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

“Can you come with me, sir?” Escobedo stepped aside, gesturing toward the open rear of the STV. “I’d like to scan you.”


Sullivan nodded. If these had been his men, they wouldn’t have waited so long to confirm his identity. Rutledge had been distracted by the uniform and sergeant stripes long enough for Sullivan to take advantage of it, if he’d so wanted. Further proof they were very, very green.


Cool air filled the rear of the STV, tinged by the faintly medicinal smell of temperature controls. One wall was lined with computers and communication equipment, while a foldaway bunk took up the other one. They were living in the vehicle, rather than commandeering a local residence. Orders, most likely, though they probably didn’t want to trade their mild comforts for more space.


Chapter 61