Ezra let out a long sigh, her gaze resting on Samantha and Matches, the two sitting close to one another on the dusty hay, their hands clasped together. She felt an odd sense of respect for the young man. Despite the tight and revealing outfit the young girl was wearing, his eyes remained on her face. A long moment stretched after her question about Jackal was asked, Matches finally dropping his gaze to the ground as he considered his reply. After clearing his throat, he lifted his eyes to hers, a similar sigh falling from his lips.
“He was injured, but alive. I saw a cattle prod on the ground...and there were burns on his chest.” He shook his head. “Fuck! He sacrificed himself so I could get out..and get to you two.” He reached into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment. “...and he gave me this...for you.” He passed over the map, the edges worn from so much handling. “The two men that seemed to be in charge were on the ground bloody...but there were others coming. No way he had time to get out.” He shook his head again. “I’m sorry...I shoulda stayed and helped him. Was so cloudy headed...just did what he said.”
Ez shook her head, her hand lightly touching his as she took the map. “You did right. Jack wouldn’t have had you come for us if he thought there was a better option. Now we just have to figure out how to get to him to repay the favor.” She chewed her lower lip, blood starting to well up from the constant worrying. “We have to go back...but not just yet. We need weapons...and additional bodies. No way we can get to Deck and the others, so we will have to recruit from the town.” She offered a slight smile to Sam and tugged at the low hem of her dress. “..and proper clothes...these will only attract attention.”
Despite the feeling of the lingering effects of the drug in her system, Ez managed to get to her feet fairly easily without wavering, the nausea mostly gone. “I am going to see a friend. You two stay here and out of sight. If anything happens and you have to run, meet me back here in 24. I know the town fairly well...and I can travel faster on my own.” She leaned over and gave Sammy a quick hug. “I won’t be long. Catch your wits and be ready to move when I return...hopefully with help.”
As Ez turned to leave, her fingers brushed over the surface of the map in her hands before she tucked it into the bodice of her top. “We’ll get to you as soon as we can Jack...just hold on,” she muttered under her breath softly, a sorrowful breath of air leaving her lips as she started to move in the direction of Becca’s childhood home. She could only hope that the woman still lived there.
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