“It’s a system where people are judged according to standards. Not looks or who your family is or how much money you have in the bank. Actions, words, whatever, that’s what should matter. Before things fell apart, do you think I was the popular girl in school? Give me a break. No. Out here we have to go on what people do. So, I give points out and take points away so we can all get a good read on someone or something. It’s how it works.”

Saying “it’s how it works” was one of those phrases that somehow made sense to Trash, Dahlia knew. He accepted it. Many of the Pack did. As if knowing it was a rule made it something they had to abide. Dahlia found it useful, but also a little sad. And a little scary. She tried to use it to help her people, to keep them from turning into a gang that just killed and took. While she was okay with theft, she had rules for that, too. Even killing had to have rules.

That, for her, was how it worked.

“Pick four fighters,” she said firmly. “Maybe Nathan and Jumper, because they know how to move quiet. A couple others. Light kits, blades and handguns. One long gun. Soon as Neeko’s done with the map, we’re going to see about this tough old guy.”

“We . . . ?”

“Yeah,” said Dahlia, “I think I need to see him for myself.”

“And what if he’s some kind of old retired soldier or cop or maybe a wiseguy from some old mob?”

“Then,” she said, “I guess we’ll have to kill him and take all his stuff.”

Trash grinned, happy as a kid on Christmas morning. “Now you’re talking.”

— 6 —: THE WARRIOR WOMAN

— 6 —

THE WARRIOR WOMAN

“What we going to do with the kid?”

Jason adjusted the lacing on his bracer as he eyed Tommy with suspicion. He, Claudia, and Peter were hanging back, talking amongst themselves while Rachael and Alice tried to find out more about Happy Valley.

Pulling his shoulder-length dreads back into a thick rubber band, Jason added, “He don’t look like he belongs out here, he’s way too clean. Do you think that maybe there’s a safe zone around?”

“Maybe,” Claudia replied, watching Tommy curiously. She brushed a lock of dark, curly hair out of her face. “But I kinda think we would have heard about any actual surviving communities in the area before now. I mean, he’s obviously well-fed and well-kept, so wherever he’s from, they’re well-stocked. His parents have to be missing him. Wouldn’t be surprised if they’re out looking for him.”