She's Gone: A Novel Read Online Free PDF

tires.
    In the main house Jolie and Will retrieved their packs, bedroll, and Will’s guitar. Jasmine gave them a broom, a bucket, and some rags for cleaning.
    Jolie swept and cleaned the dusty cabin, trying to make it somewhat habitable. Will sat outside on a log bench, talking to one of the bearded men. She unfolded the bedroll on the mattress and lay back on the bed in the stifling heat.
    Pattie’s words echoed in her mind. Was she sure about this? Less than thirty hours earlier she had been at home and now she was at the end of a dirt road in the middle of the wilderness, in a miner’s shack with thirty-five mountain men and women and one vehicle that worked. She breathed deep, exhaled slowly, and closed her eyes. There was no going back. It was all about survival now.

    Jolie and Will joined the group for dinner at the summer kitchen. Kerosene lanterns hung from the dome roof and bathed the group in a golden glow. Someone strummed a guitar.
    “What’s happening out there in the evil world?” Mark asked Will.
    “The socialist movement is gaining a foothold around the country,” Will said.
    “Nothing will come of that,” Mark responded. “It’s been tried so many times.”
    “No, the Revolutionary Socialist Movement is gaining ground especially on college campuses,” Will said.
    “Ha, that’s because the rich kids feel guilty. It’s a revolt of privilege,” Mark argued.
    Someone played a harmonica and the blues tune floated overhead.
    “It’s a different movement now,” Will replied. “We’re building a political platform to overthrow the capitalists.”
    “What’s the platform?” one of the men asked.
    “We’re fighting to end poverty and racism. To create a better world with an equal and classless society.”
    “Good luck with that,” Mark said.
    “How we do that?” someone asked.
    Will talked about his vision of a socialist society where everyone is equal and the industries, services and natural resources are collectively owned by the people. “It means that for the first time the government of the people, for the people and by the people will become a reality.”
    “Right on,” someone said.
    “Take our natural resources,” Will explained. “The people own the oil under the land the government leases but the oil companies take the profit. In a socialist society the people own the oil and the profit.”
    The group listened, their enthusiasm growing as ideas spilled forth. Mark listened silently, his eyes on Will.
    Jolie sat close to Will, warily observing the group. He was in his element. He was the handsomest, with his high cheekbones, straight black hair, and captivating smile. She smiled inwardly. She was with him now. All evening she didn’t say a word and no one noticed. Occasionally Mark’s intense gaze met hers and she quickly looked away.
    In their cabin that night, Will held her. “You’re free.” He caressed her face and then her breasts.
    She didn’t feel free. All of these new people. What if they saw through the lie about her age?
    “My sweet Little Wing. We’re together now.”
    She melted under his strong warm touch and moved her hands gently over his taut body. She closed her eyes and lost herself in their lovemaking.
    Later she lay wrapped in his arms listening to the sound of the night forest. Crickets chirped. An owl hooted. “They’ll never find us here,” Will whispered.
    A far off howl pierced the night.

4
    Moonchild

    Jolie woke to the sound of muffled bells and bleating goats. She held her breath. Where was she? Sunlight spilled through the cracks in the roof, sending streaks of light onto the rough plank floor. The coarse wood walls were patched with black tar paper. The past forty-eight hours slowly rained down on her. She was at the ranch.
    Will was still asleep, his arm wrapped around her. She closed her eyes. She was here with Will. That was all that mattered, they were together now.
    Will stirred. “I thought I was dreaming, but we’re