Holmes (13 page)

Santha was smiling. “I told you they were doing it.”

Emerson nodded. “Totally.”

Elle grinned now. “I think after last night, anyone with eyes can tell they’re doing it.” Her gaze narrowed. “And is that a hickey on your neck, General?”

Adam was at a loss for words.

Then Liberty started laughing.

He nudged her. “This isn’t funny.”

“Yes, it is. Loosen up, Adam.”

Emerson took a step closer, the doctor’s intent gaze on his face. Then she nodded and looked at Liberty. “Keep up the good work. He needed to get laid.”

Adam choked.

Liberty sniffed. “I am not a prescription, Doc.”

“Maybe not,” Emerson agreed. “But for our esteemed general, I think you’re just what the doctor ordered.” Emerson gave Adam a pat on the shoulder.

He guessed she meant it to be comforting, but he didn’t feel comforted. What was the rest of the convoy going to think? Would they worry he wasn’t focused on their safety?

Liberty straightened, thankfully changing the subject. “Elle, may I see your ring?”

“Sure.” The comms officer held out her hand.

Liberty gripped her fingers. “It’s beautiful.”

It was pretty. Adam had bought a plain diamond solitaire in a gold band for Diane. The jeweler had assured him it was a popular, classic style, and a good investment.

“Marcus found it in the wreckage of a jeweler’s shop,” Elle said, her face going soft. “He found it before we even got together.”

Back when the man had been fighting his attraction to his pretty comms officer. And Marcus hadn’t picked a single shiny diamond for his woman. This ring did have a diamond in the center, but it was flanked by lovely blue stones on a platinum band. Adam wasn’t sure what the blue jewels were, but they matched the color of Elle’s eyes.

“He loves you a lot,” Liberty said.

Elle nodded. “Love’s pretty darn good, Liberty.” Her gaze flicked to Adam and back. “You should give it a try.”

Liberty laughed. But Adam was starting to read her well enough now to know it had a hollow ring to it.

“Not sure I’m built for love.”

Adam stared at her face, unable to believe Liberty—a woman so warm, caring and full of life—didn’t think she could love.

“Well, I’m sure we need to get moving,” Elle said. “General, you mentioned you wanted to talk to the convoy before we set off. I have the comms set up whenever you’re ready.”

Adam reluctantly looked away from Liberty. “Right. I’m ready. We need to be on the road soon.”

The women headed back toward their vehicles, while Liberty walked beside him.

“I’m your driver again today,” she said.

“Good.”

“You aren’t upset? That they know? That others will know about us?”

“That I spent the night with a beautiful woman? That I plan to spend more time with her?” He thought he detected the faintest flush of color in her cheeks. “I worry they think my mind isn’t fully on the job, but no, Liberty. I’m not upset.” He grabbed her hand to stop her. “Thank you for last night.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand.

She watched him, her lips parted. “Well, the pleasure wasn’t entirely all mine.”

He smiled, then turned to see Elle holding out a small microphone. “Showtime.”

He straightened his shoulders, noticing all his convoy members standing around, grouped by their vehicles.

It was time for him to lead them into hell again.

But this time, he hoped they’d have a new haven—a new home—waiting at the other end.

***

Liberty stood off to the side, watching Adam as he spoke.

“Good morning.” He paused as people responded. “Today will be a dangerous one.” Silence fell. “I have never lied to you. The aliens will try everything to stop us reaching our destination.”

It didn’t matter that he wore chinos and a simple polo shirt. He looked every inch the general, their leader. It was in the posture, the aristocratic face, the authority stamped all over him. When Adam Holmes spoke, people listened…and believed.

“But…the Enclave is close.” His voice was firm, deep, and filled with his belief. “One last push, and we can reach a safe haven where we’ll be welcomed by new friends.”

Liberty felt her chest swell. Yep, he just made you have faith. She couldn’t believe this was the man she was tangled up with right now. This smart, steadfast man. One who would never hurt a woman, but would do everything in his power to protect someone not as strong as him.

But she’d seen the darkness he carried. The cost of being the man he was.

She was glad that, at least for a little while, she could help him with that burden. Be his support when he felt the load was too heavy.

“Today, I need one last push from you.” Adam’s blue gaze moved across the crowd. “I need your strength, your courage, your teamwork.”

The way he looked at people made them feel included, like he saw each one of them, individually. Liberty gave her head a little shake. The man was born to lead.

“Last night, I think we all had a reminder that no matter how bad things get, how chaotic, messy and dark, we always have something to live for.” His gaze found Marcus and Elle, standing nearby. “Congratulations, Marcus, Elle. Thank you for the privilege of celebrating your love.” A wry smile tipped Adam’s lips. “Especially you, Marcus. I know when I asked…perhaps, more accurately
bullied
you…into making your announcement a public party—” there was a smattering of laughs “—that it wasn’t exactly your style. But the love you two share, the camaraderie with your friends…it really is a beacon of hope for all of us.” He drew in a breath. “My friends, today we make our final run to the Enclave. Each step of the way, I want you to remember the important lesson we all learned last night—” his gaze caught Liberty’s “—that we all have something…someone, to live for.”

As he handed back the microphone, cheers and applause erupted.

Liberty looked around, filled with such intense pride and hope, and something else she couldn’t name.

“Well?” he asked as he approached.

“I think that one might go down in the history books, General.”

He leaned in close. “Adam.”

“You didn’t mind me calling you my general last night.”

“That’s different.” His blues eyes flared. “I want to hear you say it again when I’m inside you.”

She fanned her face. “Then we’d better get to the Enclave…fast.”

The next hour or so passed in a blur. Liberty drove them out of the mine, as Adam talked to various squad leaders and comms officers over the comm line. In the rearview mirror, she watched the convoy vehicles following them up the ramp and out into the sunshine.

As they hit the road, Liberty sighed. She was almost sad to say goodbye to that mine and that cozy little candlelit alcove. Still, the sunshine was beautiful, as were the rolling hills around them. If she ignored the abandoned cars by the roadside, the empty houses they passed, she could almost imagine that she and Adam were just out for a lovely day trip.

The Enclave was close. That was all she needed to think about right now. Getting them all there safely. She’d think of bubble baths, instead.

As they drove, she felt Adam’s tension grow. He constantly scanned the landscape out the window, tapping his fingers against one knee.

“Adam?”

“It’s so damn quiet,” he muttered. “Nothing on the drone feed nearby. I don’t like it.”

“Well, I do. Imagine if we can just drive on up to the Enclave. No stress, no fighting.”

“It’s never that easy.”

“It could be. I think we deserve that.” She reached out and gripped his thigh. “But whatever happens, we’re going to get there. Tonight, I have plans…you, me, and a bath. Not sure I’ll have bubbles, but you naked in the tub with me will do.” She winked at him.

It worked. His tense shoulders loosened a little.

“This is a convoy-wide warning.” Elle’s tense voice blasted across the comm line. “We’ve detected incoming alien heat signatures. They’re in the air.”

Something slammed into the windscreen.

Liberty gasped, grabbing the wheel as the truck skidded. Ahead, she saw other cars in the convoy swerving, some plowing off the road.

“Alien bugs! We’ve hit a swarm of alien bugs,” Elle shouted.

“Ease up on the brakes.” Adam’s voice was slow and controlled. “You can do it, Liberty.”

She did, finally bringing the vehicle to a bumpy stop.

The entire windscreen was shattered, thanks to the bug that had hit them. She’d gotten the impression of weight, and black-and-gold coloring.

Suddenly, she saw movement in her side mirror—a car racing toward them. It was swerving like crazy, two huge bugs chasing it. The creatures had long bodies, with two sets of transparent wings, and heads topped with huge, multifaceted eyes, and large mouths, with serrated mandibles on either side.

A Hunter zoomed past, green laser tracing through the sky. The squads would fight back. It would be okay. The laser clipped one bug, sending it crashing to the ground.

The fleeing car got slammed by the remaining bug. The sedan swerved, changing direction.

“God, they’re going to hit us!” she screamed.

Adam managed to get his door open, but the speeding car was too fast.

It slammed into them.

There was a crunch of metal and glass. Liberty was thrown around, her seat belt digging into her chest. Her head cracked against something.

“Come on.” Hands were tugging at her.

She fought back dizziness. Adam dragged her out of the wrecked vehicle. “The other car?”

“It caught fire. I’ll help them now.” He set her down beside the truck. “Liberty? Look at me.”

She did, trying to focus.

“Those bugs are everywhere. They’re strong enough to carry a human off. I need you to stay down.”

Her fingers curled in his shirt. She didn’t want him to go. To be in danger. But he’d go to save others, it was how he was built. “I’ll be fine. Go. Stay safe.”

He pressed a quick kiss to her lips, then he was gone.

She took some deep breaths and tried to get a hold on this dizziness. She staggered to her feet, holding onto the truck. She had to help.

Three young kids rounded the truck, all of them screaming. She straightened.

An alien bug whizzed closer, its wings flapping so fast they were a blur. Its multifaceted eyes were glued to the children.

Liberty squashed her fear. “Hey! You big, ugly bug.” She waved her arms in the air. “Over here.”

The kids spotted her, their pale faces frantic.

“Under the truck.” She pointed. “Hurry.”

They ran and dived, wiggling under the truck.

When she looked back, the bug hovered two meters away, its close proximity making her gut roll. Its pincers were clicking open and closed.

And now it was looking right at her.

Chapter Fourteen

Adam dragged the last person from the burning vehicle. “Stick together.” He tried to block out the screams and the whine of laser fire.

He spotted a couple of Doc Emerson’s paramedics running past. “Rick? Molly? Can you help these guys out?”

The man and woman raced over. “We’ll take care of them, General,” Molly said.

“Thanks.” Adam turned…and found himself face-to-face with an alien bug.

It hovered at head level, its wings fluttering. Adam ripped his laser pistol from its holster. He didn’t pause or stop to think, he just aimed and fired.

It made a high-pitched, squealing sound, its wings fluttering faster. But it didn’t go down.

Adam kept firing. He had to give Rick and Molly time to get the others away.

The bug moved closer, and Adam gritted his teeth. His laser pistol was getting warm under his hands, threatening to overheat.

A hail of laser fire joined his.

The bug tilted like it was drunk, and fell to the ground. Adam turned and saw Marcus and the rest of Hell Squad bearing down on him.

Thank God
. Adam lowered his weapon. “We need to hold these damn things off long enough to get out of here.”

Marcus shook his head. “Elle just told me there are raptor patrols incoming. Some vehicles slipped out of the illusion during the attack. There’s no time to get far enough away.”

Fuck
. Adam felt ice slide into his veins. “These people aren’t fighters, Marcus.” He looked at the surrounding gentle hills covered in grass and pockets of trees. “We can’t make a stand here, out in the open.”

“They fight, they survive. They run scared, they die.” Marcus’ face was a hard mask. “You gave a pretty damn good speech this morning. They’re fired up, ready to defend the people who are their reason to survive.”

Adam scraped a hand through his hair, watching the rest of the squads picking off the last of the bugs. He spotted Tane and his berserkers mowing down a trio of the alien insects. Then he spotted a guy from the kitchen truck, a woman he knew was a schoolteacher, and an older man working together, smacking a low-flying bug with what looked like baseball bats.

“Okay, okay.” Adam’s mind raced, a plan forming. He considered and discarded options at a split-second pace. “Let’s get the vehicles all in the defensive position. Form a barrier. Two rows deep.”

“Circle the wagons,” Cruz said.

Adam nodded. “Anyone with a weapon needs to be ready to fight. We’re making a stand.”

Marcus nodded and touched his earpiece. “Elle, the general’s ordered laager formation. Let’s get everyone into position.” Hell Squad moved off, directing traffic.

Some kids ran up to Adam, chests heaving. “Sir…Liberty. A bug was chasing us, and she helped us.” The oldest boy’s face was white as fresh snow. Fear muddied his eyes.

Adam’s gut cramped. Lifting his laser pistol, he sprinted back to his truck.

Be okay. Be okay
. She had to be okay.

He rounded the truck and his heart sank. She wasn’t where he’d left her.

Adam scanned his surroundings and spotted her. She was off in a field, knee deep in grass, an alien bug hovering above her.

“Liberty!” He ran and fired. His shot went wide, but the bug backed off a little.

Liberty bent one knee, picked up a long stick, and whacked at the bug like it was a piñata.