Read Online Into The Fire (The Ending Series) by Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue - Free Book Online Page B

been told,
the plan is to draw in enough survivors that we can use the infrastructure
already in existence in and around Colorado Springs. We just need enough people
to make it work. It’ll be a mini version of the world we knew.”
    I shook my head, ignoring the pain. For such an intelligent
man, I didn’t understand how MG could be so blind…unless he wanted to be. “And
how many people would that take? A hundred thousand? Two? More? How would you
feed them all? The stuff you scavenge is going to run out, and you can’t grow
and raise food for that many people in just the area around here. Are you going
to ship it in? From where? Everyone is dead. Where will you get medical
supplies? Hell, where will you get the basic things that people need to stay
healthy? Are you going to build factories to produce toothpaste and toilet
paper? What about—”
    “Okay, Dani. I get it,” MG said sharply. He caught my eye
then quickly looked away. “I’ve been focused on other, more immediate things. I
haven’t spent much time thinking about the future.”
    “Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean…I know that none of this is
your fault and that you don’t run this place. It’s just frustrating, you know,
seeing all this. It feels so wrong and makes me that much more eager to get out
of here.”
    Turning to face me, MG leaned in, his eyes fierce. “I know
you want to get back to your friends, but when we get to Colony Headquarters, please don’t behave confrontationally toward General Herodson. No matter what he
says, just don’t. Please, Dani.”
    I thought about arguing. I really, really wanted to
argue. But he just seemed so sincere…so concerned. “Don’t worry, MG.” I shook
my head. “I mean, Gabe. I’ll be the perfect little Colonist…who just happens to
want to leave.”
    He sighed and reached out a hand to squeeze my shoulder. “I
just hope that’s good enough.”
    We walked the rest of the way in silence, me looking around
at everything, logging the layout and details of the Colony as best I could, and
MG thinking. Eventually, we turned right at an intersection and approached
three enormous, extremely modern buildings. Each looked imposing and completely
unique, like the three structures didn’t really belong together. We passed the
first two, aiming for the third, the darkest.
    “General Herodson is expecting her,” MG told the two men
posted on either side of the building’s reinforced glass door. Both were
dressed in green and tan fatigues with yellow armbands, and both carried
assault rifles.
    The man on the left nodded, and the one on the right opened
the door for us.
    I started to follow MG into the building, but I was halted
by the guard on the left. His hand gripped my upper arm, his hold firm and
unwelcome. “Why don’t you come find me after your meeting with General Herodson.
I’ll help you settle in .” The way he emphasized the last two words left
no question as to his meaning. I was so shocked I could only gape at him.
    MG clenched his jaw and stepped closer, looking like he
wanted to attack my detainer.
    I finally shook off my astonishment and rolled my eyes.
Placing my free hand on MG’s chest, I said, “Hold on, cowboy,” before turning
my attention to the man who was still holding my arm. I took my time looking
the stranger up and down, then curled my lip. “Not interested.”
    Apparently it was the wrong response, because his grip
tightened. Damn. “We’ll see if you feel the same way after your
meeting.”
    I scoffed and checked him out again, noting the name
stitched onto his breast pocket. “Trust me, Grant . I will. And don’t ever touch me again.”
    He stiffened, and a glint of challenge flashed in his eye,
but he also released me. It took a conscious effort not to shake out my arm,
but I refused to give him the satisfaction. What an asshole , I thought
as MG and I continued into the building. At least I’ll be gone by morning.
    As we neared a stairwell door, MG