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4
     
    After stuffing a small backpack with cans of stew and sausages, candy bars, several bottles of water, a mini first aid kit, and a flashlight, Amy returned to the woods. The sky was darkening to a purplish pink. As soon as she reached the two men, she tossed the bag at Patrick’s feet.
    “Can I talk to you alone for a minute?” she asked Justin, her voice tight. When he nodded, she led him to a nearby tree, where they would be out of earshot.
    “Make it quick. It’s getting dark, and we should be heading back to the mansion.”
    She whirled around, furious. “Thank you for bringing that up. You’re right – it’s getting dark. You know he won’t survive out there on his own.”
    Justin raised his brows. “I didn’t realize you cared about his well-being.”
    Amy clenched her fists. “Stop acting like a jerk. Just look at his face! He’s bleeding, and the smell of that fresh blood will bring the Runners right to him. He won’t stand a chance.”
    “They’re not sharks, Amy,” he answered, snorting.
    “You’re right; they’re not. They’re far worse.”
    Angry silence fell upon them, their ragged breaths filling the air.
    “You’ve wanted to get rid of him, ever since we were in the apartment,” Justin said quietly once he’d calmed down. “Well, now you can. He doesn’t have to be a burden on us anymore.”
    Amy sighed, upset. “But we can’t send him out like this.”
    “So you don’t mind having a molester around?” When she didn’t reply, he continued on. “And what about Marie? After what he tried to do, you think she wants to see him again?”
    Everything he said made sense. Amy wanted to throttle the older man senseless for what he’d tried to do. And yet, she resisted the idea of tossing him out under these conditions. There was no way he would survive the night on the road alone. Driving a screwdriver into his temple would be a quicker and more merciful act.
    “Why don’t we try this,” she suggested. “We’ll leave Patrick out here, give him a bit of a scare. Maybe spending a night in the woods by himself will knock some sense into him, and it might help him appreciate the importance of being a helpful part of the group. In the meantime, we’ll speak with Marie and Daniel. If they’re willing to forgive Patrick or at least tolerate his presence, we can bring him back tomorrow morning.”
    Justin nodded, relenting. “Honestly, I’m willing to give anything a try right now.” He sighed heavily as his tired eyes landed on Patrick, who stood there staring back at them expectantly. “Maybe you were right,” he muttered. “Maybe we should have left in the morning instead of going on a test run.”
    Amy patted him on the arm, then went over to Patrick. Even though his face was swelling up fast, she saw panic ripple across his battered features as she slowly explained their decision to him.
    “Please! I can’t stay out here alone. I just can’t!”
    “It’s only for one night,” she reassured him. “Stay alert and quiet at all times. Besides, it’s better than going out into the roads, where you’re bound to meet a Runner or two. We’ve been lucky here so far. If you stay quiet and hide among the trees, you’ll be fine.”
    Justin came over and joined them. “You need to give Marie and Daniel some space,” he added. “You sexually assaulted her, Patrick. Just thank your lucky stars that her husband didn’t maim you.”
    “He almost did,” Patrick muttered under his breath, but he bent down to pick up the bag anyway, wincing slightly as he pressed a hand against his stomach.
    “I put a first aid kit in the bag,” Amy informed him, watching him carefully. “There are codeine tablets in there, as well as saline, antiseptic wipes, and some bandages.”
    He waved her concern away. “Just go. Go back to your warm and safe mansion. But know this – if anything happens to me out here, I’m holding you both accountable.”
    “You could try to be a bit