ynn
ors of the estate's rear courtyard, breathing in th
a walking cane s
ed by Clint's mother, Clara, who w
artha asked, her voice carrying none
I said, offering a polite n
expression turned serious. "According to the ancient customs of our territory, three days after a
the Higg
of my adoptive mother June's greedy, sneering face and
tion," I replied quietly
u know our current situation. The central council has restricted our supply lines because of the rumors about Cl
ion of poverty and defeat. If I showed up with scraps, June and Deedee would parade it in fron
r herbs grow on the southern slopes. I can harvest a basket this afternoon, take them to
do no su
voice cut through
eavy black leather field jacket over a charcoal sweater, his broad shoul
directly beside me. He looked down at me, his eyes sharp as flint. "You think
oking right back at him. "The Higgins family wi
ing no argument. "The tribute is my responsibility, not you
xchanged a knowing
cal watch on his wrist. "Go p
ing?" I asked, c
turning toward the garage entr
eeze. "Go with him, child. The border post is rough, b
solve, I didn't argue.
ench coat, durable wool trousers, and a pair of sturdy leather
o the underground garage, twin halogen
tom-reinforced with matte-black armor plating and oversized all-terrain tires.
te between his fingers, the red ember glowing in the shadows. He
d the cigarette beneath the heel of his boo
up. G
running board with a slight frown. The truck's suspension was l
aint, mocking smirk curved his
clean tobacco washed over me, making
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