18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 368

Stella pedaled her bike with a burst of energy, the wind playing with her hair as she shouted to Rosie, "I'm taking you somewhere special."

Rosie sighed with relief. Her sister-in-law had been gone for days, and she'd feared the worst.

"Sis, I wasn't really bullied," Rosie admitted now that they were alone. "Last night, I snuck up on that guy, threw a sack over his head, and gave him a good beating. Stayed clear of his face, though. He's pissed off so many people he wouldn't have a clue it was me."

If it weren't for waiting for her brother and sister-in-law to return, that guy wouldn't have lived to see today.

"Good job," Stella said, finally relaxing. "You've grown up, Rosie. From now on, you can make your own decisions. Just make sure you stay safe."

Rosie beamed at the praise, wishing her brother could see her now.

After an hour of bone-rattling bike riding, they finally arrived.

Cooper, sensing their arrival, ran out to greet them.

Tears streamed down Rosie's cheeks as she saw Cooper and rushed into his embrace. "Cooper, are you okay?" she sobbed, her worry for him having been unbearable.

"Woof!"

Rosie, still frantic, clung to the excited Cooper. "Where's my brother?"

Cooper tugged at her pant leg, leading her to a hidden spot.

After days of gut-wrenching uncertainty, Rosie nearly collapsed upon seeing her brother. "Bro!"

Stella quickly cautioned her, "Easy, he's hurt."

Rosie sobbed uncontrollably, having feared the worst.

To her relief, her brother Jasper, trying to ease her worries, smiled and said, "I'm okay. I'll be up and about in a few days."

The place Stella had found was secluded, unlikely to draw attention unless something unusual happened. While Rosie was distracted, Stella pulled out a sleek RV from her Arcadia.

Together, the women helped Jasper into the RV.

The RV was too new and conspicuous, so Stella smeared mud all over it to make it blend in. If someone stumbled upon them, at least they'd have a plausible cover.