Page 28 of Whispers and Warriors
“Absolutely.”
He tossed him hands into the air in surrender. “Far be it from me to ignore a command from a lady. I’ll take first watch behind the wheel. The rest of you, grab some food.”
And I’ll pray we put enough distance between my card scan at the gas station and the military because three hours is a long ass delay.
The closer tofour ‘o clock the truck’s clock read the more a palpable tension settled over the group. Chris’ eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, alert for any sign of trouble. His hand never strayed far from the gun concealed beneath his jacket, but thus far he hadn’t had to pull it out.
Emma sat beside him, tucked against his side. Despite her disguise as first means of protection, Chris couldn’t ignore the nervous energy radiating off her in waves. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, silently communicating his support and determination to see them through this.
Liam and Alex stood nearby, their postures and their eyes training across the docks. Liam’s usually carefree demeanor was replaced by a steely resolve, his bright blue eyes narrowed in concentration. Alex’s hand rested on the hilt of his knife, a habit Chris noticed he developed during their time transporting Emma.
William and Bash emerged from the back of the truck, their faces grim. The wind quickly tousled William’s blond hair, uncovering how his youthful features were set in a determined expression. Bash’s piercing green eyes darted around the docks, his muscular frame coiled like a spring, ready to act at a moment’s notice.
Alex, broke through the moment, his voice cutting through the tension with a well-timed quip. “Well, it’s been fun, old girl,” he said, patting the side of the truck with mock affection. “But it’s time for us to part ways. Try not to miss us too much.”
The group chuckled, the humor a welcome respite from the gravity of their situation. Chris shook his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Leave it to Alex to find levity in the most unlikely of places.
As the laughter subsided, the atmosphere shifted back, leaving behind the charge of urgency on the air.
It was time to go, to take the next step in their journey. Chris turned to face his team knowing his expression a mix of determination and concern. He could mask it, but that wasn’t how they operated.
“Alright, everyone, gear check. Make sure you have everything you need. We don’t know what we’re walking into, so we need to be prepared for anything, but we obviously can’t take everything.”
He stood and watched as his unit moved with practiced efficiency, each member double-checking their equipment, securing straps and adjusting holsters. The sound of metal clinking against metal filled the air as they readied themselves for the unknown.
Emma stood tall, her disguise firmly in place, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination that made Chris love her even more. She was a force to be reckoned with, a survivor in every sense of the word. Even the heavy pack didn’t seem to bring her down, but Chris worried if she struggled to move with it, it would draw help to her side that could leave her exposed.
But if she doesn’t carry one, and has no injuries, it’ll draw even more attention.
Chris scanned their surroundings, his senses heightened, his body coiled like a spring ready to snap into action at the first sign of danger. They’d passed the hours with zero interference, which left him highly on edge their luck could, and would, change.
The rules and regulations of leadership sat heavily on his shoulders as he led the group forward, hyper-aware of Emma’spresence behind him. No matter what his men thought, every mission he’d lead them on saw him this on edge. It was his responsibility to ensure they all came back alive each time. Something that was only increased with Emma’s presence. Every damn choice he made could be the difference between life and death for one or all of them.
Including this choice.
With each step, they drew closer to the edge of the pier, to the ship that held the promise of a better future.
Surveying the docks, his eyes flicked from one potential threat to another. He calculated every possible outcome, analyzing strategies and contingencies in a matter of seconds. But the adrenaline pumping through his veins kept him focused and determined. He couldn’t let fear paralyze him, not when so much was at stake. With Emma by his side and his team counting on him, he found the strength to push forward, even ask he wondered if one day he wouldn’t need to take the lead. If one day they wouldn’t be safe enough not to need such preparations for their every move.
As they approached the area where they’d spotted the smuggler hours ago, Chris raised a fist, signaling the group to halt. His eyes scanned the surroundings, searching for any sign of danger, any hint of a threat lurking in the shadows.
The dilapidated buildings loomed over them, their broken windows and crumbling facades a stark reminder of the world they’d lost. Silence hung heavy in the air, broken only by the distant creaking of metal and the whisper of the wind through the empty alleys.
Chris’s heart pounded in his chest as he took a step forward, his boots crunching on the gravelly ground.
“Stay sharp,” he murmured, his voice low and steady. “We don’t know what we’re walking into except a very greedy man looking to further himself.”
He glanced back at Emma, his gaze locking with hers for a brief moment. In her eyes, he saw a reflection of his determination, a fierce resolve to see this through no matter the cost.
With a nod, he turned back to the task at hand.We stay cautious, be prepared for anything.The smuggler was their best chance at reaching the ship, but Chris knew all too well that trust was a rare commodity in this new world order.
He scanned the area once more, his trained eyes picking out potential hiding spots, possible ambush points. The alleys appeared empty, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, that unseen eyes were tracking their every move.
“Emma,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the pounding of his own heart. “Stay close to me. If anything happens, if things go south...”
He let the words trail off, unable to give voice to the fear that gnawed at his gut. Losing Emma was not an option, not now, not ever. He would lay down his life to keep her safe, to ensure that she had a chance at a future beyond this hell on earth.
Emma’s hand brushed against his, a fleeting touch that sent a jolt of electricity through his veins. “I’m not going anywhere,” she whispered, her voice fierce with determination. “You might want me to, but I’m not.”
