Toward the Brink (Book 3) by Craig A. McDonough Page B

ventured outside to tell the others that change of guard had arrived. Night had fallen, though he was surprised to see some stars in the sky.
    “Hey Chuck, wait up!”
    “You look refreshed. You get a good sleep?”
    “You might say that.” Elliot had a devious look in his eye that was hidden in the night. “I see there are a few stars out tonight.”
    “We had a bit of wind from the north. Kept the smoke at bay, I guess.”
    “You’ve got time for a full six yourself if you hurry.”
    Elliot sounded more like the Tall Man every day, James Goodwin noted as he caught up to his son. That wasn’t such a bad thing; there were worse to model yourself after.
    “Yeah, you, Riley, and the others need to get your heads down now. You won’t be any good to us half asleep, Chuck—you of all people know that.”
    “You’re right, Jim. I’ll gather the rest and head in. There might be a couple in the motor home, so send them into the house, okay?” The Tall Man, Riley, Chess, Tristan, some of the other soldiers who had come in with the transport, and two of the Secret Service agents gathered out in front of the porch.
    “So far so good. No fire, and more importantly, no foamers. Let’s get some rest and hope it stays that way. Elliot?” the Tall Man called. “Keep all flashlights to a bare minimum and shielded, okay?”
    “You got it. Now go get some sleep or I’ll get my dad onto you!”
    “Aye aye, sir!”
    Elliot laughed when the Tall Man jumped to attention and saluted. He watched the group go inside. All these people, all of them, were nice, friendly, happy people.
    Why is it you meet the best people at such tragic times? Elliot thought. He had no answer.
    “Because that’s what brings the best out in us, young man.”
    “What? How did you—” Elliot spun around on his heels to see Sam behind him.
    “It’s a skill, or so I’ve been told. But that’s the truth. Now, your aunt gave me this here scattergun to patrol with. Anywhere special you want me to be?”
    “Err, no. Just go to the motor home and pair up with someone. Why did you ask me, anyway?”
    “Your aunt told me you were in charge here.”
    Elliot looked back at the house while he considered this. Just who was really in charge here? If it was his aunt, as he’d begun to suspect, then he wouldn’t mind a bit—not one bit.
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    I nside , Kath worked some magic. She did her best to give the married couples their privacy while keeping the single men and women separate so that no one would be put into an embarrassing or awkward situation. The possibility of stumbling upon someone in various stages of undress was all too real in a house full of people. She did, however, take some liberties. Her bedroom was hers, end of the world or not, and she would decide who slept there. Kath had been determined to get Elliot and Cindy some time alone; she knew this was the right decision, and the smile on Cindy’s face was confirmation. Now it was her turn to enjoy some time alone—just her and the Tall Man. The end of the world was upon them, they faced the horrors of the foamers, and there might not be another day left for any of them. She was determined to make their time mean something.
    “Your quarters await you, sire.”
    “Hmm? What did you say?” The Tall Man looked at Kath, unsure of her meaning.
    She took him by the hand and led him to her bedroom. There wasn’t time for a discussion, and she wasn’t about to take no for an answer.
    “Wow, is this for—” The Tall Man stared at the candlelit room and, of course, the single rose that lay on the double bed.
    “Well, who else, silly!” Kath shut the door behind them, locked it, and placed the Tall Man’s arms around her. He had no intention of protesting her advances; not this time. He held her close to him as their lips met. Her flowing hair, perfume, and warm body guaranteed his mind was free from distractions. The Tall Man was grateful. He needed her as she did him, and he needed a