“How’s life on the outside?” Nick wondered as his boots clunked around the room, panning Phoenix’s living conditions. A crumpled blanket lay upon a weathered hardwood floor. Empty cans of food bordered the makeshift bed, and a pile of naughty magazines peeked out from beneath the comforter. Nick used the toe of his boot to slide the images of half-naked women beneath the blanket before Kate could notice them.
“It’s quiet. I’ve been following the groups when they go out on their runs. At least the ones I can on foot. I don’t know. Nothing seems off, bro.”
“Yeah, things are good inside, too. The leader seems legit so far. Reasonable. I think it’s time to get you integrated into the community,” Nick said.
“Hell yeah!” Phoenix cheered and pumped a fist in the air. Nick felt he underestimated the impact isolation had on Phoenix.
***
Though Marcus was rightfully wary when Nick brought Phoenix in, he trusted Nick’s judgment. Phoenix underwent the intake process and was welcomed into Fort Vanguard. Marcus assigned Phoenix to the room beside Nick and Kate’s, which helped him settle in.
Phoenix’s toothy grin never relaxed as the day progressed. The energy he brought to the environment was contagious; his elation seeped into the pores of those around him. Nick longed for the days when the world could make him smile again. At ten years old, he had learned to watch the world through wary, hooded eyes and keep his excitement about things close to the chest lest it be vulnerable to the scrutiny of others.
“Ready to grab something to eat?” Nick asked Kate as Phoenix moved the furniture around the room to his liking. Kate’s eyes were glued to the floor, glazed over and unfocused. She had been forcing her lips into the shape of a smile all day. Except now, her nostrils were flared, and her eyes danced to the rhythm of an indescribable fury.
“Babe?” Nick reached a cautious hand out and placed it on her elbow. Kate flinched at his touch, and her eyes broke theirfixated gaze. She looked up at him like she had just awoken from sleepwalking, uncertain of her surroundings. “Dinner?”
“Yeah, of course. Phoenix, you coming?” Kate asked.
“Is that even a question? I’m fucking starving!”
The commons area was alive with chatter, food consumption, and even gentle music that could be heard once they were close enough. A fire pit had been constructed, flames flickering through the gaps in the stones. The dreary sprinkle of rain brought along air in which they could see their breath. People huddled around the fire with plates of food, talking and laughing.
“Here, get warm. I’ll go grab us some food.” Nick directed Kate near the fire. Phoenix had already begun mingling with a group of women after telling the couple he would catch up with them later.
As Nick walked away, the cold air nipped at Kate’s fingertips, and she rubbed them together to create warmth. Though the crowd was not excessively loud, the ruckus had Kate on edge. She panned the area for Norman, silently hoping he was not around.
“Hey there, are you new here? I just came in today. Place seems nice so far. Do you like it?” The cheery voice spoke from behind Kate, and she tensed up. Her eyes widened when she turned and confirmed the questions to be directed at her.
“Oh, sorry. I just saw you standing alone and thought you might like some company. I’m Brett.” The stranger took a step closer to Kate. Alarm bells rang out in her brain, deafening her rational thought. Societal norms required Kate to answer the man’s questions, but her throat had closed up, and no sounds would come out.
This should be easy. There are several people around. Surely, Brett would not try to hurt her in front of all these people.
What does he want from me?
“Are you okay?” Brett placed his hand on Kate’s shoulder, and she reared back, bumping against something, someone.
“What’s up, man?” Nick’s voice boomed over the top of Kate’s head, and she let out a shuddering breath of relief. He handed Kate a bowl of food while maintaining eye contact with Brett. Nick’s question was friendly, his tone demanding to know Brett’s intentions. Kate accepted the meal and decided to wait to eat until her hands had stopped shaking.
A panicked expression adorned Brett’s face—mouth agape, eyes wide.
“No, hey. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize—I thought that… I’m going to go. Sorry to bother you, miss.” Brett stuttered his way through an explanation as Nick’s narrowed eyes bore down on him. With his free hand, Nick wrapped his arm around Kate’s shoulder, pulling her into his chest.
Brett did not intimidate Nick. The fact that he was speaking with Kate did little to rouse his jealousy. Nick’s actions were not an attempt to compete in a pissing match with Brett. On his way to Kate, he witnessed the interaction and saw the effect it had on her body. She resembled a statue an artist had carved out to personify fear itself. She was rigid; her knees locked in place as anxiety paralyzed her.
Over time, Nick had become a beacon of safety to her; a role he played with honor. If it happened to spread a message among the residents of the community that his girl was not to be messed with, even better.
“No worries, man. Have a good night,” Nick said to Brett’s back as he scurried away. “You okay?” Nick circled around to face Kate, who was visibly still shaken.
“Yeah, I guess he was trying to get a feel for this place. I didn’t exactly give off a great first impression,” Kate said.
“He was trying to get a feel forsomething,” Nick laughed.
“What does that mean?” Kate questioned, her tone defensive. Nick’s amusement faded.Did she really have no idea?
“Come on, he saw you standing alone. Came over to talk to you. You know,” Nick said, though Kate’s confused look never relented to his attempt at an explanation.
“And?”
