Page 69 of Resistant

“I’ve worked too hard to set up this Resistance ring to walk away from it. We’ve helped so many people in and out of the camps. But you Brynn, you have the ability to help everyone, by being you.”

I look at her in confusion. She sounds like a maniac. It makes my skin itch.

“The Reform and the Resistance are both adamant that you have the genes to stop people from getting sick, Brynn.”

“People make me nuts. If The Sickness was so important to them, why not stop all the bombing and madness. No radiation equals, no sickness. It’s easy.”

“They want the cure for power. Right now, the government is at a pivotal point, and the Resistance is poised to slip in and take over. Each side needs power, and if they have the power to heal the population? That is huge. And right now, you are the ticket to winning that. However, the Reform doesn’t realize that you are more than a puppet. Your compassion will propel you to a new place in society where you can protect my girls, and other people like them.”

“I don’t think I’m who you think I am. I’m not a leader.”

“No, you aren’t, but only because you choose not to be. However, Declan is a natural leader. And that man is crazy for you. He is the strength you need to follow through. And he’s easy on the eyes, which is helpful for any relationship.” She laughs.

“So, this was all a setup? Does Declan know?”

“Well, yes and no. I was instrumental in pushing Declan your way, but the rest of it was entirely up to both of you. I have a sixth sense for matchmaking. But no, the two of you have done 99% of this on your own. All I did was put him in front of you.”

I’m agitated and relieved at the same time about her revelation. I don’t know what that means for me in relation to Declan, but it’s better than I’d hoped. And at some point, I’m going to have to make a decision about our relationship and where this is all going, but now is not the time.

“So, what exactly is it that you need me to do for your girls?”

“I have some leads on where they might be. Their father had them for a short time, and I know they have lived with some extended family who have smuggled letters to me here. But I don’t know where they are anymore. I have some thoughts about that, but I’ll need you to follow up on those once you are out. In an ideal world, I’d love it if you took care of them for me. But I understand that’s a huge ask, and you have your own boys to worry about. So, if it means you pop in on them, be their Auntie Brynn, and keep in touch with me, that’s more than I can hope for. For you to make sure they are safe and happy.”

I nod.

“I can do that. I don’t know about taking guardianship of them. It would depend on their circumstances, and what they want also. My children would not be accepting of some strange woman swooping in to be their new mom. I don’t see that going over well with any child.”

She smiles. “That right there, Brynn. That is why you are perfect for the job. Now, we need to talk about your plan. I have extra time with you today, I’ve arranged to help you deep clean the bungalow.” she smirks.

“I’ll go back to my inner circle and figure out ways I can help you from my end.”

I tell Sasha the bare bones of our plan, about Knox and what role he had in my life before the camp. I tell her his plan to drive us out of the facility in plain sight. She frowns.

“Girl. You cannot go through with this escape plan. He’s dangerous. You don’t trust him, right? I mean, who is this guy that he has the clout to take you and Declan out of here?”

“No, I don’t trust him. But he knows where my boys are, so I don’t have a choice. And he’s not taking Declan out, only me. On the surface anyway, Declan will be in the trunk for a short while.”

She shakes her head.

“You cannot let him put Declan in the trunk. That leaves you too vulnerable.”

“I know, but I don’t have any alternatives yet, and if Declan has anticipated this, he hasn’t told me what he plans to do.”

“Okay, so my part in helping you is that much more important. Declan agreed to this. No way, do I see him willing getting into a trunk and leaving you defenseless.”

“Ideally, I won’t be. We need a couple of handguns, just in case. Knox is dangerous. But I don’t know what he does for a living, and how much power he has. He’s a wildcard. And I will shoot him with no hesitation if he steps out of line, after I torture him for the location of my kids.”

She smirks.

“Girl, you got your hands full.”

“I’m petrified.” I whisper.

“And so you should be. Now. Let’s talk about guns, and other provisions you might need.”

For the next hour, Sasha and I put our heads together. She’s promised to provide me with a list of people on the outside who can help me if things go sideways with Knox. She’s told me about her girls, and given me possible locations, who I should ask if I don’t find them where she believes they might be. I write all this down on a scrap sheet of paper from Declan’s office and tuck it into my bra. She’s also going to look into getting me some equipment, like guns, cell phones, food, water, passports and more.”

“I don’t know how to thank you for everything Sasha.”

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