“What’s the plan, boss?” he shouted after her.
“We get Sara up, find some food, and head north.” She knelt before the young woman, who had woken and was already moaning. “And I’m not your boss.”
Maybe that was true, but Thomas felt more out of place than he ever had. If he were at work, he’d be ordering others around, interrogating prisoners, making life changing decisions, and hobnobbing with elite rulers.
Brianna dashed up to him, shoving the baby in his arms. “Can you burp her? I need to take Carla out to pee.”
Before he could protest, the woman disappeared out the back door.
Okay. How hard could it be? He pressed the baby against his shoulder and patted her back like he’d seen in the movies. A burp far too loud for someone so small emerged from the infant’s lips.
Followed by a cascade of vomit that dripped over his shoulder and down his back.
Yup. His past life was definitely over.
???
When Sara rounded the corner of the building, Tori knew from her expression that she’d been unsuccessful. That and the fact she held no sacks of food. The poor girl stumbled along, perspiration beading on her neck and forehead, her arms dangling about her and her eyes in a daze.
Drones be cursed, she rushed for the girl to help her the rest of the way. Once hidden behind the empty building, she helped Sara sit.
“I’m so sorry.” Sara dropped her head in her hands. “I tried.”
“It’s not your fault.” Tori dabbed her forehead with a cloth.
“It was worth a try.” Brianna smiled.
Thomas only moaned. “I don’t get it. Why couldn’t she get food? She’s the only one who isn’t on the NWU wanted list, and she has a decent Citizen Credit Score.”
Sara looked up at him, at all of them, tears streaming down her face. “They told me I needed to get the new vaccine.” She took a painful breath. “Without it, they wouldn’t even let me in the building.”
Brianna and Tori exchanged a knowing glance.
Rising, Tori studied the parking lot, empty now except for a few gas-powered cars abandoned long ago. “I thought we might have a chance to slip in before they fully implemented it.” She’d hated sending Sara to the NWU food distribution center, but there’d been no other option.
“They told me I could get one for free just around the corner,” Sara said, hope lifting her voice.
“You know we can’t, Sara.” Tori huffed.
“I’m hungry, Mommy.” Carla tugged on her mom’s pants.
“I know, honey. We’ll eat soon.”
Thomas raked back his hair. “Eat soon? Just what are we going to eat?” He began to pace, his frustration rising. “We have no food. Everything hurts. I haven’t had a shower or slept in a week, and now, if they don’t catch us first, we are going to starve to death and—”
“Stop!” Tori used her sternest tone. “You’re scaring the children.”
“Well, they should be scared. We all should be scared.”
Angry, Tori pulled him out of ear reach of the others. She had no idea whether she could trust him or not, but the Lord had not told her to kick him to the curb.Yet. Besides, she still cared for him, still had feelings for him, evidenced by the way warmth had spiraled in her belly at his touch two mornings ago.
But enough was enough. She stabbed his chest with her finger. “You need to man up, Thomas. Man up or leave. I know you’re not accustomed to discomfort, but you are the only man here and the only father figure these girls have. So, quit being a wuss and start being the man God created you to be.”
???
Thomas watched Tori stomp away in a rage. He should be mad, furious even, for the way she spoke to him. Him? The Vice Regent of NWF North American Region. Not many had dared address him with such disrespect. But for some reason, he smiled, and a chuckle bubbled up in his throat. Maybe the hunger and pain had finally driven him crazy. Or maybe he actually deserved her beatdown. Deceived or not, she was in an impossible situation, and if he intended to stay, he needed toman upas she’d said.
He made his way back to the group, his proverbial tail between his legs, and mouthed anI’m sorryto her, which she acknowledged with a smile.
