Marissa had no answer for her. No words of comfort to offer. She knew all too well what it was like to fear, what it was like to have the world change overnight; to go from a warm, safe place to a world of sudden threats and shadows. What could she say to this woman? What comfort could she give, she who had no comfort in her own life?
“Sarah,” she said aloud, “Sarah. I don’t know what anyone can say or do to help. But I’ll tell you one thing.” She almost flinched when Sarah turned to face her with those dark, sad eyes. “I think there is more of Terrel in Cade than you think. No matter what happens, he will do everything he can to help you and I don’t think it’s only because his brother would have wanted him to.”
It was cold comfort, but in this new world it was often the only hope
Sarah was allowed.
It took two more days for Targ and Cade to put the rest of the pieces together. That Terrel had been running something for the PFLS was definite; what he had been running was another thing. Why was still a mystery. But Cade now had the most important answer. The contact was in Downwind. Downwind-the one place in Sanctuary Cade had avoided, though in his heart he had known, from the beginning, that it would be his destination.
But first he must talk to Sarah again. He wasn’t looking forward to this conversation. The woman was half terrified, half fascinated by him. He was afraid he would have to reveal too much to her. There were things he might have to say, show, things he could never take back. But he had to find out what she knew. Accordingly, after dinner he ordered the chil- dren to bed. This earned him a dark look from the woman, but he ig- nored it. He faced his brother’s wife across a table still covered with the remnants of the meal.