88. Sloan
EIGHTY-EIGHT
SLOAN
Everything Sloan held dear: her morals, her mentors, her life—it was all lies. What do you do when your entire world crashes down around you?
A numb emptiness filled Sloan from the soles of her feet to the crown of her head. Anger was definitely present as well, but by far, she felt hollow inside. She walked from Livingston Industries with no particular path in mind.
The midday sun shone down on her as it had thousands of times before, but this day was unlike any other. Everything was different.
Sloan knew she should have taken both Doctor Livingston and Commander Brookhaven into custody. She hadn’t, because honestly, she didn’t even know what side she was on anymore.
Within minutes of wandering, Sloan found herself outside of a restaurant sporting signs of grease-infused foods and salty calories. She walked into the establishment like a zombie.
“Hello,” called an overly friendly hostess from behind her reception booth. She wore a bright red apron and tall, black heels. “Party of one?”
Sloan nodded. She couldn’t even get a handle on her own feelings, much less summon the energy to deal with the wide-eyed hostess.
“Follow me.”
Sloan trailed in the wake of the worker, to a booth in the corner. She removed her sword before she sat down.
“In the Queen’s army, huh?” The girl passed her a menu. “Thank you for your service. The things the Queen has done for New Hope have been amazing.”
“Yep.” Sloan had finally found her voice. She accepted the menu, looking and wanting every single item on the list. “That’s one way to put it.”
“Well, your server will be right with you. Can I start you off with something to drink?”
Sloan flipped through the pages, scanning the brightly designed menu interior until her eyes landed on what she was searching for.
“I need this.” Sloan pointed to a picture of a massive chocolate shake, complete with whipped cream and a cherry.
“Oh … oh, okay.” The waitress nodded. “Been one of those days, huh?”
“I need two of them, actually.” Sloan handed the waitress back the menu. “And the biggest basket of fries you have.”
“Well, I usually just get the drinks. Your server will…”
The girl’s words withered into oblivion under Sloan’s stare.
“I’ll see what I can do,” she said as she turned to go.
“Thank you.” Sloan drummed her fingers on the clean, granite tabletop.
Her calories ordered, Sloan was already forming a plan.
She wouldn’t be missed from the palace; her rank assured she answered to no one but the Queen.
Still, she had a day at most before the Queen would request an audience to find out what she had discovered at Livingston Industries.
What had she discovered? A zombie woman with an incredible story?
Was Sloan going to throw everything away, just like that? Maybe she should talk to the Queen, give her a chance to explain. Maybe she shouldn’t do anything until she had collected more information.
“Here you go.” A young man with a name tag reading “Michael” stopped by her table with two massive chocolate shakes and a basket full of fries. He placed them down, looking sideways at Sloan. “Do you need utensils, or?—”
Sloan answered his question by grabbing a handful of the salt-laden fries, dipping them into her chocolate shake, then shoving them into her mouth.
The flavor of salt-and-sweet exploded against her tastebuds like fireworks. For the briefest moment, Sloan was happy. She closed her eyes, enjoying the flavors, totally forgetting the young man was still at her table.
“Okay, well, you enjoy. Let me know if you need anything else.” Michael began to back away slowly as if any sudden movement would disturb Sloan.
“I need a burger,” Sloan said, shoving another handful of chocolate-laden goodness into her mouth. “Make it to-go.”