She didn’t hesitate to tell him. “We’re out of money. I’ve got less than a hundred dollars, and that won’t last the week. I’m worried sick, N8. I don’t know what we’re going to do after the money’s all gone, and I…” Her voice broke as a tear glistened down her cheek.
He leaned back in his seat. “Then it’s timewestarted supportingyou. You’ve got enough on your plate. You’ve done your part. It’s time we step up and shoulder some responsibility.”
“How? Where?”
He patted her shoulder. “We’ll call a meeting as soon as we get back to the camp.”
When they returned, the first thing they noticed was the smell of something cooking. They followed their noses around to the rear of the main building where a fire pit had been cleared out, rebuilt, and lit. A metal grate sat atop the circle of rocks, above the burning pieces of wood. On the grate, steam rose from three pots. T8 was leaning over them, stirring whatever was inside, as they strode up to him. Hearing their footsteps, he gave them a grin.
“This place still has all its utensils. Pots, pans, dishes, glasses, silverware, everything! So I thought I’d warm up some of the canned stuff for lunch. Hope you’re hungry.”
N8 eyed the pots. His stomach clenched, letting him know he’d only had a couple of slices of bread to eat, and that was snatched on the sly before he and Cydney left for town.
“Shit, yeah. I’m starved. Thanks, T8.”
The man waved to a stack of bowls sitting on a tray nearby. “Help yourself. Everyone’s on their way.”
Cydney grabbed a bowl and spoon, and went over to ladle up some soup. Grabbing a few crackers, and tearing a sheet off the roll of paper towels, she went over to an empty bench and parked herself. N8 joined her as K8 and G8 emerged from the area of the main lodge.
“Still cleaning up and taking inventory of what’s here,” the woman informed them, wiping her hands on her jeans.
“Why don’t we wait until everyone’s here before we report on our progress?” N8 suggested. The two nodded, served themselves, and found a place to sit. The rest soon arrived. N8 watched until they’d all settled.
“How’s it going, guys? Bring us all up to date. P8? You go first.”
“I’ve done a quick check of all the cabins, including the ones by the lake. They’re in decent shape, but they all need a good cleaning and airing out. The mattresses all need to be removed and replaced. I suggest we do the same for the bedding, pillows, and towels. But so far the furniture looks okay. Dusty and cobwebby, and some have mud dauber nests, but they’re still sturdy.”
“Did you check the stoves and refrigerators?” K8 asked him.
P8 gave a little nod. “They need cleaning, too.”
Cydney spoke up. “I strongly suggest we don’t use the stoves until we get an electrician out here to make sure they’re okay to use. Don’t want there to be a wire partly gnawed through, that might cause a fire.” She bent her head over her bowl, and N8 heard the little shaky intake of breath. She was on the verge of crashing. Reaching over, he grasped her hand and squeezed it.
“Hey, guys. Time for some serious discussion.”
The others gave him their full attention.
N8 plunged ahead. “We’re almost out of money. We might have enough for a few groceries, but that’s all. We need to start looking into bringing in some income. Up until now, Cydney’s shouldered all the burden. Her plate’s full. It’s time we took it over from her.”
“I agree with you,” G8 commented. “I think I speak for us all, too. But what can we do?”
“Well, for one, we can go into town and look for a job. Any job,” T8 suggested. “Even if it’s just part-time work. Every little bit will help.”
“That’s just good and fine for you guys, but what about me?” G8 challenged. He’d sloughed most of his old skin, revealing his newer, shiny, and bald self. “How do I explain me looking nothing like my badge a month from now?”
F8 had a suggestion. “Why don’t you stay here and watch the place while we’re gone? You can work on fixing up things, and all.”
“I think that’s an excellent idea,” Cydney seconded.
“That may be,” he argued. “But it doesn’t bring home the bacon. Damn it, I want to account for something, too!”
F8 motioned to Cydney. “Why don’t we ask Sheriff Biggs if he has an idea of what G8 can apply for? He might know of some place where G8’s ability won’t be a problem.”
N8 drew an arm around Cydney’s waist. “Next time we see him, we’ll ask. It won’t hurt to ask.”
K8 stood and motioned at herself. “If we’re going to go job hunting, then we’ll need to look presentable. We’ve been wearing these same clothes since we escaped. They need a good scrubbing.”
N8 threw a thumb over his shoulder. “We picked up soap, shampoo, and some cleaning products while we were in town. Plus some towels and washcloths.”
