Page 203 (2/2)

One of the soldiers turned the key on the mutilated Escalade The battery eak It seeht and roared to life Lights caht

“Everyone in,” Caine ordered “If Drake’s right and Sa It’s ten miles to the mine Twenty minutes and we’re there”

“Where’s my peppermint?” Jack asked

Caine raised the fuel rod and held it poised in the air above their heads Close enough that the heat was like a bright, noon sun

Little Pete lay unconscious

Astrid was hauled, kicked, and shoved as Antoine tied her wrists and breathed alcohol into her face

Her brain was spinning What to do? What to say to stop the insanity?

Nothing There was nothing she could say now, not with hunger ruling thebut witness

Astrid looked into each face, searching for the humanity that should speak to them, stop them, even now What she saas madness Desperation

They were too hungry They were too scared

They were going to kill Hunter, and then Zil would come for Little Pete and for Astrid herself He would have no choice The instant Hunter died, Zil and his mob would have drawn a line in blood down the middle of the FAYZ

“Dear Jesus, I know you’re watching,” Astrid prayed “Don’t let them do this”

“Are you ready?” Zil shrieked

The mob roared

“Dear Lord…,” Astrid prayed