The Grace Series (Book 3): Dark Grace Read Free

own, and Jane usually had Nate help her. 
    “These look good,” I said to Susan as I grabbed one and inspected it.
    “Thanks.  Abbey rubbed them with salt and chopped the onion down real fine.”
    “Nice job, Abs,” said Nate as he winked at the preteen.  She beamed from the praise.
    “We need to cook it before it goes bad.  Nate and Jane caught it this morning,” added Susan.
    The strips of fish were sizzling near the flames, and the scent of wild onion filled the air.  My mouth began watering even though I was full from the chili.  The ocean breeze had calmed down and the evening was quiet.  The heat from the growing fire was warming my face.  It felt like it was going to be a cold night. 
    As the rest of our dinner was cooking, we started talking about plans for the next day.  It was a discussion I had been dreading.
    “We need to make a scavenging run,” said Gus matter-of-factly.  “Tomorrow.”
    I heard Emilie sigh deeply, and Gus wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
    “Who all will go?” asked Susan.
    “I don’t want anyone to go,” I mumbled.
    “We have to, darlin’.  We desperately need more supplies,” replied Gus.
    I pouted.  “I know.  But I still don’t want anyone to go.”  I lifted my wooden skewer and blew on my piece of cod. I was suddenly in a bad mood.
    “I think Abbey, Jane, and Zoe should stay behind,” said Nathan.
    “I’d like to leave at least one of us behind,” said Boggs.  “I mean us guys.”  He mentioned that they had seen the dead traveling in our general direction, but I figured there must be another reason he had in mind.  Surely they couldn’t get from the mainland to our little island.
    “Probably wise,” said Nathan.  “Gus, I know you won’t like it but since you have the medical experience I think you should stay behind, with Zoe.  Cause of the baby.”
    Gus huffed.  It was the noise he made that meant ‘I’m thinking.’
    Nathan continued.  “The other four of us adults can head north and search the shore for something isolated.  Make it a real quick run.”
    Gus sighed deeply.  “You’re right.  Focus on food, blankets, tools.  I hate not going, though.”
    “I don’t think it’s fair to leave him here just ‘cause of me,” I said.  “No offense, Gus, but you’d be much more use going on the run.”  I tried to play along to make the plan look like it wasn't what Gus had in mind anyway.
    “It’s ok, Zoe.  Don’t sweat it,” said Nate.
    “I need you guys to look for some medical supplies for Zoe.  It’s a long shot, but I need a handheld ultrasound to listen to the baby’s heartbeat.  And some medication.”
    “Gus, make a list for us.  We’ll see what we can do,” offered Emilie.
    “Will do.  Girls?” Gus looked at Abbey and Jane.  “Still have some of that scratch paper and that tic-tac-toe pen of yours?”
    Jane nodded.  “Yup!”
    “Can I use it after dinner?”
    “Sure!”
    “So Susan and I will be going with?” asked Emilie.
    Nathan nodded.  “I think four of us going will be best.”
    Emilie shook her head.  Her short red hair was starting to grow, looking a bit scruffy.  “Ok.”
    “You nervous, Susan?” asked Emilie.
    “A little.  But I know we have to do it.”
    I had already started picking at my serving of fish.  It smelled delicious but was rather plain tasting.  It gave me something to do, though. 
    “When will we leave?” asked Boggs after swallowing a bite of the fish.
    “First light,” said Nathan.  “We should try to get a good night’s sleep, and get our guns ready tonight.”
    Susan yawned.
    “You all go ahead and sleep through,” said Gus.  “I can manage tonight by myself.  Y’all will need your rest for tomorrow.”  I always liked when his cowboy accent crept through.
    “Gus, you can wake me up in a few hours and I’ll spell you,” I offered.
    “I’ll keep that in mind, Zoe, if I get too tired.”
    I took another bite of cod.
    “Uncle