Page 30 of Burning Escape

“She’s alive. She needs our help.” And Tori couldn’t stand to see anyone in pain and not help.

“We go together, then.” Orion dropped his arm. “And try not to touch anything.”

By the time they made it to the steps, the woman was rousing. Her long brown hair was pulled back in a braid, her flannel shirt and jeans dusty as she sat up, holding her head.

“Are you okay?” Tori asked her, sinking down to sit on the top step.

The woman blinked, scratched at a cluster of red spots on her forearm. “I don’t know.” She coughed.

“Did something happen?” Orion stayed standing and scanned the yard.

“Who are you?” the woman asked.

“I’m Tori. This is Orion.” Tori gestured to the middle of the yard. “And that’s Joann and baby Josiah. They’re from the Refuge, and we were hoping you could help us get to Copper Mountain.”

“I’m Kitri.” She slowly moved to standing and looked out at the property as if searching for something.

“Kitri, did something happen to you to knock you out?” Orion asked again. “Are you in danger?”

“Buzz broomly fix gone.”

“What was that?” Orion looked confused.

Kitri spouted off another meaningless string of words.

“Let’s go inside and get her some water. Something is going on.” Tori helped Kitri into the house. Hopefully she wasn’t having a stroke. She walked normally, which was a good sign.

Orion swept up a rifle lying next to the door. “Joann, come with us.” He held the door open until Joann was safely inside.

The log home was cozy. A big stone fireplace took up most of the living room, and the simple leather furniture and stacks of quilts and books scattered around gave it a homey touch.

Tori led Kitri to the small wooden table in the open dining room, while Orion searched the cupboards, eventually bringing a glass of water for each of them. Kitri stared off into space rather than taking the glass.

“Here, try to drink.” Tori put the glass in her hand.

Kitri slowly lifted the glass and sipped. She closed her eyes a moment and shook her head.

“Do you remember what happened?” Tori asked.

“A drone. There was a drone, and it sprayed something in the air while I was feeding the chickens.”

“Do you remember having that rash before the drone?” Orion pointed at her arms. The angry red welts on her skin covered the backs of her hands up to her elbows.

Kitri shook her head. “No. I remember rushing up the steps for the gun, but I must’ve passed out.”

“Where is the rest of your family?” Joann tucked the sling tighter around Josiah.

“Fishing. It’s our annual salmon trip. They’ll be gone a couple more days. I stayed to take care of the animals and the garden.” Kitri set the glass down and scratched her arm again.

“I think you need medical attention. We need to get back to Copper Mountain. You should come with us.” Orion didn’t sound like he would take no for an answer.

“I can’t leave the animals.”

“If that drone sprayed something on you, the first thing you need to do is wash it off. Do you have a shower?” Tori asked.

Kitri nodded. “I’ll go wash off.”

“Do you have a radio or satellite phone?” Orion asked as she stood.

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