August Burning (Book 2): Survival by Tyler Lahey Read Free Book Online Page B

safe till we clear it and control the gorges.”
    Adira buckled the backpack on, feeling it tight across her boyish chest. “We’re going past the old factory, through the Cathedral, down into the Backwoods.”
    Jaxton tapped a finger on the massive map that lay sprawled out on the table in front of him. It had been drawn on giant sheets, reflective of buildings that had already been inspected. “That area hasn’t been swept yet. Choose another.”
    “Of course it hasn’t been swept yet. It’s the only area we haven’t raided. There’s no more food, is there?”
    Jaxton grimaced, thumping the oak lightly with his dry knuckles, “We’re running low, yes.”
    Adira crossed to him and touched his hand, softening her gaze. “Then that’s where I have to go.”
    He stood straight. “I’ll come with.”
    She laughed softly, and shook her head. “No, you won’t. I haven’t done one of these in the 4 months we’ve been here. I’ve got a team, and I’m taking them in and out.”
    Jaxton exhaled sharply, feeling his stomach grumble. Two cans of cubed ham rumble around in his belly. He knew he was losing weight.
    Already knowing the decision had been made, he drew her close. “We still have some batteries left.” A heavy, military grade hand-radio was placed into her slender grip. “Do not hesitate to call. I’ll be ready.”
    …
     
    Adira stalked out into the makeshift garage area outside the brick science wing, where the others had gathered. Wilder and Duke grasped their rifles nervously, making sure to nod when they saw her. She restrained herself from responding too vigorously. She was in command here. Of them all, Tessa looked the most relaxed. The girl squatted atop an ATV, filing her nails with a worn sniper rifle slung across her back. Elvis stared straight ahead. Adira’s eyes lingered on his shotgun. It was Bennett’s, she knew.
    “How’s the fuel?”
    “We’ve got enough.” Tessa carefully packaged the filer, and twisted the key. The ATV’s engine coughed and roared in response. “Wilder, with me. Get on.”
    Wilder’s blemished, youthful skin stretched into a sheepish grin as he mounted behind her, manhandling his bulky rifle. Tessa suggested that he sling it over his back, and handed him a pistol.
    Adira took the Minivan with the sliding door. Duke and Elvis entered and left it ajar, weapons at the ready. She grasped the wheel, feeling her heart pounding. She had never been on a food run. But she couldn’t fall behind. “Past the factory. Through the cathedral. Hit three or four houses in the Backwoods. In and out,” she whispered to herself. She heard hooting from the others. Unable to contain herself, she whooped in nervous excitement and dropped the steel to the floorboard.
     
    …
    “He doesn’t say much, does he?”
    Tessa peered across the field at the stalking figure, as the wind whipped the wheat grass.
    Adira nodded agreement. “He used to.”
    “I heard he froze up. With Bennett and the others at the bridge. That kid got killed cause of him,” Wilder eyed her with rueful eyes.
    Elvis stalked through the waist-high grass like a predator a stone’s throw away, with bloodshot eyes and his small hands clutching a shotgun. “I heard that too…” Tessa responded quietly.
    “Luckily I’m here. So there’s no real need to worry,” Wilder tossed Tessa a casual wink and gave her a grope.
    She shooed him away. “Have some respect! Why don’t you?”
    Tessa felt she didn’t need anyone, but it sure felt nice. She had surrendered to the cocky boy’s juvenile but good-hearted attempts at courtship a few days before. She had know him, what, a month? Tessa shrugged to herself. “I was a bad girl. I slept with you and the only name I know you have is Wilder. What kinda name is that anyways? Did your parents give you that?”
    Adira chuckled from up front as they approached as stand of barren, grey trees. “You really don’t hold back do you?” She muttered.
    “I mean, I