Crimson Nation: A Post-Apocalyptic Survival Series (Legacy of Debris Book 3) by L. Blaise Hues

Author:L. Blaise Hues [Hues, L. Blaise]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Aethon Books
Published: 2021-04-05T16:00:00+00:00

25

A Normal Man

Ellie

As soon as Kestrel left the waiting room of the clinic, Johnny took my hand out of my lap and held it. “Thanks for waiting for that,” I said. “I just don’t want things to be complicated.”

“I know,” he said. “And I checked the camera angle, so you don’t have to worry about anyone spying on us.”

“I’m sorry; I’m not trying to sneak around or be deceitful. But the more people who know, the more complicated everything becomes.”

“I understand. Jackson knows you’re holding hands with me. I know that when you’re with him, you’re holding hands with him. I’m not demanding any exclusivity from you, and neither is he. But just to be clear, your desire for things to be uncomplicated doesn’t make it any simpler.”

“I like you, and I want to hold hands with you. Can’t that be simple enough?”

“Like?” he laughed. “I can’t help but feel a little demoted with that.”

I squeezed his hand and changed the subject. “How are things with Kestrel?”

“Fine. As fine as I could expect them to be.”

"That was nice of you to make the mac n' cheese. Tastes just like I remember."

Johnny shrugged. "I know how much we liked it as kids. Figured Kes and Levi's little ones would enjoy it too."

“They sure are." I paused and took a deep breath, finally tackling what I wanted to talk to him about since my conversation with Jackson and Patty. "I’m, uh, going on a little trip.”

“Oh?” he asked.

“Yeah, Jackson said I have to go to Fort Eckhert to close up the investigation on my dad about the EMP attacks.”

“Do you need some company?”

“Patty, the radio operator, will be guiding me.”

“Do you want me to come too?”

More than anything I did. “Thanks, Johnny, but not this time. Jackson doesn’t think it would be a good idea.”

“Oh, well, if Jackson said so, we better not do it.”

“I don’t think it would be a good idea either.”

“It’s fine; you don’t need me. I get it." I arched my eyebrow quizzically at him, wondering if he was being sarcastic or not. "Is Jackson going with you too?” he asked.

“No, Patty and I are going alone.”

“Well, be careful. Let me know when you’re back. I’ll worry about you while you’re gone.” He stood up, looking taller than he ever had. Stepping out into the hallway, he moved behind a pillar, out of sight of the cameras and Kes and her patient.

“What are you up to?” I asked, tentatively following him.

He leaned down. “Kiss goodbye? For good luck?”

I chuckled. “I don’t need luck.”

“You might not, but I do. Jackson’s got me working at the range, running individual and group drills down there.”

Heart pounding, I hurriedly pecked his cheek. It was the slightest bit rough beneath my lips. “Good luck,” I said playfully. “Now get outta here.”

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