Live Another Day by Baileigh Higgins (finding audrey .txt) 📕

not touching a drink since the day he tossed out his stash. He'd held her to that promise too, ensuring she stayed off the pills and cigarettes no matter how much she might long for them. A fact that earned her gratitude even though she begrudged him for it at times.

“Morning,” he said, mouth quirking in a wry greeting.

“Hi,” she replied as she hurried toward the gas stove where a kettle of coffee stood, still warm from the flames. She poured herself a cup and took the seat opposite him, avoiding his sharp gaze. He was oiling his handgun, his fingers moving with well-practiced ease.

“Everything all right?” Logan asked.

“Yeah, I'm good.”

“Are you sure? You look upset.”

“No, I'm fine.”

“Is it that boy again?” His voice deepened to a growl. “Because if he's becoming a problem, I'll chop off his knackers with a blunt knife.”

She shook her head, a reluctant giggle escaping her lips at the mental image his words evoked. “Nothing's wrong, Logan, and Caleb isn't bothering me so you can keep your torture fantasies to yourself for now.”

He grunted and eyed her for another long second before nodding. “Well, whatever it is, it'll have to wait. Martin's called a meeting.”

“Oh?” She looked up in surprise. “What for?”

“He wants to discuss my proposal.”

“Really?” Her eyebrows arched at this bit of news. “Took him long enough.”

Ever since they arrived, Logan had lobbied for Martin to allow an expeditionary force to travel to Max's camp to establish cohesiveness between the two surviving groups. Maybe even set up a trade route. But for weeks now, nothing had happened, and they'd been forced to sit and wait.

Logan shrugged. “I don't blame him. It's a tough decision, and he's got his people to worry about.”

“True, but shouldn't we survivors stick together?” Nadia asked. “There's few enough of us left as it is.”

“I know.” Logan emptied his cup and sat back in his chair. “It isn't that easy though.”

“Nothing is anymore,” she grumbled as she finished her coffee.

“Ready to go?” Logan asked.

“I'm ready.” She pushed back her chair with a scrape and flexed her spine.

“Good,” Logan answered with a grunt, sliding his gun into its customary holster. “Time to find out what the future holds.”

Nadia followed Logan out of the kitchen with mixed feelings. Was Martin finally approving the expedition? And if so, what about her? What did her future hold? And whom?

Chapter 2 - Logan

Logan left behind the warm kitchen and made his way downhill. The asphalt crunched beneath his boots, and the breeze felt crisp on his skin. It tugged at his collar and carried with it the briny scent of the sea. The brisk walk invigorated him, and he enjoyed the feel of his muscles stretching and moving with ease. Since he'd decided to stop smoking and drinking, his health had returned faster than even he had anticipated.

“Do you think Martin will agree to the expedition, at last?” Nadia asked. She hurried along beside him, her shorter legs struggling to keep pace with him. The vigorous movement stained her cheeks pink, and her blue eyes glowed like aquamarines. No wonder that boy Caleb is so infatuated with her.

“I don't know. I hope so because I'm just about done waiting.” He shook his head as impatience overwhelmed him. For all of a month now, he'd sat around twiddling his thumbs while Martin held meetings and deliberated with his advisors. Though he understood Martin's position, he had little patience with red tape and longed to get back home.

“You'd leave without them?” Nadia asked. “You wouldn't stay?”

“No, I have to go back, whatever happens.” He turned his head and regarded her. Something in her tone of voice alerted him to trouble. “And you? Are you thinking of staying?”

“No, of course not. Where you go, I go. That was the deal, right?”

“Right.” Logan slowed his pace and thought his next words over carefully before saying. “You know, Nadia. You don't have to leave just because I am. My goal was to find you somewhere safe to live, and if that place is here, you should stick around.”

Nadia bit her lip and looked away. “I could never stay here without you.”

“If you feel you can make a life here, then stay. Don't leave because of me.”

“That's just it! How can I make a life here, knowing what I am? What I can do?” Nadia shook her head, a miserable expression crossing her features. “I don't belong here, Logan. I'm a freak, and if these people realized it, they'd throw me out.”

“How do you know that? Sometimes, you just have to give people a chance.”

She snorted, her disdain evident. “Don't be stupid, Logan. They'd look at me the same way they look at the zoms.”

Logan sighed. “Is this about Caleb?”

“No, of course not.” She flashed him an angry glare, and he decided to back off even though instinct told him he had a point.

“Well, whatever you decide to do, you have my full support. As long as you do it for you, not me.”

“Thanks, I'll remember that.”

Logan nodded and turned his attention in the direction their feet had carried them. Down a steep hill and toward a small whitewashed building that was hidden between a stand of ancient trees. It was an old house of historic value and now served as a city hall and museum of sorts.

It was from these premises that Martin conducted most of his business. From coordinating the latest raids and fishing expeditions to who would man the walls during the long days and nights. Though Logan had been there a few times, he'd never been summoned to a meeting before and was curious as to the procedures involved.

A small knot of people already stood outside when they arrived. As one they turned to watch Logan and Nadia approach. He recognized most of them, but a few were unfamiliar.

Martin was already there as well, and he turned toward Logan with a stern nod. “Glad to see you could make it.”

“Wouldn't miss it,” Logan replied as