Ch 19: Doors with Locks Verse 1
Rachelle led the way, her flashlight beam illuminating the narrow, winding tunnels beneath the city. Behind her followed Tailor and Trace, their bikes pushed along the uneven ground. The air was musty and damp, and the three of them could barely hear each other over the sound of their footsteps echoing off the walls.
"Are we getting close?" asked Trace, his voice barely audible.
Rachelle paused, listening. "I think so. It should be just up ahead."
As they rounded a bend in the tunnel, they saw a faint light glowing in the distance. As they drew closer, they could hear voices and the sound of movement.
"Looks like we've found them," said Tailor.
They emerged from the tunnel into a large underground space. There were people everywhere, bustling about, and piles of supplies were stacked haphazardly against the walls. A group of survivors approached them, led by a woman named Jenn.
"What are you doing here?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.
"We're here to help," said Rachelle. "We have information about the raiders."
Jenn looked skeptical. "What kind of information?"
"We know who their surgeon is," said Tailor.
Jenn's expression softened. "Come with me," she said.
The three of them followed Jenn to a small, makeshift office. Jenn motioned for them to take a seat, and she sat down behind a desk cluttered with papers.
"Tell me everything," she said.
Tailor explained about Alice's hand and the surgeon who had operated on her. He showed Jenn the satellite phone they had taken from the raiders, and Rachelle filled in the details about their encounter with the raider group.
Jenn listened carefully, her brow furrowed. "This changes things," she said finally. "We need to meet with our council and decide what to do. In the meantime, you can stay here, but you'll have to follow our rules."
Rachelle nodded. "We understand. Thank you for letting us stay."
Jenn nodded curtly and stood up. "I'll let you know what we decide."
As they were led to their temporary living quarters, Trace muttered, "I don't think they like us very much."