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He felt relieved to soree and smiled over at Eric, who nodded with approval

Juan held up the first poster board and Kevin stepped forward "Now, this is e have to do…"

3 The Unexpected Guest

Nerit felt bone weary as she entered her s was asleep next to the bed, snoring loudly He was sleeping e and she didn’t bla her with so as she walked now that she was out of view of the fort populace She always made sure that no one could see how much her arthritic hip hurt her It was important to her that people see her as indestructible, to trust her and her abilities

"We should get you some medicine for that," Kevin said after a beat

"Hospitals aren’t safe," Nerit answered as she sat down in the large recliner tucked into the corner of the rooainst the open door, Kevin shook his head at her "You’re a bull-headed woman"

"Yes, I am" Nerit smiled

Her old dog woke up and tottered over to her and laid his head on her knee Scratching him behind the ears, Nerit slowly relaxed into the chair

"Makes it hard to take care of you"

"You know you don’t have to watch over me"

"I know, but it makes me feel better," Kevin answered His eyes were concerned and she appreciated it despite herself "Think the fort took the neell?"

"As well as could be expected," Nerit answered

Kevin took a step into her room and the door shut behind him With a solemn look on his face, he walked over and sat on the otto i

"If they get in, if there is no hope, if we can’t get out," Kevin started

"You have a plan"

"Yes, explosives set in the ballrooht If you want, I can detonate theazed at him solemnly and sincerely She would kill their friends and faave so ferociously

Kevin sighed "No one can know about the explosives"

"Agreed Just h explosive to destroy the ballroom and everyone in it Make it a fast death"

Kevin rubbed his brow "I hope it doesn’t co to the ballroom just to face death by explosion"

"Of course not Neither do I," Nerit answered softly

"I would hate to think that I brought all those people here just to die"

Kevin sighed wearily "I really thought ere safe here"

"We are For now We just need to s stay safe," Nerit answered "At least we don’t have to worry about the Vigilante on top of all of this"

"The Vigilante was the Senator’s sister, right?"

"Yes And good riddance to her" Nerit ran her hand slowly over her hair

"We just need to keep focused on the course we have determined"

Kevin nodded silently, then stood up, leaned over and kissed her cheek

"Good night, Nerit"