Western Desert: Chronicles of Lily Carmichael, #2

By PJ Sharon

WESTERN DESERT, Book Two in The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael trilogy, takes off where WANING MOON ends. Genetically enhanced sixteen-year-old Lily Carmichael, and seventeen-year-old Will Callahan embark on a journey across a sun-ravaged and decimated US in the year 2057, bound for the Western Desert on a dangerous rescue mission. The survivors they meet along the way put Lily’s healing abilities to the test and challenge Will’s resolve to find his missing father—no matter the cost. But even with the burden of life and death on their shoulders, and the Industry hot on their trail, the greatest challenge they face is trusting their hearts to each other.

• Language: English
• Publisher: PJ Sharon
• Release date: Jun 20, 2013
• ISBN: 9780985607258

PJ Sharon

In addition to her day job as a Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, and Yoga Instructor, PJ Sharon is an award-winning author of young adult books, including PIECES of LOVE, HEAVEN is for HEROES, ON THIN ICE, and Holt Medallion winner SAVAGE CINDERELLA. Follow the Savage Cinderella Novella Series with FINDING HOPE, LOST BOYS, and SACRED GROUND. HEALING WATERS completes her YA dystopian trilogy, The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael, which RT Book Reviews calls “An action-packed read with a strong female lead.” Her debut non-fiction title Overcome Your Sedentary Lifestyle (A Practical Guide to Improving Health, Fitness, and Well-being for Desk Dwellers and Couch Potatoes) is a holistic living, self-help guide packed with easy to implement tips sure to motivate today’s sedentary masses toward a more balanced and active lifestyle. For more info on PJ’s books and updates on new releases, sign up for her newsletter or visit her website.

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The Chronicles of Lily Carmichael

Chapter 1

June 2057

Are you trying to get us killed already? We haven’t even left Stanton yet. Will gripped the dashboard as the Rover skidded to a stop in front of Higgins Market.

I’ll get the hang of it. Stop making me nervous. I jammed the shifter into park and turned to my shaggy blonde passenger. It’s not like you could do better.

It doesn’t look that hard, you’re just... His voice trailed off as we both swung our heads toward the tall, dark-skinned boy coming out of the butcher shop down the street. Josh Johnson stalked our way. With the tinted windows in the Land Rover, he probably couldn’t see us, but the nasty smirk on his face said he knew we were inside. Will shook his head. Just what we need.

Will Callahan and Josh Johnson had faced off more than once, often on account of me, and the last time the face-off ended in Will taking a bullet that almost cost him his life. I shuddered at the memory of nearly losing him only weeks before. Even with my genetic enhancements that gave me the ability to heal people, I had limitations—most of which I was still figuring out. I’d had to make the decision whether to heal Will and his bullet wound, or use my ability to heal Josh’s father, the local constable who’d had his head smashed in by an Industry agent. Joe Johnson had failed to keep the agents from taking his youngest son Tyler and my brother Zephron to Industry Headquarters in the Western Desert.

Will, much to my frustration and Josh’s surprise, had insisted that I use my ability to heal Mr. Johnson, knowing full well I might not have enough power left in me to save him too. Josh owed me—and Will—but I had low expectations of whether he’d keep that in mind. The firearm strapped to Josh’s side gave me reason to doubt. He disappeared into the store.

I’ll go in alone. We only need a few more supplies and there’s no need to have you start up with Josh again. I opened my door, but before I had my feet on the ground, Will was climbing out his side of the Rover.

I can deal with Josh. You aren’t going in alone.

This was going to be a long trip. You are the most stubborn...

Will didn’t let me finish. Old news, Lily. His lips curved into a smile, the dimple in one cheek causing my jaw to drop and my argument to flee. He rounded the vehicle, stepped up beside me on the porch, and rested a hand on my lower back as he escorted me into the store. The subtle contact made my brain fuzzy and sent my thoughts scrambling.

Josh’s head popped up when we walked in, his dark eyes glaring daggers from Will to me. I brushed off the sense that he was about to implode and went straight to the counter where Mrs. Higgins met me with a broad, round-faced grin.

Hi, Lily. I’ve got the supplies you asked for. She hefted a box onto the counter, her short, graying brown hair well suited to her sturdy demeanor. I had given her a list the day before and was glad she’d filled the order without question. How is Sam doing?

Much better, thanks, I smiled appreciatively.  The drugs I brought back from Albany seem to be working. My uncle’s cancer had been in remission the past few weeks, a relief beyond words since all of my efforts to heal him had failed.

I’m so glad he’s feeling better. I don’t know what we would do without him around here. An undeniable expression of affection shadowed Mrs. Higgins’s deep brown eyes. She rummaged through the box, taking a last-minute inventory of food items we would need for a trip that would hopefully only take a couple of weeks. There’s plenty of dried fruit in here. I took the liberty of packing you a dozen of my chocolate donuts since I know how much you and your friend enjoy them. Her eyes held a sparkle when she glanced from me to Will, sending an unexpected rush of warmth to my cheeks. I could feel Josh’s glare at my back. My belly squirmed. Mrs. Higgins added with a sympathetic nod, Sam is going to miss you—especially with Zephron gone.

Maggie and Nora will look in on him while I’m away. The McKinley sisters lived a mile or so beyond our farmhouse into the Northeast Hills, but Nora would travel by foot daily to see that Sam was well taken care of. I smiled inwardly at her fondness for him and wondered if he would ever get a clue. From the way he looked at her, it seemed the feelings were mutual, but whether he felt that acting on them was somehow a betrayal to my Aunt Beth, who’d died nearly a decade ago, or that he was simply afraid of taking a chance in such an unpredictable world, he wasn’t saying.

I’m surprised Sam would even let you go, she said, her expression turning serious. Are you certain you should be driving all the way across the country, Lily? It’s not safe for a young lady out on the road. There are all sorts of criminals and thieves just waiting to take advantage. Mrs. Higgins darted a glance at Josh who was filling a carriage with fresh vegetables from the bin, pretending not to listen to every word of the conversation.

I didn’t give him much choice, I said, recalling how many arguments it took to finally get Sam to agree. I have to get Zeph back. He doesn’t belong in some Industry facility. It was no secret in town that my brother had given himself and Tyler up to the Industry agents. What they didn’t understand was that he’d done it to save everyone in the town ...and me. No one but me could understand how hard Zeph worked at hiding his ability to take life—any life, human or animal—with just a touch...or how guilty he felt for the time he’d once used that power before he understood it himself. Whether Sam approved of my mission or not, nothing was going to stop me from saving my brother. I squared my shoulders. I couldn’t turn my back on my brother any more than I could on Sam when he needed me.

I admire your devotion, Lily, but don’t you think this kind of...endeavor would be best suited to some young men in the county? She eyed Josh, her words insinuating that he was a better candidate to find Zeph and Tyler and that he should go west instead of me.

Josh dumped the handful of potatoes into his cart and turned on her. In case you weren’t aware of it, my father isn’t quite up to doing his job—thanks to Lily’s monster of a brother. If I wasn’t set in charge of the law in my daddy’s place, I’d have left weeks ago to get my own brother back. The muscles in his neck bulged and he made a point of touching the pistol grip on the government-issued Glock holstered at his side. He let it go, huffed out a breath, and parked the cart in front of the counter. Mrs. Higgins looked ready to give him a good piece of her mind but remained silent as Josh continued. If you could just mind your own business and put these items on our bill, I’ll be going, he sniped. Then he turned to me, his lips a tight line. If you think you’ll survive making it to the desert, good luck getting through the Industry defenses. I’ve heard they have armed Guardians surrounding the place. Fat chance you’ll come back alive, let alone be able to rescue anyone.

Thanks for the vote of confidence, man. Will took a not-so-subtle step in front of me, and the tension ratcheted up another notch.

Eyes narrowed and jaw clenched, Josh responded. Look, I don’t want any trouble with you, grifter. Lily saved my father’s life and I’m grateful for that, but I don’t owe you anything. He stared into Will’s face, a spark of challenge in his dark eyes. If you want to take this outside, I’d be happy to knock the teeth out from that wiseass grin of yours, but if you’re not up for it, I’ll be on my way. He took the crate of goods that Mrs. Higgins pushed in front of him and bumped shoulders with Will on his way by. Watch yourself, Lily. I wouldn’t trust a grifter with two cents, let alone my life.

Josh’s warning hit home. Will had pushed his limits in the trust department more than once with me. I cleared my throat and turned back to Mrs. Higgins as the screen door slammed shut behind Stanton’s new acting constable.

Sam will settle up with you when he comes to town tomorrow to help Rudy fix the wind turbine at the butcher shop.

Sam’s engineering skills allowed for most of the town to enjoy the benefits of electricity, a rarity for most outsiders who didn’t choose to live in the cities and lose their freedom. In order to have access to food, medicine, clothing, or anything else they might need to survive, people within the cities had agreed to be encoded, allowing themselves and their every movement to be tracked. The New Government had made sure that living in safety and having all you needed would come at a very high price. The protection of solar barriers that kept the sun’s deadly radiation at bay was worth the cost to some, but Sam and others who still believed in democracy and held to the Constitution would rather take their chances and try to work together to find new ways to survive and thrive in the harsh conditions.

If I can’t convince you not to go, let me at least wish you well and send you off with a hug. Mrs. Higgins came around the counter and wrapped her arms around me unexpectedly. She squeezed me tight and then drew back, taking my face between her hands. We need you here, Lily. You make sure you get back home safely. She released me and turned her attention to Will, her expression cool. And you, young man...take care of our Lily. If I find out that you, in any way, took advantage of her, you will have me to deal with. Is that understood? Five-foot-ten inches of robust womanhood gave Will a fierce look that sent a shiver across my skin.

Yes, ma’am. Will took the box of food and thanked Mrs. Higgins who followed us to the door. When we got outside, he stuffed the box into the backseat of the Rover and glanced from Mrs. Higgins to Josh Johnson across the street where he stood, one hand on his weapon and his glare fixed on us. Why do I feel like no matter what happens on this trip, someone isn’t going to be happy to see me come back alive?

Chapter 2

I have to stop and say goodbye to Rudy. The Rover lurched forward, bucked, and then came to a neck-snapping halt in front of the butcher shop.

Not that I won’t be happy to get out of this deathtrap, but do you think that’s wise—being that he’s one more person who will try to talk you out of going? Will mumbled as he jumped out of the passenger side.

You just got back in thirty seconds ago. I gave him a dirty look. And Rudy can try all he wants to change my mind. It’s not happening.

I turned my attention to the thick-muscled man who came out to greet us. Rudy Sinclair was the town’s butcher and the best friend Sam and I could have. Since the day I healed his wife from cancer, he’d been trying to make it up to me. With all he’d done for us, he had more than paid his debt, but in the process, he’d become like family. I adored his five-year-old son, Colin, and was the only babysitter he and Cora trusted. Massive chocolate-brown arms folded across his broad chest and he shook his head at me, teasing. You’re in town five minutes and already startin’ trouble.

I turned to see Josh eyeing us through the window as he spun his truck’s tires. Gravel dust followed in a trail behind his vehicle, one of the few on the main street aside from the Rover and a large delivery truck parked in front of Cheng’s Chinese restaurant. Most people traveled into town on horse, bike, or foot, biodiesel being a scarcity in our region. The nearest filling station was three towns away, and the cost made it accessible only to the wealthiest of citizens. I shrugged as Josh pulled around the corner and disappeared.

I’m not the one causing trouble, I said.

That would be a first, Rudy’s face split into a wide, white-toothed grin. Come on in. I’ve got something for you.

Will and I followed him into the shop. The stench of animal flesh hung pungent in the air. Rudy handed me a package from behind the counter.

What’s this? I took the package tentatively. Tied with twine and heavy as a brick, it clunked as I set it back down on the countertop.

Rudy peeked out the front door before answering. If you are hell bent on taking this fool’s trip, you can’t go unarmed. He held up a hand before I could argue. I know how you feel about guns, but you don’t want to be going cross-country without some way to defend yourself. The streets ain’t safe—especially if you’re planning on taking the Turnpike. I hear there are thieves up and down the main roads from here to the Rockies. And don’t get me started on what I think of you going anywhere near Albany again.

That’s why we’re taking the back roads. Our recent trip to Albany had culminated in Will being beaten nearly to death and me being captured by the Industry. We’d barely escaped with our lives. I have no intention of going through Albany or traveling on the Pike. We’re heading south so we can get onto I-80 outside of New York City.

Rudy’s expression grew grim. Is that the route Sam told you to take?

He says it’s the safest way to reach the Western Desert.

You best stay away from the cities. I’m sure Sam told you about New York.

I’m not planning on seeing it firsthand, I said.  New York City had been lost to the riots, the viral plague, and the collapse of government and economic stability. What hadn’t been burned, blown up, or decayed from lack of care, was now an overgrown jungle, and home to some of the most ruthless gangs and drug cartels in the states.

It might make your trip a few days longer, but it will be a heck of a lot safer. Rudy pushed the old revolver in my direction. Take it. He tried to hand me a box of ammo to go with it.

I...can’t. Not that I had anything against guns in general, but I’d seen the damage they could inflict, and the violence sickened me. And getting caught and thrown into a work camp for possessing one seemed like too big a risk. With ammunition scarce and at a premium, Rudy’s gesture meant a lot. He persisted, looking to Will for support.

Can’t you make her see reason?

Will raised both hands, wisely dismissing that notion. I’ve already tried. I’m lucky she’s letting me carry this. Will reached for the tomahawk he had strapped to his back, courtesy of Zeph’s weapons supply. The thought of my brother sent another icy shard to my gut. I shuddered to think what was happening to him. It had been almost a month since he’d left with the Industry agents, taking Tyler Johnson with him.

I have my knife. I stroked the smooth wooden handle that sat in a sheath at my side. The knife had been a gift from Sam when I turned thirteen, and though he meant it to be used for protection, it was more utilitarian for me—a handy tool for everything from skinning rabbits to peeling potatoes. Besides, I added, the Rover is equipped with Sam’s state-of-the-art security features.

Not that I understood half of what Sam had done to retrofit the Rover with bulletproof windows and something called boron carbide panels added to the doors to make it practically impervious to small arms fire and roadside bombs—a feature I hoped not to test. I pushed the gun back across the counter. 

Rudy glanced out the door at the faded blue paint and dented fender and shook his head, unconvinced. Well, at least take this. He reached behind the counter and handed me a long stick with a broad rounded end and a grip wrapped in tattered black tape. A smile edged across his face. This old Louisville Slugger might come in handy. Keep it close.

Will took the club by the grip and tossed it up over his shoulder. I like it already. Thanks, Rudy.

And this is for you, Miss Lily. He reached under the counter a second time and drew out a foot-long narrow pipe carved of highly polished dark wood. There was a rubberized mouthpiece on one end and a tapered exit hole at the other.

What is it? I asked, taking the lightweight tube and turning it over in my hand.

It’s a blowgun. He opened a small metal case and slid it across the counter, revealing several darts of various sizes, all tooled to a razor-sharp point. It might not be fancy, but it’ll take someone down if you hit ‘em just right. My ancestors used these for centuries before modern weapons took over the world. It’s fitting we go back to the old ways, don’t ya’ think?

I tucked the box of darts into my backpack and gave him a wry smile. I had no inclination to use any kind of weapon, but it only seemed polite to respect the gift. Thanks, Rudy. We’ll be back in a few weeks at most.

Rudy came around to the front of the counter and laid a solid hand on my shoulder, his dark brown eyes sincere. Don’t you worry; I’ll stop in every couple of days and help Sam harvest and start putting up the vegetables for winter. It was essential that we harvested and processed the greenhouse produce as soon as it ripened so we could plant new crops and ensure we had enough food to get us through the long winters. There would likely be weeks if not months where we’d be snowed in—hard to imagine with the temps expected to climb above a hundred degrees all week.

Oh, that reminds me. Tell Nora that if she needs to use some honeybee venom for Maggie’s arthritic knee, she can collect some samples from the bee hive.

I’ll tell her. Stop worrying.

I knew I was leaving Sam in good hands. Between Rudy, Nora, and Maggie, they would make sure life ran along as if I’d never left. My heart sank. Leaving the security of our hilltop home made my stomach queasy and set my nerves on edge, but Sam and Zeph were my only family. I was torn between staying with Sam and braving unknown dangers to rescue Zeph, but my mission was clear—at least to me. I had promised my father when I wasn’t much older than six that I would take care of my brother. Zeph hadn’t made it easy over the past ten years, but protecting him had become part of who I was. As far as I was concerned, I had no choice.

Rudy followed us out. You takin’ those dogs with ya?

You know as well as I do that if they mean to follow me, I won’t know it unless I need them or they get hungry, I chuckled. Bo and Pappy were timber wolves that Maggie and Nora had raised from pups. They had a knack for showing up at the perfect time.

You weren’t going to leave without saying good-bye, were you? The shrill voice of my one and only girlfriend, Garnet Perkins, spun me around. The petite frame of the dark haired, sprite-like girl slammed into me with force as she threw her arms around me. You can’t leave me here!

My refusing the hug was not an option. When Garnet wanted something, she usually got it. Resistance was futile. What are you talking about? I asked, giving her a quick squeeze.

She stepped back and wiped her teary eyes. My father wants us to move back to Albany. I hate it there!

I thought you liked the city, I said. Her expression shifted to annoyance.

I like visiting...but who wants to live there? Her voice rose higher, a note of panic setting in. The government is controlling the people more every day. Pretty soon, they’re going to demand encoding and then I’ll have no escape. All of my hopes and dreams...destroyed!

Garnet’s overly dramatic plea would normally seem like another attempt to gain attention, but this time, her reaction was understandable. If she moved to Albany, or any other government run city or town, she would ultimately have to give up all of her rights. Her work would be assigned, her private life monitored. She was right. There would be no escape.

I’m so sorry, Garnet. I hugged her again, this time holding on tight and letting my own tears rise to the surface. Don’t give up hope. I pushed away and held her hands in mine. Maybe your father will change his mind.

Garnet gazed at the ground. He says it isn’t safe here anymore.

Another nail of guilt plunged its way into my heart. I had probably been the one to lead the Industry to Stanton. I should have gotten home sooner...stopped Zeph from...it didn’t matter now. Is it safe anywhere? I asked.

Her eyes rose to meet mine, a small smile flashing across her face. Good argument. I’ll try that on my dad. She hugged me one more time and then stepped back onto the sidewalk, flashing an awkward smile at Will. Hurry home, Lily. And be careful. She backed away, her dark eyes shimmering. Then she turned and ran up the street headed for her father’s law office.

Will and I said goodbye to Rudy, who insisted on supplying us with enough dried meat to last us the entire trip and then some.  As we drove away, Rudy faded into the cloud of dust that rose up behind us in the rear view.

Rudy really cares about you. And Garnet would be lost without you. Will stared out the back window. You’re lucky...to have so many people who love you. He glanced my way as he came around to face front, his expression sad.

I adjusted the mirror and straightened my shoulders. I gripped the steering wheel with both hands as I blinked back tears. I do have good friends. The words came out softer than I intended, choking past the knot in my throat. As lucky as I was to have my family and community, Will had been equally unlucky, having lost his mother and sister in a storm that leveled his house and wiped out his whole town. With no reason to stay, he’d roamed the countryside for the past two years in search of his father, the only family he had left—except for his estranged aunt, who happened to be the current President of the United States, such as she was. My heart squeezed at the thought of all Will had been through.

The road changed from gravel to chunky asphalt, cracked and riddled with potholes. Will held onto the grab bar that hung from the ceiling above the door. You should have let me take the gun Rudy offered.

What if we got caught with one?

Will ignored me and shook his head. I’m more concerned about what happens if we get caught without one? Have you figured out a plan for breaking into Industry Headquarters when we get to Vegas, or are we just going to storm the gates? I’m not sure a blowgun and a baseball bat are going to get us in and out alive.

I felt the cool gaze of his gray-blue eyes on me but I focused on the road. Sam had gone over the rough plans. We have plenty of time to figure out the details. We’ll know what to do before we get there. I pressed my foot to the gas pedal, anxious to put some distance between me and the voices of home that echoed in my mind. And we’ll make do with whatever we have. Sam’s words flowed out of my mouth before I had a chance to stop them. Adapt, improvise, and overcome, right?

If you say so. You’re the boss.

I glanced at Will, whose lips twitched before he turned his head away to watch the Stanton town line fade in the side view mirror.

Chapter 3

Despite the sting of his comment, I appreciated that we had an understanding. His behavior on our last trip had caused me to mistrust him. Now he owed me big time for saving his butt. It didn’t hurt that I’d also healed his wounds after he’d been beaten, and then again after he’d been shot by Josh while protecting the wolves. My digging him out of holes and rescuing him was becoming a steady occupation.

Can you pull over and let me take the wheel for a while? Will stretched and yawned.

I’m just starting to get a feel for it, I protested. We’d been driving for a couple of hours, the morning sun still not high enough in the sky for concern. We’d have to stop and hold up somewhere for a few hours when the sun hit its zenith and the temperatures rose to a hundred and ten degrees or higher before plummeting later in the day. I hit another pothole and glanced over at Will, who looked a bit green.

Can we at least stop and take a break?

I can’t help that the roads are so bad. Since taking the turnpike was out of the question, we were stuck with back roads where the asphalt buckled from underlying tree roots and destruction from winter storms. Twice we’d had to go off-road to avoid downed trees or gaping holes as deep as small canyons. The several towns we passed were mostly abandoned and run down. Up ahead I could see the spires of churches and the glint of metal roofs coming into view. I checked the map monitor on the dashboard, a console that looked more like it belonged in a spaceship than an old SUV. Buttons and switches controlled a dozen added features Sam had rigged up, including a well-concealed grenade launcher that could take out a brick wall if we needed to. It looks like we’re coming into Poughkeepsie. We can stop there and find some facilities. Then we’ll cross over the Hudson and head south until we meet up with I-80, west of the city.

Will glanced over his shoulder at the large drums of biodiesel and the stores of