Read Broken World (Book 6): Forgotten World for Free Online Page B

he’s trying to hide behind that smile makes me nervous.
    “Thanks,” Joshua says as he heads off with Anne and the kids.
    Even though they’re side by side, she still shies away from him. Something she hasn’t done since Jake died. Joshua cares about Anne, but maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. Or maybe she’s just scared. Fear can make a person do some crazy things.
    No one talks as we move toward the dorm in a group. People stop to stare, probably trying to figure out which one of us is the future of the human race. I step closer to Angus like I can somehow shield him from everyone but right away feel stupid. This is Angus. He doesn’t need me or anyone else protecting him. Angus has always been capable of taking care of himself, and a couple bites hasn’t changed that.
    “That the same guy we saw back at Sam’s Club?” Angus asks, nodding toward Dax, who’s at the head of the pack.
    “Yup,” Axl says.
    Angus presses his lips together, his eyes boring into the back of Dax’s head. “He’s still checkin’ Blondie out.”
    “Yup,” Axl says again. Not glancing my way.
    “Stop,” I say, my gaze moving toward Dax. “Right now that isn’t important. What is important is being sure these people know how serious we are about our demands. We can’t let them get the upper hand.”
    “You think they’re gonna argue?” Angus asks.
    “I’d bet my life on it,” I say firmly.
    The lobby is empty when we step inside, and I’m glad. After all the chaos that surrounded the little office holding the ham radio, I wasn’t looking forward to more noise. I want to be able to hear myself think.
    Dax hurries toward a door, but it opens before he’s even had a chance to knock, and Corinne steps out. He must have radioed ahead.
    “You’re back,” Corinne says, her smooth British voice filling the empty room. She looks us over, her eyes stopping on every one of us before finally coming to rest on Angus. “You’re the one who is immune?”
    “Sure am,” Angus says, pursing his lips as he looks her over.
    When we first met, I would have been nervous—you never knew what was going to come out of Angus’s mouth when we were in the midst of diversity—but not anymore. Now I know he’s just trying to get a handle on the situation before it gets a handle on him.
    “This is Angus,” Jon says, stepping up.
    “Nice to meet you.” Corinne gives him a slight nod. “And you’ve decided to go to Atlanta?”
    Angus hasn’t stopped eyeing her. “That I did.”
    Corinne steps aside and motions toward the open doorway. “Very good. Please come in and we’ll go over a few details.”
    Dax leads the way, and I don’t miss when Corinne frowns. She doesn’t say anything, but I get the feeling she isn’t thrilled to have him here. Which is just great. If the people in this town have doubts about this guy, I don’t want to be anywhere near him. Let alone out there with him.
    We follow the big man in, spreading out once we’re in the small apartment. Hadley lowers herself into an oversized chair, and Jon balances himself on the arm. I take the couch with Axl and Angus while Parv takes the other chair. There aren’t enough places to sit, so Lila and Al settle onto the floor. Dax stays standing, his hands resting on his hips as he looks us all over. Like he’s passing judgment or trying to size us up. Maybe both. Whatever he’s thinking, the creepy smile has at least faded a little.
    Corinne frowns his way, but she doesn’t say anything. She too stays standing, but I think it has more to do with the lack of chairs than trying to assert her authority the way Dax is.
    “Thank you for doing this,” she says, focusing her gaze on Angus. “I know what a sacrifice you’re making. Believe me, I want to make sure you are safe. Both on the way to Atlanta and once you get there.”
    “Sacrifice?” Dax snorts.
    Corinne doesn’t glance his way. “Yes. Sacrifice.”
    “I ain’t real worried ‘bout myself,”