Page 24 of Her Shadow

10

SAM

Kara had gone out scouting with a small team of hunters, leaving Sam to help organize what little supplies they had left. Sam wanted to go on the expedition, but Kara thought it was better if she stayed back and continued to try to make acquaintances with the people of Fort Haven. There had been improvements, but there was still a long way to go. Kara had told her it was all in her imagination, that she was too sensitive, but Sam believed firmly that no matter how much she gave, it was never going to be enough.

Sam entered the main marquee, where a few of the captain’s right-hand people were gathered. Her stomach tightened at the sight of Riley and Marla whispering in the corner, their faces grim.

What are they muttering about? Me again? I thought Marla was my friend.

The familiar ache of being an outsider crept into her chest, but she squared her shoulders. She wasn’t about to back down. She had every right to be here and was working her ass off to help this community. Even if some days she felt like packingher bag and heading back to the tribe. Even if that had stopped feeling like home.

I wonder if they even miss me? I doubt it. Most of them didn’t like me in charge. I miss them, though. Well, I miss some of them.

But as she approached, the uneasy looks they exchanged immediately told her something was wrong.

“What’s up?” Sam asked. She realized that she was perhaps speaking a little too loudly when she heard her voice cutting through the murmurs and echoing around the room.

Riley turned to face her. She couldn’t read his expression. However, when she glanced at Marla, she immediately saw that her eyes were hard as they settled on her. There was no warmth there, no hint of empathy.

“Sam, do you have a minute?” Riley began, his tone clipped. “We need to talk.”

A prickle of dread ran down her spine. “Sure. What would you like to talk about?”

“The storeroom,” he said in a low grumble. Sam had the impression he was choosing his words carefully. “We’ve been through everything twice and it seems there’s some supplies missing. A lot of supplies, as a matter of fact.”

Sam’s stomach felt off as if a knot were forming in her intestines. “Really? That’s weird.”

“Weird? Yeah, it’s weird. We did a check this morning,” Marla said, stepping forward, her eyes locked on Sam. “The medical kits we assembled last week, quite a few canned goods—stuff we found out in Eastborough a few weeks ago. It’s all gone.”

“River brought all those medical supplies over for us. She made the journey all the way over here. She’s got better stuff to do, you know? They have a baby,” said Riley.

“I know. I’ve met her. It’s wonderful that you guys help each other out. But none of this sounds right to me,” Sam said,shaking her head. “I counted all the stuff River brought over. I was helping inventory everything yesterday. It took all day.”

“We know. And we’ve been told that you were the last one in the storeroom,” Marla snapped, her voice sharp with accusation. “Did you lock up properly?”

Sam’s mouth went dry. “Of course I did. And I gave the key to the captain. I didn’t take anything. Is that what you’re trying to get at? I was doing my job. Jesus!”

Riley exchanged a glance with Marla before turning back to Sam. “What are we supposed to think?”

Sam stared at them, heart pounding in her chest. “You’re supposed to trust me. Why would I steal from you? Why would I steal a load of bandages? Antiseptic creams? What are you even talking about?”

Marla crossed her arms over her chest, her face twisted in disgust. “It wasn’t just River’s medical supplies. There was a ton of food, as well. Maybe you’re wanting to steal all our gear and take it back to your nomads.”

“A ton of food? Really?” snapped Sam in a snarky tone. “I doubt it. There were about ten cans of soup, for God’s sake! You know that Kara was a friend of River’s, right? Before all this fucking mess? Why would I do something like that? I live with Kara. She’d know if I snuck in boxes of fucking medical supplies from her friend, wouldn’t she? Why would I do it?”

“Because you’re not one of us,” said Riley. “You never have been.”

The words hit Sam like a punch to the gut. “For fuck’s sake, Riley!”

“Less of the language, please. There are kids around,” said Marla as she looked toward the door.

“No, there aren’t. I’m not the swearing type, butfuck me! You guys are a nightmare. I’ve done nothing but try to prove myselfsince I got here. I’ve risked my life for you fucking people. You can’t honestly think I’d steal from you.”

Riley sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Sam, it’s not just this one incident. People have been talking. This has been going on since you arrived. And as far as I can see...it just confirms what people have feared.”

“Feared?” Sam’s voice cracked as her frustration caused her throat to tighten. “What have I actually done to make anyone fear me?”

“It’s not about what you’ve done,” Marla said, her voice laced with contempt. “Well, apart from killing that woman no questions asked. Everyone knows about that.”

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