Read The Malefic Nation (Graham's Resolution Book 4) for Free Online Page B

eight. Same rotation for watch, otherwise, we’ll meet up early at the office and get going.”
    “Perfect. We’ll see you guys in the morning, then.” Graham waved to Clarisse and Dalton as he and McCann headed off to find cabin 8 at the end of the row along the boardwalk; their footfalls clumping noisily.
    The idea of having a shower held almost as much appeal as getting to sleep in a proper bed. Having Tala sleep comfortably for once meant he wouldn’t have to worry as much about her or the baby during the night. He was scheduled for watch duty at two in the morning, but that was no problem; he’d pull his four hours and head back to bed and catch a little more sleep before they made their final trek up to Hope.
    Ambient light from lanterns, flashlights, and woodstoves gleamed behind the thin curtains of each cabin as they explored their new luxury accommodations for the evening. Tents were an adventure, but having a solid floor under your feet meant security to most. And finally having a little quiet time alone with one’s family made this part of the trek a little easier. In the morning, they would again continue to Hope, recharged.
    When McCann reached cabin 8, he did the most peculiar thing: he stopped and knocked. “Just open the door,” Graham said impatiently
    Macy opened the door, smiling at both of them. “Welcome home,” she said, waving her arm in a gracious, sweeping gesture to beckon them in.
    McCann stood in the doorway, taking it all in; his smile could not have been any wider. Graham clapped him on the back, and they walked into their home, for the night, together. Lamplight softly glowed, filling the space with warmth, and they found Tala standing over a woodstove warming a few cans of beans as Bang fed a few seasoned logs to the fire.
    “We’ll have a warm dinner tonight, at least. We can’t let this wonderful heat go to waste,” she said.
    Graham slipped his hands around Tala. She’d taken a shower and smelled of soap and shampoo, her hair damp and newly combed. He suddenly realized how much he loved her and that he was really too dirty to be holding her so close to him. “Excuse me. I’ll run off to the shower before I eat.”
    “Yes. Marcy just got out. It’s only cold water, but it’s wonderful. Soap and shampoo are in there, and there’s a change of clean clothes for you too. McCann can go after you. The rest of us have had our turn.”
    “McCann, keep watch out front,” Graham said.
    “Sure, no problem.”
    “The watch rotation is on,” Marcy said. “You can relax.”
    Mark shook his head. “We’re always on watch, Marcy.”
    “Where’s Sheriff?” Graham asked.
    “He’s outside,” Macy said. “I’ll let him back in when he shows up. The other two stayed with Lucy. She’s bunking with Clarisse and Dalton, and Clarisse is tending to Frank.”
    “That makes me feel better. I’m glad Lucy isn’t alone and having to deal with Frank’s injury on her own.” Tala said. “And how is Frank, anyway? Poor dog.”
    “Clarisse set his broken leg and made a splint for him; she said he’d heal in time.”
    As Graham entered the bathroom, it hit him that it was the first time he’d found himself completely alone in the past several days. Having his own group—his family—alone and under one roof made him feel more secure, but the uncertainty of what awaited them in the coming days lingered.
    In the bathroom, Tala had placed a one-gallon bottle of water and secured an elastic headlamp around the base. The effect was a soft ambient glow that radiated through the water; just enough to see by. She didn’t trust the kids to have an oil lamp in the bathroom; too many accidents were possible. The woman was resourceful, he’d give her that. She was always coming up with smart solutions to everyday problems.
    Graham ran his hands through his oily hair and over his beard and then began to scratch his neck. “You are one dirty somebitch,” he said to his reflection in