Free The Grace Series (Book 2): Tainted Grace by M. Lauryl Lewis

so I can’t claim to know of anything,” said Bill. 
    “We have siphoning gear, so if anyone spots a car, truck, ambulance…anything, holler.  Zoe, how does it feel here?”
    I focused.  “Fine,” I said.
    “Ok, does anyone need to make a pit stop?  If so I suggest doing it now.”
    “Sounds good,” said Emilie.  She appeared behind my seat and stretched.
    “Make it quick, please?” said Gus, who smiled at her.
    She smiled back.  “Ok.  Get out and keep me company?”  Em seemed feisty today.
    Gus grinned back.  I stood up, sat on Boggs’ lap to allow her to climb through the cab, and wondered what secret joke she and Gus had going on.
    “I need to go too,” I said.
    “Ok, everyone out,” said Gus.  “Two minutes and we need to be back on the road.”
    Boggs slid our door open, and helped me climb down.  The rain was heavier now, falling in sheets.  The temperature felt like it was dropping and I thought I might have seen ice mixed in with the rain.  I shivered, and followed Boggs as he led me away from the van toward the tree line.
    “Still clear, Zo?” he asked me quietly.
    I nodded ‘yes.’
    “Ok, let’s make it quick.  I’ll make sure no one is watching while you do your thing.”
    “Thanks,” I said quietly while I pulled my pants down and squatted.  I watched Boggs’ back while I peed, wishing I had an umbrella.  It wasn't long before I finished and stood to pull my pants up.  I was already shivering. I looked at the dark gray sky above and the rain falling down.  I saw a bird fly over us and wondered what animals thought about the plague.  Were they aware? Were they also afraid?
    “Zoe.  C’mon,” said Boggs.  “We need to get back to the van, hun.”
    I nodded and walked to him.  He took hold of my hand again.
    “Jesus, Zo, you’re freezing.”
    My teeth were clattering together and I was shaking more violently.
    “Let’s get you into the back and wrapped up in blankets.”
    I didn’t argue.
    Back inside, I had stripped out of a layer of wet clothes and was wrapped up in the comforter that Boggs and I had shared in our bedroom at the cabin.  Emilie sat beside me, also under the blanket.  I leaned against her, grateful for her warmth.  Bill had taken my place up front.  Susan leaned against Nathan across the way from us.  I hoped the happiness she had found overnight with Nathan would last.
    “Do you suppose it’s much farther?” I asked Emilie.
    “I hope not.  It feels too open here.  Too vulnerable.”
    Gus called back to me.  “Zoe, how’s your head, darlin’?”
    “Good, Gus.”  I tried to smile but was too scared and too cold to make it genuine.
    The van bumped from ruts in the road, and rocked back and forth with the curves and bends.  The ride had grown rough, and I could tell Gus had slowed our pace accordingly.
    “According to the map we’re nearly there,” said Bill. 
    The journey had been so uneventful that I was beginning to wonder when disaster would strike. 
    “That rock face there is familiar,” said Bill.  “The house should only be about five minutes or so up the way.  I think it’s gotten too dark to risk walking the last part, so I’d suggest we go ahead and drive up.  Just stay alert and let me and Nate get out first.  I’d hate for Aldo to get all gun happy, assuming the worst like he likes to do all the damn time.”
    “Fair enough,” replied Gus.  “Zoe, still clear?”
    “Ya.”
    “I’m pulling over.  Boggs, once the van stops go ahead and climb in back so Nathan can come up front.”
    “You got it, Boss,” said Boggs.
    They made the exchange smoothly and quickly and we were moving again without incident.  Time ticked by slowly.  The lone house came into view and Gus slowed.
    Nathan sighed.  “I see the curtains in the living room moving.”
    Gus brought the van to a stop.
    “Ok, they know we’re here.  Nathan, go ahead and climb out.  I’ll be right behind you,” said Bill