Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) by Nikki Landis Read Free Book Online

for damage.
    “I’m sorry. I’m hungry…I thought I could make it to the door…” I trailed off, feeling lightheaded again.
    “You look pale. Are you feeling ok?”
    I shook my head. “I’m dizzy and weak.”
    He put his hand against my forehead. “You’re burning up. Fever is setting in. I bet you got sick from traveling all that way in the cold and wet snow. I’m sorry…”
    Why was Darren looking at me like that? His expression wasn’t just concerned. It seemed pained. What was going on around here? Maybe I felt so bad I was imagining things. And I did start feeling bad, aching muscles, fatigue, hot and cold flashes, and a terrible headache.
    I moaned.
    “Lizzie?” He asked.
    I opened my eyes and looked at Darren. “My head is pounding now too.” 
    He nodded his head. “I’m going to get you some medicine and some broth. I’ll be back in a minute. Don’t move.”
    I watched his tall, lanky frame leave the room. In his absence the room was cleaned and tidied. I lay perfectly still and tried not to moan again. I felt like a piece of road kill. This was not good. I was sick. It was going to be days before I felt well enough to resume my duties. I didn’t like to be idle. It gave me too much time to think. Thinking led to remembering and remembering was bad. Very bad. Worse than remembering was the thought of staying in this room, this bed, and with him .
    I would have to tell Darren when he returned. I wanted out of here as soon as possible. I couldn’t think of a worse combination than idle thoughts and Darren hovering at the same time. I needed my own bunk.
    “Lizzie, I have a tray for you and some Tylenol. Doc is coming to see you later. I made him drop everything. You should have seen his face, scurrying to do as I asked. Funny, huh?” He asked.
    I moaned in response and the smile faded from his lips. He rushed over to me, giving me the Tylenol and some cool water first. When I felt better he started giving me sips of broth, refusing to let me do it myself. I knew better than to argue. Darren was a good leader for many reasons, one of those being his stubbornness. When he was determined, you let him go with it.
    After I finished the broth to his satisfaction, I grabbed his hand.
    “Darren…I’m sorry. I won’t be able…to do my share…for a few days,” I told him weakly.
    He looked at me like I was crazy. “Why are you worried about that? Nobody cares. There are many others missing. They haven’t returned yet either. People always pitch in when they are needed. We are a team, remember?”
    Tears sprang to my eyes. “I’m sorry…I didn’t mean…”
    I looked away, embarrassed. He tilted my chin back toward him.
    “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to sound harsh. There are many worries around here. People missing. Several funerals. Missing food rations. My only concern is getting you well at the moment. Let me deal with delegating what needs to be done. It is my job, after all,” he told me, chidingly.
    I nodded.
    “There is another big shipment coming soon. Another ammunition resupply. This time we are going to be prepared. I want those RPGs. I’m training new recruits right now as we speak.”
    Another shipment? “When is it coming?”
    “In three weeks. I have to have everything ready by then. There’s a meeting tonight. We are planning our strategy. I think Malcolm is going to try to lead the first wave this time. He has proven his worth and I trust him. This next shipment is even bigger than the last one and could reap a pretty big supply of weapons and reward our hard work.”
    “Malcolm is a good soldier. He has a lot of knowledge if you listen to him.”
    “I know, but he is so stubborn and one-sided…”
    I arched an eyebrow at him. “He’s not the only one.”
    Darren grinned at me, knowing exactly what I meant.
    “I guess I should let you rest now. I’ll come back later in case you need anything.”
    I squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”
    My eyelids were already