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

“Morning, Nadia. I trust you slept well?” Martin asked.

She returned his smile. “As always.”

“Good, good. Now let's get out of the cold, shall we?” With practiced courtesy, Martin ushered everyone inside, and they filed in through the front door.

A small foyer and a formal parlor met the eye as they walked toward the meeting room. Expensive paintings dotted the walls, and antique vases languished in glass cabinets along with rows of old books, now precious in their rarity. Anything of historical importance had been placed here after the infection began in a bid to safeguard it. A smart move, no doubt.

A large table awaited them in the old dining room that moonlighted as a meeting room, complete with jugs of water, coffee, and tea. A platter of fresh fruit served as breakfast.

Logan chose a seat at the far end with his back to the wall. He folded his long legs beneath him and picked a shiny green apple from the tray before nabbing a bottle of water. While munching on the tart fruit, he leaned back and watched the rest of the gathering file into the room.

Nadia took the open spot next to him and sat with stiff reserve, her lips pinched in a thin line. She looked worried, and he heaved an inward sigh at her neuroses. Yes, she was a carrier of the virus and therefore dangerous, but as long as she was careful, it would be all right. Sure, if people found out a few would have a problem with it, but most would accept it. A nagging voice at the back of his head told him it wasn't quite that easy, but he chose to disregard it.

Martin took a seat at the head of the table flanked by his right-hand man Thys. A woman called Ada sat opposite him at the other end. She was the head of security, and the defense of the town lay squarely in her capable hands. Tall with iron-gray hair, her fierce gaze cut like a knife, and few people were dumb enough to challenge her.

Marie, who was in charge of the stores, took the seat next to Nadia while two men of roughly Logan's age poured themselves a cup of coffee each. Neither were familiar, but Logan recognized the wary caution with which they moved and surmised they were raiders. Last, but not least, came the resident doctor Mrs. Barnard, and the old but still spry Adam, who was in charge of the small fleet of Chokka boats that kept the community fed.

Martin waited a few minutes until everyone had settled down before clearing his throat. An expectant hush replaced the cheerful chatter of before, and Logan shifted in his seat in readiness.

“Morning, ladies and gents,” Martin said after rustling a stack of papers in a manner designed to look official. “Let's begin, shall we?”

Murmured greetings hummed through the air.

The meeting opened with a discussion on the supplies available to the town. This was followed by a lengthy debate on the state of the medical facilities, and the season's haul of fish and seafood.

Halfway through, Logan spotted Nadia's eyes glazing over. This was followed by a stifled yawn. She perfectly mirrored his feelings, and he found himself hiding a grin behind his hand.

Martin's sharp gaze fell on the duo, and he cleared his throat. “Now, as some of you might know, we're gathered here to discuss the possibility of sending out an expeditionary force to the Free State. Logan here has informed me that there's a sizable group of survivors there, and he desires us to make contact.”

All eyes turned on Logan, and he straightened up in his seat with an embarrassed cough. “That's correct.”

An excited buzz rose around the table, interrupted when Ada asked, “How many people, and how big is their camp?”

Logan shrugged. “I'd guess around forty, but it's been awhile, and that might have changed. The camp itself is big enough to support more and is well-fortified.”

Ada's eyes narrowed. “That's not a whole lot to go on. How do you know they're still there?”

“I know,” Logan replied. “Call it instinct.”

“You're very sure of yourself,” Ada said. A strong hint of disapproval colored her tone, echoed by the tightening of her severe features.

“With reason,” Logan replied. He met her stare with a fixed gaze, not backing down an inch. “I know them. I know what they're capable of doing. They're a tough crowd, and nothing short of a meteor could wipe them out.”

Ada snorted and shot a sharp glance toward Nadia. “You're willing to risk her life on an off chance like that?”

Logan stiffened, but before he could answer, Nadia jumped in. “I can take care of myself, lady. I did so for several months while I lived on my own, and I can make my own damn decisions.”

Shocked silence reigned for a few seconds before Ada barked out a short laugh. “Well said, young miss. Are you sure you don't want to join the Watch? I could use people like you.”

“Thanks, but I've got other plans.” Nadia sat back with a defiant look on her face which prompted a smile from Logan. There's the real Nadia. I've missed her.

“Suppose this camp of yours is still there, why should we risk the lives of our people to journey there?” Thys asked, taking over from Ada. He spread his hands wide on the table. “It's a long way, filled with dangers.”

Logan looked at Thys for a moment while weighing his answer. Short and slender, with sandy hair and wiry strength, Thys was a tough opponent. He had years of experience in the local government to back him up, and the force of will to overcome any obstacle. If he opposed this expedition, it was unlikely anyone could sway the decision even if they tried.

“When I left my camp, I roamed far and wide. I traveled the length and breadth of South Africa, just the Landie and me. Is it dangerous? Sure, I had plenty of close calls.