by Bale, Sarah
Dave said, “It was hard to tell how bad things were with him. Remember when Mom died? He acted like it was nothing.”
This made me cringe. I did remember how he treated the death of our mother. They’d been divorced for years at that point, but he still should have shown more compassion and understanding, especially when telling his own kids. He hadn’t, though.
I was about to reply when Dave let out a curse.
“Fuck. Look.”
Ahead, five dune buggies blocked the road. Two men stood, with their arms crossed. I didn’t see any guns, though. They must have been following us to know where we were headed.
“What are you thinking?”
I replied, “We aren’t going to stop.”
“Good.”
When we passed, the man glared, but didn’t do anything. I pressed the gas pedal, speeding up. But our getaway was short lived. The road was completely blocked with no way around. It had literally been clear thirty minutes earlier.
Dave said, “The man in the front is the leader.”
He reminded me of a character from Mad Max. His outfit was unlike anything I’d seen before. Leather pants and vest. Dog collar around his neck. And he had on a gas mask that was painted silver. I slowed the truck.
“Greetings fellow survivor. My name is Air. What do I have the pleasure of addressing you, friend?” The mask made his voice sound like he was faraway.
Dave said under his breath, “This is new. They never asked my name before.”
“I’m not going to tell him.” I said loudly, “People call me Boss.”
“Boss, we have no quarrel with you. Only those you harbor inside your walls. Six, to be exact. Five men. One lady.”
Dave tensed next to me.
“The people within our walls are welcomed guests.”
“Those people did not listen to us when we told them to turn around. They chose their fate.”
I glanced at Dave, who shrugged.
“Well, see, now that’s a problem.”
Air lifted an eyebrow. “And why is that?”
“Because I think you’re being a bit dramatic about all this. Maybe you should turn around and head back to your home in Vinita?”
“That we cannot do, Boss. You see, we like it here. The land is plentiful and there is shelter.” He paused. “We’ll give you a choice though.”
“Oh? And that is?”
“Surrender those you harbor. Their deaths will be quick, and we will have no further issues. My people and I will leave your people alone, and we can live in harmony.”
I asked, “And if we don’t?”
“Then you will die. All of you. And it will not be quick nor will it be painless.” Air paused. “Our men saw a lady watching from the tower. She’s important to you, yes? She will be the first to die.”
My jaw ached from clenching it. This fucker was baiting me, but I wasn’t going to give in.
Air said, “You have seven sunrises to decide your answer.”
I moved my hand to the gun at my hip. All I needed to do was whip it out, shoot him, and this would be over. Dave coughed and met my gaze, shaking his head.
Air’s men backed away leaving enough space for us to drive through. Dave went to the truck, getting into the driver’s seat. I followed his lead. When I was inside, Air smiled at me before leaving in a car with several of his men.
Dave started the truck and drove past the rest of the men standing there.
When we were a safe distance from them, Dave asked, “Want to tell me what in the fuck you were about to do back there?”
“You know what I was going to do.”
Dave replied, “Did you not see the men around him with their hands on their guns? You would have been dead before you even raised your pistol!”
I hadn’t noticed the other men with their weapons. Fuck. I was being reckless because I’d let him bait me.
Dave lowered his voice. “I know how you feel, man. They threatened Nikki.”
“We have to end this. Now.”
The drive back to this hospital was quiet as we were each lost in our own thoughts. When we got back to the gates, the burned car had been pushed to the side. Grey was waiting on the inside as we drove through. I stopped so he could get in.
“Well?”
I replied, “I need to talk to everyone.”
“Guessed as much by the soured look on your face.”
We pulled up next to the hospital and went in the front doors. I was surprised to see Daisy directing several people. They were filling backpacks with canned foods, clothing, and blankets.
She came to my side and said, “Rocco had an idea. We’re having everyone pack getaway bags.”
I hated that it’d come to this, but she was right – our people needed to be ready for every possible outcome, including running.
“That’s a good idea.” In a lower tone I said, “I need to talk to everyone.”
Daisy replied, “Let’s go to the cafeteria.” To Marianne, she said, “I’ll be back in a few. Just have the late arrivals pack what the others are packing.”
Marianne nodded. “I can do that.”
I took Daisy’s hand and we made our way to the cafeteria. By the time we got there everyone I wanted to talk to was waiting.
I sat at the head of the table.
“We had a run in with Air when we were leaving the downtown area.”
Daisy gave me a look. I probably should have told her before telling the others.
Grey asked, “Did you kill him?”
“We were outnumbered.”
Dave added, “He thought about it, though.”
I glared at him. He’d always been a tattletale as a kid. Guess he hadn’t outgrown it.
I went on, “Air, the leader, is crazy. There was no reasoning with him. He said he’s going to kill Dave and his group just because they didn’t turn around when he told them to.”
“How many of their men did you see?” Andrews asked.
“Maybe thirty today, but I’m sure there were others we didn’t see.” I paused. “There’s more. Air said we have to surrender Dave and his group in seven days or they attack.”
“Seven days?” Daisy asked.
I hated the worry that shadowed her eyes. She wasn’t the only one, though, which put even more guilt on me.
“We need to go to the base. Sooner, rather than later.”
Everyone around the table nodded. They knew it as well as me.
Dave said, “What’s the plan?”
I still didn’t like Daisy being a decoy, but it was our best shot.
“Daisy, Kat, and Nikki will leave tomorrow morning, heading west. We’ll give them thirty minutes and then those of us going to the base will leave through the south gates.”
Amos asked, “Who’s going to be in charge while you’re gone?”
“Andrews and you.”
Amos couldn’t hide the surprise in his eyes. “Thank you, Boss.”
“You’ve earned it.”
Nikki, who sat next to Dave, asked, “What will Daisy, Kat, and I be doing out there?”
“Just drive toward the airport. Marshall said it was clear inside, so you’ll go in to make them think you’re meeting someone. You’ll be gone less than a day.”
Daisy met my gaze, but didn’t say anything. We both knew it might not be that simple. But I couldn’t dwell on it. If I did, I wouldn’t let her go.
Grey said to Kat, “This is your last chance to back out, woman.”
She bumped her shoulder against his. “I already told you. I’m doing this.” To the group, she said, “Jo offered to watch baby Hilly while I’m gone.”
Should I tell Kat she couldn’t go because she was a new mother? As the leader, was that something people would expect of me? What if something happened to her? Grey would never forgive me and Hilly would never know her mother.
My chest felt tight and I stood.
“I need some air.”
I strolled from the room
, going outside. The cold air was welcome on my heated skin. Inhaling, I counted to ten, trying to slow my racing heart.
“Kat’s going to be okay, man,” Dave said as he joined me. “She’s tough, just like my Nikki.”
“I know she’s tough. They all are.” I let out my breath. “If something happens to her, I’ll never forgive myself. She just had a baby. Why am I even letting her go?”
“Nothing is going to happen, Eli. You have to believe that.”
“Are you trying to convince me or yourself?”
“Both?” He paused. “Seriously, you can’t go into this mission with negative thoughts. If you do, you’d be better off staying here.”
“It’s hard not to have negative thoughts, Dave. We’ve been through a lot here. And there’s something about this new group that makes me leery.”
Dave nodded. “I understand that. Believe me, I do. I never meant to bring trouble to your home.”
“I know that.” I looked up to the night sky, where a few stars twinkled. “I’m glad you’re here, though. I’ve missed you.”
Dave threw his arm over my shoulder, giving me a quick hug. “I’ve missed you, too, man.”
We stood out there in silence for a few more minutes. I still wasn’t sure if we were doing the right thing, but we had to do something or else the other group was going to crush us until there was nothing left. I couldn’t stand by and let that happen again.
Finally, I said, “Let’s go in. I need to make love to my woman.”
“Smart man. I think I’ll do the same.”
As we walked inside, I said, “I’ve been meaning to ask. How does that even work with all six of you?”
Dave laughed loudly. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
Grinning, I went back into the cafeteria. Daisy and Jo were sitting together, talking. Daisy smiled when she saw me.
I went to her side, kissing her on the head.
“Everything okay?”
I nodded. “Yes. Want to take a walk?”
Her cheeks flushed. “Sure.”
She took my outstretched hand as we walked from the cafeteria. I led her to our room. When we were inside, I closed the door. She wrapped her arms around my neck. Lowering my head, I caught her lips in a kiss. Her tongue danced with mine as I kissed her until I felt breathless. My cock hardened when she ran her fingers through my hair, tugging.
“Daisy,” I said against her lips. “I love you so much.”
“Shh. I know.” She pulled back. “This isn’t the end for us. We’re going to get through this.”
I couldn’t answer. Instead, I tugged my shirt off before doing the same to her. Tonight, I was going to forget about everything we might face tomorrow and enjoy this moment with Daisy. This might be the last chance we had for moments like this for a long time.
She reached for my belt, unbuckling it. My pants soon followed. When she fisted my cock, I groaned. She started to go on her knees, but I stopped her.
“As much as I like where your mind is, I need to be inside of you. Now.”
She grinned, making my heart patter in my chest.
“I think I like your idea even better, Sir.”
I finished undressing her and laid her on the bed. She was so beautiful, and I didn’t know what I’d do without her.
“Hey. Stay here, with me,” she said, caressing my cheek.
I moved over her, letting my weight press on to her. Her pupils dilated and she rubbed against me.
“I’m here.”
She gave me a cheeky grin. “I know. I feel you.”
I kissed her and trailed my hand over her breasts, cupping them. She gasped, but arched into my touch. My Daisy was so damn responsive. When I covered her nipple with my mouth, she moaned out my name.
“Elijah. That feels so good.”
“I know, baby.”
I moved to her other breast, showing it the same affection. She writhed underneath me, making sounds of pleasure. Her nails scraped down my back when I sucked harder. I trailed a hand down her body, between her legs. She was wet and I rubbed her clit until she cried out.
I toyed with her until she was moaning again.
“I need you. Now.”
I kissed her as I slid into her in a single thrust. Her pussy clamped around me, and I was the one who let out a groan.
“Fuck. You feel so good.”
She grinned. “You don’t feel so bad yourself.”
I began moving my hips, taking my time. I wanted her to feel me with each thrust. But, she soon became wild beneath me. We met each other, thrust for thrust, in the most basic, primal way.
Sweat beaded on my forehead and my stomach tingled as an orgasm built. Daisy reached between us, rubbing her clit until she screamed out my name. Her orgasm fueled my own and my balls tightened right before I came. We thrust blindly against each other as we chased our pleasure.
“I love you, Daisy. So fucking much.”
She wrapped her arms around me. “I love you, too.”
I held her in my arms the rest of the night. When the sun crept through the curtains, I knew it was time to act. No more waiting.
My lips brushed against Daisy’s forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked so damn happy for a moment. And then the look was replaced by understanding.
She moved closer to me. “Are we sure we’re doing the right thing?”
“No.”
She smiled. “I thought so. I do have one request.”
“Oh? What’s that.”
She sat, looking me in the eyes. “You have to stay in here until I’m gone.”
I wanted to protest.
“Elijah, if I see you out there it’s going to mess with my head. I need to be focused.”
She was right. As much as I hated it.
I nodded. “By this time tomorrow we’ll both be back here.”
She smiled, but it didn’t meet her eyes. Without replying, she went to the bathroom to shower.
I couldn’t shake the doubt creeping through my mind. What if we were playing right into Air’s hand? What then?
Five
Daisy
Elijah smiled at me as I closed the bedroom door. This wasn’t a goodbye. I had to believe that. I hoped he listened and stayed in our room until I was gone. If I saw him outside, I might not be able to go through with this.
The halls were empty as I walked toward the lobby. Most people were still sleeping and not everyone knew what was happening today. Elijah didn’t want to worry them. I thought back to his words. By this time tomorrow we’d all be home. I prayed he was right.
Kat and Nikki waited for me outside, looking as somber as I felt.
I glanced back at the hospital one last time, praying this wasn’t a mistake. Marianne and Jo stood on the porch and waved. Jo held baby Hilly in her arms. Kat faced away from the hospital and I wondered if it was so she wouldn’t change her mind. I knew how she was feeling.
I climbed into the car as did Nikki and Kat.
Nikki touched my arm. “Are you sure you can do this?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
Starting the engine, I pressed the gas pedal and gravel spun beneath the tires.
Kat said, “Gates should be open. Floor it and don’t look back.”
Gripping the wheel, I shifted the car into gear and we took off. Both gates were open, closing after we passed through them. Nikki and Kat both held their guns, ready to fire if needed. We passed the shell of the burned out car. There were biters trapped in the barbed wire, still moving.
Kat whistled. “Damn. This Air guy doesn’t play around.”
“You have no idea,” Nikki replied with a frown. “He’s… he’s terrifying.”
Kat replied, “Oh, I can imagine. But he doesn’t know who he’s fucking with.”
I drove faster. It was dangerous to go this speed, but it was also necessary. Air’s group had to think we were doing something important so they would follow.
I said, “One of Marshall�
�s men should be up ahead in a truck.”
Kat replied, “Haven’t heard any chatter over the radio, so that’s good.”
Elijah, Grey, and Dave were going to leave through another gate on the south end of the property, but they weren’t leaving for another half-hour. With any luck Air and his men would be so focused on our car that they wouldn’t notice the one heading toward Lawton.
Nikki leaned forward in the backseat and pointed. “There’s the truck.”
As we passed, it flashed its lights twice.
Kat nodded her head. “Hopefully everyone else is in place.”
I hated that our plan relied so heavily on hope. I drove down backstreets, not getting on the highway. It was too risky to go on a highway that hadn’t been checked. We might end up worse off than we were now.
Nikki said, “I see movement ahead. In that old shopping center parking lot.”
She was right. The trucks pulled out of a parking lot and followed us, matching our speed. They didn’t flash their lights, so it wasn’t anyone we knew. I gripped the wheel tighter.
Kat smiled blandly. “Guess our plan is working. They’re definitely interested in us now.”
Nikki replied, “Be cautious. On the way to Oklahoma City, they would randomly pull out in front of us.”
As if summoned by her words, a car swerved onto the road next to us, almost side-swiping us.
Nikki gasped. “That’s Air.”
The man removed his gas mask and smirked at us. I’d never seen a person who actually looked like a villain. This man did. Bald head. Dark eyes. And a smile that creeped me out. He was the type of person you wouldn’t want to meet in a dark alley, much less during the apocalypse.
I sped up, not wanting to give him a chance to pull a gun on us. They followed us closely for a few miles before stopping. Just seeing them on the road made my heart pound.
“What are they doing?”
Kat replied, “Fucking with us. Just keep going.”
I nodded. The roads were clear, but it was obvious a horde had been through at some point. It made me wonder if it was the same horde that Air’s group had lured toward our home. It frightened me that they were willing to get so close to the Dead.
“Take the next exit,” Kat said.
I took the curve up the bridge. There were holes where the bridge was starting to give in. Soon, it would fall, making another road block. I drove down the road, passing the sign welcoming passengers to the airport.