The keys jingled in July’s hands as he unlocked Wade’s jail cell. Wade stepped out and gave him a confused look, but July explained how – despite Charlie’s protests – he needed an extra man to help with Alister’s prison break, which the six of them would soon begin planning. But first, July was overdue for a bath.
It seemed fair that July should inherit the vacant home that once belonged to his father; it was a modest house located near the centre of the town. The meeting they had had earlier that day had taken place in the dining room, where a collection of maps was now sitting on the table. For a man who had spent ten years in the wasteland, the rush of steaming hot water cleansing his skin was heavenly. Eventually July reluctantly turned off the water and climbed out, dabbing his face with a towel that he then wrapped around his waist; he had left his prosthetic leg in the living room and used a wooden crutch to help move around the house. There he found Alice, who blushed when she saw him in only a towel. The wasteland had a way of detracting one’s natural beauty so in this state of cleanliness July was quite handsome. Alice sat up quickly on the couch.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I…”
July reached out and pointed to his prosthetic leg.
“Right.” Alice nervously handed him the leg.
“Can I get dressed?”
“Right, I’ll just be outside.”
Some of his father’s clothes still remained in the house. July slipped on a long-sleeved shirt and some shorts, and then attached his leg. Alice waited on the front porch. July joined her and inhaled the warm dry air, keeping his eyes forward, he waited for her to talk.
“Granny wanted me to tell you that there’s a doctor’s clinic down the road and some electronics tinkerer or something, said they can get you a super awesome new leg, should help you walk a little easier, more comfortably.”
July glanced down the street and noticed part of a ‘clinic’ sign on the far building. “Thanks, I’ll check it out later.” He paused. “Was that all?”
Alice blushed again. “Thanks for helping out Wade. He seems too decent a guy to be a murderer and a thief, I’m glad you gave him a second chance.” Another brief silence passed. “I don’t want to sound like I’m doubting you, but are you sure you know what you’re doing with all this?”
“You came here to escape the war but all you did was end up on someone else’s side. I have no intention of putting anyone in unnecessary danger. Help me free Alister and the militia and I promise they will be able to protect you.”
“And what’s the grand scheme for that one? Alister, I mean.”
“Hard to say. Tom and some volunteers are gearing up for a reconnaissance mission, once we know the layout of the prison and what we’re up against we’ll be able to make a proper plan. Until then, lay low, and try not to antagonise the Royalists; get to know the locals, see if you can help anyone.”
“What are you going to do?”
“Well for starters I’ll go and see that doctor. My leg is driving me crazy.”
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