Chapter 21 Lissa
Lissa sat up straighter in the hospital bed, smoothing the pale blue blanket draped across her legs.
She folded her hands together, and then unclasped them, unable to keep still.
Too much was riding on the imminent discussion.
She pressed down on the bed beside her, flattening her palms against the fuzzy blanket to keep from fidgeting.
The sterile room had the scent of cleaner, underlaid with a faint hint of something sour, like many hospitals and clinics.
Maybe that was contributing to her nerves.
She exhaled and checked the clock on the side table. Cam should be back any time with the mayor and his Watch captain.
She’d told Cam a condensed version of what she’d overheard at Fort Robinson before he’d rushed off to collect his superiors.
Half an hour later, she’d received a message sent via a nurse that he would bring people to speak with her at noon.
She swallowed and stared at the clock. One more minute.
She wasn’t much of a talker and even then, she wasn’t accustomed to being the focus of attention for several people at once. Especially strangers.
Right on time, from down the Medical Center’s hall, Cam’s voice floated through her open door. She squared her shoulders while her long-unused public persona slid into place—the mask slipping on as it always had, just like riding a bike.
He appeared in her open doorway, flashing a quick smile, which she took as reassurance. “Ready?”
Her mouth dry, she nodded. This was why she’d made her journey.
Cam sat on a chair beside her and rested a warm hand on her cooler one.
Even through her nervousness, a zing of electricity raced through her, reminding her of their insane chemistry.
It hadn’t lessened despite the months in separate places.
She didn’t know where they stood after their time apart.
He’d been friendly, seeming happy to see her, which helped ease some worry that he no longer felt the way he had all those months ago when he had written the letter.
His presence should put her off-kilter, but things felt familiar and the same. She felt safe and like everything would work out. Right now, she needed to focus. There would be time to figure out where she and Cam stood after she’d delivered her warning.
Three men and a woman joined them, filing in to stand near the end of her hospital bed.
A tree-trunk of a bearded man swung the door closed, and the room shrank as the mood transformed into one more somber as all wore serious expressions.
Sweat beaded on Lissa’s forehead as she hoped they would believe her information.
After all, they didn’t know her. Hopefully, Cam vouching for her would be enough.
Cam introduced the dark-haired man with a faint silvering at the temples and ice-blue eyes first. “This is the new mayor, Christopher Winters.” He must have won the election and replaced Cam’s mother.
Indicating each of the others, Cam said, “This is the Watch Captain, Luke Wilson, and his Lieutenant, Kory Walker.” Each man acknowledged the introduction with a nod.
All three towered over her and were quite intimidating, but with Cam at her side, it was okay.
The final member of the group, a petite pregnant woman with her hair smoothed back in a ponytail and kind hazel eyes, stepped forward.
“I’m Robin, Kory’s wife. My husband and I spent ten days with the Slains at their compound a couple of years ago.
We thought it might be advantageous to join since we might have insights into the Slains.
It’s a long shot, but it might give the conversation more credibility and weight when we speak to the Council.
We’ll need to recommend a quick course of action. ”
Lissa swallowed and bit the inside of her bottom lip, hoping the tic was invisible. This shouldn’t be difficult, but a lot was riding on her information. She shot a quick glance at Cam for reassurance.
He took her hand again, threading his fingers through hers as though loaning her additional strength with the contact.
She inhaled and relayed everything, starting at the Fort and ending with the conversation below the rock where she’d been shot.
Twice, she paused to see if her guests had questions.
Each time, they nodded, so she proceeded without interruption.
They must understand the urgency of her mission.
The Slains attack would happen soon. Perhaps days.
When she finished, her shoulders dropped, the weight of her burden dropping away now that her knowledge was shared.
“Did you get a decent look at the people at the fort?” The captain asked, his gaze thoughtful, his voice quiet and unassuming.
She’d expected Cam’s captain to be more warlike.
This man seemed an unlikely leader of the Watch until he spoke, radiating calm, like someone who saw more than they said and considered the facts. It was clear why he was well-respected.
Lissa shook her head. “I hid in the bushes on the side of the house. I froze, afraid to give myself away.” If only she’d dared to peek.
She would have been more help identifying the speakers.
She took a steadying breath and related what else the couple had said besides the plan.
When she concentrated, she could replay their conversation, word for word.
“The woman said they’d finally be out from under her brother’s roof.
” Lissa bit her lip again. “I got the impression John Slains was her brother.”
“Amanda and Rod?” Wide-eyed, Robin turned to her giant of a husband. “Could the Slains be too much, even for them?” While conjecture, their identity seemed important.
Kory rubbed a hand across his short dark beard. “Did you hear the kids’ names?”
“The girl was Daisy.” Lissa had thought it a beautiful name. “Her parents said she was only twelve and betrothed to her cousin Bobby.” Her stomach turned. That was too young.
Robin clicked her tongue. “Her cousin is a monster and about sixteen. He was terrible a few years ago, I shudder at how awful he could be now. I can’t believe Amanda would let that marriage happen willingly.
No wonder they’re disgruntled.” Robin sighed.
“Leaving sweet Daisy where girls and women have no rights was gut-wrenching.” She shook her head.
“I’ve wondered how she was faring many times. ”
“The parents were upset about the match.” The mother’s tone had made it obvious.
“Could they be swayed to change sides?” The mayor turned to Kory and Robin.
Robin nodded slowly. “Rod and Amanda didn’t seem evil or opportunistic, like some others, for all they were part of the Slains’ inner circle.
Also, Amanda and John’s wife couldn’t stand each other.
That’s another crack in the Slains’ foundation.
” Her husband squeezed her shoulder, a look passing between them that Lissa didn’t understand.
For a fleeting moment, Robin’s expression seemed sad.
They must have quite the story about their time with the Slains.
Robin continued. “I’m surprised Amanda and Shelby lasted so long living in the same house.
I imagine John Slains would be a hellish brother.
His followers think he has a direct pipeline to God and that he’s saving them all.
But he’s an opportunistic bully and a misogynist. Amanda grew up with him and wasn’t taken in by his new status, even if she mostly toed the line.
Probably out of fear. When you think about it, she’s the most likely to break rank. ”
“Kory?” The captain said, turning to the giant.
“We weren’t there for long, but Rod and I got along.
” Kory shrugged. “He’s a decent enough guy.
” He frowned. “If you get past him following John Slains’ orders for the last seven years.
If Rod’s made a change for the sake of his marriage and his children, we should talk to him.
I’m pretty sure he’d listen before shooting. ”
Lissa froze, hoping they weren’t planning to ask her to speak to her new neighbors.
“What do you think, Christopher?” said the captain, turning to the mayor.
“He’s been John Slains’ right-hand man since the beginning. Having him on our side, or at least not with the Slains, would be a significant advantage. In my opinion, it’s worth the risk to investigate.”
Captain Wilson nodded. “Kory, once this meeting is done, contact each of the towers. Initiate the new protocols we discussed and increase the number of Watch members on active duty. Nobody is getting near the walls to breach them. We need to prepare to take the fight to the Slains and push back. We’ll make it too costly for them to consider attacking.
Arrange a group to scour the area where Aiden Montgomery was taken.
Maybe there’s something we missed. Oh, and keep this under wraps. Senior Watch only.”
Lissa squeezed Cam’s hand, turning to look at him. Aiden Montgomery. His brother?
He gave a slight nod, his lips tight. Her heart ached for him.
The captain said. “This time, we’re searching until we find something.
We put this off for too long. They’re out there, and we need them off our doorstep.
” He turned to Lissa. “We appreciate the risk you took to help. We can’t repay you for taking an injury, but we’ll help any way we can. Would you like to stay here?”
She shook her head. A lump grew in her throat. With her injury, she’d be away from her cats for much longer than expected. “I can’t.” The only thing she wanted from xTerra was Cam.
“We can give you a ride home to save you from a long, dangerous walk.” The captain turned to the mayor. “I think Kory should drive her home and talk to his old acquaintances. See if we can enlist their help.”
Robin cleared her throat. All eyes turned to her.
The Watch Captain stared at her, and she narrowed her eyes. They wore the same tight expression and had identical bright blue eyes.