Page 9 of Jude

Chapter 2

Jude knew he shouldn’task again. He’d been hinting at meeting up with Octavia for months. She always deflected his offers, and had a reason for them not to meet. But he wanted it. He needed to meet her. If she was as extraordinary as he thought she was, then he’d be lost to this incredible woman. He wanted to be. She was the only woman he’d been fantasizing about in what felt like forever.

That was part of the reason he hadn’t pushed it. Was he ready for this? Life in the bunker was dangerous and unstable. Should he bring in someone he cared about? But Octavia’s life was anything but safe. As good as she claimed to be, it was only a matter of time before the State finally cornered her. And when they did, she’d be dead.

He cleared his throat. “What do you think?”

“It’s not safe.”

“Nothing is safe in this world,” said Jude. “You’ve done so much for us. I’d like to repay that.”

“Are you asking me on a date?”

Jude blinked. Was he? He wasn’t sure what he was asking her. He wanted to protect her. He wanted to know everything about her. “It could be a date. Would you like it to be?”

“I... well, maybe I’m not available.”

It was the first time she’d used that excuse. “Are you with someone?”

“No. I mean, I’m just saying, I could be. You shouldn’t assume anything.”

Jude frowned and scratched a hand through his short dark hair. “I’m not assuming anything. I want to help you. You’re out there on your own. You never talk about anybody else. I figured you might appreciate a helping hand.”

“I don’t.” The words were abrupt.

“Maybe we’re the ones who need the help.” Jude kept his tone level. He could already sense she was withdrawing. She did it every time he got close and started prodding, trying to bring her nearer. Tried to get her closer to him and let down those barriers she kept so firmly in place.

“You do okay,” said Octavia.

“Not tonight we didn’t,” said Jude. “I’d have lost a brother if it weren’t for you. I owe you big time.”

“You owe me nothing,” said Octavia. “Your friendship repays me a hundred times over.”

Friendship. Jude grimaced. She was more than a friend. “That’s good to know. It wouldn’t be so bad if friends met now and again. I’d like that. Wouldn’t you?”

“Haven’t you got more important things to worry about?”

“You mean Tobias?” Jude shook his head even though she couldn’t see him. “He’s in good hands. When he gets back, Sophia will sort him out.”

“I actually meant the weird signals. The State are up to something.”

In the panic to get the squad safe, he’d forgotten why Octavia had reached out to him. Jude forced his frustrations away. He would meet with her. He would not stop pushing until she agreed to it.

“What do you think it is?” He plugged back into the channel they’d been listening to. “The sounds have gone.”

“This happens sometimes,” said Octavia. “They channel hop like I do. It makes it harder to listen in and get a complete message.”

“Have you any idea what they’re talking about or signaling?”

“Not a clue,” said Octavia. “I’ve got a question for you, though. Why do you keep mentioning Dinnorms?”

“That’s what I was going to tell you,” said Jude. “We found out who the State really are.”

“I know little about Dinnorms,” said Octavia, her words coming out slowly. “Aren’t they a dragon of some kind?”

“That’s right,” said Jude. “If you come here, I can share much more with you about them.”

“Jude, I don’t know. I mean, maybe.”