Apocalypse: I Hear My Genius Husband's Sins novel · Chapter 13 of 32

Chapter 13: The Parade

Calvin came down the lodge steps with his arms open and tears running into his collar.

The crowd parted for him.

Three hundred people watched the great man go to meet his wife.

Jonas's hand left mine, because I let it go.

"Not yet," he said under his breath. "Ames has riflemen on that roof."

"I know."

"If you say it now, they'll call you delirious and sedate you in front of everybody."

"I know," I said. "Stay close."

Calvin reached me and pulled me into his chest.

He smelled like the same soap and the same starch, and for eight years that smell had meant home.

"Nina," he said, and his voice broke exactly where it always broke. "I thought I'd lost you. I haven't slept since the roof."

I put my arms around him, because the camp was watching.

Then I heard him.

*She's thinner. Good. Her draw should be strong. Seven days of plasma left, and I need her under a roof tonight.*

I let my face fall against his shoulder, so that nobody could see it.

I had no idea how well I could lie until that moment.

"Calvin," I said. "I'm so tired."

"I know, my love. I know. You're safe now."

*She'll be in the east cottage by dark. The General has the lock. I have the needles.*

He held me back at arm's length for the crowd.

He turned me toward them.

"This is my wife," he called, loud and shaking. "Nina Hartwell. She was left on a rooftop by a pilot's cowardice, and she walked ninety miles to come home."

Jonas's head came up.

"The pilot took the last helicopter without us," Calvin said. "He kidnapped her, and he has been using her as a shield."

A murmur ran through the rows.

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