She watched me tentatively the way she used to in high school. I wanted to reassure her, but Hunter was watching too. I couldn’t.
“Want to share, new kid?” Denny asked.
Marni laughed. “You want to be Gage’s roommate?”
“Sure. I can babysit as well as you.”
“I think that’s a great idea.” Chet nodded. “Marni and I can take the place next to yours.”
“No one leaves without talking to me first.” Hunter turned, pulling Mary Anne with him.
“You didn’t answer. Are you down for sharing? I don’t want to end up with any of the others. Too many idiots.” Denny slung his canvas bag onto his back.
“Sure.” I looked at Marni. She’d unofficially become my boss when Hunter wasn’t around.
“Don’t try anything stupid, Gage.” She watched me solemnly. It took some effort not to laugh. “I won’t be far.”
“Me?” I put a hand to my chest. “Would I ever do anything stupid?”
“Yes.” She rolled her eyes. “Sometimes your stupid behavior makes sense, but it’s stupid nonetheless. Lay low and let us get settled.”
“Settled? Is that what you’re calling it?”
Chet laughed. I was earning points by the minute. Good. “We’ll see you later.” He took Marni’s hand, and they walked into one of the small cabins.
“Ready, roommate?” Denny asked.
“Why the hell not?” I glanced around before walking through the small doorway into the house.
The place was as small as I expected, but if there were only going to be two of us it was fine. There was one large central room downstairs with a ladder leading up to a loft.
I climbed up to find a bunk bed. “I call top.”
“Fine.” Denny tossed his bag down. “Thanks.”
“You’re thanking me for giving you the bottom bunk?” That would be a first. I’d spent enough summers in camp to know no one actually wanted the bottom bunk.
“No, for agreeing. I didn’t want to get stuck with Semi.”
“Is he that bad?”
“I made the mistake of bunking with him once. Not something I’d suggest, but he’s better than some of the others. You haven’t really met the nomads yet, have you?”
“I’m guessing I don’t want to.” I climbed back down the ladder.
Denny followed. “No. They’re weird. Weirder than me. ”
“I’ll remember that.”
“The girl, Hunter’s girl, she was yours?” He followed down behind me.
“Yes.” I tried to keep my expression neutral.
“If you still care about her, try to keep her away from those guys too. They won’t touch her because she’s Hunter’s, but that doesn’t mean they won’t creep her out. They chased away more than a few girls of mine. At least they won’t be around too much. They’ll be out in the woods within the hour.”
“They’ve chased away girls?” Somehow I couldn’t picture Denny with a girlfriend.
“That’s part of why I live on my own usually. I don’t want to put up with everyone else.”
“But the ones you don’t like aren’t with the pack either.”
“Doesn’t mean I like the people who are with the pack. Besides, I like my own space. It’s not like I stay with the other nomads. We all find our own places.”
“Did you camp out?”
“I usually build myself a small shelter or find a cave or something. I know you’re new to the whole Dire thing, but living off the earth will come easier to you now. It’s natural.”
“Cool.”
“Do you drink?”
“Like alcohol?”
“What else would I mean?” He pulled out a flask.
“Then, yes.” I’d learned not to assume anything anymore.
“I’ve got plenty with me, want some?” He held out the flask.
“What is it?” I looked out the single dusty window in the room. This cabin hadn’t been used in a while.
“It’s whiskey. The good stuff. I made a big batch myself before we left.”
“Thanks.” I accepted the flask. I didn’t actually want the liquor, but I wanted Denny as an ally. I had to think strategically. It was the only chance Mary Anne and I had. I took a long sip before passing the flask back to him.
“I’m going to get through this week.”
“Why’s a hundred bucks so important to you?”
“It’s not the money. I refuse to let my sister win.”
“Ok.” I could understand that.
“Want to go for a hunt?” He took another swig from the flask.