289 Out of the Frying Pan

(Winona)

The airstrip is abandoned—too quiet, too still. It feels like Gus would have a lot more reassurance for me if these two were working with him. But then they probably are just doing what they’ve always done.

I edge up to the door they went into, and I work the handle ever so slowly. Can I get it open enough to hear them? Please don’t squeak or creak. Finally, it’s open enough for their voices to float out.

I strain to make sense of the words. But I can’t. I hear footsteps getting louder though and I quickly close the door and let the handle go. “They’re coming back.” I tell Cass. I see sweat on her forehead again.

I go to her and brace her. “You okay?”

“Coming out of this drug isn’t going to be pretty.’

“You got this, Cass. Just remember. Stay close to me. We cannot get separated.”

Then Tom reappears, “Come in. There’s a small kitchen through the doorway ahead.”

“You go, we’ll follow.” I tell him. I don’t want him behind us.

He leads the way. “You’ll find ration packs, water a