red hill - jamie mcguire

although the other two could definitely do some damage. Even with all the muscle and manpower, it
was the redhead that seemed to be the boss. Oddly, she seemed to be the most trusting out of the five.
I looked to Walter. “I need to fill up myself.” I looked to the group. “I’m traveling with my
daughter, Zoe,” I said, gesturing to the porch. “We’re leaving soon. I’m looking for a place out of the
way. Someplace safe.”
One of the boys smiled at Zoe and waved. I stared him down, and he immediately righted his
posture. “I have a little sister about her age,” he explained.
“This is pretty out of the way. Where are you all headed” I asked.
They all looked at each other again. They had a destination in mind. It must have been good if they
were protecting it.
“We can help ya with the gas,” Walter said, “in exchange for helping Nathan and Zoe to a safer
place. You have my word that he’s a good man. I don’t really want them to leave, to be honest, but
he’s right. They need to be farther away from those things.”
They all watched us, especially Red and the soldier.
“We’ll think about it,” she said, turning and leading the rest away.
They left us, walking two by two except for the soldier, who brought up the rear. The redhead was
with the tallest, and the blonde was with the jock. I wondered where the soldier fit, and then when I
saw them all crowd into a Volkswagen Bug, I really wondered where he fit.
Walter and I returned to the porch to join Joy and Zoe. I sat on a rocking chair, and Zoe sat on my
lap, watching the kids talk around their vehicle.
“They seem nice,” she said simply.
“I think so. I don’t really know them.”
“They’re strangers”
“I suppose so.”
“We’re not supposed to talk to strangers.”
“No, kids aren’t supposed to talk to strangers.”
Zoe turned to me, her brows pulled in. “But what if the strangers are kids”
I kissed her cheek and pulled her against my chest, rocking her and ignoring that her heels were
digging into my shins. Her hair was starting to smell less like shampoo and more like sweaty skin. I
imagined I didn’t smell so great, either.
“Joy” I said.
“Yes, dear”
“May we use your facilities I’d like to make a good impression on this doctor.”
Joy chuckled. “I doubt he’s dressed for church, either, if you know what I mean.”
“That’s true.”
Joy shook her head and made a face. “Lord have mercy, I am so rude. Of course, Nathan. There is
a shower in the bathroom in the hall. I’ll get you some towels.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
• • •