Lethal Seasons (A Changed World Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

time?”
    She nodded, eyes wide and glistening with tears. She believed him without question. A child of the new world where the unlikely could be normal.
    “I won't keep it. I just need to hold it for a minute.”
    Her eyes lingered on the scars on his hands that criss-crossed his palms and ran up his arms. Did she understand the source of them, or just see a difficult path walked? Her fingers brushed his palm as she carefully placed the compass in his hand. She saw his trials with a child's mind: rough and tumble sparring or investigating in abandoned places—skinned knees, splinters and bruised shins. She knew nothing of torture, and he was glad for her.
    He let the cold metal of the compass warm in his hand. He got a stronger sense of William. A half-grown man with responsibilities beyond his years. An anchor for a small girl, an ally for the older one. He was a tumble of anger, resentment and devotion to his sisters. William had carried the compass every day because it was a gift from his father. The only thing left to secure a fragile memory of brown hair and a hearty laugh. Wisp followed the thread out into the world searching until he felt the tug to the boy’s spirit. “William is alive.”
    Lily laughed. She clapped her hands together and squeezed them tight. “I knew it.” But Wisp knew she lied as that dreadful knot inside her frayed away.
    “He's not far. We might be able to reach him tomorrow.”
    “Good.” Her response was simple, practical and made Wisp smile.
    He gave her the compass back. She pushed it deep into her pocket, clutching it tight. He piled some blankets into a nest for her and dimmed the lights. She sank into slumber immediately. He started packing. This was not a simple finding. There was a great deal more going on here than the child understood. Her innocence might be tarnished with doubt and distrust, but William's was gone now. Wisp had established a link to William. Her brother was learning about pain.

Chapter 5
     
    “Violence was widespread. Looting in the cities became so bad that the army was deployed. Some government officials tried to block the use of the army based on existing laws, but there was too great a need. Police, fire and emergency services were overwhelmed. The dead lay in the streets outside hospitals and clinics. At the very least, the army was needed to dig mass graves.”
    History of a Changed World , Angus T. Moss
     
     
    Nick visited the armory before he went back out on the road. It was a locked display case for the school’s trophies that Martin had moved into his ready room. They had collected some shotguns and hand weapons over the years. Nick knew that a few of the residents had kept their guns rather than share them with the community. Once new people settled in, sometimes they changed their minds. Every now and then the inventory would turn up something extra. Martin would make a new page in the notebook, no questions asked.
    He stared at the weapons, trying to make his decisions before Martin showed up with the keys. Long guns were out of the question, too obvious. He'd like the power of one of the automatics, but not the bulk. This was the first trip in a while where he felt he needed more than stealth and wit to stay safe. It would be foolish to track armed men without a weapon of his own, but he would be outgunned regardless of his choice. High Meadow didn’t have that kind of firepower.
    “Window shopping?” Martin asked.
    Nick chuckled. They were both old enough to remember what that meant. To remember money and spending it on things you didn't need. “Yes. I'd like to see something small and powerful, please.”
    Martin grinned at him. “Yes, sir. I'll see what I can find in your size.” He unlocked the cabinet and took out the inventory notebook. A long, heavy minute passed as Martin stared at the first page, unseeing. “Think we'll ever get back to that?” he asked. His voice was low and thick with emotion.
    “We can hope,” Nick