All Is Silence - Deserted Lands #1

Chapter 35 - Part II

When Zach got to the part about the renegade Collectors and their interaction with the Utah Independents, Benson had him repeat and took prodigious notes. He asked for details and made some comment about passing on word to his superiors.

When Benson was satisfied, he released Zach and took him down the hall to his companions.

There were couches around the room and everyone laid out on them in various stages of consciousness. Charley was asleep in Rachael’s arms. Duke snored on another couch. Nev was curled around Saj. Jess paced in the back of the room. She nodded at him, but didn’t seem to want to talk. A bored-looking guard stood by the door.

There was food, army rations, but Zach was so hungry it didn’t matter. He shoveled some peaches and crackers into his mouth, then lay down on the empty couch nearest Nev.

He didn’t think he would fall asleep, but the next thing he noticed was waking to Nev’s lips on his forehead. He turned to find hers with his own as he sat up. For a moment there was only the two of them and their lips. Her warmth surged through his body.

After a short but satisfying kiss, he pulled back, trying to read how things were by the look on her face. How long did I sleep? He had been tired—was still tired. Tired of running.

Nev raised her eyes to his. Her face was enigmatic. No answers.

“Lizzie?” he asked.

Nev’s jaw tightened and she shook her head. “No word yet.”

Zach sighed and pulled her into his arms. Let it go. Everything’s going to be fine. Maybe. He held her close. “I’m glad you’re safe.”

                                                *        *        *

Mannie woke to darkness. He was alive. He had been hit in the first hail of gunfire. But he hadn’t let it stop him. Then he’d seen Lizzie take on Travis. He’d stood there, powerless, watching his daughter face death and win. But she was wounded in the side and the arm. Then Blackhawk had shown up and he’d watched her fall.

When Lizzie passed out he had tried to go to her. Blackhawk was going to hurt him, he could see it in his eyes, but BeeGee had interceded for him and he’d fallen near Lizzie, kissed her on the forehead and then the blood left his head. The last face he had seen before the darkness came was Zach, Lizzie’s friend, angry and scared.

Mannie explored his senses. He was strapped down. His shoulder throbbed. Alive. But what about Lizzie? He needed to know she was ok. There had been a lot of blood.

He struggled to raise his head. “Anybody there?” His voice came out in a whisper.

Jess came to him from a dark corner of the room. She looked weary, like she had been sitting up all night watching him. Her hand touched his forehead. “Rest, Mannie.” She smiled.

“Lizzie?” Before Jess could answer, the world faded away.

                                                *        *        *

A throb of pain in his chest brought Mannie aware. Pain is good. Means I’m alive. He opened his eyes slowly; the view screamed hospital. Provo, I bet.

He heard breathing—labored and fluttery. “Hello?”

The fluttery breath caught. “Daddy?”

“Elizabeth?” His heart pounded.

“I can’t see you.”

“I’m here,” he said.

Jess’s face appeared beside him. “The sleepyheads are awake.” She smiled at him and pressed the button on the bed to raise him up.

The motor churned and his head lifted slowly. He closed his eyes as the ceiling spun.

“Open your eyes, silly,” Jess commanded.

He did. Lizzie lay across from him. She grinned weakly.

“Daddy. You scared me.”

“Scared myself.” That was all he could get out. “I was afraid—” He lost sight of her as tears flooded his eyes.

Jess eased out of the chair beside his bed. “I’ll give you two some time.”

Mannie nodded. “Thanks, Jess.”

“Daddy. I can hardly believe you’re really here.”

“It doesn’t feel real yet to me either.” The room spun a little. “Lizzie. I’m not perfect. I’m sorry.

“Stop saying you’re sorry.” Lizzie lay her head back. “I don’t want you perfect. I want you here. I’m not perfect either. But I’d like to get to know you.”

“I love you, Elizabeth.” His eyes closed. “Now, we have time.” He was exhausted. “See you in the morning.” He felt himself drift out. He tried to hold his eyes open, seeing her smile as long as he could.