Page 25 of Whispers and Warriors
She sighed, leaning her head against Liam’s shoulder. “We have to keep going. Keep fighting for something better than just surviving in the middle of nowhere. I guess sometimes I just wish...”
“That we didn’t have to fight at all,” Liam finished for her, his voice heavy with understanding. “That we could just...be together without the constant threats hanging over our heads.”
“Exactly.” Emma closed her eyes, letting herself sink into the solid warmth of him
“For what it’s worth,” Chris chimed in. “They’d find us there easily. They know about Emma’s history and returning would be dangerous.”
“Oh,” she opened her eyes for a moment and hoped they couldn’t hear just how sad she was that her past truly was gone.
“Don’t worry. There’s a place soon. We just have to get there.”
“Speaking of,” Alex called from the font as the truck stopped but he didn’t kill the engine. “Dock’s up ahead,” he called from the driver’s seat, his tone sharp with tension. “But I don’t see a ferry. Guess it make sense it wouldn’t come early and hang around. Just like all the factories and warehouses, things have to be done under armed guard at the docks and they’d be quite obvious.”
Chris leaned forward, his brow furrowed as he scanned the horizon. “You think there might be smugglers around? Someone who could get us to where the main boat would be, up the coast?”
Alex shrugged, his hands tight on the wheel. “It’s worth a shot. Better than sitting here with our thumbs up our asses.”
Emma peered out the window, taking in the dilapidated buildings and rusted boats that lined the shore. The dock looked like something out of a nightmare, all jagged edges and deep shadows, and the thought of venturing out there made her skin crawl.
But what choice did they have? They couldn’t stay in the truck forever, living on cold rations and water. They needed a real plan, a way to get to safety and start building a future.
Even if that future was nothing like the one she’d dreamed of.
Bash’s jawclenched as he surveyed what he could see of the docks. The last thing he wanted was to make another move that put the team at risk again after everything they’d been through.
Even if Chris ordered it.
But the stranger who’d helped them had been clear. The boat that crossed the Atlantic was their best shot at getting out ofthis hellhole, and it only ran from a port further up the coast. A boat that was met by a ferry that left out of this Maryland port because of its proximity to the safe haven where the women were saved from.
Saved from a safe haven, he snorted, still annoyed he’d fucked up the last three years of his life dreaming of getting to a place like the government haven.
“All right,” Chris said at last, his voice rough with exhaustion. “Let’s see if we can find someone who can get us on a boat. But we move quick and quiet, got it? No drawing attention. Absolutely no mention of Emma, not that I needed to tell you that. Even if someone mentions helping women, that’s not a card we play until we’re onboard and see other women.”
Bash met Alex’s gaze in the rearview mirror, and took note of the way his emotions seemed reflected back at him, even if he and Alex couldn’t be more different. They both knew the risks, the danger that came with every interaction in this new world. The whole unit did. It was only Emma he worried didn’t truly understand, but she’d been through a hell of a lot.
But they also knew the alternative, another day in the truck, another night huddled together for warmth, another meal of cold beans and peanut butter crackers. Another night where they could be found because they couldn’t go too far from the dock.
No, Bash thought as he reached for the door handle. They had to take this chance, had to fight for something better.
Even if it meant facing the unknown, the terrifying possibilities that lurked in every shadow.
“Alex, Bash, you’re with me. Give Liam the keys. Let’s move,” Chris said, and stepped out into the cold, gray light of morning.
Bash climbed out of the truck, his boots crunching on the gravel.
He watched Chris stand next to Liam, his words quiet, but not undetectable.
“If something goes wrong, you floor it the fuck out of here, understand?” His voice was low, urgent. “Just like we discussed.”
Liam nodded, his jaw set. “Got it, Boss.”
Alex tossed Liam the keys, a silent exchange of trust. Bash slammed the passenger door shut just as William must’ve tugged the back shut. Both clangs echoing in the stillness.
The three men moved toward the docks, their steps cautious, their senses heightened. With Alex, Bash flanked Chris. Both of them weapons at the ready, their eyes scanning the shadows for any sign of danger.
Bash’s heart thundered against his ribcage, the rapid beats echoing in his ears as they neared the bustling docks. The salty sea air filled his nostrils and he could hear the distant calling of seagulls overhead. Ships of all sizes lined the harbor, their ropes creaking and sails rustling in the wind. Bash’s anticipation grew with each step toward the water’s edge, not liking just how empty the area was.
This was a bad idea.
