"No, that comes later. For now, work hard and learn." Adrian hesitated, and then continued. "Moreover, keep your eyes open for anyone you think I should talk to or might have overlooked."
Neil studied him thoughtfully for a long minute before dropping his eyes. "You mean people like you."
It wasn't a question and Adrian frowned, hoping he hadn't offended the cop. "Like me?"
"It's hard to explain. Something just draws people to you. I'll know it when I see it."
Adrian caught his eye. "Your loyalty means a great deal to me. You've been by my side almost since the very beginning, and all the responsibility you're looking for will happen. You have my word on that, too."
Neil nodded, proud and eager for the time to come. "I see the sacrifices you make, how hard you work. We all do, and we're grateful you stuck with us when everyone else split."
A little uncomfortable (his guilt whispering insults) Adrian opened his mouth and was disappointed with what came out. "We'll make it. God will help us find our way now."
Neil tensed, face darkening as he turned away. "Why wouldn't he before we got lost?"
3
Adrian took his time going back, seeing no signs anyone had around since the War. He carefully skirted the small, nervous herd of mule deer huddled together for warmth, encouraged to see them. It looked almost normal here, would if not for the debris rolling with the wind.
Plastic bags, fast food wrappers, bits of paper, mildewed clothes - it was the same garbage that had always littered America, but the amounts of it had grown drastically, litter patrols and trash removal gone like everything else. There wasn't a single aspect of American life that the War hadn't touched, changed. Still, other than the debris that made odd noises in the wind, and the occasional rotting fox or rabbit, it looked like nothing had happened here, and that was the whole point of him choosing preserves and parks. How could his people heal if they were constantly being reminded of all they'd suffered, lost?
Back in the heart of camp now, Adrian moved quietly, hearing tents flapping in the cold breeze and snores. He was glad not to see a single soul passed out around the bonfire. They were all inside, finally adjusting to being under canvas.
Adrian nodded to Jeremy, the man now guarding the water tankers instead of Danny. It pleased him to see that the new guard on the 100 gallon, portable tankers was wearing the entire black outfit, but he didn't stop to talk.