Jackson Read Online Free PDF

of her skin frightened me.
    “I’ll ask if we can get something for you. Let me help.” Unzipping her coveralls, I helped her into bed. “Try and sleep. I’ll check on you when I get back.”
    She nodded, but her eyes were already closed by the time I tucked the sheet around her. I probably could’ve skipped the evening milk shift. It felt pointless now to even continue the charade, but I went. I wanted to see him again, to thank him again, and to tell him I was trying to see his side. Even if it wouldn’t matter in the immediate future.
    The barn was empty when I arrived, but the cows were lowing, and I knew their bodies were in need of relief. We’d have to start lengthening the time between milking to get them back on a regular schedule, and I couldn’t help thinking of Dr. Green’s words about stopping abruptly and milk fever.
    “Easy, girls,” I whispered as I scanned the large room. Finally I approached the door leading to the narrow stall that held Bully, but Gallatin wasn’t there either.
    The sight of our little calf magnified my sense of loss, what my forgetting would bring. New tears stung my eyes, and I ran out the side door we’d taken the night before, and for the second time that night, I jogged down the hill in the direction of his cabin. But when I got there, I skidded to a stop outside his window. Cato was in the room, and I could just make out her voice, low and urgent.
    “I don’t know what happened,” she said. “I can’t get any reports, everything has been cut off. I’m afraid to give the order to move until we’ve reestablished some link to the other Guard.”
    “It came by itself? There was no message? No explanation?” Gallatin’s voice was tense.
    “The messenger was attacked getting it to us. Ovett said there’s a renegade band of humans roaming the woods.”
    I peeked in and saw Cato pacing the small room. Her arms were crossed and her elegant face was lined with worry. Gallatin sat on his bed staring at something in his hand, and he looked devastated.
    “The pendant is yours now,” she said. “You must take your grandfather’s place in the order.”
    “I’m not ready. I’ve had no training.” His voice cracked, and I heard his sadness. But it was more than that. He put a hand over his eyes, and he seemed broken. I wanted to go to him.
    “It’s been a difficult time for you, I know,” Cato finally sat on the bed beside her brother, but she only placed her hand on his shoulder. No embrace. “You’re so young, but you must take your place. It’s important to continue the traditions of our society.”
    “Did he suffer?” His tone made my eyes burn.
    Cato sighed. “Acona’s a monster, but he’s also very smart.” She stood and went to the door. “He must’ve worked some deception, or he could never have accessed your grandfather. But he wouldn’t have risked prolonging his death. Being caught.”
    Gallatin’s face crumpled, and my hand flew to my mouth.
    “You must grieve,” she said in a gentle voice. “But we’re still at war, Gallatin. And now we’re on high alert. He knows where we are. I’ve got to talk to Ovett about our next steps.”
    I watched as she closed the door behind her, and her brother slipped from his bed to his knees. He put his face on his hands against the mattress, and tears were on my cheeks as I lifted the window and slipped through the opening where the screen had not been replaced. He didn’t hear me enter, and for a moment, I was hesitant to touch him. But when his shoulders broke, I moved to my knees and lightly caressed him. He sat up quickly and our eyes met. I almost couldn’t bear it.
    “I’m sorry,” I said, but he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around me. I hugged him tightly, laying my cheek against his head.
    Minutes passed as we stayed that way, holding each other as if it were the only thing in the world to do. After a bit longer he stood, not looking at me, and went to the small washroom at the back