Page 37 of Zero Visibility

“You heard the man,” Cole said. “Let’s get it started. We’ll pull out the Suburban and follow Isaac. Take as many people as we can. The injured and civilians go first. Isaac, you’re our lead. Get them set up at the cabin and come back for more people. Ben, come with us. I want you to stay with Tegan and Jen for protection.”

Ben stood. “Stay here where it’s warm. I’ll be right back. Cole, you need to come with us. You’re still recovering yourself.”

Cole shook his head. “I’m fine.” He went to the back of the cargo plane and eased the Suburban from inside.

Tegan remained seated by himself and Jen’s heart went out to him. She couldn’t imagine being faced with those choices.

Ben entered the back of the plane again. “All right, we have twenty-two people to load. The Suburban can handle eight. The Jeep another six, though it will be a tight squeeze. That leaves eight who will have to stay behind until the next trip.”

“I’ll stay with Will,” Peter told him.

“We’ll stay, too,” Lucas Xavier, the team’s paramedic turned to his partner. Charlotte Fielding readily agreed. “We’re both former military. We can assist if something goes south here.”

“Jordyn, Garrett, Deacon and I can stay as well,” Lincoln looked to each person who willingly agreed.

“Thanks. I appreciate all your sacrifices,” Ben told his team and helped Jen to her feet and into the Suburban with the others, while Isaac and five other people climbed in the Jeep.

Ben put the Suburban into four-wheel-drive mode, and they followed Isaac toward the first ridge. Climbing under near blizzard conditions in a vehicle crammed with people was one of the worst rides she’d ever been in. Each twist and turn reminded her of the injuries she’d sustained and the baby she carried.

Ben squeezed her hand. “Almost there. Just over this next ridge.”

Jen closed her eyes and leaned against the seat. Her prayer was disjointed. It didn’t make sense to her, but God would understand her thoughts and guide them safely to the cabin.

Chapter Thirteen

“Let’s get you inside,” Ben told his wife. She’d been through so much. He was terrified for her and their child. He hopped out and lifted Jen into his arms following Isaac into the cabin.

It was a true hunter’s camp and his heart sank. How would so many people be able to live comfortably here? They had no idea how long they’d be in hiding.

“I know it’s small, but once the fire is going, it’ll be warm and dry,” Isaac spotted his reaction. “There’s a small bedroom at the back with four bunkbeds. Jen, you can use one of them to rest.”

She shook her head. “I’m okay.” But she wasn’t. She needed to take it easy. Jen smiled up at him. “I promise I will,” she said as if reading his mind.

He sat her down on the sofa and glanced around. There was a U-shaped room that housed a small kitchen. A sink that would have to have water carried in to be usable. A pantry at the back of the kitchen that Ben hoped was well stocked. On the opposite wall from the sofa was a table and chairs.

“There we go.” Isaac watched the fire take life with a nod of satisfaction. “That should keep you warm.”

Jen smiled her gratitude.

“Oh, and I have some blankets.” He disappeared into the room he indicated was the bedroom and returned carrying a heavy blanket.

“Thanks, Isaac.” Jen wrapped it around herself.

“Tegan, come over to the fire and get warmed,” Isaac urged, but the man shook his head and remained by the door.

Though Cole tried to remain strong, he was suffering from his own injuries. He’d almost died at Legion’s hands and his strength hadn’t fully returned. He sank down to one of the two chairs and closed his eyes.

“Doris, why don’t you see if you can prepare some food for our gang?” Isaac smiled at his wife. “I’ll carry in the food we brought with us.”

“Let me help.” Everett followed him out while Nancy went to the kitchen to assist Doris.

Ben went over to Tegan and clasped his arm. “Look at me.” Tegan slowly raised his eyes to Ben’s. “You did a bad thing for a good reason. I can’t imagine having to make that choice. I’m not going to judge you, Tegan, and neither is anyone else here.”

Tegan’s face crumbled. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know what to do.”

“I wish you’d come to me. You’re my friend. We’ll get through this.”

Tegan slowly nodded. “Okay.”

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