickly nodded. “I figured it out a few weeks ago. I’ll bet Angela’s known since it happened. She’s extremely intelligent, but her gift is understanding what makes people tick.”
Marc contemplated Thalia at that moment. Reicher’s daughter had also known what made humanity tick, but much like Angela, she had expected the best out of them every day. If she had been more like Kendle, Reicher’s plan might have worked.
Adrian wasn’t surprised by that mental admission either. Marc had been hunting for an escape from his relationship with Angela since they were kids. “She’ll let you go if that’s what you want. You know that.”
Marc did. Angela would always sacrifice herself for someone else’s happiness. It was part of what had made it so easy to walk away from her each time.
“Is that what you want?” Adrian was relieved that his voice didn’t sound eager at all. If Marc did that, Adrian planned to fight for Angela with every breath in his body, but only in that circumstance. I refuse to interfere this time.
Marc caught all of that, but the usual anger didn’t appear. This time, it was mostly confusion. “I don’t want that, most of the time. Sometimes, I can’t help it.”
“That’s during moments when we’re in the middle of a heated battle and she’s in charge, right?”
Marc nodded, voice breaking. “She’s so good at it! I can’t keep up with that day in and day out. Maybe you’re good enough to tolerate that, but the rest of us mere mortals have weaknesses that you and she apparently don’t.”
Adrian chuckled softly. “You’d be surprised by how much doubt both of us carry over the decisions we’ve made and how we follow through with our plans no matter what.”
Marc shrugged. It didn’t matter if Angela doubted herself. What mattered was that he couldn’t live up to her expectations of him.
“It seems to me that the only way you can be happy with her is if she’s not in leadership, so that she doesn’t expect as much out of you. And you know that’s not what she wants, so you’re torn between the two and constantly ripping yourself, and her, apart over a choice that you can’t make.”
Marc drank a little more of his beer instead of answering. He didn’t know what to say or how to erase the shame he felt from that being true.
“I assume you’re aware that your choices during this run have officially removed any chance you had of leadership in her camp?”
Marc forced himself to be honest. “Some of that was intentional.”
“Because you believe if you’re just a camp member, maybe then you can save your marriage.”
“Yes.” Marc stared at him in misery. “Will that work?”
Adrian felt great sympathy for Marc. He wanted to tell the man that was a solution, but he couldn’t. “You two will always know why you’re just a camp member. Over time, she’ll develop bitterness about it because she needs you to help her lead Safe Haven. Her unhappiness over your choices will make her pick between you and leadership.”
“She’ll pick me.” Marc was certain of that.
“Of course, she will. We’ve seen that pattern repeat with her continuously. She even left Safe Haven to come find you after you chose to be with Kendle rather than to face your responsibilities with her. And you already know that choice will crush her even if it wouldn’t destroy Safe Haven, which it will.”
Marc slammed his hand on the table, rattling both bottles. Beer sloshed over. “I know that! Give me a solution!”
Adrian didn’t hold back. “From where I sit, I see three possible solutions. The first one is that you do what you’re considering. You become an average camp member and stay out of her way during the leadership moments so that you don’t have to challenge her or feel guilty for your choices. That one will end in her giving up leadership and eventually a divorce because she can’t handle it. She knows she was meant to be a leader. If you take that away from her, it will bring you both misery.” Adrian took a quick sip of his beer to wet his dry throat. This wasn’t an easy conversation for either one of them.
“Your second choice is actually harder. You can tell her the truth about why you picked Kendle, face her nonjudgmental sadness, and then tell her you’re leaving Safe Haven because you can’t handle her being in charge. That decision will also crush her, though it will take a lot longer. I don’t recommend it.”
Marc had already gone over those choices. He was hoping Adrian can give him a solution they could both live with. “What’s the third choice?”
“You live up to the expectations. You’re under the impression that it’s her expectations that are too hard, but it’s you who has the issues, not her. You think you have to be perfect to be the mate of someone like her, but that’s not true. As long as you try hard in your duties and stop usurping her choices, she’ll be perfectly happy with it. You have to accept your limitations and stop pushing yourself over them.”
“Only part of that is true, but even if all of it were, how in the hell do I do that? She’s better than me on every level. How am I supposed to live with that! I’m a man. I’m supposed to be the leader!”
Adrian was pleased that they had made it this far in with only one conversation. Adrian had thought it would take longer to get Marc to face that part of himself. “Every time you start to feel ashamed or embarrassed or even jealous, walk away. You don’t contradict her, and you don’t argue with her. Walk away and come find me. We’ll have a conversation, much like this one, where I gently, if I can, help you see that it’s your issue and not hers.”
“I wish I could believe that.”
“You will in time. If I’m not around, then you’ll do this for yourself. You don’t have to feel bad about who you are or who you were. Safe Haven was made for second chances; it’s a place where we can erase our past and become better. I’ve helped hundreds of lost souls find their way to happiness, Marc. If you let me, I’ll do the same for you. None of the past matters anymore. I usually say only survival does, but we both know that’s not true. Having honor is a huge part of being an Eagle. You feel like you have to compete when anyone does better than you at a job, but especially when it’s a female. The old world encouraged that type of behavior. They told you that was what made you a man, but you’ve been torn about that your entire life because you’ve never believed it. You knew it wasn’t true. You knew that wasn’t fair, it wasn’t right. Now that you based your entire life on it, you’re having to fight yourself to change. Everyone I’ve helped has gone through the same process. You’re no better, or worse, than anyone else in Safe Haven, including Angie. We’re all here because we needed a second chance.”
Marc’s emotions were getting the better of him. He wiped away the tears that were forming. “I don’t know if I can do any of that.”
Adrian continued to be supportive and helpful. It was what Marc needed for this first session. Other talks might not be as mild. “Some people can’t. You have the options we talked about. There are also other options, like becoming a den mother instead of an Eagle. The important thing for you to remember is that you don’t have to make a choice yet. No one is asking you to do that. The only thing you have to do is try to figure out what will make Marc happy. Don’t think about Angela or your children. Just consider what you want from your future. Once you can settle that into a few sentences for me, we’ll go from there. I’ll do my best to help you find happiness.”
Marc slowly agreed. “I can do that much.”
“Awesome.” Adrian jokingly flashed his wrist, where a watch was no longer resting. “Sorry though, your time is up for the day. Please pay the receptionist on your way out.”
Marc laughed.
The woman standing near the door listening to them also smiled, but she didn’t make a noise to give away her presence. She didn’t want Marc to know she had been listening to his first therapy session.
Angela heard raised voices down the hall and went that way, feeling a little better. With enough time, Adrian could help anyone. That was his gift.
 
 
2
“You have to follow orders.”
“Slam you!”
“You’re not the boss here. We don’t have to do anything you say.”
Angela paused outside the compartment where Cate and Cody were trying to get the other children to go take a shower and change into clean clothes. Almost all of those children were descendants. It wasn’t going well.
The kids were wrinkled and sandy, with blood on their shoes from the trip out of the lab. They were also starting to stink.
The older kids had claimed the couches. The younger kids were on the floor and between them and the door. The older children were automatically using the younger kids as a defensive wall between them and anyone who came in. That bothered Angela. It was another sign of the trouble they would have trying to undo Reicher’s brainwashing.
“The alpha wants you to get ready for your medical exam.” Cody didn’t use his gifts against them. He already knew that wasn’t going to work. All it would do was trigger a fight.
Cate wanted to use her gifts, but Cody was standing in front of her, preventing it.
“Reicher only made us take a shower once a week.”
“We already had a shower.”
“I’m not wearing those duds.”
“If you don’t do what you’re told, you’ll get in trouble.”
The new kids weren’t bluffed by Cody’s warning. They continued to argue instead of doing what they were told.
Angela put a hand on Cate and Cody’s shoulder to get them to move aside. She entered and scanned the new kids.
Even one of her hardest glowers didn’t get them to obey. They didn’t have respect for her. She was certain if she brought Marc in that would change, but she wasn’t going to rely on lab hierarchy.
The kids waited for a punishment, glaring back resentfully. None of them wanted to be on the submarine. Their lives in the lab had been easy, as long as they followed orders.
“I’m not Reicher. I’m not going to torture you. What I will do is take away your gifts.” Angela did that immediately, not giving them time to fight. She locked the kids and then brought up her shield.
“I am the alpha. When you learn to respect that, you’ll get your gifts back. Until then, you’re all normals.”
Shouts of anger and fear filled the room. The children lunged to their feet and came toward her angrily.
Angela felt Marc and Adrian come down the hall, drawn by the chaos. She ignored them. “There are rules you have to follow. If you don’t, you’ll be normal forever.”
Angela remained immune to the shouts and threats, but the fear from some of the younger kids bothered her. She remained motionless on the outside and refused to let them know. This was part of why she hadn’t wanted to bring these kids along. Some of them would never change their mindsets. None of them knew the difference between right and wrong.
“Unlock me right now!”
“How can we guard you without gifts?”
“That’s not your job anymore. You get to be kids now. In time, you’ll pick a job that you enjoy.”
Some of the younger kids were relieved by her answer. Only the older kids had protected Reicher. The younger kids been bullied by the older kids for not being strong enough yet.
“You won’t be sacrificed for the adults in my camp.” Angela waved Adrian in. “This is your settling partner.”
Kids immediately resumed screaming and shouting. Some of them tossed items from the room toward Adrian.
Angela kept her shield up, dismayed.
“That’s a Mitchel! He’s not allowed around us!”
“Kill all Mitchels!”
Marc entered.
Silent obedience came immediately.
The kids had stayed together after being brought on board. They had chosen this room and hadn’t left it yet. Marc knew they had picked this area because it looked like one of the lounges from the lab. Long couches, small recliners, and a view screen on the wall were comforting to them. Marc refused to admit that it was also comforting to him. The lower they had gone in the lab, the more luxuries had been provided. The movie nights had been especially welcome, for the distraction. Marc assumed the sailors who had once manned this submarine had felt the same way about this dusty theater. “Adrian will be your settling partner.”
None of the kids shouted at Marc, but it was obvious that they weren’t happy.
“Adrian loves all kids. Listen to him and do what he says, or I’ll remove you.”
Adrian was aware of the ugly glares. If not for Marc insisting, every one of these children would attack him. It was heartbreaking that they had been damaged so much that they couldn’t recognize a good person from a bad one.
Marc and Angela listened as Adrian started training more of Safe Haven’s orphans.
Adrian swept all of the kids, even the younger ones. “You were working for a bad man, in a bad place. You’ve done bad things. It’s not your fault. Bad guys are sneaky. They often ask kids to do things that are wrong.”
Adrian glanced toward Marc. “They often brainwash adults into doing their dirty work, as well. We won’t hold that against you.”
Marc nodded once in acknowledgement.
Adrian continued. “If a grownup ever tries to get you to do bad things again, say you will and then come tell Marc, okay? You can trust him to know what’s right and what isn’t.”
Marc wasn’t sure that was true anymore, but he gave the confused kids a smile. “I’ll protect you with my life. It won’t be bad for you in Safe Haven. All of us will see to that.”
Adrian went to an empty chair in the corner. “I’d like to tell you a story about Safe Haven and how we survived the war. Would you like to hear it?”
All the kids want to, even those who acted the opposite. The older children hadn’t gotten much outside information and the younger kids wanted to hear a story. Both groups were eager to please the boss while he was here watching them.
“Bad guys blew up a lot of the world and allowed other bad guys to steal kids from their families. It happened to almost everyone in our camp. You won’t be alone in that. We’ve all lost people we loved.”
Adrian’s words were already reaching a few of the kids. They hadn’t been allowed to miss or mourn their friends and families while in the lab. Doing it now was like having forbidden candy while no one was looking.
“We have a lot of orphans. We love them, like the caretakers love you.”
The kids had enjoyed being taken care of. The caretakers had often acted like parents. More of the kids settled down to listen to Adrian.
So did the adults.
Marc stayed, listening to Adrian’s words. After their conversation, listening to him deal with the kids was almost magical. It was obvious why Adrian had been spared in a moment like this. No one else would be able to reach these kids the way he would; after enough time with them, they might even recover. I understand why she let him live. This time, I agree with it.
Angela slowly reached out and clasped hands with Marc. She didn’t say anything or send any thoughts. She just let her physical contact offer comfort.
Cate and Cody were still standing inside the theater, also listening and observing. They were proud of Marc for finally understanding why Angela had banished Adrian but refused to kill him. All the children in Reicher’s lab, and all the kids in Safe Haven, needed him desperately. He would be able to work his magic on some of the adults, but it was the future of world that he was securing right now. These kids might go on to lead healthy, almost normal lives that would then guide their camp into a future that was better for everyone. It wasn’t good enough to just fix the grownups. The kids would inherit everything one day. They had to be mentally sound enough to do that.
For Cate, it was a pivotal moment. Seeing how wild these kids were made her understand why she’d had to settle down, too. She was a lot better now, thanks to Angela’s patience and love. She adored having a mother who cared for her.
Seeing how traumatized the adults were after time in Reicher’s lab was also helpful to the twins. Over time, they might be able to forgive their own mother for not being strong enough as they watched Angela deal with Charlie, Marc, and leadership–all at the same time.
Cody had already figured out that Angela’s love was helping his sister. The small amount of attention she had gotten from Marc had also helped. Cody hoped there would be more of that in the future. Cate needed firm guidance and the ethics and morals that Marc was known for. His screw up with Kendle wouldn’t be held against him by most people. In fact, it almost made him likable because he was more approachable to them now that he had made a huge mistake. Before, Marc had seemed perfect and as he was figuring out, that was hard to live up to.
Marc caught all of that and stored it for later examination. At the moment, the contact with Angela was overwhelming his senses. “I missed you.”
Angela remained quiet and observant. She didn’t want to push him into a harder relationship yet. He’d had a good therapy session. She wanted it to last for a while.
Marc knew what she was doing. He assumed she’d been listening, but even if she hadn’t, she was smart enough to know the truth on her own. “I don’t want you to hold back because it’ll make me unhappy. Handle things the way you normally would, and I’ll deal with it.”
Angela lifted a brow. “Are you sure about that?”
Marc forced himself to nod.
Angela immediately stepped into his arms and sealed their lips.
Unexpected heat flew through the hallway, surrounding the couple and branching out into other compartments. The kids recoiled from that heat.
“Yuck!”
“Gross.”
The adults recognized it in relief. Everyone wanted Angela and Marc to reconcile. Safe Haven was always a better place when leadership was happy and satisfied.
Adrian hid his sadness and continued to work with the kids. He would always want Angela. There was no changing that, but he refused to act on it anymore. I have my honor back. I’m not giving that up for her or anyone else.
Marc and Angela didn’t notice any of it. Locked in a hot embrace, all they were aware of was each other and how long they had been apart.
Angela reluctantly pulled away. She hadn’t been this aroused in a long time, but she doubted he was ready to take things any farther.
Marc tugged her back into his arms. “Boy, are you wrong.” He kissed her again.
Neither of them was happy when the radio on her belt crackled. “I’m picking up an SOS call, Boss.”
Marc sighed against her lips. “I’d like to pick up here later, if you can schedule me in.”
Angela chuckled. “I’d be happy to discuss that with you, Mr. Brady.”
Marc gave her one of his special smiles. “Call me if you need me, Mrs. Brady.”
Angela blushed happily. She went to Ray’s location with a happier heart.
Marc stayed there and resumed listening to Adrian’s words to the children. He’d never had a problem with the physical side of his relationship with Angela. Everything else was hard. Listening to Adrian was a reminder that he didn’t have to be perfect. Adrian certainly wasn’t, and yet he had a set place in Safe Haven. And she’s not disappointed in him even though she is still angry about what he did. In time, she’ll probably forgive him for his mistakes.
Instead of being furious about that like he usually was, Marc found he was relieved. If she’ll do that for Adrian, then I know she’ll do that for me.
Adrian gave Marc a pointed look. “Ray may need you.”
Marc followed his wife without argument.
Adrian faced the curious, tense, angry kids alone. “Where were we?”

 
Chapter Three
I Drink
 
1
“Where are they?”
Ray pointed at the map as Angela took the empty seat next to him in the bridge.
Angela saw that Ray had been busy reorganizing. She didn’t mind. He was going to be the main one in here for a while.
Dog came from under the desk and nudged Angela’s hand for attention.
Dog was only being let out for bathroom breaks, but that wouldn’t last much longer. He didn’t like being caged any more than his owner did.
“I traced the location three times.” Ray pointed. “According to the coordinates, the boat is right there, but I haven’t been able to pick it up on the radar.”
“Are they still on the air?”
Ray activated the radio so she could hear it.
“Is anyone out there?! Please, someone answer me! I’m the only survivor. I need help!”
Angela listened to the panicked man’s voice, trying hard to dig into his thoughts over the watery distance.
“Is anyone out there?! Please, someone answer me! I’m the only survivor. I need help!”
Ray lowered the volume. “It’s same message over and over.”
“Have you tried to answer yet?”
“No, I wasn’t going to do that without your permission.”
“Try it now.” Angela hoped she would be able to get some of the person’s thoughts in case it was a trap.
Ray activated the radio. “Come in, lone survivor. We heard your call. Are you there?”
The static immediately cleared. The same panicked voice answered them right away. “Are you real?”
Ray grinned into the radio. “Real as rain. Give me your details, please.”
“There was a storm. Everyone else vanished. I think they were washed overboard. Are you sure you’re real? I don’t want any more trouble with ghosts.”
Now Ray frowned through the radio. “What ghosts?”
The man didn’t answer.
Ray looked at Angela, confused.
Angela gestured. “Keep going.”
Ray tried again, though he wasn’t sure what to say. “Are you there?”
“I’m here. I’m always here; every morning that I wake up, it’s just me. Nothing ever changes. I don’t know where I am!”
Ray assumed the man was hallucinating. After a long time alone on the ocean, that was likely. “What’s your name?”
“My name? Um. I believe my name is Harvey.”
Angela was the one frowning now. “I am not getting anything at all from his thoughts. It’s like he’s not even there.”
Ray felt a cold chill. “I can go quiet, and we’ll skip his location.”
“No.” This was different than not accepting refugees from Tilly’s group. Angela couldn’t leave someone stranded on the ocean. Her guilt was never let her live with that. “Tell him we’re on the way.”
Ray wasn’t sure that was the best way to go, but he didn’t make the choices. He keyed the radio. “We’re coming to get you. Just sit tight and think good thoughts.”
“Thank you! I’ve been alone so long!”
Ray began to chat with the stranger to buy time.
Angela searched for the stranger’s thoughts and received absolutely nothing. She had never dealt with that before. Even their enemies had still registered on her magical grid when she hadn’t been able to get into their thoughts.
The door to the bridge opened behind them. Marc entered.
Dog rushed toward Marc in joy. He jumped onto Marc’s stomach was his front paws, whimpering, whining, and rubbing his snout against Marc’s arm. Missed you! Glad you’re okay! Missed you!
Marc chuckled as he hugged the wolf and then began to rub him all over like he used to do. “I missed you too.”
Marc hadn’t been sure if his experiences with the hounds in Reicher’s lab might have ruined this relationship for him. It was a relief to find out that he wasn’t afraid of Dog at all and that he had honestly missed his companionship. “How are you, boy? Tell me all about it.”
Dog immediately began to whine as he enjoyed Marc’s touch. They wouldn’t let me bring my gear!
“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Marc chuckled as the wolf continued to show his affection. He studied Angela. “Why are you keeping him in here?”
Biff came down the hall behind Marc. He opened the bridge door the rest of the way so he could see Angela. “What do you want me to do now, Boss?”
Before Angela could tell Marc to close the door, Biff spotted the wolf.
Everyone around them saw Biff’s big body tense. A wave of fear crashed through his control and hit them all.
“Kill that hound!”
Biff’s stone warrior appeared behind him. It stomped toward the bridge angrily, huge fists raising.
Dog growled lowly, fur rising. What is that?!
Marc put his body between Biff and Dog. “It’s just Dog. Stop it now!”
Biff’s fear prevented him from listening.
The stone warrior was a complete shock to everyone who saw it, except for Jayda.
Eagles drew their weapons while trying to convince themselves what they were seeing was real.
Doors slammed shut all through the submarine. The kids from the lab cowered in place or quickly hid.
Angela hurried around Marc and pushed Biff out of the bridge. She jerked the door shut right as his stone warrior reached them.
Huge fists began pounding on the control room door, demanding entrance.
Dog continued to growl.
Marc shouted at Biff again.
Out in the hallway, the appearance of Biff’s defender had interrupted everything that was going on. More people came to doorways or stepped out to discern what was happening.
As soon as they spotted the stone warrior, all of them backed away or closed their doors, hoping they weren’t the target.
Jayda was on duty over the bridge and Ray. She recognized Biff’s panic attack. She stepped by the pounding stone warrior as if it wasn’t there. She gently took Biff’s arm. “Pull it in now. You don’t need it here.”
It was easy to see that Biff was terrified. Jayda bonded with him immediately. She kept using a calm tone instead of yelling like from Marc and several of the others were still doing. “It’s okay now. I’m here with you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
Her gentle words reassured Biff. She sounds like Thalia.
“Pull it in now.”
The stone warrior vanished.
“Very good.” Jayda put her arm through his, smiling in approval. “Let’s go to the medical bay. It will help you to be stay those you’ve already bonded with, at least for a few days, okay?”
Marc listened in surprise. She has experience in crazy.
People stared as Jayda led Biff by them without scolding him or seeming like she was afraid of the stone warrior that could have crushed her fragile body in one blow.
Biff began to calm; embarrassment took over next. “I’m sorry!”
Jayda led him toward the ladder. She could feel his tension and fear of her response. He expects a punishment. “I understand completely. Some things are just too terrifying to face alone.”
Biff relaxed. He let her take him into the medical bay, where Shawn and Harry were preparing for the medical exams. Both men had listened to the chaos without responding. They observed Jayda comforting Biff in approval now and a little bit of longing. Both men wished she had been around while they were in the lab.
Jayda directed Biff to a chair in the corner. “Just hang out here until you feel better, okay?”
Biff felt exhaustion sneaking up on him now. This was a long run. “Thank you for stopping me. I didn’t want to hurt anyone.”
Jayda patted his arm. “It’s my honor. Anytime you want to talk, come find me.”
Jayda went back to her post.
Trent was on duty on the bottom level. He stopped her at the ladder. “How did you know what he needed?”
Jayda shuddered lightly. “It’s what works for me when I see fire. I had to learn how to soothe myself. He won’t have to because he has us.”
 
 
2
In the medical bay, Harry and Shawn resumed preparing for the next medical exams.
Isabel came down the hall and stopped in the doorway. She hadn’t forgotten that she owed Harry a favor. “I can be a nurse for Safe Haven, if you want me to.”
The medical bay was getting dirty. Trashcans were starting to fill up and papers were all over the counter that needed to be sorted into files. Opened supply packages littered the floor. “I can also clean.”
Shawn frowned at her. “You can’t be trusted around our patients.”
Harry defending her. “She let Gus out of the jail. In time, she’ll be one of us. That’s what the boss wants.”
Charlie interrupted the argument. “That part of her life is over.” Charlie already knew what his mom wanted on that one. He’d caught it in her thoughts while they were still in the lab.
Charlie had come by to see if they were ready for the next patients, but the medics were still prepping. The mothers weren’t in good shape. The babies were fine, mostly, but the moms had needed a lot of minor care, like callous lotions, blood pressure medications, and vitamins to combat bone mass loss from being underwater so long.
Still sitting in the corner, Biff listened. He didn’t like the idea of Isabel treating patients. He hadn’t forgotten that she and her sister had healed captives so they could go right back into Reicher’s cells.
Isabel scowled. “If I can’t be a medic, then what am I supposed to do in your camp?”
“You can help us defend it. My mom said for you to take care of your babies for now. When we start Eagle classes, she wants you in them.”
Shawn couldn’t argue with that. The Eagles might bring out the best in Isabel, but it would definitely expose her if she was evil.
Harry pulled on a pair of gloves. “Her real age might be a problem. Do you see how much grayer she is now?”
Charlie opened her folder. “It doesn’t say how old you are.”
Isabel didn’t answer. She didn’t want to talk about age or looks. That hadn’t changed.
Shawn spilled her secret bitterly. “They were eating the dead to push back the aging process. She’s in her 50s.”
Charlie made a face. “We didn’t find a butchering floor.”
This time Harry revealed the secret. “The body chutes in the session rooms were made to cut things up and grind them into a slurry that got filtered and was sent through pipes to the cooks. The rest was flushed into the ocean daily.”
Shawn paused, turning toward him. “How do you know that?”
Harry shrugged. “It was Thalia’s last thought as I killed her. She assumed that’s what would happen to her.”
Shawn gave a small laugh. “In a way, it was.”
No one knew what to say to that.
Isabel slowly returned to the bunks, where Grace was feeding her babies. Isabel’s milk had dried up, but the other mothers were used to being cows in Reicher’s twin farm.
Harry gestured. “Go find out if anyone up there needs a medic; we’ll be ready by the time you’re done. Call me if there’s something too big for you to handle.”
Charlie’s stomach was rolling from the new information. He didn’t consider arguing. He headed toward the top deck.
Charlie saw Kenn coming down the hallway. He gave the man a sneer and went up the ladder.
Kenn stopped, surprised. He had already noticed Charlie’s stiffness around Marc.
Kenn went over to Wade, who was doing a patrol of the entire sub. “What’s his problem?”
“Things changed while you were gone. Tobias got into several minds.”
Kenn caught the tone. “Tonya’s, too?”
Wade didn’t hold back. “He isn’t the one you have to worry about, though. The new man, Rico, was able to barter time to keep her from finding out that he’s like us.”
“For what purpose?”
Wade leered like men do. “So he can win her heart, of course. All the guys want Tonya now. She’s amazing.”
Kenn tensed. “And does she want them?”
Wade shrugged. “It’s hard to say. She told Tobias no flat out, but she seems to like Rico.”
One of Kenn’s military buddies had followed him. “Rico?”
Thomas had changed into the clothes he had been given. He didn’t have a weapon, however and he didn’t look like an Eagle. Wade approved of that. The man wasn’t one of them yet. “Why?”
“Do you mean Rico Reicher?”
Wade had an instant flashback of figuring out Chad’s last name. “I don’t know. Rico hasn’t been added to the membership rolls yet.” Wade sent the military man a mental picture of Rico.
Thomas nodded. “That’s him. He went AWOL years ago. He hated the way his brother ran the lab. He said Carl was too soft.”
Wade was stunned. “Are you telling me we have Reicher’s brother in Safe Haven, without a guard?”
“It looks like it.”
Kenn gestured. “Let Jennifer know to lock him down and then slit his throat.”
Thomas added support for that. “You should. He’s worse than his brother.”
Kenn scowled. “How can he be worse?”
Thomas shrugged. “Carl Reicher was against sexual abuse in the lab for any reason. Rico was punished for rape. He was only allowed to live because he was a family member.”
Kenn and Wade both took off up the ladder to the bridge. People quickly got out of the way.
The tension rose again, displeasing the rescue team. They knew the mission men weren’t ready for more drama.
Both men entered the bridge and quickly closed the door.
“Ray’s already making the call.” Marc was still calming Dog, who didn’t understand why the others were afraid of him.
Kenn wasn’t. He reached over and stroked Dog’s ears, surprising them all.
Even Dog held still for the attention.
Kenn rolled his eyes at their surprise. “I know the difference between good and evil now.”
Charlie was standing nearby. “Yeah, now.” Charlie swept him and Marc in contempt, and then left the bridge since no one was hurt.
Charlie looked like an Eagle even though he wasn’t dressed in full gear now. He carried himself differently than what Kenn was used to. The boy is finally growing up.
Kenn realized he hadn’t gotten an answer and repeated his question. “What is his problem?”
Ray gave him the truth. “Tobias reminded Charlie that all the men he admired have disappointed him, abused him, forgotten about him, or planned to remove him from existence through a time push.”
Marc winced. He had planned to make sure Angela didn’t get pregnant until they were both older.
Ray finished it off even though he knew no one wanted to hear it. “At some point, that boy will demand justice from all of you. Get ready for it.”
Angela didn’t want Marc feeling worse than he already did. “Charlie has also been bonding with Adrian again and he’s feeling bad for that.”
Marc thought briefly of Tracy and then changed the subject. “Why isn’t Safe Haven answering?”
The radio immediately lit up. “Safe Haven here. Go on with your message.” Jennifer had connected to Ray through the hive. She’d been waiting for their drama to pause.
“You have a rat in the barn. His name is Rico.”
Jennifer’s calm voice came right back. “I already took away his gifts, at his request. He came clean right after you guys left.”
Ray scowled. “Why didn’t you execute him?”
“Because Safe Haven is a place of safety and of light, of duty and honor. It’s a refuge for survivors. It is also a place of death and darkness, where murder and madness walk hand-in-hand.”
There was silence as everyone considered her answer.
Jennifer sighed into the radio. “And also because I don’t handle executions anymore. When the boss gets home, she’ll decide what to do about it. Until then, Rico Reicher is a normal with a heavy guard who won’t hesitate to kill him if he steps out of line.”
“Copy that.”
Everyone was glad to find out the Jennifer wasn’t taking chances with security. They also respected her for not taking advantage of her authority even though the man probably deserved it.
“I’m going to finish my rounds now.” Wade was quickly out of view.
“I’ll go see how Thomas is doing with the food.” Kenn grinned, still putting on a good act. “Lisa came in a little while ago to help. Hopefully that will allow it to be edible.”
The others laughed.
Angela frowned. “Did you say Lisa is in the mess?”
Kenn nodded. “Why?”
Angela pushed by him, sending out a scan. “Because that means Greg is probably alone right now and that’s dangerous. None of the mission team are allowed to be alone for a while, including you.”
Angela hurried through the submarine, searching for Greg.
A wave of deep sadness and regret met her sweep.
“Damn it!” Angela moved faster.
 
 
3
Greg held the knife loosely, staring at the gleaming blade. It would only take one quick jerk and then all of his mistakes would be over. No one would be able to save him after a direct hit to the heart. Even Harry wasn’t that talented.
Greg studied the mirror, hating the man he saw there. He was standing in the farthest stall. He hoped no one coming in would find his body and be traumatized by it, especially the kids who were supposed to get showers.
Greg pulled off his eye patch and let it drop to the damp floor. He was standing with a towel around his waist as steam from the hot water floated through the room. It didn’t cover enough of his reflection in the mirror, however. He could view the empty socket, but even worse was the eyeball that was still there. It glared back in hatred and insanity.
Mental cracks had opened during his time in the lab. Greg might have been able to handle that if not for how it had ended. All those kids!
Greg’s hand tightened around the knife.
“Greg.”
Theo’s voice behind him wasn’t welcome. It also wasn’t enough to make him drop or hide the knife. Greg didn’t care who knew what he was doing. He just didn’t want anyone to interfere.
Theo wasn’t a descendant. He couldn’t read Greg’s mind, but in this case, he didn’t need to. It was obvious what Greg was considering.
Instead of rushing forward and making the situation even more dangerous, Theo slowly entered and went to the shower next to Greg. He activated the water and adjusted the temperature to the way he liked it.
The shower was steamy and smelled a bit like mold. It needed a great cleaning that wouldn’t happen until everyone on the submarine had taken a turn in here.
Greg glanced over, a little surprised that Theo hadn’t rushed him.
Theo looked back in deep sympathy. I almost understand why he’s making this choice.
Greg snorted softly. “You have no idea.”
Theo took a towel from the shelf and put it over the shower bar. “Do you know about the explosion on the ship?”
Greg nodded distractedly. “All of us got flashes when it happened.”
“I was responsible for that. One careless mistake almost cost the lives of a dozen people, including Angela and her unborn baby.”
Greg had seen Angela’s hair was half gone and she had new scars, but he was wrapped up in his own misery. He hadn’t realized how bad it had been. “She almost died?”
“A wire melted and caused a fire. It hit some oxygen tanks while we were trying to put it out. Angela was in the front line of that. So were Lisa and Jayda. That’s why Jayda is so terrified of fire now.” The same sadness and regret that Greg was carrying crossed over Theo’s face. “I’ll never be able to forgive myself for it. Everything they went through was my fault.”
Greg reluctantly acknowledged that Theo was able to understand some of what he was feeling. In a moment of self-defense, Greg reached out. “How do you live with it?”
Theo slid his shoes off and pushed them into the corner, out of the way of the water. “I almost couldn’t at first. I had a moment like you’re going through right now. In the end, I told myself that Safe Haven was full of people who had screwed up and that if they were strong enough to get past it, then I am too.” Theo bent over to start removing his socks. “The rest of the time, I drink.”
Greg hadn’t known about any of this. He was distracted. The knife lowered.
Listening from out in the hallway, Angela held up a hand when Wade and Trent would have gone in. Theo was reaching Greg in ways that their violence couldn’t. As long as Theo continued to make progress, Angela didn’t want anyone to interfere.
Wade and Trent stayed ready for the call. If Greg started to follow through, both men planned to rush him even if they were hurt in the process. Nothing Greg had done warranted suicide.
No one wondered where Greg had gotten the knife. His Eagle gear had been returned to him in a kit. All the mission team had been treated the same way.
Angela realized that had been a mistake. She should have removed all the weapons from their kits, but it was too late for that now. The mission team was armed.
Greg could feel the other witnesses now. It didn’t matter. “I’m not sure I’m strong enough.”
Theo understood completely. “That’s why I drink so much. I’m not even sure the boss knows I have a problem, but it’s keeping me alive, and I guess my liver is a small price to pay for that.”
For a long moment, there was the sound of the running water as the two men considered their mistakes and how hard it was to keep living with them.
Sounds from other parts of the submarine echoed. One of those was amusement. The kids were on the way down. Something had been said that was making them laugh. The noise was an ugly reminder to Greg of what he had done. “I killed them all.”
Theo knew it wasn’t as black-and-white as Greg was feeling. “Had you ever removed a minor before?”
Greg briefly ran through his career as an Eagle. “I had some assignments. But those were known problems.”
“The boss originally refused to bring all these kids with us. There had to be a reason for that.” Theo pulled his shirt off, but he kept in his hand. “I assume we would have gotten removal orders for them.”
“Yes, you would have.” Angela stayed in the doorway. She gave Theo a subtle nod. “None of them could be saved, Greg. When I told you sinking this submarine would save hundreds of lives, I assumed those lives were worth saving. You already know from your time in the lab, some subjects can’t come back from what they’ve gone through. Everyone I left behind would have never fit into Safe Haven and in the end, I would have removed all of them. You took that burden off my hands with your choice. Please don’t hate yourself for that. Hate me, like I told you to.”
Greg rotated so he could see her. Honesty rolled out of his mouth against his will. “I’ll never be able to hate you. You’ll always have a place in my heart, even if it’s a painful one. You should let me die.”
Angela immediately shook her head. “I still need you. Don’t puss out on me now.”
Greg was startled into a laugh.
Trent was horrified. “I can’t believe you just said that to him!”
Wade grinned. “Sometimes a man just needs to be called a pussy to remember that he isn’t one.”
Greg chuckled again; the knife lowered further.
Theo grabbed the end of his shirt with his other hand and quickly whipped it forward in a wide circle.
It wrapped around the knife in Greg’s hand.
Theo jerked it away, flinging the knife across the floor toward Angela.
Angela stomped on it with her boot, locking it in place against the floor.
Greg didn’t seem to notice. He kept staring at her in regretful desire layered with madness.
Angela slid the knife behind her so Wade could pick it up. Then she made everyone nervous by stepping forward. She went to Greg with open arms. “Please don’t do this again. I’ll always want you in Safe Haven. I could never hate you. You saved me from feeling this way. I owe you a huge debt.”
Greg wrapped his arms around her and bawled like a baby.
Angela held him tightly and cursed herself for sending him at all. She also cursed Reicher. I do hope Joey is making sure you enjoy your stay!
The men in the hallway slowly entered the bathroom in case Greg snapped, but it wasn’t needed. Sadness and regret were all that Greg had left in him now. At least that’s how it felt. He assumed at some point he might get angry, but that time wasn’t now.
Theo slid his shirt on and shut off the water. It had been a great way to distract Greg so he could get the knife away from the distraught man. It had also been a moment of brutal honesty. He would be watched now, too.
Angela looked at Theo over Greg’s shoulder. “I don’t blame you for what happened. None of us do. Accidents and mistakes happen. They really are a normal part of life, and we can never completely get rid of them. Don’t give up on yourself and I won’t give up on you–on any of you. I mean that. You’re all Eagles in my Army and I love you.”
Everyone listening, including those on different levels who had mentally tuned in to discern what was happening, knew that was true. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do to help them recover from this run and from everything they had done since surviving the war. She was everything to them that Adrian had tried to be and then more.

 
Chapter Four
I Have A Theory
 
1
“I think we’re here. Everyone hold on while I finish slowing this thing down.” The radio went quiet.
“He’s doing pretty well at handling this ship.” Kyle was impressed with Ray.
“I agree.” Losing Saul had been a blow, but Ray could cover most of what the Australian man had been doing. Angela was already feeling better about Ray being their main captain.
Zack and Trent also agreed, but they were more concerned about what was coming next. The four of them were all standing at the bottom of the ladder to the top side hatch. As soon as Ray finished stopping the submarine, they were going up to scan for the boat he couldn’t see on the radar.
They had been sailing for two hours now. That time had been mostly quiet while people adjusted to this new ride. Zack hoped that held throughout the entire trip. He wasn’t eager to get home yet, but he also wasn’t eager for action while they had the mission team along. Those men needed a long break, not another adventure.
Angela felt the movement stop under her feet. After weeks on the sub, she was learning to judge small things about it. The lack of movement wasn’t always obvious unless you were looking for it.
Zack climbed the ladder and began opening the hatch.
Those on the top level of the submarine tensed at the noise. They knew that meant they had arrived somewhere. People peered out of doorways, dreading a call to duty.
Angela waved them off. “The mission team is on a break. Adrian is in charge. We’ll be back shortly.” She began to climb the ladder before anyone could protest.
Now observing from the entrance of the small storage cubby, Marc held in a comment. He didn’t want her off the ship without him, but he was in no condition to be part of a landing party yet. He gave Trent a hard look.
Trent nodded. He had already planned to protect Angela if anything happened, but it didn’t hurt to give Marc a little reassurance. Moments like this would make the mission team feel like they weren’t needed. Trent didn’t want to encourage that, but he hoped it was the truth. Despite some of their younger Eagles being along to gain experience, no one needed chaos right now.
Angela stopped on top of the submarine and moved to the side so she could get a clear view all the way around them. The ocean was flowing calmly while gently pushing the sub to the side. It made Angela wonder once again how ships were able to stay in place with only an anchor against such a large body of water.
Kyle stood next to her and swept in the opposite direction, searching for a trap. He didn’t like the coincidence of a call for help coming in right as they were leaving Australia.
Trent stood behind Angela and got ready to bring up his shield. Like Kyle, he didn’t believe in coincidences.
Zack was immediately distracted by the yacht.
The long racing ship was faded white, with tattered white sails clinging sadly to a wooden center mast with missing pieces. The white sail in front was intact, but almost yellowed completely from being in the sunlight. The black climbing poles were dented and bent. The boat itself appeared to be at least 40 feet long, but there were no signs of a skiff or a life raft.
Zack couldn’t view the inside the boat from where they were standing, but the ship itself didn’t appear to have living quarters. That was a bad choice for anyone who had sailed away from a landmass in hopes of finding a better place to take shelter after the war. It was also possible that the person hadn’t had another option. “That’s vintage!”
Trent laughed. “Everything is vintage now.”
Zack frowned. “No, I mean they didn’t make those even before the war. It’s really old.”
Kyle gestured. “It’s also damaged. I’m surprised it’s still floating.”
The three men waited for Angela’s decision on whether or not they would try to board the antique sailing vessel.
Angela was searching for the owner of the boat. Her mental sweeps were picking up nothing... She detected a vague outline near the wheel that might have been a person, but the haze was hard to see through from here. The tall, slightly overweight brunette male shadow disappeared before she could lock onto him.
Kyle had also spotted the shadow. “Maybe they’re hiding from us?”
Angela assumed Kyle wasn’t picking up anything either. “In this new world, that’s probably the best way to meet new people–carefully and on your own terms.”
All of the men agreed. Meeting new people had been encouraged in the old world. Now, it was often a death sentence.
“How are we getting aboard?” Trent eyed the distance nervously. After his ordeal in Port Stanley, Trent wasn’t fond of the water anymore. Ray had stopped the submarine less than a quarter mile from the yacht, but that was still too far away. The ocean was more powerful than any swimmer. That was the reason so many vacationers at the beach had to be rescued when they were pulled out by the riptide.
“It will take me half an hour to inflate the RIB.” Kyle didn’t mention they were going through the fuel for those RIBs. Angela already knew that.
“I’m going to do something I’m not supposed to. Don’t tell on me.” Before any of the men could protest, Angela gathered energy and concentrated on the yacht that was listing heavily on the right side.
All three men observed in admiration as Angela used her gifts to pull the ship toward them. It was a slow process and draining, but it was still faster than using a RIB and it wasted of her energy instead of their fuel.
Trent grinned. “Will I be able to do that when you unlock me?”
Angela didn’t answer. She concentrated on getting the yacht close enough for them to attach a mooring line.
Zack and Kyle immediately scanned Trent in suspicion.
“You’re Invisible?” Zack had never suspected that.
Kyle had a more important question. “Why hasn’t she unlocked you yet? Did you do something wrong?”
Trent didn’t get defensive. “I don’t want to be unlocked. I need to learn how to handle myself as a normal first.”
Zack was satisfied. That was why he hadn’t immediately asked Angela to unlock him.
Kyle didn’t like it. It reminded him of how many of their enemies had infiltrated and put them all through hell. He continued to study the man suspiciously.
Angela groaned and grunted in effort. “Get the hook!”
The three men hurried to the mooring line rope on the front of the submarine. The heavy, rough, thick rope was soaked and abrasive against their hands. On the end of the rope was a metal hook that weighed 50 pounds and had to be balanced by all of them. The submarine didn’t have a cannon to shoot the hook over like everyone had seen in the movies. These lines had to be tossed by hand; it was awkward and difficult.
Angela couldn’t stop the yacht from bumping into the submarine. It was only moving at roughly one knot, but it still jarred all of them as it smacked into their ship. Shouts echoed from those below.
Kyle directed the hook carefully so that it didn’t damage the already battered yacht. He slid it down the inside of the yawl while Zack and Trent tied off the extra rope to keep it from going anywhere.
Angela studied the ship while getting her breath back. From a distance, the yacht had appeared much smaller. Right up against the submarine now, the yacht was long and wider than it had looked. It was also deeper than she had first thought and revealed a narrow set of steps that went into the berth where she assumed the survivor was hiding from them. She had come to the conclusion that the person was Invisible, like Trent. There was no other explanation she could come up with for why she wasn’t able to get into their thoughts at all.
The middle of the yacht had a sunroof with two broken windows and a cracked center mast that was likely fall over at any point. The sail ropes were still wound around thick metal support poles that were shedding rust all over the ropes and the deck. Kyle led the way, stepping carefully onto the yacht.
It bobbed heavily in the water under his feet and then rose back up. He was relieved that it didn’t list even further to the side. Hopefully that meant the damage was light. He motioned toward Trent. “Stay there in case we need help getting back.”
Trent didn’t mind being left behind. Something about this isn’t right. He didn’t like the feeling it gave him to stare at the battered boat. Bad things happened there.
Angela and the others were aware of Trent’s bad vibes as they boarded the yacht.
Kyle announced his presence with a firm tone. “We’re from Safe Haven. You called us for help. We’re coming down.”
None of them picked up anything in response, not even waves of fear. It felt like the ship was deserted.
Kyle went first. He stopped at the bottom of the steps and did a long scan.
Once again, he didn’t find signs of life. “This is Safe Haven. You called us for help. Come on out now.”
When there wasn’t an answer, Kyle went deeper into the ship to search for whoever had contacted them.
Zack came down next. He was still amazed by the ship. Vintage was an understatement. A quick glance showed old appliances and even older paneling and supplies. The rank odor hit him next. “What is that smell and where is it coming from?”
Angela shrugged instead of telling Zack it was the smell of death. Tilly and all her group been carrying that odor from spending so much time living in a tomb. She was a bit surprised that he didn’t recognize it.
Zack followed Kyle to clear the inside of the ship.
Angela rotated at the bottom of the steps to clear the tiny front space that had two small windows covered in layers of filth and grit. It was so thick on the glass that she wasn’t able to see through it. The front part held a small desk built into the wall and a small stool, but there was no radio. How is that possible?
Angela studied the paperwork laying around; it was extremely brittle and yellowed even though the sunlight couldn’t penetrate down here. Everything in this compartment looked like it had been here for decades instead of a year and a half. Angela made a mental note to collect any log books that might be inside the small drawers.
She scanned the pictures on the wall next, matching the man in most of the photos to the shadow she had seen on the top deck, but none of them had any text to tell her who he was or when those photos been taken. All she could tell from them was that the man had been a little overweight, married, and wealthy. The wedding ring on his finger was gold around diamonds.
Angela admired the chipped wood and gold paneling that still gleamed in places, proclaiming it a once expensive vessel. Tiny, filthy portholes near the ceiling on each wall gave enough light for her to discern two bunkbed benches stacked on top of each other along one wall. On the other wall was a vinyl bench she assumed folded out into a table. Photos on these walls were the same as in the front compartment, but they showed the man holding trophies that she assumed had been won in this vessel. It looked much the same in the photos as it did now–grainy, blurry, and old.
Zack came back through the ship. “There’s no one here. We can’t find anyone.”
He began opening cabinets and drawers, and lifting ragged vinyl mattresses to make sure no one was hiding inside any of those locations. Angela could hear Kyle doing the same in the rear compartment.
Angela stepped around Zack and went to join Kyle.
The rear berth was a small, narrow space that held a tiny cubby with an ancient rust-filled toilet that she assumed would drop the waste out through the bottom of the ship. She wasn’t sure how bathrooms worked on any of their vessels, but this boat was so small that she doubted it had any real plumbing. The floor, however, was dry and dusty. The toilet obviously didn’t drop straight into the ocean, otherwise it would have backed up into the ship and sunken it.
Kyle had knelt. He was studying the dust covering the floor. “This looks like sand from a beach. How do you get sand inside a ship this far away from land?”
Angela didn’t have an answer. She studied the small sink and racks of unbroken wineglasses above it. Everything was covered in dust and grit. Next to the sink was a deep freezer. She wanted to open it to verify no one was inside, but she was positive that Kyle had already done so. She could see his fingerprints in the dust on it. “Was there anything in there?”
“The freezer and refrigerator are completely empty. Whoever outfitted this boat didn’t have access to a generator or maybe enough fuel to run those items. Or maybe they couldn’t find anything to put in them.”
That didn’t make sense to Angela. A boat on the ocean had access to fish. Not having enough fuel to run it did make sense. She turned back toward the middle compartment, where Zack was now exploring the vintage boat.
“Hang on, Boss.” Kyle pointed at the cabinets. “You should check that out.”
Angela opened the cabinet over the sink. It was completely full of canned goods and boxes.
She gently pulled one of the boxes out and stared at it in surprise. “They haven’t made these in a long time. The SamAndy Foods company went out of business 50 years ago.”
Kyle wasn’t done. “Look at the dates on the canned goods.”
Angela replaced the box and picked up a can with a faded label that boasted low moisture raisins were good for the heart. She immediately noticed the difference in the feel. It was a lot lighter and differently shaped than the canned goods she had bought before the war. The date stamp on it was barely legible. “Sell by July 5, 1961.” A cold chill went over Angela’s neck.
“I have a theory.”
Angela was eager to hear anything that would help this make sense. “Okay.”
“Maybe someone was trying to get away from a nearby landmass and this was the only vessel they could find. There was no point in emptying it beforehand or maybe they didn’t have time. If they came from Australia, it would also explain all the sand and dust all over everything.”
Angela wanted to believe that theory. She reluctantly denied it. “Where would they have found a vintage boat that hadn’t already been destroyed by the weather or the beach mobs?”
Kyle shrugged. “I said I had a theory, not a definite answer.”
“Fair enough.” Angela moved toward the steps. “I also have a theory about where they went.”
Kyle followed her. “Hit me with it.”
“In the recording, the man said he couldn’t find his wife. Maybe he went overboard searching for her.”
Kyle held in a shudder. “If that’s true, we made this stop for nothing.”
Angela quickly climbed the ladder. “Very likely, yes, but we’ll still hang out here for a little while, in case he gets lucky.”
Everything looked the same as they came back up from exploring the yacht, but it didn’t feel that way. There was a new tension in the light breeze that wasn’t welcome.
“I’ll take first watch if you like.”
“I would. Keep Trent out here with you. He needs to work on his fear of water.”
Trent heard that and flushed, but he didn’t argue.
Zack came up last. “What do you want to do with this boat?”
Angela carefully climbed over the hook. “There isn’t a reason to take it with us as damaged as it is. If it was in better shape, we could tow it.”
Zack understood that choice. “Maybe we should take it anyway. We might need it later. I might even be able to do some repairs on it, with the help of Kenn’s new Navy friend.”
Angela gave in reluctantly. “Fine. If the owner doesn’t show by morning, we’ll take it with us.” There was no danger of losing it since they had no plans to go too fast or to go under the water. Saul had left instructions on how to dive, but Angela didn’t want to do that unless it was absolutely necessary. “Check for fuel anywhere.”
“Yep.” Zack stopped near the hook and knelt as something shiny caught his attention. He picked it up, staring in surprise. “I think this is a piece of gold.”
None of the others were impressed with his find. They got back onto the submarine.
Zack stared. The shape was familiar, but he couldn’t place it. The gold nugget had obviously been reformed by human hands. “I guess we don’t need to collect this anymore.”
He still slid it into his pocket and then went to check the fuel tanks that were sitting near the mast at the rear of the yacht. This was a sailboat, but fuel was required to run the appliances.
Trent continued to stand watch as they got things set. His bad feeling grew stronger. Something’s really not right here.
He scanned the sky, where a bright green and gray cloud mass was slowly creeping toward them. “It looks like there’s a storm coming, Boss.”
Angela swept the distance. The cloud mass hadn’t been there when they first arrived, but it was only taking up small portion of the sky at this point. She decided not to worry about it. “We’re an hour or so away from sunset. Get us set to spend the night here.”
She looked around. “We don’t need the mission team freaking out over any of this. Keep it to yourselves.”
Trent nodded.
Zack paid no attention. He was completely distracted by exploring the top of the yacht.
Kyle held in a protest. As far as he was concerned, they needed to go now instead of spending the night.
Angela lifted a brow. “Do you have a reason to feel that way?”
Kyle reluctantly shook his head. “It’s nothing I can put my finger on.”
“You’re upset stomach is so noted.” Angela grinned, trying to break the tension.
It made Kyle’s frown increase until his eyebrows came together. “Whatever you say, Boss.”
Angela sighed. She didn’t feel good about staying here either, but if the owner of the boat had gone overboard, she didn’t want to sail off and leave them. “If it was one of us stranded, we would want our rescuers to stick around for a little while, you know?”
“Sure.” Kyle pushed away the bad feeling. “We’ll handle things here. Good luck handling things down there.”
Angela chuckled as she descended the ladder, but she wasn’t amused.
 
 
2
Wade met Angela at the bottom of the ladder. “They just sent word. Gus is waking up.”
Angela proceeded toward the medical bay. “Update me.”
Wade followed her. “The first round of medical exams are finished. Harry said they didn’t find anything we need to worry about right now.”
“All the kids are okay?”
Wade smiled. “Yes. Adrian even got them through their showers and into clean clothes, but they refused to go into the general bunks with everyone else. We’re letting them stay in the theater, like you said.”
“That’s fine for now. Is Biff with Adrian?”
“Yes, and Marc too.”
“Who’s with the kids?”
“Believe it or not, Dog and Charlie. The kids don’t have the same fear of canines that the adults do. As soon as they saw Dog, they started acting like kids again. Charlie’s keeping me posted on things in there.”
Angela went down the ladder to the bottom level. “Tell Ray to prep us for a storm. Make sure we don’t leave this spot.”
“Did you guys find anyone on the yacht?”
“No, that’s why we’re staying overnight. We think they went overboard looking for others who were washed off their ship.”
Wade doubted they would surface again. The ocean was no place to go for a swim.
Angela agreed with that, but she didn’t say so. “Anything else?”
“They got food ready for everyone. Your portion is being kept warm, along with bowls for Zack, Kyle, and Trent.”
“Bring them down when the storm gets here, or when it gets dark–whichever one comes first.” Angela slowed as she approached the medical bay. She liked to listen before interfering. So far, that was a solid strategy with the mission team. “I want the doorway blocked off to the reactor and generators. You can pile the supplies there. It’s a good place for the stuff from the lab to be sorted, too.”
“You got it, Boss.” Wade left to handle those things.
Angela passed the small dry goods storage compartment with fast glance inside that revealed Theo and Greg sitting at a small table. They were sharing a bottle of whiskey and a conversation. She didn’t order them to stop drinking, though she was certain she would have to make a call on it in the future. Right now, both men needed the companionship with someone who understood what they were going through. Angela had her own moments of depression, but she doubted the men would welcome her. Right now, they were both feeling like no one else understood them.
Angela entered the medical bay and went to the corner, out of the way. Harry and Shawn were in the middle of updating the files of the patients she had sent in earlier. The medical bay was filthy now. The garbage had spilled over onto the tile floor. Stacks of papers and folders were all the counters and trays, and the smell of the antiseptic from the thermometers was thick. It was obvious that this exam room had gotten a lot of use. Angela was surprised by it. She hadn’t expected the men to get so much done in just a few hours.
Angela went to the small isolation area, able to hear the soft murmurs of a conversation. She had asked Piper to stay with Gus until he woke up.
She peered in and saw Gus sitting up on the gurney. He had a bowl of food in his lap that he was consuming with gusto. Angela stayed there, listening.
Gus quickly swallowed the bite, fighting chills. “This is good!”
During his time in the lab, he had survived on ration bars that were given to the prisoners. He hadn’t enjoyed the food the way the others had.
Piper scooped another bite from her own bowl. “It tastes like the old chicken soup that my mom used to make before she had her heart attack and couldn’t spend time cooking anymore.”
Gus groaned as his stomach cramped. “I ate too fast.”
Piper took his mostly empty bowl when he held it out. She set it on the tray and then tugged his blanket up so that it covered his big, scarred shoulders. She could see him shivering. She put a hand on his cheek and quickly pulled away. “You’re too hot!”
Gus groaned. “I don’t feel well.”
Piper consulted the notes Harry had sent in for her. “He says it’s normal for you to have a reaction to the vaccine.”
She picked up a small bottle from the tray and began measuring out a dose. “Some Tylenol should help you through.”
Gus was suddenly exhausted. He leaned back and shut his lids. “Is it okay to mix it?”
Piper shrugged. “As far as we know. Harry looked through the medical books, but there wasn’t much to find. The work being done in Reicher’s lab was top-secret.”
Gus took the dose of medication and then settled under the warm blanket. He was willing to trust Harry. Being out of the lab was a relief. It was also great to not feel so angry. Being tired was wonderful in comparison to feeling out of control and dangerous all the time.
Piper noticed Angela.
Angela lifted a brow. Are you ready for a break?
“Nope.” Piper liked helping and there wasn’t much else she could do right now. It also kept her away from Dace. She enjoyed their relationship, but she didn’t want to rub it in to anyone else. Being on the submarine in such close quarters made it awkward for everyone during the moments where Dace felt like being affectionate.
Angela scanned Gus and was thrilled to discover no rage in his mind. It seemed like the vaccine was working. She didn’t like the side effects he was going through, however.
She joined Harry and Shawn at the counter. “Is it really normal for him to feel that way?” Her own medical knowledge was lacking in that area.
Harry gave the same answer. “As far as I know. There’s not much literature on it.”
Shawn scowled. “That’s because the old government didn’t care if patients had reactions to their shots. They only cared about how much money they made for injecting all of us!”
“I assume you believe the shots were responsible for autism in kids?” Harry clearly didn’t feel that way.
Shawn slapped the folder onto the counter. “Yes! Giving a child 48 shots of chemicals before they reached the age of 10 was insane. All we had to do was compare that to the rise in autism rates. It matched perfectly!”
Harry glared. “Correlation does not equal causation. There were a lot of factors you’re not including in there, like diet, parental ages and habits, and environmental exposure to other toxins.”
“Bullshit! If you see someone drink from a well and then they fall over dead, it just makes sense to assume the water is poison.”
Harry was already tired of the subject. “Well, we are not like the old government. If we start using vaccines again and we see problems, then we’ll stop and do the research. We won’t shame anyone for having a different theory and we won’t continue to use a product that hurts people. Happy now?”
“No!” Shawn immediately took the other side of the argument. “What happens if we have an outbreak that kills everyone?”
Harry smacked his folder against the counter this time. “Then I guess we’ll all die, won’t we?”
Angela slipped out of the medical bay before either of them could involve her in that argument. She wasn’t worried about the emotions either man was showing. There was a big difference between anger and passion.
She did have her own opinions and theories about the topic they were debating, but there was little use in wasting her time on it right now. Harry was right that they wouldn’t keep using something that was hurting their citizens, but Shawn was also right in that correlation often did equal causation. The old world governments hadn’t cared and that’s why they had stopped all research into any cause that might have made them shut down their programs.
They had claimed vaccines saved millions of lives and in most cases, that was true, but their unwillingness to admit that some vaccines were more harmful than helpful was one of the reasons so many citizens had distrusted the government. I don’t ever want things to be that way in Safe Haven. I want people to know that no matter what we’re going through, I will try to protect each individual life as if it were my own. I don’t believe that the good of the many should outweigh the good of the few. I love them all.
Wade came back in time to catch that. He smiled. “Your belief that we’re all important is part of what makes you such a great leader.”
Angela returned his smile. “And your ability to tell what a woman needs to hear is part of why all the men in my camp want to be like you.”
It was a good moment for both of them. They hoped it would last through the coming storm and into the night.
Neither of them thought it would.

 
Chapter Five
You Can Trust Me
 
1
“I’m ready to eat now. Keep an eye on things for me.”
“You got it.” Wade resumed his continuous rounds of the submarine. He was getting great exercise today. He had little doubt that he would sleep well when she finally pulled him off duty.
Angela went to the mess. It could easily hold more than 200 people at a time; only having a couple dozen in here made it look almost deserted. Over the week they had spent traveling here, Angela had kept her crew busy with a basic clean of the top level. This bottom level needed the same attention. There was dust all over everything, including the tables. Most people didn’t care, though a few of them had wiped off the surface before they sat with their trays and began to eat.
Angela saw the military men were still wearing the same clothes they had been in upon leaving the lab. Everyone else had showered and changed into the outfits Angela had brought along. Some of it didn’t fit right, but all of it was clean and none of it would remind them of their time in captivity. She needed to get the military men to do the same. Looking at them was a reminder none of the mission team needed.
All of the military men were sitting together, except for Thomas, who was serving those in line at the counter. The mess smelled wonderful. Whatever the Navy man was cooking was making her stomach growl.
He looked happy to be here. The other military men didn’t. They were studying everyone else with sly gleams that implied they were thinking bad thoughts.
Angela scanned the room again and found the three subjects she had brought along sitting at a small table in the corner by themselves. Those men were gulping down the food so fast that they were gasping in air between bites. Their thin bodies were hard to look at. She assumed Reicher hadn’t been feeding them for a reason, but she didn’t know what it was yet.
Nearby, Goldie and Isabel were sharing a table and a meal but not talking. She doubted they had much to say to each other. Despite a common bond of wanting to save their children, they were different in almost every other way. Their biggest similarity at the moment was pain from their injuries. They were both scarred, beaten, and bruised.
Shawn, Harry, Biff, and Kenn were at a table together and they were talking. Their conversation echoed through the mess and brought comfort. They were discussing the positive results of the exams that had been done today. It was a relief to find out none of them were carrying anything that could be spread to the rest of the people on this sub. No one had life-threatening injuries either. Everyone would survive Reicher’s reign.
Angela also spotted Harry’s displeasure, though he was trying hard to hide it. He hadn’t gotten to use his new gifts; it hadn’t been needed.
She saw him twitch as she entered. She knew that was a normal reaction, but she couldn’t help feeling guilty over it.
Silence fell among the mission men as they watched Angela go to the food line.
Everyone else continued what they’d been doing. Very few of them even noticed her arrival. It was a huge difference from the way she had always been greeted in Safe Haven. Angela wasn’t sure if she liked it.
Thomas smiled at her and quickly retrieved the large bowl he had set aside. He put it on a tray and poured her a cup of milk. “I hope you like it.”
Angela inhaled deeply. “If it tastes as good as smells, I’ll be stuffed when I waddle out of here.”
Thomas grinned in pleasure. “Then I did it right.”
Angela picked up her tray, eyeing the various containers on it. She wasn’t keen on tasting most of them. She went to the center table and sat. For a brief instant, it felt like she was at home.
Kenn got up and joined Angela, bringing his coffee mug. He sat across from her and stared.
Angela glared at him. “You not even going to let me eat?”
Kenn flushed. “Sorry. I need to get this out of the way. It’s important.”
Angela sighed in resignation. “Fine. What’s on your mind?” She scooped a large bite of the chicken soup and began eating.
“Several things.” Kenn pushed the saltshaker closer to her. In his opinion, the soup needed it. “I’d like to talk about Tonya first.”
Angela was a little surprised he had chosen that conversation over the other desires flashing in his brain like neon signs. She swallowed her bite and then picked up the saltshaker. Kenn was right. It needed it. “I’ll support whatever decision she makes. If she decides to leave you, then you’ll have to learn to live with it. If you get out of hand, like you did with me, you’ll be removed. There is no other option.”
Kenn smiled in relief. “Thank you.”
Angela understood he was afraid of reverting to his old self. Despite everything he had done to her, she was sympathetic. “She loves you. I doubt you have anything to worry about. Just continue being a good person and giving her the support that she needs, and everything should be fine.”
“I heard about Tobias and Rico.”
Angela scooped another bite as her stomach growled again. “When humans are lonely, outside attention is often welcome. When they’re not, it gets shut down on the spot. You’ve seen how it works.”
Kenn wasn’t satisfied with that. “She was a cheater when we met. How do I know that won’t continue?”
Angela snorted out hard laughter. “That’s rich.”
Kenn flushed. He was a cheater, not Tonya. The true concern flew out of his lips. “Would she be better off without me?”
Angela immediately nodded. “Of course. You’re always going to be able to lead her into temptation because she loves you. If you stepped aside, she would become one of the most valued members in Safe Haven. We need her more than we’ve ever needed you.”
Kenn tried not to be crushed. “I’ll think about it.”
After having been with Kenn for so long, Angela knew exactly how to handle him. He was the only member of the mission team she felt that way about. “You’re still a selfish, conniving, self-serving son of a bitch, you know?”
Silence fell through the mess as her words echoed. The military men looked over in surprise.
Kenn’s face tightened. “Yes, I do!” It was a struggle to hold onto his calm demeanor.
Angela pushed harder. “Why are you pretending like everything’s fine? Is that the old Kenn trying to get out again?”
Kenn quickly denied that. “I just don’t want to freak out like everyone else is doing.”
Angela’s voice hardened. “I’ve never known you to be afraid of anything, Grunt. What the hell is your problem?!”
Kenn’s control over his emotions failed. Shockingly, tears filled his eyes. He didn’t say anything, but the site of his misery rolling down his cheeks proved he was traumatized.
Angela felt bad for doing it, but it was necessary. She continued to use a hard voice with him because that was the only thing Kenn had ever responded to. “You’re going to recover. I have faith that you can do it. Remember who you are and where you came from, and spend time with Adrian. That’s an order. You may not like what he has to say, but it will help.”
Kenn was relieved. He also hated her for being able to ignore his pain. He understood he deserved that and more for the way he had treated her and Charlie, but it was still hard to handle.
Angela refused to show more sympathy for him. If she did, he would take it as an opening for a future they would never have. It would also send him back into the mental state that was allowing him to deny he had been severely abused in Reicher’s lab. For Kenn to be able to get over this, he had to face all of it.
Kenn wiped his face, aware of everyone in the mess now observing him in surprise. He was always a hardass; these emotions were unexpected. “I don’t want to stop scroll diving.”
This was the conversation Angela had been dreading. She didn’t want him to stop scroll diving either. The information he would bring back would be amazing and invaluable. “It comes at too high of a cost. When you’re down there, you don’t care about anything else. You ignored Tonya’s misery and you were willing to seduce away one of my camp members to come and be a captive in the lab so you could continue your research. I can’t allow that, Kenn. You have to stop now, or I’ll lock you up.”
Kenn knew she meant locking his gifts and not physically. He still pushed up from the table with an ugly glare.
Angela’s orbs turned bright red as she looked at him. “Don’t make me kill you. You already know I want to. I’ve wanted to for a long time. If you break our truce, I will.”
In a physical fight, Kenn had no doubt about being able to beat her. He’d done it many times before. Her training in Safe Haven meant nothing compared to his size and skills. Her gifts, however, were unmatched. He reluctantly sat back down.
Angela resumed eating, waiting for him to say the magic words.
Kenn suddenly understood what she wanted. He balked mentally, but in the end, there wasn’t a choice. “What if I only do it when you say I can?”
Angela acted as if she was just now considering that idea, when in fact, it was what she had been pushing for. She really didn’t want any of them to stop. “If I could trust you to keep your word on that, I would consider it.”
Kenn immediately brightened. “I’ll only go in when you tell me to, I promise. You can trust me.”
Angela didn’t snort or ridicule him this time. She’d gotten what she needed. Now it was time to be nice. “I’ll let you know in a few days. Until then, leave it alone. Show me you’re strong enough to do it and I’ll be a lot more likely to agree.”
Kenn swallowed a protest. He wanted to go to his bunk and dive right now. “I’ll try hard.”
Angela gave him a small smile. “Good. Now go away so I can finish eating.”
Kenn left the table, but he didn’t leave the mess. He wasn’t sure he could trust himself if he was alone. He went back to the table with Biff and the two medics and tried not to consider how much he wanted to be lost in his brain.
Angela felt the other military men wondering why Kenn tolerated her leadership. A couple of them even sent him mental support for a takeover.
Angela let it go. I’ll fry them later.
Silence fell as more people entered the mess. Then the hoots and catcalls started.
The women cringed from the loud, crude comments. It reminded them of the riot in the lab where many of their fellow breeders had been attacked and then removed. They hurried to the counter for trays.
The military men continued to make inappropriate comments.
Angela sighed. Maybe I should fry them now.
I’ll handle it. Kenn went to the table and opened fire with his mind.
Military men froze or groaned in pain. They didn’t fight back.
It told Angela they were used to being corrected that way. She was a bit surprised they were tolerating the punishment from Kenn, though. She assumed he had become their leader while he was in the lab.
She got up and left, taking her bowl of soup along. I don’t want to treat my subjects that way. I use pain for control in rare situations. I can’t let that become the norm.
Behind her, the new refugees approved of Kenn’s tactics.
The Safe Haven people observed in disapproval. Like Angela, they didn’t agree with that control method.
Angela went to the bunks next. She stopped in the doorway as usual, scanning before entering.
The bunk area was able to hold twice the amount of people as the mess. A few of these dusty beds already held someone’s gear or kit, but most of them were empty. It was eerie to her that all the beds were neatly made with a blanket rolled at the bottom, near a small footlocker. The submarine had once held hundreds of men and women serving in the military. She doubted any of them were still alive.
Cody handed another piece of tape to Cate. “We’re almost finished.”
Cate and Cody were once again dressed identically. If not for Cate’s hair being shorter, it would have been difficult to tell them apart. In the future, Angela expected the twins to use that to their advantage. She hoped it would only be to play pranks, and not for nefarious purposes.
Angela saw their crayon drawings all over the walls and bunks. She took another bite of her cooling soup as she studied them. She barely understood the shapes and symbols. I need to learn that language.
Cody took the last drawing over to the center row of bunks. “Which one is yours?”
Angela hadn’t chosen a bed yet.  She swallowed. “You pick it.”
Cody put the picture on the bars of a center bunk.
Cate taped it into place.
Angela concentrated. “Nightmare wards?”
Cody nodded. “And dream walking prevention. Everyone will get good sleep tonight.”
Angela scooped another bite. “How long will they last?”
Cate came over to her. “A few weeks. Then we’ll have to do new ones.”
Angela put the bite into Cate’s mouth.
Cody laughed. “She knows you didn’t eat yet.”
“Why not?”
Cate chewed and swallowed, making a face. “Chicken. Yuck!”
Angela laughed with Cody, but it did concern her a little that Cate didn’t seem to enjoy any meat. She needed the protein.
“I miss hotdogs.”
Angela put the bowl into Cody’s hands. “Finish that. Get her to take a few bites.” Angela got her notebook out and began making notes and update entries. She was certain they could figure out how to make hotdogs. It would just take some research and some work.
Cate ducked so Cody had to take the next bite. She reached out and rubbed Angela’s belly bump. “How’s the baby?”
Angela tensed. “No contact yet… It’s a bit early.”
Cody immediately scanned her for problems.
Angela waited with her heart in her throat.
“Nothing wrong that I can see.” Cody gave her a stern look. “Go see Harry.”
Cate’s mouth opened to echo that order.
Cody shoved a bite in.
Angela snickered. “Good job.”
Cate made another face, but she ate it.
Cody motioned toward the door with the empty spoon.
Angela reluctantly gave in. If the news was bad, she would be crushed once again. But I’ll handle it better because I’m not really bonded to it this time. I’ve protected my sanity.
Cody took a bite, then handed the mostly empty bowl to Cate. He studied the bunks, searching for any areas they’d missed.
Cate made herself eat the rest of the food. Her new mommy wanted it and Cate wanted her new mommy to be happy.
Cody nodded. “So do I. We have to help her keep the baby. If it dies, we might lose her.”
“Why?”
“She’s acting like it doesn’t matter, but it’s the most important thing in the world.”
“Because of Sarah?”
“Yes.” Cody smiled. “We’ll love her and teach her to be kind. The Creator will be happy when he returns.”
“What if she’s mean?”
Cody began gathering the garbage. “We can’t let that happen. She’ll be stronger than us. If she’s mean, she might destroy the rest of the world.”
“Then no mommy again?”
“Exactly.”
 
 
2
Dog fell in as Angela walked through the submarine.
Dog was putting on weight from lack of exercise. The small paunch hanging from his stomach was a sign that being cooped up in the submarine wasn’t good for him. Angela was looking forward to reaching their destination so he could run free again. She reached down and rubbed his ears. “It’s good to have you on duty.”
I’m staying away from the others.
“Good. I’m sorry they’re scared of you. We have to give them time to adjust.”
Dog looked up at her in concern. What if they don’t?
Angela had already considered that possibility. “We just have to remind them you’re one of us.”
Dog was satisfied with that explanation. He stayed next to her, big head swinging back and forth in search of threats. I don’t like it that you don’t have a guard right now.
Angela chuckled pointedly. “I do, though. Some of the others just may not like who it is.”
Dog dropped back a little as she reached the medical bay. He could hear people inside.
“Damn.” Angela wasn’t happy to find Harry and Shawn back in there already.
The medical bay smelled like antiseptic again. Many of the folders and files had been put away and the trash was bagged up. It would have to be taken to the incinerator, but she didn’t want most of the crew near that area yet. It was still a bad reminder of everything they had gone through during their cruise to the island.
Harry waved her in. “What can I do for you, Boss?”
Angela stayed in the doorway. She thought fast. “Dog needs a checkup.”
Dog looked up at her in surprise. What did I ever do to you?
Shawn and Harry spotted the wolf behind her at the same time. It didn’t affect Shawn as badly. He feared the hounds they had faced in Reicher’s lab, but he knew Dog wasn’t a threat to them. He still scowled deeply. “Get him out of here!”
Angela studied Harry’s reaction. His whole body had tensed, and his hands were clenching into fists. He was in the middle of gathering energy for a vicious defense. “Stop. Think. Don’t let the fear control you.”
Harry lifted his deformed hand and clenched the remaining fingers. He didn’t rant at her or make threats. He didn’t need to. He kept gathering energy for a nasty spell that would kill the wolf with one shot.
Angela brought up her shield to cover herself and Dog. She didn’t leave, however. She had thought of a way to get Harry through his fear a little easier than with some of the others. “You have a lot of new gifts. Are any of them the x-rays, like Morgan can do?”
Harry didn’t want to hurt Dog. He fought the fear. “I hadn’t gotten that far yet.”
Angela was impressed by how Harry was controlling himself. His entire brain was screaming at him to do something before he was attacked again. “Do I have to hurt you for you to be able to make an advancement?”
Harry was distracted a little more. “I don’t know. I’ve been considering that a lot, but I haven’t come up with an answer.”
Angela forced a hard tone. “What if I threaten you with removing your ability to do any of it? Would that be enough?”
Harry’s fear switched targets. “Don’t shut me down, Boss! Please!”
Angela slowly lowered her shield. “I want you to make sure his insides are okay.”
Harry looked at Dog again. The fear returned, but it couldn’t match the worry about not being able to use his gifts anymore. He concentrated from where he was standing.
Dog sat next to Angela and waited patiently. He had faith that she would bring her shield up in time if Harry’s fear got the best of him. As long as it didn’t, Dog was fine with being a test subject. If this works, no more probing!
Angela chuckled softly. “For both of us.” She didn’t want an invasive medical exam either.
In the small rear room, Biff came to the door. When they had returned from the mess, he’d gone in to sit with Gus, but that sick man was sleeping again, and Piper had left to go get food. Biff studied Dog from the entrance, also fighting his fear. I know that’s Dog. I know he won’t hurt me. I also want him dead. How do I get over that?
All of the alert descendants in the room caught that. It was a question they didn’t have an answer to.
Biff was horribly embarrassed about his earlier outburst, but he didn’t think he could control himself right now either. He went back in with Gus and sat in the chair where he could see them all.
Angela was pleased that Biff had managed to do that much without striking out. “You’re all doing an amazing job. I mean it.”
Harry glowered. “That isn’t helping me.”
Angela shrugged. “You’re going to have to figure out how to do it without abuse at some point.”
Harry’s concentration broke. He sighed. “It’s not going to work.”
Angela looked at the wolf. “You do it.” She gestured toward Harry.
Dog whined. They’re already scared of me.
“I know. That’s why it will work. At least something good will come out of it.”
Dog pawed the ground in frustration. I don’t want to do this! A low growl came out of his throat.
Biff immediately stood up.
Shawn shifted between Biff and Dog. He understood what Angela was trying to do.
Harry’s fear took over. It pushed him through the mental door where he was able to access the new ability. Immediately distracted, he opened the gift in his mind and began scanning the wolf from ears to tail.
Angela started to rub Dog’s fur again. “Thank you.”
Dog pulled away angrily. Do it yourself next time!
“Not unless I absolutely have to.”
Harry smiled. “There’s nothing wrong with him that I can see.”
Dog turned his tail toward Angela. She’s the one who needs the exam. She lied to you.
Now Angela looked down in wounded surprise. “That was mean!”
Dog padded off with his ears up and his tail down. Now you know how it feels.
Biff and everyone else relaxed as soon as the wolf was out of sight. Harry even gave a small chuckle. “So, you’re next, huh?”
Angela reluctantly entered. “Yes. I haven’t felt any movement yet and my stomach is staying upset. I’m sure it’s all normal.”
Harry gathered his remaining energy and began scanning her for problems. A huge smile stayed on his face. I learned a new gift and I didn’t lose any body parts or my mind. This is awesome!
Marc appeared behind Angela. She felt him arrive, though he didn’t speak or interrupt them.
Tension refilled the medical bay as Harry’s smile faded.
Angela braced for bad news.
Marc put a hand on her shoulder to offer comfort.
“It’s a girl.” Harry forced himself to continue. “Mothers usually can’t feel the movement until the fourth month, so you are a little early...”
Angela could tell there was more by his tone. “But?”
Harry met her eye. “But the baby isn’t moving at all. I couldn’t detect a heartbeat.” Harry hurried to offer platitudes as sadness crossed her face. “It was my first time using this gift. I may have overlooked things. Let me do a normal exam.”
“I’ll come back to you in a couple of weeks, sooner if something changes. Keep working with that new gift so you get better at it.” Angela stepped by Marc and continued down the hall. “I’ll be around.”
Marc watched her shoulders for signs that she was crying, but there wasn’t any. He also didn’t feel any sadness or depression. It was almost like she didn’t care.
Marc recognized the defense mechanism. It reminded him strongly of being in the lab. All of them had developed defenses to keep from facing the horror. He suddenly felt closer to her than he had since the rescue. Maybe she can understand.
Harry looked over at Marc. “But can she help us?”
Marc sighed deeply. “That has not been revealed.”

Book #19
Troubled Waters
 
From the Author

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