Page 87 of Jude

“I’m only seeing double half the time,” said Lincoln. “It’s a bonus. I’ll shoot twice and hit the real target. Maybe take a few more down on my way.”

“No fighting and no shooting,” said Jude.

“You want me to stay out of the fight?” Lincoln scowled. “Where’s the fun in that?”

“The fun is that I get to keep my brother alive.” Jude nudged Lincoln’s shoulder. “Stay there. Don’t move.”

“Yes, boss.” Lincoln shook his head. “Is he this bossy with you?” he asked Octavia.

“He has his moments.” She scanned their surroundings. “The others will join us in a few moments.”

“Who’s coming?” asked Jude.

“Mad Dog, Ozone, Hell Cat, and Gray Fairy.”

“I bet they loved their mothers for giving than those names,” said Lincoln.

“Very cute,” said Octavia. “They’re radio handles. I’ve no clue what their real names are.”

“This must be your crew now.” Jude pointed his gun at the shadows.

Octavia watched as a tall, Amazonian-built woman with jet-black hair tied off her face stepped into view. She had a gun by her side as she strode toward them.

This had to be Hell Cat. She’d imagined she’d look just like this. Octavia stepped forward, and the woman slowed. “Flame?”

“It’s me,” said Octavia.

Hell Cat grinned and opened her arms. “I’d recognize that sexy-ass voice anywhere.” She ran forward and engulfed Octavia in a hug. “You’re a tiny little thing.”

“You’re just as I’d imagined.” Octavia smiled up at her. Hell Cat was over six feet tall and her curves were packed into a fitted jumpsuit.

“Sexy and sassy, that’s me.” Hell Cat’s green eyes softened as she reached up and touched Octavia’s bare head. “I like this look. Maybe I should try it myself.” She flipped her long dark braid over one shoulder.

“I didn’t get this by choice.” Octavia’s hand strayed to her head and then slid down her scars.

The humor in Hell Cat’s eyes died. “I imagine you didn’t.”

“Hold on for us,” said a deep voice from the shadows. “We don’t want to miss the fun.”

Octavia turned and saw a broad-shouldered, grizzled man with a black beard and dreadlocks. He had three firearms looped over his shoulders and a pulse laser in one hand. Beside him walked a tall, thin, gray-haired lady, and a short, curvy brunette.

“I’ve never seen three sorrier-looking sons of bitches.” Hell Cat grinned and slung an arm around Octavia's shoulders.

“Love you too,” said the gray-haired woman.

“You all know each other?” asked Octavia.

“We meet from time to time.” The man extended his hand. “I’m Mad Dog. It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Flame. Or do you prefer Octavia?”

“Either’s fine.” Octavia smiled. It felt like meeting old friends. She knew these people. She trusted them.

“I’m Gray Fairy,” said the tall woman. “Just in case the hair color didn’t give me away. This is Ozone.”

The women greeted each other.

Octavia felt Jude’s presence behind her. She turned and held a hand out to him. “This is Jude Ember.”

“Oh my, a real, hot-blooded Ember brother.” Hell Cat fanned her face with her hand. “My dreams have come true.”