“Perfect?” That’s not the word I’d use for this place, especially after what happened yesterday in the cafeteria. And that’s not even mentioning the missing people and lax security that no one but the guys seem bothered about.
Rachel nods. “It’s like everyone in here forgot that the world outside has gone to shit and everyone is killing each other for a piece of bread. There’s an ignorance here that has my skin crawling.” She scratches her arms to illustrate her point. “This place feels like it’s on a knife edge, and one wrong push will cause the entire place to collapse.”
Well, isn’t that a cheery thought?
An idea pops into my head. “You should ask Rhys if you can help him with security here. God knows he needs the help, considering, from what he’s said, no one takes it seriously enough.”
She thinks for a moment before nodding. “Maybe. My one issue would be whether I could get my rifle back.”
I roll my eyes. “Sure.That’swhat we should be concerned about; whether or not you’ll be allowed a gun.”
“Exactly,” she says solemnly. “Everyone knows a weapon is a girl’s best friend.”
I huff out a laugh. In this new world we’ve found ourselves in, she’s not wrong.
We head away from the main buildings, trying to find where the firing range is. Unfortunately, after thirty minutes of searching, we still can’t find it.
“Maybe we should ask one of your boy toys,” Rachel says as we head back towards the main building, dodging throngs of chatting and laughing people.
The area is a little busier, with many people streaming towards the communal kitchen and dining area.
“Stop calling them my boy toys.” I shove her shoulder, causing her to laugh. “And maybe, but I’m not sure if they’ll be free or not. From what they told me this morning, they’re going to be in meetings all day.” None of them sounded eager at the prospect.
“Well, it’s about lunchtime, so maybe we can break them out of whatever meeting they’re in to get some food.” She grabs my arm and drags me towards the main building.
Stepping through the worn wooden doors, we’re immediately greeted by a long reception desk. One that’s currently sitting empty. Behind it and on either side are several doors, all labelled. Rachel pulls me to the door labelledstairs,pushes open the door and immediately starts climbing up them. Harlow bounds ahead of us, her nails clicking onthe hardwood floor as I stumble after Rachel—her legs are longer than mine—until we reach the first floor.
Opening the door to the floor, we’re immediately inundated with angry voices.
“You’re blowing this far out of proportion!” an unfamiliar male voice snaps, his voice echoing off the narrow corridor walls.
“No, I’m not, Charles. We’ve lost four people in a month—that’s a person a week. How is that not urgent enough for us to investigate and put in precautions?” Rhys’s voice is cold and filled with frustration and anger.
Harlow stiffens at my side, her chest vibrating with a silent growl. Rachel and I share wide-eyed looks and inch closer to the door where their voices are coming from.
“People go missing from our supply teams all the time, Rhys,” the other man—Charles—says in exasperation.
My mouth drops open as I stare at the door. This guy sounds far too unconcerned about the missing people. I know if I were a family member of one of them, I’d be pissed.
“Four in one month is more than usual,” Rhys replies. “Even you know that.”
At least Rhys gives a shit.
“Sure, but did you also notice that those who went missing were also rookies on the supply teams? While I’m not blaming them, they were also inexperienced and could have easily ended up in a bad situation.”
Rhys’s sigh is loud. “I still think this needs investigation.”
Theo and Alex murmur in agreement.
“We’ll take your recommendation under advisement,” a feminine voice tinged with sympathy says. “Personally, I think these missing people deserve for us to at least look into their disappearances, regardless of their experience.” That last part is said pointedly, and no prizes for guessing who it’s aimed at.
“Exactly,” another feminine voice says. “Although I agree with Charles that I don’t think this is anything to worry about. Especially now that the three of you are back. How soon can you go out for another supply run?”
“With all due respect, Elsa, we’d prefer to remain here for at least a few weeks. That rescue mission was long, and we have things we need to do here at Haven before we do another run,” Theo says, sounding surprisingly diplomatic even though there’s a tinge of frustration in his voice.
The second feminine voice—Elsa—harrumphs, clearly not pleased with his answer. “We managed just fine without you and I think you’re better suited to be outside Haven, getting us what we need.”
“The guys said no, Elsa,” Charles reprimands. “While I think they’re blowing this out of proportion, they’re entitled to pick the jobs they want. Especially after everything they’ve done for us.”
