Nuclear Winter | Book 2 | First Spring Read online

  Raul shifted in embarrassment, a bit relieved when the others stepped away and started their own conversation to give them space. “Just trying to make up for past wrongs.”

  “Maybe, but I'd say you've gone above and beyond that mark.” Catherine gave him a shrewd look. “You know why society rewards its heroes, Raul?”

  Say what? “Um, out of gratitude?”

  “Sure.” She snorted. “Maybe immediately after the fact. But why do all the shortsighted, “what have you done for me lately” people who tend to dominate society revere a hero long after his heroic deeds are done?”

  He genuinely had no idea where any of this was coming from or going. “I don't know,” he finally said.

  “It's because most people aren't heroes, and they know they'd never step up to such a demand themselves. But if they're not fools they know it needs to be done, so they heap validation and respect on those willing to do it for them. A society that fails to reward its heroes, or even tries to punish them, finds itself lacking heroes when it needs them most. We want young people to strive to match those deeds, and for those who've served us so well to want to stick around to be there when they're needed again.”

  The former Mayor straightened slightly, looking a bit embarrassed. “Or maybe heroes step up in a time of need out of goodness, since no reward could ever truly repay risking or even sacrificing your life for a just cause. Maybe what I'm trying to say is that the hero does what he does out of nobility, but if that sacrifice isn't properly recognized it becomes harder for him to justify continuing to make it.”

  Catherine offered her hand for a more formal goodbye. “I've gotten a bit cynical lately, I'll admit, but I assure you I don't think what you've done for us was motivated by greed or a desire for validation. Either way, Mr. Gutierrez, it looks as if Aspen Hill didn't reward you enough for your service. To our loss.”

  Raul accepted the handshake, wondering if he'd really just been praised or insulted. “It's not as if I'm leaving forever. I still have a house here, and Aspen Hill will always be my home.”

  “I'm glad to hear it. And you're always welcome.” Catherine excused herself to make way for Chauncey, then Ben, then Matt's dad, then Scott Tillman, then the next well-wisher in a growing crowd gathering to wish him the best.

  Which turned out to be Mary. Raul winced inwardly; he'd known this particular goodbye would be painful, and had been tempted to avoid it entirely. But it looked like he wouldn't have that option.

  Given the young woman's shyness it could've been really awkward, but to his relief she simply offered her hand. “I get why things didn't work out, I think,” she said. “But I was always there as a friend if you wanted, and I still am if you make your way back here.”

  That was more generous than he deserved. It still left him unsure of what to say in response. “Thanks,” he managed.

  She gave him a slightly sad smile and drifted off to make room for the next person.

  By the time Raul had made his way to the truck he'd been accosted by over a hundred people: defenders he'd worked with, residents he'd helped, volunteers with whom he shared unbreakable bonds forged in combat, and more. By the end he realized he'd been too hasty in assuming the town didn't care he was leaving.

  And once he got to the ludicrously painted vehicle he found one last person waiting for her own goodbye, well away from the crowd. He'd dreaded this one even more than Mary's, and not just because of their habit of striking brilliant, even explosive, sparks off each other. Maybe that's why he'd avoided telling Carrie even though he'd had plenty of chances.

  Before he had time to consider what to say the young woman threw her arms around him, hugging him like he was going to his own execution instead of embarking on a great opportunity. “Hey,” he said lightly, returning the hug and trying not to think of how good she felt in his arms. “Why does everyone act like I'm leaving for good? I still live here, I'll just be traveling more.”

  Carrie stepped back. He expected her to look angry but instead she almost looked . . . amused? “So is that it, Gung-ho?” she said quietly. “You were going to leave with Ned without telling any of us until right before you went?”

  Raul shrugged uncomfortably. “I was hoping to avoid a sendoff. You know Matt. And Trev probably would've gone after me about why I was leaving. And they both would've guilted me about the town needing me.”

  The young woman looked hurt, but for some reason still amused. “Just them?”

  He gave her a wry smile. “What, you're going to guilt me about the town needing me too?”

  “Actually, no.” Carrie wandered over to the pack leaning against the truck near his. Raul had wondered about it when he brought his stuff, but not enough to ask the trader. Then it finally dawned on him that she was dressed for travel and carrying her weapons. He hadn't paid it too much attention, assuming she was going out on sentry duty soon, but now a creeping suspicion began.

  That suspicion was confirmed when the young woman hoisted the pack and waved to Ned. “Ready when you are, boss.”

  Raul couldn't help but gape. “You've got to be kidding me.”

  Carrie turned and gave him a triumphant look, although the hurt was still there. “Where do you think I stormed off to after our argument in Manti? We were in the middle of a strange camp and I was exhausted and hurt and not feeling very adventurous. I just went and sat on the front bumper of the truck, out of sight but definitely not out of earshot. I heard everything you and Ned talked about.”

  “So you decided to horn in on the deal too?”

  She laughed. “He told you he'd need someone to ride shotgun in the new truck, didn't he? Act as bodyguard for his new employee?” The young woman gave him a too-wide smile that didn't do her scars any favors. “I figure I've got a scary face, so I'd be perfect for the job. And Ned seemed to like the idea, especially since me and you have already worked together.”

  Now Raul was really confused. “So you don't know if you like me, you don't want to ask me to stay, but you want to come with me?”

  “Maybe I just want to horn in on your deal, like you said.” She gave him that smile again, and he didn't know whether to be elated or terrified. “What, you have a problem working with me?”

  Well okay then. Raul found himself smiling back. “Nope. Just as long as you accept the very real risk that we might end up spending a lot of time together.”

  End of Book Two

  The story continues in Chain Breakers

  Book Three of the Nuclear Winter series.

  Table of Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Epilogue