Page 150 of Crimson Shore
My stomach rolls. I never thought this day would come. We were supposed to be on Blue Arrow Island forever. Well, a shortened forever, given that it’s a death trap.
But now here I am, almost back on the US mainland. I refuse to say the words “New America”. This regime won’t stand forever, and I hope when it’s overthrown, someone will put the country back together like it was.
Okay, not exactly like it was. A democracy, though. That would be a great start.
“You don’t look so great,” Olin says. “You need the trash can?”
I shake my head, refusing to throw up again.
It’s Corpus Christi. Marcus said this is ILF territory. I’ll be safe here, at least until we go on our rescue mission for Mae.
I swallow against the bile rising in my throat. I’m stronger than I was before. I won’t give in to my fear.
“Ascending,” Gussie says again.
“Everyone be cool when we dock,” Marcus says. “No weapons. No guns or knives visible, and nothing on you. We’re coming to their turf. They’ll want to search us and question us. Cooperate and tell the truth on everything.”
It’s hard, allowing myself to be in such a vulnerable position. But Marcus is right—we have to.
I know how to handle questioning. I’ve done it before. I’ve told the story so many times, I almost believe it myself.
The truth is buried deep inside me, hidden in a dark place no one will ever see. Not even Briar, and I trust her with my life. She’d look at me differently if she knew.
The island was the best of two terrible options for her. It was either death or exile. For me, though, it was different.
I got sent to Blue Arrow Island on purpose.
