Fracture Me by Tahereh Mafi Read Free Book Online Page A

too much, so let’s be frugal, okay? Let’s remember we’re
     living on rations now. Consideration is crucial.”
    There’s general consent and lots of nodding, and everyone busies themselves with a
     different kind of preparation. Everyone except Castle, who sits down in the single
     armchair and doesn’t move. He seems to be doing worse than Brendan and Winston, who
     happen to be in actual physical pain.
    I’m still staring at the two of them when Ian slips away from the group to ask me
     if I have anything to help patch up Brendan and Winston. I assure him that I’ll use
     whatever supplies I’ve got to fix them up as best I can. I always have a little medical
     kit at home, but it’s not extensive, and I’m not a medic. But I know enough. I think
     I’ll be able to help. This cheers up Ian significantly.
    It’s only once Kenji and I are busy preparing food in the kitchen that he brings up
     the most pressing issue. The one I’m still not sure how to resolve.
    “So what are we going to do about Juliette?” Kenji asks, tossing an Automat packet
     into a bowl. “I’m already worried we waited this long to go after her.”
    I feel myself pale. I don’t know how to tell him I had no immediate plans to go back
     out there. Certainly not to fight—not after what happened to James. “I don’t know,”
     I say. “I’m not sure what we can do.”
    Kenji stares at me, confused. “What do you mean? We have to get her out of there.
     Which means we have to break her out of there, which means we’ve got to plan another rescue mission.” He shoots
     me a look. “I thought that was obvious.”
    I clear my throat. “But what about James? And Brendan and Winston? And Castle? We’re
     not doing too well over here. Is it okay to just leave them here and—”
    “Dude, what the hell are you talking about? Aren’t you in love with this girl? Where’s
     the fire under your ass? I thought you would be dying to get to her right now—”
    “I am,” I say urgently. “Of course I am. I’m just worried—it’s so soon after they
     bombed Point that I just—”
    “The longer we wait, the worse it’s going to get.” Kenji shakes his head. “We have
     to go as soon as possible. If we don’t, she’ll be stuck there forever, and Warner
     will use her as his torture monster. He’ll probably kill her in the process without
     even meaning to.”
    I grip the edge of the counter and stare into the sink.
    Shit.
    Shit shit shit .
    I spin around at the sound of James’s voice, listen for a moment as he laughs at something
     Alia said. My heart constricts just thinking about walking away from him again. But I know I have a responsibility to Juliette.
     What would she do if I weren’t there to help her? She needs me.
    “Okay,” I sigh. “Of course. What do we have to do?”

FIFTEEN
    After breakfast, which was actually closer to lunch, I tend to Brendan and Winston
     for a bit, and set them up on the floor so they can get some proper rest. James and
     I had collected a decent stash of ratty blankets and pillows over the years, so there’s
     just enough to go around, and thank God for that, because it’s cold as hell. We even
     wrapped a blanket around Castle’s shoulders. He’s still barely moving, but we forced
     him to eat, so at least he’s got a little color in his cheeks now.
    With Brendan and Winston settled, Ian and Alia and Lily fed and comfortable, James
     safe and sound, and Castle resting, Kenji and I are finally ready to initiate some
     new plans.
    “I’m going to go out,” Kenji says. “Get on base and get nosy. Listen for rumors and
     whispers of what’s going on—maybe even find Juliette, give her a heads-up that we’re
     coming for her soon.”
    I nod. “That’s a great start.”
    “Once I know more about what’s going on, we can make a firm plan, scoop her up, and
     bring her home.”
    “So as soon as she’s back,” I say, “we’ll have to move again.”
    “Probably,