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