Fractured by N.O Darling

Chapter 304

**Josie’s POV **

I don’t have the time or patience to sugarcoat what has happened. These kids are not delicate flowers that need coddling. They have lived through hell and are still fighting so they can handle my abruptness.

Harper comes to stand beside me once she is over her initial shock.

“If you know anything that can help find my dad, you need to tell us now,” she calls out to the group, as determined as I to get answers from them.

“Who put you in charge?” a teen boy with short dark curly hair snorts.

“We did. Do you have a problem with that?” Mason snarls, stepping up to stand with me and Harper.

“Look. I know some of you don’t want to be here, but you are. Do you really want to go back to those people who just buried some of our own alive? My dad was only there to save us from that life, so if you know anything, it’s the least you can do to speak up. He has jet–black hair and was at breakfast this morning with another man. He then ported some of you back here before the bunker was filled in,” Harper says, and I realise at that moment just how much she has grown up.

She is no longer a little girl, she is becoming a woman, and she carries the traits and confidence instilled into her from me and my bonds. She is a leader. My heart swells with pride.

“I didn’t see him, but I did see Mandy and Brent creeping around moments before I was found,” a boy offers.

saw them too,” another chimes

they were up to?” Harper asks.

were coming back for us, but they ignored us as if they had another goal,” the first boy says.

Deacon asks, and both

help. Did anyone else see anything?” Harper

familiar voice says, and I barely recognise Harrison now that he has had a chance to wipe some of the dirt

was it?” I

I heard a scuffle, but I can’t be sure,” he says with

you, Harrison,” I nod

asks and everyone shakes their

a kidnapping than Luke betraying us. I want to make this point to Mason, but now is not the time for ‘I told you

Mum,” Harper says softly,

we had you back, but we’ve gone from one missing straight to another,” I sigh,

1/2

~ +25 BORUS

you just talk to him? The way you guys do… with your minds,” she whispers, looking around nervously to make sure no one

to him,” I admit, but I hold back the part about not being able to feel him at all. I don’t want her to even consider what that might mean. I can’t even consider it

should get home. The kids need to see Harper, and we need to shower and decide what to do next,” Deacon says and Harper and I both say “No,” at the same

back there without Luke. I can’t upset

where he is. Besides, you’re going to need