Divided World (EMP Aftermath Book 4) by Grace Hamilton

Author:Grace Hamilton [Hamilton, Grace]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-09T16:00:00+00:00

Outside, breakfast was already in full swing. Some kids were playing soccer over by the chicken coops, causing the chickens to cluck and flap loudly. Mae chuckled as she watched an older woman with wispy gray hair rush over and shoo them away.

“Go play in the woods,” she shouted loudly. “But don’t go past the fence.”

One of the kids stuck his tongue out at her. Another grabbed the ball and kicked it down the slope toward the trees.

Folding her arms, Mae stood for a moment and watched them. She tried to remember the last time she’d seen something as normal as children playing. Even before the power went out, it had been a while since she’d had any leave. When she did get some, she usually chose to spend it alone close to wherever she was stationed. Gideon had always found it odd that she didn’t want to go home and see her folks; she never even complained about being away for Christmas. “You don’t know my family,” she’d tell him, to which he’d always respond with, “Well, you’re welcome to come spend the holidays with mine. My folks would love to see you.”

Thinking of Gideon, Mae’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. She wondered if he was out looking for her, if Cornell noticed or cared that she was missing. Then she shook her head and in her internal voice—which always reminded her of her mother’s—told herself that Cornell had to think of the unit. He couldn’t risk the safety of his soldiers for one missing sergeant; it was up to Mae to ensure her own safety.

Mae was still thinking of Gideon, and all the jokes he’d have made about her wonky leg, when she spotted Shane, the EMT, helping himself to a large bowl of oatmeal and a mug of coffee. When he saw her, leaning heavily on her walking stick, he raised a hand and waved.

“Mae, how are you? I’m sorry I couldn’t check on you today. I had a pregnant mother with Braxton-Hicks.”

Mae caught his eyes and realized she was smiling. “No problem. Sharon says it’s all good.”

“Here, sit down.” Shane gestured to an empty spot at the table, put his own food down opposite it, then returned to fetch a portion for Mae.

As she lowered herself onto the bench, she felt eyes on her from all directions. When Shane returned, she accepted the oatmeal and the coffee gratefully. “Thank you.”

Shane sat down and instantly began spooning oatmeal into his mouth. Wiping his stubbled chin with his sleeve, he said, “Sorry. Still not used to the sheer lack of food, you know?”

“I do.” Mae nodded, blowing across her coffee to cool it. “Army portions have gotten distinctly smaller lately.”

“Ah, yes,” Shane said a little uncomfortably. “You’re militia.”

“I’m Army,” Mae replied sharply. “There’s a difference.”

“Is there?” The question seemed genuine but it got Mae’s hackles up all the same.

“I’m a trained soldier. I’m part of the US Armed Forces.”

“But the Army is joining forces with untrained soldiers? Militia? So, doesn’t that make you part of the militia too?” Shane tilted his head.

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