The shotgun blast reverberated like a sonic boom across the valley, breaking the preternatural silence, causing birds to scatter. Felton ducked instinctively. “What the hell …” He straightened up and looked across the rolling fields to the horizon where a grey smudge crept across the sky, replacing the orange glow that had dominated his vision up until just a few moments ago.
“It’s morning,” said a voice.
Turning, Felton stared into the face of a woman, eyes black-rimmed, hair frazzled, as if charged with static electricity.
Without another word, she came alongside and followed his gaze.
“We might still have a chance.”
He took her in. Much smaller than him, she wore a stained grey t-shirt and frayed jean shorts. Her bare arms glistened with perspiration.
“Who …”
She held up a hand,
