The Steel Harvest Read Free Page A

her, she held her sides with both arms and looked around slowly. “The others…are they…”
    “I’m sorry. You were the only survivor.”
    Silvia simply nodded, staring down at the floor in front of her. Her arms quaked suddenly, and Carter caught a glimpse of a tear rolling down her cheek. Looking up at Marcus, her voice quavered. “Please, help me.”
    Marcus glanced back at Drew. Catching the silent exchange, Carter watched the two men out of the corner of his eye. Drew seemed reasonable to a point, but Carter didn’t trust the captain in the slightest.
    Finally, Marcus leaned down, putting his hand on Silvia’s shoulder. “Let me go talk with some of my men, and we’ll see what we can do, okay? For now, stay here. I promise, you’re safe.”
    Silvia nodded again, drawing the hoodie tightly around her. Marcus took his leave, climbing the stairs back into the hall. Drew followed out the door, leaving Carter and the others alone with the girl. A deadly silence engulfed the room. After a few moments, two of the other party members moved forward, covering the corpses as best they could.
    Forgetting about Marcus for a moment, Carter knelt down and opened his backpack. Silvia glanced up at him. Carter paid her no mind, instead pulling a canteen from the back pouch and thrusting it in her direction. She hesitated, but Carter placed it gently in her hands.
    “It’s okay, take it,” he whispered. “You need it more than I do.”
    “Thank you.” Lifting the canteen to her lips, the young girl drained the entire flask in one gulp.
    Carter watched her, making sure she was okay. He’d been in her shoes once, alone and afraid. As she handed the canteen back to him, he offered her a genuine smile.
    At that moment, Marcus stepped back into the room. He shot Silvia a grin. Carter’s hand subconsciously curled into a fist, the blood draining from his knuckles. Marcus’s smile seemed off. The captain stopped next to Carter, placing a hand on his shoulder. The captain’s fingers wrapped around the edge of Carter’s collarbone, the grip tightening ever so slightly. Carter didn’t flinch.
    “It’s your lucky day, Silvia,” Marcus said, offering her his free hand. “We have a contact in Montar from The Shell who buys our scrap on a steady basis. We think he might be able to get you back up to your home.”
    “T-thank you so much.” Silvia’s voice nearly broke as she spoke, but her face brightened as Marcus hoisted her to her feet.
    Once she steadied herself, he turned back to the others. “Okay, everyone, get all our salvage packed and ready to go. I want you all ready to pull out of here in less than twenty minutes. Now, who has room for an extra passenger?”
    Carter’s brain leapt into overdrive, an idea forming in his head. Stepping forward, he raised his hand. “I have room, sir.”
    Marcus’s gaze narrowed on Carter, telling him to shut up, but he stood his ground.
    The captain gave his best grin, eyes never wavering from his subordinate as he spoke. “You expect our guest to ride in the back with you, greenhorn?”
    Carter’s pulse quickened. What the hell are you playing at, Marcus? He stepped forward, his grin unwavering.
    “Respectably, sir, it makes sense. I’m the only person driving alone. Any of the other cars would be crowded. She would be a lot more comfortable in my front seat then shoved in the back with the salvage.”
    The rest of the scavengers fell into a hushed silence. Carter’s mind raced. What happened to those who defied Marcus’s rule? A heavy tension filled the air.
    “Sir?”
    Carter fought to keep his jaw from dropping as Silvia spoke.
    She looked uncertain as she glanced between him and Marcus, but she quickly cleared her throat and continued. “If it’s not too bold, I don’t mind riding with him. I’m just grateful for your help.”
    Relief flooded Carter’s body, his shoulders slumping. She’s a lifesaver.
    Marcus wouldn’t fight about it now. Acting brashly only