“Will any of your secrets hurt others?” he asked.
“Absolutely not,” said Stella.
“Then I have no problem with that condition.”
“Good, second condition—and I’m going to be blunt because we need to get out of here ASAP.”
“I prefer blunt,” Ford said as he watched her closely. “I also prefer the truth.”
“As do we,” agreed Stella. “So the truth is we’re in charge. Mercury and I make the decisions for the group, though we listen to what everyone has to say. If that’s not okay with you, then we should part ways now. We’ll be sure you’re safe, though, and we’ll leave you with enough food to get to Madras.”
“I joined the Air Force out of high school—before I went to Journeyman school. I’m comfortable with the chain of command,” said Ford.
“Which means?” Mercury asked.
“It means you outrank me, so I’ll do what I’m told to do.” He flashed his charming smile. “My truth is that it’d be my personal nightmare to be in charge and responsible for all of your lives. I’m perfectly happy to turn over command to you.”
“Deal.” Stella offered him her hand.
“Deal.” He shook it. “Hey, I should cross that little bridge downstream and get my backpack. All of my supplies are in it.” He stood and immediately his swarthy complexion blanched to the color of curdled milk. His hand went to his forehead as he swayed.
“Nope, nope, nope!” Gemma turned from where she was disinfecting her needle, grabbed his arm and guided him back to the tailgate, where he sat heavily and gulped air as sweat suddenly beaded his forehead. “You aren’t walking anywhere. I also don’t want you sleeping for at least a few hours. I’m pretty sure you have a concussion.”
“I’ll get your backpack,” Mercury said.
“Are you one hundred percent sure you don’t feel broken at all?” Gemma asked her.
“Do you?” Mercury said.
“Nope.”
“Me either.” Mercury looked at Stella. “Do I need to hurry?”
“Definitely,” said Stella. “While you’re getting the backpack, the rest of us will load up. Ford needs to be in the cab so he can tell me which way to go.”
“Stella?” Ford called after her. Stella turned to look at him, and he added, “I don’t suppose you have any wire cutters? It’d definitely make getting this truck cross-country easier.”
Mercury answered. “Oh yeah, we do! They’re in that black bag behind the bench seat.”
“I’ll get them out,” said Stella.
“We’re sleepy,” said Georgie around a giant yawn. “Imani, would you stay in the back with us?”
“Of course, baby,” said Imani, brushing back the girl’s hair before she smiled at Stella. “I’ll get the kids loaded.”
“And I’ll be back in a sec,” said Mercury as she started jogging along the road heading downstream to the wooden bridge about half a football field away. She glanced down at the rocky river side, relieved the green fog hadn’t spread that far. Well, here’s hoping that backpack isn’t as heavy as it looks.