Rebel Heart

Without Brady. Her smile faded, pain filling her breast. If only she hadn't been so angry at him when they parted. Or if they'd met at a different time. Or if the helo hadn't gone down.

Near tears again, Lana retreated to the guest bedroom, sat on the bed, and withdrew the micro. She began to plot a route west. Jack stretched out on the floor beside the bed. Her gaze went to him in consideration, and she wondered if it was better to take or leave him.

The emerops facilities were placed strategically, with one never more than two days from the next closest depot. Of course, most of those travel days were by vehicle of some sort. She chewed her lip as she watched the micro map multiple routes, gauging how much food and water she'd have to carry to survive. And ammo. She'd have to take as much as she could.

She cried herself into a restless sleep. Jack's snoring and the Horsemen under her pillow kept her from sleeping well. She couldn't stop thinking of Brady. She even caught herself touching her ear to keep from sliding her finger behind it to the subcutaneous net implant. Even if she had one more chance to talk to him, she wasn't sure what she'd say. But she missed the sound of his voice, and her body yearned for his touch again.

When dawn outlined the boards hammered across the windows, she rose. Mrs. Watson was already up, and the scents of bacon and eggs reminded Lana how long she'd gone without real food. The elderly woman sat at the small kitchen table, her weapons within reach.

"I have these for you," Mrs. Watson said and held up two bags. "Anti-sleepers and appetite suppressants. I hated these things, but you might need them."

"Thank you."

"Sit down. Eat."

Lana did. She ate fast and had second helpings. Mrs. Watson sipped tea and waited for her to finish before she motioned to the clothing slung over the back of the couch.

"You should be dressed in civilian clothes. These were my daughter's. I packed you a bag with a change of clothes. I only have one weapon that takes that ammo, so you can take it all. I repaired your boots last night. You're set."

"You don't know how much this means to me," Lana said with feeling. "I couldn't do it without your kindness."

"Nonsense. You'd find a way. I'm just helping start you off right. Keep in mind the vandals and thugs are out at night. You'll want to find a place to sleep where you can protect yourself. And you must take Jack. I packed enough food for Jack for three days."