The Girl Who Owned a City by O. T. (Terry) Nelson Page A

her thoughts to rest, she remembered something else that was important.
    Ever since the plague, she had been ignoring her friends and neighbors. She and Todd had created their own private world, and now she could see how dangerous that could be.
    â€œThey don’t all see things the same way I do,” she thought. “I should keep more in touch with them, or I could lose everything I’ve worked for.”
    She recalled Charlie’s comments, and Steve’s, and Jill’s. Obviously, her ideas weren’t obvious to everyone. That the Chidester Gang would steal and that her best friend would deceive her—these things proved that she needed to be a part of their society. Or at least she would have to keep her eyes and ears open and help to build their community into one that could protect her freedom.
    All the brilliant ideas in the world would be useless if that world collapsed around her and she was the only one left to steal from.

CHAPTER SIX
    L
    isa had to start by trusting someone. So she walked over to the Bergmans’ house. Craig saw her coming and opened the door.
    â€œWill you ride with me for supplies today, Craig?” she asked. “We can talk about the militia as we go.” He made no comment. “Oh, and you can bring a list of things your family needs, because I think we’re going to find a gold mine today. I mean a place filled with all kinds of supplies—almost everything we need.”
    She had used the right words. He agreed to come. “See you at nine,” she said.

    Craig was waiting nervously by the car. What’s the matter with him? Lisa wondered as she approached. He didn’t seem to notice her at all. His eyes were fixed on the scratched and dented body of the Cadillac.
    â€œThat poor car has been through a lot,” she admitted, “but I’m a pretty good driver now. You’ll see!”
    That wasn’t quite enough to reassure him. He’s probably thinking some snotty things about women drivers, Lisa guessed as they both climbed in. From the corner of her eye, she caught him struggling with his seat belt. I’ll show him! Concentrating hard, she steered the car smoothly out into the street.
    â€œStill worried about my driving?”
    â€œJust take it easy, Lisa!” Some of the paleness had already left Craig’s face.
    Lisa ignored the warning. “I have one source already that’s pretty good. It might have enough food for the whole block to live on until spring, but I’m not sure.” Lisa was speaking of the farms on Swift Road. “But today we’re going to check out another idea I have. If I’m right about it, we’ll find food and supplies to last for years. There might be other important things there, too, like medicine and tools.
    â€œBut first, Craig, you have to promise to keep my idea a secret, an absolute secret. If you help me on my trips, you can use the Secret Place to get whatever your family needs. I’ll decide about sharing it with the other kids when I’m sure they’ll support the militia. Okay?”
    â€œOkay, but tell me where we’re going. I can’t leave Erika alone too long. And please slow down, Lisa, you almost hit that telephone pole!”
    Big baby, she thought to herself. I wasn’t even close to that pole!
    â€œWell, we’re going to try to find . . . .” She hesitated, still not trusting him. “Do you promise, Craig, to keep this a secret? No matter what happens?”
    He agreed, and she trusted him. After all, what choice did she have? Making the supply trips alone would be hard, and it wouldn’t be safe for her to be away so much. With help, she could cut the time of each trip in half. And it would be good to have someone along for protection, even if it was Craig.
    An important thought came to Lisa. “There’s one other promise I’d like you to make, Craig. If something should ever happen to me,