Total pages in book: 122
Estimated words: 112382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112382 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 562(@200wpm)___ 450(@250wpm)___ 375(@300wpm)
“Yup, as soon as we get back from Cali, hi Roxy. So what are we working on?” Track gave him a rundown, which sounded more like he already knew most of it and was just being filled in on the latest. Then the three of them started going back and forth about the best course of action, and for the first time, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Uncle Mike had promised to help, but we both knew that the job was beyond us. He’d pretty much given up on humanity and wasn’t about to call in help from the men and women he’d served with though he refused to tell me why. From what I remember about the time he served with my dad, he’d loved the military and was proud of his service. But these days, he seems soured against it in a big way.
Now here were these complete strangers talking about rescuing my ‘family’ people they didn’t even know and had no connection to as if it were nothing. I listened to them going back and forth, and then there was a knock on the door. “Come in!” Jason called as we both looked back at the door, which opened, and Mancini walked in.
I’m still trying to figure him out, but so far, all I know is that he makes me nervous. Not in the same way Jason does. Jason has this way of seeming to know and see into me in ways no one else has ever done. This Mancini guy seems to know in a different way. In short, he seems to know things he has no business knowing, which tends to keep me on my guard.
“Hello Jace, how are things going with Alex?”
“Geez, how do you know about that?” Jace answered and got a smirk for his trouble. “Whatever, we’ll be heading there in a few hours, then we’ll head your way right after unless we have to quarantine first. I was playing around with sending the women and kids ahead of us, but they want to see their families. I’ll let you know how it goes.”
“I can take care of that issue, you know.” Mancini and Jace stared at each other through the screen without saying a word for the longest while. It seemed only Jason and I didn’t know what was going on, but Track had a slight smile on his face. “I’m sure you can, but it’s mine to do.” Jace finally answered.
“Suit yourself, but if you change your mind. Now to the reason, I’m here. Roxana, your uncle Mike will be here in another day or so.”
“Uncle Mike? How did you…?”
“It was easy enough to find him. I just had to make sure he hadn’t been exposed. Although he lives on the streets, he had the good sense to quarantine in his own way, he went into the hills in Maryland when the outbreak started, but we found him.”
“And you’re bringing him here?"
“Yes, I have some things to ask him. What have you kids got for me so far?” Track and Jason filled him in on my little slip-up, and he just took over. “That’s very good, Roxana, Track you’re right; we have to hit both places at once. If we hit one and not the other, they might tip each other off; that’s the last thing we need. So, Roxana, it’s up to you. The sooner you tell us, the sooner we can go in and out.”
“That’s not fair…” Jason started to argue, but Mancini just grinned and said, “I’m sure you’d think so,” before turning to leave. “Oh, by the way, we’re having guests this evening. Roxana, you might wanna wear something other than Jason’s clothes.” He left laughing while my face burned. Luckily the others didn’t say anything, and we just went back to work as if we’d never been interrupted.
It’s happening; it’s finally going to happen. That’s all I kept thinking about for the rest of the day and into the night, so I was a little preoccupied throughout dinner and when the newcomers arrived until I saw him! I froze; all the blood drained from my face as I stood rooted to the spot. There was a ringing in my ears, and my sight grew dim.
I felt Jason’s hand in mine and saw the questioning look on his face while at my other side, Catalina was staring up at me. Poor thing, she’d been holding my hand with one of her little ones, which I was now strangling the life out of.
“Jason, get me out of here.” My words were desperate, but I didn’t care how weak they made me sound; I just needed to be gone before he saw me and recognized me. Did they do it on purpose? Somehow I don’t think so, it doesn’t feel that way. I was almost in tears by the time we cleared the room and then the anger came.