Freegans part 34

Kestrel
I tensed as the door opened, waving at the silent kid to get down. I picked up the rifle and eased my way to the right, so as to have a clear field of fire if necessary. I felt my pulse quicken. There was silence for a few moments. Then-
"Byron!" Came the low hiss.
My heart leaped. "Pope!" I called back softly. In response, a gloved hand reached out, clicked the trapcatch, and then withdrew. Then Max stepped through the door. As usual, she looked unintentionally beautiful; her red hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, and her features were accented by the tension in her eyes. I hadn't expected her; the Ox and I had planned this as a two-man operation. For a moment, I let myself pretend that she had wanted to see me again. I moved back to the bench and sat down.
The Ox came through behind her, adjusting his glasses. He looked at the children, then swung his gaze on me. "And 112?" he said, raising his eyebrows. I pointed to where the girl huddled in the corner, muttering in her sleep. "Ah", he said, and then walked over and squatted in front of her.
Max, meanwhile walked to me. "You made it out safely," she said. It was a statement of fact. I nodded. She sighed and sat down on the bench next to me. "Eastbridge is lost. There's no word from Oak or the Harpy. The Butcher made it out, I'm sure-- we had radio contact with him for a few moments before he went into the subways-- but who knows what he'll do." I nodded again. She looked very, very tired. "How long have you been up?" I asked; then, before she answered, I handed her a bottle of water. "Get some sleep. The Ox wants to take a look at her-" here I gestured towards 112- "and we can't risk moving for another three hours anyway. I'll stay on guard." At that moment, the silent kid, who had been still up to then, walked over and handed me his notebook.