Kate’s hands roamed his chest and slid up the back of his neck, sending chills through his body. When her fingers raked through his hair, it sent the skin of his scalp into overdrive. He shuddered, making her laugh against his mouth.
Nick gripped the small of her back. Kate was working up the courage to sling one of her legs over his lap when a throat cleared behind them.
“Shit,” Phoenix said, looking away and rubbing at the back of his neck. “I’m always interrupting something, but I got a closer look into the base.”
Kate sat back, releasing Nick from her clutches. Nick raised an annoyed eyebrow at Phoenix, awaiting more information.
“There’s an entire operation set up in there. People cooking and handing out supplies. It looks like the refuge you expected.”
Chapter 10
Nick and Kate approached the metal fencing surrounding the base. Guards were posted at intervals around the perimeter. The structures were intact, with materials such as wood and sheets of metal to aid in bolstering the walls. Even from this distance, they could hear voices within; people were busy with daily activities.
Phoenix stayed back, retreating to the building he had first perched in. Nick wanted someone outside the walls in case things went awry. He considered sending Phoenix in alone, allowing the boy to navigate the refuge and verify its safety. Guilt took hold thereafter. Nick volunteered to go in while Kate and Phoenix remained outside the walls. Kate would hear none of it.
And so, Nick and Kate stood outside the vast military installation, ready to face the largest group of people they had encountered since they met. Nick assumed most of these people would be military men. To others, this might instill a sense of security. Nick, however, knew just how far a man in a uniform could go when hethoughthe was doing the right thing.
“Stop.” A guard clad in fatigues aimed his rifle at Nick and Kate. They paused and raised their hands in unison. “State your business.”
“We’re just survivors looking for a safe place. We’ve been out here for a while trying to make it,” Nick answered, discreetly sidestepping so that he was between Kate and the barrel of the man’s gun.
“Jones!” the guard called to a nearby man wearing the same uniform. “Let Marcus know we’ve got visitors.”
Jones nodded, then retreated further into the base. The guard kept his gun trained on the pair, yet displayed the relaxed manner of a man just doing his job.
Moments later, Jones returned with a man no older than Nick wearing desert camouflage. He ordered the men to unlock the gates. They pushed the doors open, and Marcus ushered Nick and Kate inside.
It was the first time since his last tour that Nick had seen the beige and tan digital pattern. Adler sprang to mind, making his heart ache with the distant loss. Nick tried to prioritize the symbolism and importance the uniform was meant to encompass. The Marine Corps desert camouflage brought pride and confidence to those who wore it. It was power. It was brazenness. Nick tried to focus on the concepts. Adler’s blood stains seeped through with every attempt.
“I’m Marcus. Welcome to Fort Vanguard.” Marcus’s smile was pleasant, and he was clearly proud of the establishment Nick and Kate had entered.
“Thank you. This place looks incredible. I’m Nick. This is Kate.” Nick extended his hand, and Marcus gripped it for a hearty handshake. Then, he acknowledged Kate with a polite smile.
“Nice to meet you both. Are you all looking to stay?” Marcus asked.
“It’s definitely something we’re considering.” Nick looked to Kate, who turned up one corner of her lips in agreement.
“Great! Let’s get you started with the intake process.” Marcus gestured for Nick and Kate to follow him, then started toward the nearest building.
Inside, the building bustled with people both in uniforms and civilian clothes. A woman with lush, brunette hair wearing neatly pressed pants and a gentle smile approached them.
“Yara, will you gather some folks to help us? We have some new friends,” Marcus instructed. Yara nodded and walked off toward a group of people engaged in conversation. Marcus led the pair to his office, where he sat across from them behind a desk.
After sitting down to a long discussion of their past, Nick and Kate were moved to a large, concrete room.
“This is the most awkward stage, but a necessary one,” Marcus began. “Part of the intake process is to ensure that our newcomers are not sick or injured. We require a strip search.”
Kate’s stomach tightened at the thought of getting naked before strangers.
“We’ll take you each to separate areas with members of your own gender. You’ll remove your clothing to be inspected visually. No groping, we promise,” Marcus chuckled and was met with stern stares from both Nick and Kate.
“If you think you’re about to separate us and take all her clothes off in front of a bunch of strangers, you’re mistaken.” Nick’s tone was definitive and sharp. Marcus’s merriment faded, and he looked taken aback.
“It’s part of protocol. No one gets in without going through the proper steps,” Marcus said.
“That’s fine. We’ll do it in the same room,” Nick insisted.
“Okay.” Marcus sounded as though he was unsure of the problem but was willing to concede to Nick’s plan.
