Blurb: Civilization is gone and Meg Adams is in charge, whether she
wants to be or not. It’s no longer desirable or even safe to stay at the CDC
that Amanda and David are gone, so getting her people away is her top priority.
At least getting away from the Powers-That-Be might give them a chance. But
what about Jim, is he one of Us or Them?
Jim Stephens has forced his way in. Yes, he’s attracted to
Meg but he also values his own life enough to want to get away from the new
regime that seems to be forming. And this rag-tag group that’s decided to make
their escape could use him.
Excerpt: Meg
looked away from Jim. He’d done the right thing, bringing this man inside. Yes,
it would be a little more crowded, if he lived, but most of them had rallied
round to do what they could.
Meg
removed the man’s boots to inspect his toes. Whoever he was, he’d done a good
job of protecting himself from the elements. He looked hungry and exhausted but
he’d had the sense to wrap his feet and hands. He knew something about
frostbite at least.
Thank
goodness they’d found him when they had. After wrapping a warmed blanket around
his feet and lower legs, Meg made her way over to Jim.
“Was he
alone?”
“As far
as we could tell. Vic and I need to check it out, but getting him inside was
the top priority.”
She
nodded. “Is it safe to check?”
“Safer
than not checking. Don’t worry. Vic and I are both armed. We won’t be long.”
He must
have seen the worry in her eyes, because he pulled her against him and kissed
her. They didn’t do that too often in public. There weren’t a lot of couples
and living together like this could lead to jealousy.
She
watched him nod to Vic and they slipped outside with no fanfare. Meg turned
back to the unconscious man.
Lorene
began heating some clear broth as Jerry helped take the outer clothing from the
man. Meg met Jerry’s eyes and he smiled. “Guess I’m glad I lost it.”
“Me
too.”
Cocooned
in heated blankets, the man’s breathing became easier. Someone brought extra
pillows to prop him up to help his breathing further and Lorene appeared with
the broth.
“We
don’t want him to choke, but I do think it’s a good idea to get some warmth
inside him.” Meg looked over at Celine and Becky. They nodded.
As a
further precaution, Meg had Jerry take a seat behind the man to hold him
against his chest as Meg allowed a sip into the stranger’s mouth.
That
roused him a little and though he didn’t open his eyes, he did swallow the
nourishment. Meg gave him a little more. After three sips, his eyes began
fluttering and he managed to open them. “W-where?”
Now he
was shivering as his body warmed. Meg had to remind herself that was a good
sign.
“You’re
safe now. We found you outside, but it’s warm in here and there’s food. Try to
relax.”
“W-who?”
Meg
smiled. He was trying. “I’m Meg. The guy behind you is Jerry. He found you.
I’ll introduce the rest when you’re more awake. Would you like some more
broth?”
He
nodded and she held the cup to his lips.
“And
what’s your name?” She asked when he stopped drinking.
He shook
his head.
“You
don’t know?”
“Flu.”
She
nodded. Everyone who had recovered from a case of the flu, even after getting
the vaccine had at least a short period of memory loss. But it had been weeks
since she’d seen a new case. They’d been in Tennessee for nearly two months now
and before they had left the CDC no one else had come in.
Meg
wished once again that Amanda was with them. She would know how to look after
this man.
“Okay.
It’s not a problem. We’re familiar with flu cases. You need to rest. Your
memories will return, but right now your body needs to regain its strength.”
He closed
his eyes and Meg thought he was asleep before Jerry lowered him back to the
pillows.
Meg was
waiting by the door when Jim and Vic returned. Jim shook his head. “He was
alone. No tracks, no one else out there. We did find his backpack, I think.” He
held up the battered pack.
“I know
you’re sure, but—“
“Very
sure, Meg. Don’t worry.”
She
tried to smile at that. She knew he’d do whatever it took to keep her, to keep
all of them safe. The realization that a stranger now slept in the room with
them was filtering in.
“We’ll
keep an eye on him.”
“Not a
problem yet. He’s weak as a kitten and sound asleep.”
“Who is
he?”
“No
memory. He’s had the flu.”
“Interesting.
I thought that was gone.”
“Me too.
At least fewer people to pass it around. Maybe there’re more survivors around.”
Women strong enough for
love.
I write science fiction, paranormal and small town romance eBooks about women coming into their strength and having the courage to find and accept love.
As an empty nester with my beloved best friend and husband (who actually encourages this mad passion of mine) I write all the time – whether or not I have a pen or keyboard handy.
Ever since I learned to read—from Superman Comics, Dick, Jane and Sally held no appeal—I’ve wanted to write. The possibilities of science fiction have always drawn me and I’ve read them all. There just needed to be a little more romance in them. I finally got up the courage and I’m delighted that I’m able to share these stories with you.
My premiere novel, a science fiction romance – Rth Rising – was released on March 3, 2012 through Rebel Ink Press. My romance eBooks Learning Trust, Homecoming, Welcome Home, Red Shoes, Wraith’s Heart, Nowhere for Christmas and The Melting,Book 1- The Infection are now available at all eBook sellers. Wraith’s Heart and Learning Trust are now also available in paperback through Amazon.
I’m a member of Romance Writers of America, the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Chapter of RWA and the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.
Please check out the trailers for Rth Rising - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hugHZsfXDD4 and Wraith's Heart - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POJ4ejbNY4w
Th!nks for having me here today, Jennifer! Been a crazy week and it's nice to relax with you!
ReplyDeleteKick back, have a cup of tea and some chocolate. And thanks for visiting me!
Delete