“I’m Milo,” he introduced himself.
“Joshua Warren, and this is Olivia Parker,” Josh replied.
I shot Joshua a nasty look. He merely shrugged, not thinking straight. “Olivia Parker. Really?” I crossed my arms ignoring the cramps in my stomach as the anger boiled within me. “Are we not married anymore?” I questioned. “Is that it? I’m not good enough to be your wife?”
Joshua sighed. “I didn’t say that, I just thought–-” he let out a heavy sigh and glanced at Milo for any ounce of help he could supply.
“Olivia Parker? The Olivia Parker?” Milo whispered in awe. “You’re Samantha Parker’s daughter?”
I remained silent, unsure how to answer, especially after our stay in Haven. I glanced at Joshua, realizing we’d made a mistake. We shouldn’t have used our real names. The thought of these people demanding of me what Haven had made me sick. He put his gun down, but I kept an eye on it and him. I felt nauseated – I needed food and I couldn’t wrap my mind around how he knew my mother’s name. Was I hallucinating? Had I lost my mind?
“Are you?” he asked again, stepping closer, peering at me.
“My mother is Samantha.” I paused thinking it over. Everything felt real. Could word have possibly traveled that fast about who I was? “How do you know my mother?” I asked, my eyes narrowed into slits.
“Everyone knows of your mother,” Milo insisted. “She chose to live her life in Genesis for you. She thought that would protect you.” Milo grinned. “This is amazing.” He beamed, gazing at me. Reaching out, he touched a strand of my blonde hair and I stepped back.
“What do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, grabbing the shotgun against the wall. Even weak from dehydration I felt strong. I held it up to him, raising an eye. “Touch me again, and I will shoot you.” It wasn’t just a threat. I was tired of everyone choosing my life – it was mine to choose.
“I’m sorry,” Milo apologized, holding his arms up. “Your mother was a legend, and always considered somewhat of a myth. But here you are.” He grinned. “I’m just so excited to meet you. The fact that you’re alive and well, it’s great news! Now put that down,” he insisted, “And come to the kitchen. I’ll make you both a big breakfast.” Reluctantly, I put the gun back against the wall, hoping I wouldn’t need it.
I wasn’t sure I could eat a big breakfast, but I knew I needed to eat something. Milo pulled out two tall glasses and filled them with water for us. I devoured mine in an instant and poured myself another glass. I just hoped it wouldn’t come back up. Milo watched us both with fascination. His eyes came to rest on me once again. “Is it true?” he whispered stepping closer, examining my face. “Can you bear the last child?”
“I don’t know.” I sighed, slamming the empty glass on the table. “It’s possible.” My eyes narrowed. “But I’m not about to start trying.” I made it perfectly clear. If this old man thought he could have his way with me, he had another thing coming.
“Fair enough, young lady.” Milo nodded. “You may stay as long as you like, but please know the government will be looking for you. If you truly are Olivia Parker, then I’m sure they destroyed Haven searching for you.”
“Why?” I knew the government had arrested me and wanted me dead – at least if it was up to Governor Craynor – but why kill hundreds of innocent people in Haven?
Milo sighed. “You are a legend, Olivia. The government is searching for you and won’t stop unless they believe you’re dead. I suggest you take on new names, new identities.” He opened his fridge, pulled out a batch of fresh eggs and turned on the stove. My mouth instantly watered.
Joshua spoke up, “Thanks for doing this, Milo.” He stared at the food on the stove, and I knew he felt as hungry as I did. He opened his mouth and said softly, “You should dye your hair red.”
I shifted uncomfortably on my feet at the suggestion. “You think I should be Jacqueline?” Was he serious? I could never be his sister. It would be too weird.
He shook his head, “It’s okay. Milo’s right. We need identities and back stories. If someone asks, you know enough about where Jacqueline is from you can pass the story off as your own.”
“What about you?” I asked Joshua.
“I can be Adam,” he answered in a matter of fact tone. “While you spent a few days with Jacqueline, Adam showed me around town. I think I can pass myself off as him.”
I’d never met Adam and didn’t know what he looked or acted like. I had to believe Joshua could pass for anyone, but more importantly if no one knew what we looked like, and we had different names, it could work.
CHAPTER 12
We stayed the afternoon on the mountain, joining Milo and his wife, Uma, for not only breakfast, but lunch and dinner, as well. All morning, she’d been out picking berries in the forest and was pleasantly surprised to find us seated in her living room with Milo. I was grateful for their hospitality.
Milo made sure to give us plenty of food and matches to take back with us. He spent an hour with Joshua teaching him how to lay traps for fish when we traveled west as we’d find water closer to the ocean. While Joshua and Milo were fishing, Uma showed me which berries were poisonous and which were good to eat. I doubted we’d find time to stop again, but I definitely learned a good lesson should the need arise. After dinner, Uma took me aside, handing me a bottle of custom red dye she’d made from the berries, explaining how to use it. I thanked them repeatedly as we said our goodbyes and headed back through the woods.
“They were surprisingly nice,” Joshua admitted, nudging me as we walked to the car. He opened the door for me and we both rearranged the food and other supplies in the backseat. “Aren’t you glad I suggested it?”
I couldn’t help but shake my head and laugh. “I’m just glad we didn’t get shot.” Joshua agreed. He pulled out the keys. “Here, I’ll drive,” I offered taking the keys from him.
As the sun broke through the horizon, I glanced in the rearview mirror seeing the sun light up the night sky, turning itself into day.
“Olivia? You still awake?” Joshua yawned, shifting in the passenger seat as he rubbed his eyes. The morning light was enough to wake him as was the heat while we traveled into the desert.
“I should hope so.” I joked tiredly at Joshua. “I’d hate to think I was driving in my sleep.”
“Pull over.” He gestured. “I’ll drive.” I stopped the car – no point in actually pulling over – we were all alone out here. We switched seats and I stretched out, instantly closing my eyes. “Going to sleep already?” Joshua teased.
“I’m beat,” a yawn slipped past my lips as I watched him buckle his seatbelt. “You can talk. I may listen.” My eyes closed, but I knew he heard me.
Joshua laughed. “Gee, thanks.” He hit the gas, taking off faster than it seemed I’d driven earlier. Perhaps the sudden stop to start made it feel that way. I moaned softly, missing my bed already. I hoped it wouldn’t be long until we reached the town where Joshua intended to take us. In a matter of seconds, I drifted towards oblivion.
I felt the cold metal steel beneath me. I tried to move but was trapped in place, my arms bound to the table. No amount of struggling would loosen the restraints of my arms or legs. “Please!” I cried out, trying to survey the room. I recognized no one – merely eyes as white surgical masks covered their faces.
I tried to sit up, tried to move, but it was no use. The binds on my arms chafed my skin and though I continued to try and work my way free, it seemed impossible. “Joshua,” I whispered, gasping as my eyes darted around, trying to find him.