Free Until the End of the World (Book 1) by Sarah Lyons Fleming Page B

people can be selfish, but when push comes to shove they’ll do the right thing, the human thing. But not Peter. Rage boils up, but I tamp it back down, and what comes out is cold and deadly.
    “You know, Peter, sometimes you do something that might jeopardize your own safety because you love someone. You love them so much you’re willing to stick by them, even if it means doing things the hard way. Even if it means putting yourself at risk. Not that I expect you to understand that. And as for jeopardizing us, don’t worry about that. As of now there is no longer any us .”
    His mouth hangs open. I’m cruelly happy to see the sneer replaced by shock.
    “I don’t want you to stay here where it’s not safe, and you’re welcome to come with us. Or go your own way, since you think we’re all crazy. But don’t you dare let Penny or Ana hear you. You, of all people, should understand that they want to make sure their mother’s safe.”
    It’s a bit of a low blow, and he looks properly chastened. “Fine, fine, sorry,” he says, and reaches out for me.
    His face rearranges back to its normal state. He’s trying to charm me. He thinks Silly Cassie isn’t serious. I cross my arms. I have never wanted to kick someone so badly in my life.
    He exhales noisily. “Cassandra, stop being ridiculous. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it how it sounded.”
    But I know he did. My whole body shakes, but I also feel a palpable sense of relief.
    “No, we’re done. It’s been a long time coming. Now’s not really the time to discuss it. I’m sorry I did it this way.”
    I push past him and run up the stairs.

CHAPTER 17
    Standing in my bedroom, hands in fists, I hear the sounds of Penny and Ana moving our stuff to the front door. I change into my broken-in leather boots and throw my slippers into the closet with more force than necessary. Being scared and sweaty has done nothing to tame the frizz in my hair, so I make two long, brown braids. I don’t want to see Peter, but I can’t lock myself in here. I head into the living room and stand in front of the TV, ignoring Peter’s glares from the couch.
    The virus is under control, the news anchor says. Now that I know they’re lying, I understand why everyone is still at home, waiting for it to blow over. Unless you’re looking for it, there’s nothing but good news.
    They’re implementing curfews, ostensibly to stop the looting. That means roads should be clear, and if we aren’t stopped we might make it out. They flash the locations of more treatment centers. I imagine mass graves. My feet tap the floor. We don’t know what time they’re taking out the bridges, and tomorrow officially starts at midnight. A car door slams out front. It’s Nelly and James with the blue van.
    I run to the door. “Well? How was it?”
    “Not too bad,” Nelly replies. “We turned a corner, right into one of them. He scared the shit out of us, just before James and I both knocked him with our bats.” He mimes swinging a bat and blanches.
    “Ugh,” I say, as I remember the crack of the metal on Aviator Glasses’ head.
    “Yeah,” James says. He no longer looks thrilled to be having a testosterone-fueled experience. “It was pretty gross. As we were driving back we think we saw a huge group of them. Going through Queens may be impossible. We need to leave now, while the streets here are clear.”
    The only other plan is the Verrazano into Staten Island and then crossing into Jersey. They didn’t see many cars. People are still in their houses, doing what they’ve been told. That must be why they’re bombing the bridges tonight. The panic will start tomorrow for sure, and by then it will be too late.

CHAPTER 18
    I look around my apartment one last time. I think I can feel my dad and mom here. I hope I’m doing what I’m supposed to, what they would have done.
    “Until the end of the world,” I whisper down the empty hall.
    “And after,” Penny whispers from behind me.
    I turn