Page 75 of Us Defiant Few

“Ansel and his Sinners have attacked our last two raids. We lost strong men and women.” Patreus fisted his palms. “We can’t afford to lose any more, and we need to have warriors protecting Desert Spring. But the recruits are more likely to shoot each other if they go out on the raid alone.”

The ensuing quiet was disrupted with scattered gunshots as the recruits continued to grumble in frustration.

“Unless”—the Chief lifted her gaze—“a few of you are willing to help?”

“No,” Brock instantly replied. “We’re leaving today.”

“But if you don’t help, our people will starve! We only need about three of you, that’s it.”

“And we’re very sorry to hear that, but we’ve done our part.”

“Derek.” The Chief turned to him, pleading with her eyes. “You know what our community has to offer. We’re good people. Are you really going to let us suffer? We can still use your help.”

“Don’t do that,” Brock snapped. “You can’t manipulate him with guilt.”

Derek’s expression was torn. Khalani knew he wanted to leave with them, but he clearly struggled with abandoning the people who’d sheltered him for the past month.

More voices rose in argument, but Khalani wasn’t listening anymore.

Her gaze drifted to Pleasant Avenue. She watched the kids playing without fear, smiling at their families who managed to create something worth fighting for on the surface.

No matter what secrets Desert Spring may have held, a light persisted within those walls. A spark that hadn’t been lit since before the Great Collapse.

And if Khalani walked away to let them suffer, she’d be no better than the Governor.

“I’ll help you,” she stated, cutting through the chatter.

Wide stares pivoted to her.

“No, Khalani. We have somewhere we need to be in a week and a half.” Brock shook his head.

“How long will the raid last?” she asked the Chief.

“No more than two days. We leave at night to reduce the risk of detection. If all goes well, you’ll return tomorrow.”

She turned to Brock. “That should give us plenty of time to get back on the road.”

“No,” he hissed. “This isn’t a good idea,”

“What do you think, Derek?” Khalani ignored him, looking at the one person who’d spent the most time in Desert Spring and was a better judge than the rest of them.

“I…I think a couple more days to help wouldn’t hurt. I could finish the ethanol before we leave,” Derek hedged, daring to let himself hope that staying longer was possible.

“Then I’m going.” Khalani looked at the Chief. “That gives you one more person on the raid.”

“Can you even shoot a gun?” Patreus scoffed, crossing his arms.

Some choice words bubbled in her throat, but she had a better way to communicate.

Khalani marched toward the recruits and snatched a gun from one of the men. She aimed the deadly weapon at the target, her hands squeezing slightly, slowing her breathing. She focused on one small spot—like Takeshi had told her a long time ago—and pulled the trigger.

Her bullet didn’t hit the center of the target, but it struck the edge. Wordlessly, she handed the gun to the open-mouthed recruit.

Patreus’s expression was dumbfounded. Brock muttered a curse, while the corner of the Chief’s mouth lifted.

Takeshi cocked his head as he studied her, no longer feigning boredom.

“Welcome to the team.” The Chief nodded, turning to the others. “We need two more. Anyone else that’s good with a gun?”