Free The Zero Trilogy (Book 3): End of Day by Summer Lane

now.”
    Cheng raised his hand, waving to the clerk behind the counter. He was a tall, portly man with thinning hair and a thickset, sweaty face.
    “Cheng,” the man said, breathing hard. “You’re back.”
    “Indeed I am. I’m here to cash in on that favor you owe me.” Cheng winked. “My friend here needs supplies.”
    The clerk nodded slowly.
    “Yes, of course, Cheng.” He looked back toward the line of people, impatiently waiting for him to return. “Anything you like, anything at all.” He paused. “Are you back to stay, Cheng?”
    Cheng put his arm around the clerk’s shoulders.
    “Now, Mr. Halverson,” he said gaily. “What fun would my visits be if you knew everything about them? Surprises are good for you– they keep you young.” He patted him on the back. “Go on, back to work. Your customers are waiting. Thank you for your generosity.”
    The clerk nodded feverishly and returned to the counter.
    “The store is yours, fair lady,” Cheng said, bowing his head.
    Elle raised an eyebrow.
    “He seemed overjoyed to see you,” she stated, deadpan.
    “He was. He loves me like his own son.” Cheng picked up a pair of jeans and tossed them to Elle. “Pick out what you need, little ninja.”
    Elle sighed. She wanted to ask him what favor Cheng was cashing in with the store clerk. “Why are you helping me?” Elle asked.
    Cheng didn’t reply.
    “Here, this would look remarkable with your hair, don’t you think?” Cheng laughed uproariously at his own comment and tossed a black flannel shirt into Elle’s arms. Elle and Bravo trailed behind Cheng as he strolled through the store, grabbing items and piling them on Elle’s clothes.
    They were nearing the door when something caught Elle’s eye.
    “Wait,” she said.
    She shoved the supplies into Cheng’s arms. She walked to the corner of the store andpicked up a crisp leather collar that had been shoved aside. She slipped it inside her jacket pocket, smiling slightly.
    “Okay,” she told him. “Let’s go.”
    They left the Trading Post with countless items, hauling the supplies back to the lodge and into their room. When they walked inside, Luli was gone.
    “She probably went to get some fresh air,” Cheng said.
    But he didn’t seem so sure.
    Cheng dropped the stuff on the bed. There was a pair of new jeans, two thick shirts, wool socks, underwear, a green knit cap, leather gloves and a brand new backpack. Elle pulled some clothes from the pile and went into the bathroom. There was light from a window above the small toilet. She pulled her old clothes off and dressed in the new ones, feeling crisp, clean and warm. The socks felt incredible against her sore, blistered and calloused feet. She picked up a hairbrush sitting on the counter and tried to comb her short hair, but it did nothing to make it look neater. It was still short and boyish.
    But practical, right, Elle?
    She swallowed and left the bathroom, walking into the room again. Bravo was lying on the floor, his head between his front paws, sleeping softly. Elle quietly transferred the items from her old backpack into the new, waterproof one. She had picked up medical supplies at the trading post. Things like sterile sutures, antibiotics, bandage wraps, water-purifying tablets, pain relief ointments and heat patches all found their way into her pack. She stuffed it with beef jerky and sealed packages of high-calorie crackers and protein bars, three canteens of water and a pair of aviator sunglasses that she had found long ago in the desert.
    “You’re very prepared,” Cheng commented.
    He was sitting cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed.
    Elle zipped her pack shut. She pressed her lips together.
    Then, “Thank you. For the supplies. I don’t know how you managed it, but thanks anyway.”
    Cheng slowly opened his eyes.
    “You’re welcome.” He looked pleased. “Come sit with me, Elle.”
    Elle hesitated, but she sat down slowly, crossing her legs. They were only two feet