Page 32 of Unrest
He gave them a nod. “At ease.” The men moved to stand beside him, their guns hoisted and ready, but no longer pointed at us.
“What brings y’all out here in this fine weather?” the man asked.
“We came to sing Christmas carols,” Texas Harry said.
The man almost grinned. “Little late for that. Tell me your business or you can freeze your asses off out here all night.”
This time it was Ry who spoke up. “We heard a radio comm for Dugway Proving Ground. So here we are. You working for the DRI, or what?”
Now the guy really did grin. “I’m sure you can understand, but we’re a little untrusting these days. You all need to be questioned before you get any answers.”
“Will this questioning be indoors?” I asked. “Because that would really be nice.”
The guy’s eyes landed on me for the first time, and then traveled to Remy, before he gave a nod. “Follow me.” DRI or not, I nearly fainted at the thought of warmth.
“Wait,” Rylen called. He pointed at Tater. “What the hell is he standing on, if not a landmine?” Oh, crap, Tater! My brother was still like a statue with his hands on his head.
“Ah, that.” The guy nodded. “It’s like a doorbell.” He walked forward and stood two feet in front of Tater. “Step off.”
My heart pounded. Even with the guy standing so closely, I worried it might be a trick.
It took ten seconds for Tater to work up the nerve. When Tater jumped forward, flying past the guy like a freaking cartoon character, I couldn’t help but laugh with relief, and I wasn’t alone. Remy and I both ran to Tater and tackle hugged him. He managed to stay on his feet as we squeezed him.
I breathed through the lump in my throat. Relief made tears press against my eyes.No more crying.Instead, I punched Tater’s arm weakly. “God, you scared the shit out of me and you weren’t even in danger!”
“Good to know you care,peque.”Little sis.He sounded as weak as I did.
“All right,” said the leader. “That’s enough. Single file. Hands on your heads. Break rank and you die. Let’s move.”
Soldiers in camo lined us on each side as we followed him into the gates, closing them behind us, and marched us down stone steps into what looked like a bomb shelter hidden in the ground. Heat hit us almost immediately in the darkness, stinging my face, and I let out a breathy sound at the same time as Remy. We might be walking to our doom, but at least we would die warm.
