Live Another Day by Baileigh Higgins (reading in the dark .txt) 📗

hot pink tank top with a leather jacket, and once more sported an assortment of hardware. Though her face was bare besides a stud in her nose and a ring in her eyebrow, she wore several chunky rings on her fingers, and her usual cross hung on its chain around her neck.

“I can’t believe it.” He plonked his ass down on a chair and took the cup she offered. “You’re back.”

“You bet I am.” She turned her head this way and that. “Do you like it?”

“That depends.”

“On what?”

“No more whining and complaining about people not liking you?”

“No more bitching,” she agreed.

“Is the kick my ass, take no shit from anybody attitude back?”

“Pretty much,” she said with a wicked grin.

“Then I like.”

“Good. Now eat your food so we can get a move on.” She indicated a plate of sliced ham, the canned variety, over a bed of savory porridge.

“Thanks.” He picked up his fork and dug in. “Have you already eaten?”

“Done and dusted. I just want to get going.”

“I’ll hurry,” he said.

“Just don’t choke and die on me.”

He snorted. “Not likely.”

As he ate, he contemplated her, noting the relaxed ease of her posture. She must have had some epiphany since he’d last seen her outside the meeting, a fact he was glad for. Neurotic, insecure Nadia had not been good for his peace of mind. Still, he was unsure how far the change had gone.

“Have you…” he hesitated.

“Spit it out, Logan.”

“Have you spoken to Donya?”

A flash of pain crossed her features. “I have.”

“And?”

“And she’s right.”

Logan inhaled sharply and choked on a chunk of porridge. He sputtered and wheezed until Nadia jumped up and slapped him on the back. She shoved a glass of water under his nose, and it took a full minute before he regained his composure.

“I told you not to choke and die on me,” she scolded.

“She’s right? Donya’s right? Did I hear that right?”

“Not about everything,” Nadia said. “But she was correct about one thing. I’ve been lying to myself all along, thinking I could pretend to be someone I’m not. I believe she termed it being a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“I see. Go on.”

“It’s not right lying to other people either. I am dangerous, and they should know that. It was selfish of me to keep it a secret.”

Logan absorbed this in silence before he nodded. “I’m glad. So long as you stop with the freak and murderer nonsense.”

Nadia took a sip of her coffee before replying. “I've thought about it, and while I'm not a hundred percent at peace with what I've done, I've got to accept it. I’m not a freak, just different. I’m not a murderer either. It was an accident.”

“When did this all happen? It seems a little sudden.”

“Let’s just say an old memory helped me to move on.”

“Can I ask what?”

“I’d rather not. You’ve got your secrets, and I’ve got mine.”

Logan’s heart skipped a beat at her words, old pain reawakening as Morgan’s golden-green eyes flashed in front of his eyes. He managed a half-smile. “Fair enough.”

Logan scooped up the last of his food before washing his dish in the washbasin. As he dried his hands, he turned to her. “Well, I’m glad you’re back. Now let’s kick some ass. Ready?”

“Ready!”

Logan left the apartment that had been their home for a month behind without any feelings of regret. While St. Francis had been kind to them, it was time to move on. Time to go home.

***

The Land Rover was parked in the public lot along with all the other vehicles available in the town, so this was where Logan headed. It was a bright day, though cold, and a stiff breeze blew in off the ocean bringing with it the taste of salt.

Martin was already there, along with Josh and three others. As they neared, Logan recognized the other people with him, and his stomach dropped. While Jed was an excellent addition to the party, a man from the watch and a good fighter, the other two spelled trouble.

Next to Logan, Nadia faltered. He reached out a hand and gripped her elbow. “It’s okay. I’m here.”

“Thanks,” she whispered as Donya and Caleb’s eyes fixed on her, one with loathing, the other with guarded optimism.

The distance between them closed, and Logan halted a few steps away from Martin and the rest. His gaze settled on first Donya then Caleb. Inside, he boiled with glacial rage. “Is this a joke?”

“No joke,” Martin replied. “She asked to accompany us. I couldn’t refuse.”

“Couldn’t refuse?” Logan asked. “With their shared history? You don’t think it odd that she suddenly wants to go with us?”

“She's assured me she won’t cause any trouble.”

“And you believe her?” Logan barked out a short laugh. “This is ridiculous.”

Caleb’s eyes narrowed at Logan’s words, his gaze jumping from Donya to Nadia and back. “What’s going on?”

Jed nodded, his expression likewise confused. “I’d also like to know.”

Irritated at the interruption, Logan snapped at Caleb. “Not that you’re any better.”

“Excuse me?” Caleb asked, his green eyes narrowing.

“You heard me. I’ve watched you running after Nadia like a puppy dog, and I don’t like it.”

“It’s none of your business. You’re not her father.”

“Logan felt his hands clench into fists but controlled himself with an effort. “I’m as good as.”

Nadia tugged on his arm with both hands. “Logan, please. I can handle this.”

He looked into her pleading eyes and sighed. “Fine. Go ahead.”

She gulped and straightened up, facing the group. “If we’re all going to travel together, then you deserve to know the truth.”

“Hear, hear,” Donya said in a mocking tone of voice, but she quieted when Martin shot her a warning look.

“What truth?” Caleb asked.

Nadia drew in a shuddering breath and squared her shoulders. “I’m infected with the virus.”

“What?” Caleb paled while Jed’s eyes narrowed and Josh paled. Only Martin showed no reaction while Donya gloated openly.

“How’s that even possible?” Caleb asked.

“I’m a carrier. Months ago, I got bitten by a zombie. At first, I got sick. I thought I was going to die for sure.