In the year 2184, the US is divided. Half the country has moved on with the rest of the world, while in middle America, the survivors of the terrorist biological attack that split the country struggle just to stay alive. Though a century has passed, few people brave going behind the borders meant to contain the danger. Even the privatized military is reluctant to do so.<br><br>But that doesn’t stop recently discharged Sullivan Eberle. Only one thing drives him anymore -- the need to find Raphael Hamada. He doesn’t know why. He only knows he must. If that means a lifetime behind the borders, then so be it.<br><br>Rafe Hamada ran away from the real world when he was still a kid. The last thing he wants is to be found, especially by a soldier who can’t even tell him why it was so important to locate him in the first place. He’d like nothing more than for Sullivan to leave, but turning his back on a man alone and friendless is against everything Rafe stands for ...

Penny Candles

“Why don’t you have a seat?” Releasing his grip, he stepped back toward the kitchen, Sullivan’s eyes tracking him the entire way. “Luther said you needed a decent meal. I should see to that.”


“I don’t want to impose.” He paused. “I don’t have any money or credits.”


“Nobody’s asking you to pay.” Rafe ignored the murmured ripple that swept through the restaurant. “You can be my guest tonight. I don’t get visitors every day, you know.”


Mama made it easier for both of them by sweeping an arm toward the stool next to Joe. “You’re going to need both hands to eat what Rafe fixes you. How about I get you some coffee while you’re waiting?”


“Better do as she says,” Rafe said. “Mama gets even bossier if she thinks she’s being ignored.”


Sullivan started to do as he’d been ordered, then hesitated. “I should clean up.” He shifted his pack awkwardly on his shoulder. “It wouldn’t be right to take advantage of your hospitality like…” The sentence trailed off, but his discomfort was obvious.


Chapter 7