Free Shadows Have Gone by Lissa Bryan Page B

meant the world would go back to “normal” any time soon. The practical aspect of reestablishing order and the trappings of civilization would be the work of years, if not decades, for the most organized of systems.
    “We’re still in the same situation, no matter who they are.”
    There were nods, but there was also lingering disappointment. They would think on it, though, just as she had, and realize Justin was right. Even the real army couldn’t change things back to the way they once were.
    “Could we join with them if they are the army?”
    Justin shook his head. “That wouldn’t be an option. Not for all of us anyway. They might take some of our young men if they wanted to go, but they won’t have the resources to feed a bunch of people who want to follow them around. The US government would want us right where we are, doing what we’re doing. Farming and rebuilding a community. Following them around would do them do good and do us no good, either. They’re not settling, whoever they are. They’re traveling for a purpose—be that to bring safety or turmoil, I don’t know.”
    “How was the truck running?” someone asked. “All the gasoline went bad.”
    “Propane gas,” Pearl answered. “They had a tank rigged up in the back.”
    “So they must have a propane station and electricity to pump the propane.”
    That idea got people jabbering excitedly again.
    “They could be running a generator from small propane tanks like we do,” Justin said. “They don’t necessarily have the electricity on.”
    Disappointment again.
    “Does anyone know where the nearest large propane storage facility is? Or a National Guard base? Anything like that?”
    No one knew. Miz Marson might have, but she wasn’t present. Justin nodded. “Okay. I’ll check the phone book and local maps for likely locations, then scout out—”
    “No,” Carly said.
    “What do you mean? I need to find out—”
    “No, you don’t.” Carly shook her head. “Maybe they’ll leave us alone and move on if we don’t bother them.”
    “Carly, we need to know what we’re dealing with.” Justin’s voice was gentle but firm. “If we don’t—”
    “Please, just . . . not now. Not when we just got home.”
    “Surely there’s no harm in just checking the map,” Grady said.
    Carly glared at him. “Can’t we just leave it alone? Please, let’s just . . . rest.”
    “I understand.” But she could see from Justin’s expression that he didn’t agree. He was still going to investigate this. He couldn’t help it—it wasn’t in his nature to let something like this go.
    “Let’s just wait and see if they initiate any contact. If not, we can just go on with our lives.” Carly’s mind was scrambling for ways of convincing him. “Maybe that’s the last we’ll ever see of them.”
    “Let’s talk about this later, Carly.”
    “No, I think it involves the community.” She turned to the group at large. “What do you think?”
    Grady rubbed beneath his nose before he spoke. “Carly, I think Justin’s right. I think it’s best to check out these people and find out what we’re dealing with so we can be prepared for whatever comes.”
    Carly blinked. She looked over at Pearl for help, but Pearl shook her head. “I don’t think checking them out is going to initiate any problems, if that’s what you’re worried about,” she said. “Justin and I can get in there and out without them ever knowing.”
    Sam let out a high-pitched whine. His eyes darted, looking for an enemy. Carly leaned down and stroked his neck to soothe him.  
    I won’t leave you behind again, she thought. Just as she did not want to be left behind. Sam deserved the respect of being able to fight at her side.
    “Basic reconnaissance is just the smart thing to do,” Justin said.
    “Should we attack?” This came from Jason. He edged closer to his wife, Laura, but his expression was steady.
    “It’s always an option,” Justin said.