Free Refugee Road (Freedom Fighters Series Book 1) by Nikki Landis Page B

excellent friend. His worry unnerved me. I trusted him the most. More than anyone else.
    Darren slid back an hour later, letting Big Dog and Diva take the lead. I felt Darren’s eyes on me for long moments before he spoke.
    “What’s the matter Lizzie?” He asked, more astute than I needed.
    “Nothing. Why?” I acted innocent.
    “Stop it. You’re a terrible liar.”
    I sighed. “It’s not a big deal.”
    “It’s a big deal to me if you are upset about something.”
    Damn. Couldn’t he let it go? I stayed silent.
    “Lizzie? Would you please trust me?” He sounded hurt.
    Fine. “I’ve been informed that since it is known that you love me I had better make sure you are taken care of. We need a happy leader.” I responded, slightly snippy.
    I couldn’t look at him. I was too embarrassed and angry.
    “Lizzie, I’m sorry. My careless actions brought this on. I was more transparent than I realized. Forgive me, please. You are under no obligation to me, ever. You know how I feel but…I wouldn’t do that to you.”
    I could see in his eyes he was worried. He didn’t want me upset or angry. Great, I was doing damage control already.
    “I know Darren. I’m not angry just frustrated. Don’t worry, ok?” I forced myself to sound calm and even.
    He nodded. “Ok Lizzie.”
    He bought it easily, more because he wanted to than because it was truth. He grabbed my hand and pulled me close to a tree. Away from prying eyes, his lips lowered to mine quickly. He set back out after the kiss, forcing me to follow without having a chance to respond. I didn’t bother to bring up the other thing that was bothering me, like keeping Mal from visiting me. Why did he feel he had the right to interfere on my behalf? Or make decisions without consulting me?
    Sighing, I fell in line in the rear, making sure we didn’t leave too many signs for militia soldiers to find. It was my job. And I always did my job…
     
    It was early afternoon when we reached the abandoned section of Worthington. The sun was high overhead, heat bearing down through the trees and starting a trickle of sweat down my back. Stealthily we made our way toward the militia’s encampment, careful to keep to the shadow of the trees as much as possible.
    We picked off guards here and there ensuring silence, occasionally from Mal and Darren, using silencers. Mostly Diva stepped in. That’s what the knives and bows were for. No detection. No gunfire unless absolutely necessary. This was a supply run. Get in. Get out. Fast. No rules except one: don’t get caught.
    Big Dog and Diva were after food. Any rations they could find. Malcolm and XXX were on ammo detail. Shotgun and automatic weapons especially. Darren and I always went for medical supplies. He never let me go off with anyone else. For the first time, it irritated me. We separated from the others; the plan was to meet at the rendezvous point after everyone had gathered the items from their checklist.
    Darren and I headed north toward the medical building, pausing to let a small squad of militia soldiers pass by. When it was clear, we entered the building. Darren knew the most direct route, without passing any guard stations. We found the supply closet quickly and filled our bags. I took plenty of antibiotics, ointments, blood packs, IV fluid, and pain medication. We didn’t need bandages. My bag was insulated so it should keep everything cool long enough, until we got back to base.
    We made it back outside without incident. Hidden in the shadows, we had to stay quiet while more soldiers marched passed us. Several minutes ticked by. Darren was across from me, watching, in the building across the dirt laden path. He was waiting for them to pass so we could sneak back to the bombed side of Worthington and meet the others. Somehow we ended up separated.
    Darren suddenly waved at me, his eyes wide as saucers, and shook his head. He pointed behind me when suddenly someone grabbed me, put a hand over my mouth,