Trevor’s face twisted in confusion. He glanced back to Patricia, who was now sitting up and staring through the tinted windows of the RV.
He opened the door and was surprised to see his “ex-wife” standing at their stoop. “May I come in?”
“Actually…” Trevor glanced at Patricia again. “I think we were about to hit the road.”
“You’re leaving?” She seemed nervous and worried.
Trevor nodded slowly. “Patricia wants to go.”
“So the kid wants to split and you’re just gonna do what she says?” Donna planted her hands on her hips and stared him down.
Trevor felt a flood of old feelings wash over him then forced them back. “I’m her dad now. So yeah. If she wants to go, we go.”
“I always knew you were a complete pushover.” She raised a brow at him tauntingly.
“What did you want, Donna?”
Donna sighed and averted her gaze. “I was…” She trailed off. She took a deep breath and met his gaze. “I was just thinking that…maybe being ‘with’ you wasn’t as terrible as I originally though it was.”
Trevor raised a brow at her. “You told Hatcher that I raped you.”
Her cheeks reddened and she looked away. “Actually, I think I told him that I felt that way when we were together.”
“Same thing.” Trevor crossed his arms and glared down at her. “And I told you that we didn’t HAVE to be together. Not…like that.”
Donna nodded and looked away. “Trevor, I’m sorry.”
“Apology accepted.” He glanced back to Patricia and gave her a tight lipped smile. “But we really are about to hit the road.”
“Maybe…” She stepped back and exhaled audibly. “Maybe,” she continued slowly, “if you didn’t mind some company…” She looked to him expectantly.
Trever gave her a cautious stare. “You’d leave all of this? To be on the road with me and Patty?”
Donna swallowed hard and glanced through the door to the little girl sitting deep in the shadows. She looked back to Trevor and slowly nodded. “Yeah.” She smiled broadly and shrugged. “Yeah, maybe I would.”
Trevor seemed to deflate slightly and glanced at Patricia. “What do you say, Peanut? Want a little company for this trip?”
Patricia simply stared at him, her face a blank slate.
“Is she usually like that?” Donna asked quietly.
Trevor shrugged. “Sometimes. Sometimes you can’t shut her up.”
He stared down at Donna and remembered the early days when he thought things were good between them. He nodded slowly. “It will take me about an hour to get this thing disconnected and the water tanks filled. If you seriously want to come with us, pack what you want to bring and meet us out here.” He glanced at his watch then tapped the dial. “One hour.”
Donna gave him a quick grin. “I’ll be back.” She reached out and took his hand. “Don’t leave without me.”
He watched her step lightly from the stoop and walk quickly back to the compound. He turned to Patricia and gave her a knowing look. “If you think this is a stupid idea, you should probably say something now; we’re in this together, right? And I ain’t worth a shit at this stuff.” Patricia simply stared back at him.
Trevor hitched his pants up and stepped out of the RV. “Okay, fine. She’s coming with us. But if this goes south, I’m definitely blaming you.” He gave her a wink before closing the door.
Trevor sighed heavily and shook his head. “Lord, help me…give me a sign, lord…is this the right thing to do?”
Carol carried the last box to the lab and kicked the door shut with her foot. She grunted as she dropped the box of canned goods on the counter and bent backwards, stretching her lower back. “Good heavens. I never thought I’d live to feel this old.”
She chuckled at her familial joke then began to put her supplies away. She would periodically glance around the posters taped over the windows to make sure there was no activity in the courtyard that she should be aware of.
Once everything was put away, she stepped back and nodded approvingly at her haul. “Not bad for a single trip.” She clapped her hands together, wiping away some of the grime. “Tomorrow will be an even better haul.”
She stood by the counter, warming a beaker of water for tea, when a metal crash from outside caught her attention. She rushed to the window and peeled back a corner of the poster.
In the courtyard below, a single infected person rifled through a toppled trash can. Carol’s eyes narrowed as she stared at the person, unable to discern if they were male or female. It took a full thirty seconds for her to realize that the infected was out in daylight.
She stepped away from the window and held a hand over her mouth. “Is the cure working?” She stepped closer again and carefully peered out. The person was sifting through the remains, sniffing at things before tossing them over their shoulder. She watched as the infected shoved something into their mouth only to spit it out a moment later.
Carol felt her breath escaping shakily as a myriad of thoughts raced through her mind. If the cure is working and this person needs help, shouldn’t I be the one to offer it? What if the infected hasn’t been exposed to the cure and is going against its nature due to starvation?
She tried to get a better look at the person digging through the trash but with their back to her, she couldn’t be certain of anything.
Carol swallowed hard and slowly peeled the poster away from the window. She stood in full view of any who happened to look her direction. She took a deep breath and tapped on the window.
The person’s head snapped up and jerked side to side, looking for the source of the sound. The infected hunkered in a quick launch posture, ready to make a break from any threat, and Carol still wasn’t sure how to read its body language.
She closed her eyes and muttered a silent prayer. Before she could think, her hand reacted and tapped on the glass again. When Carol opened her eyes, the creature was staring straight at her, something that resembled a rotten banana peel hanging from the corner of its mouth.
Their eyes locked for a moment and even then, Carol couldn’t be certain if the creature below was still under the effects of the rage virus or not. She made a motion with her hand, urging the person to come up.
The grey skinned creature snapped its head side to side, searching for threats before slowly standing. It looked at her again and through the filth covered, tattered clothing clinging to its bone-thin form, Carol was almost certain that it was a female.
She motioned again for the woman to join her. She made an eating motion with her hands and watched as the infected pulled the loose black object from her mouth. She seemed to nod slightly then disappeared from view.
Carol’s hands shook as she went to the lab doors and unlocked them. She pulled the doors open and stepped halfway into the gloomy hallway. She cocked her head slightly and heard the scuff of feet on stairs as the woman made her way up to the second floor.
Carol felt her entire body tremble as the door at the end of the hallway opened, and for a brief moment, she thought that she could disappear into the lab, seal the door and hide. The woman wouldn’t be able to tell which room she was in, and she would remain safe.
Instead, Carol forced her legs to remain in place and her breath caught in her throat when a nearly bald head poked into the hallway.
“Over here.” Carol’s throat went dry. “I have food. And water.”
The woman slowly emerged into the hallway and locked eyes with her. She took a tentative step forward then froze. Carol waved her on. “It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.” Please don’t hurt me.
The woman stepped closer then glanced back toward the stairs. She let the door close behind her and slowly made her way toward Carol. With each step, both women could feel the tension rise.
The hair on the back of Carol’s neck stood on end and she stepped aside to allow the filth-covered woman into the lab. “It’s okay. Maybe not the most comfortable place,
but it’s safe.”
The woman peered into Carol’s face as she stood outside the door. Through all of the grime and filth, Carol knew that she had once been beautiful. Her vivid blue eyes shone with intelligence and she gave only the slightest nod of her head as she stepped into the lab.
Carol let the door close and stepped aside. “I’ve got food.” She walked to the storage closet and pulled out canned goods. The woman’s eyes widened as she stared at the food and she gave another nod.
“Th-thank you.” Her broken voice sounded dry and hoarse.
Carol handed her a bottle of water while she began opening the canned goods. “We’ll get you fed and cleaned up a bit.” She gave her a soft smile. “Maybe you can tell me your story afterward.”
The woman’s face fell and she appeared to become even paler. She slowly closed her eyes and shook her head. “It’s…a nightmare.”
“More females leave.” Clyde stood tall as he reported his findings. “Not know where.”
Simon clenched his jaw tight and squeezed his eyes shut to keep from screaming. He waited a moment for his anger to subside then opened his eyes. “How many?”
Clyde shook his head slowly. “Some. Not all.”
Simon came to his feet and pushed his way through the small group of hunters. He peered toward the front of the store and the sun was obviously still up. “How?”
Clyde shook his head again. “Don’t know.”
Simon walked to the front of the store and shielded his eyes from the lowering sun. He thrust his arm into the light and hissed as his skin felt like it was blistering.
He growled low in his throat and spun on his hunters. “No more. No more leave.” He pounded his chest. “I am Alpha! Nobody leaves without my say so.”
Clyde nodded and looked to the other hunters. “Keep watch during sleep. Take turns.”
“If that’s what you have to do, then do it! Nobody else leaves unless I tell them to.” Simon fought the urge to lash out at his hunters. He knew he needed all of them for the attack on the Cagers.
“Most are well now. We make war?”
Simon nodded. “Get everyone practicing with their weapons. Have the old make more arrows.” He pulled an arrow from the homemade quiver one of the hunters carried. He ripped a rag of t-shirt material from a nearby hunter and wrapped it around the arrow just behind the arrowhead. “Have them wrap cloth to the arrow like this.”
Clyde gave him a confused stare. “Why?”
Simon smiled broadly. “We set it on fire before we shoot it. We burn the slow dumb ones alive. Eat what is left.”
Clyde simply nodded then marched off to find the old ones.
Simon turned to his other hunters. “Every blade sharp. Every spear hardened. Everybody fed before we leave. Understand?”
The hunters nodded then broke off.
Simon inhaled deeply and closed his eyes, his mind seeing the Cagers burning alive behind the walls of their compound. The smile that crossed his face was genuine; he could almost smell their flesh charring.
Chapter 23
“Are you certain you want to do this?” Hatcher asked, concern painting his features. “It might be better to wait until morning. At least you’d know the roads would be clearer.”
Trevor rubbed at the back of his neck, his eye on the dropping sun. “I know, but Patricia is pretty adamant about us leaving. I wish I knew why.”
Hatcher eyed the RV where the little girl hid in the shadows. “I wonder if she knows something we don’t?”
Trevor shook his head. “Beats me.” He offered a weak smile. “Who knows? Maybe another kid hurt her feelings and she wants distance.”
Hatcher nodded as he walked Trevor back to the RV. “Good luck out there. And remember, you and Patricia are welcome back at any time.” He looked back at the compound and a thought struck him. “Would it change things if we offered you a permanent spot inside?”
Trevor shook his head. “She wants to go so we’ll go.” His eyes brightened when he saw Donna appear in the courtyard, a duffel in her hands. “At least we won’t be alone on the road.”
Hatcher’s eyes widened when he saw her approaching. “You’re going with them?”
She seemed to fluster a moment. “Yeah.” She smiled at Trevor. “Maybe things weren’t so bad as I remember them.”
Hatcher narrowed his gaze at her. “After what you said before? You’re just…” He trailed off, unsure of the proper words.
Donna sighed heavily and looked up at him. “I’m sorry, but I watched two of those fights today. They were over nothing. Absolutely nothing. There was no reason for it.” She lowered her voice and her eyes. “It scares me to be here.”
“Enough that you’d rather be on the open road with your ex?” Hatcher tried to read her face but she kept her eyes averted. “A couple of guys had a minor tussle and you’re ready to leave?”
She finally looked up and shook her head. “Neither of those fights were minor tussles. Both times they wanted blood.” She glanced at Trevor and gave him a knowing look. “I saw enough of it at Simon’s camp. Guys get whacked out on the drugs or…whatever. Those two wanted to kill each other.”
Hatcher nodded slightly and stepped out of the way. “Good luck to you both.” He gripped Trevor’s hand. “I mean it.” He watched as Trevor took Donna’s bag and help her up into the RV. “Remember, the offer to return stands. If you ever want to come back and make this place home, you know how to find us.”
“Channel 14 on the CB, right?”
Hatcher gave him a thumbs up. “You got it.”
He watched as Trevor started the RV and put it into gear. The V-8 revved as he pulled it through the taller grass and up onto the paved street. Hatcher gave a final wave goodbye then turned for the compound.
“Look alive fellas. The sun’s almost down.”
The sentry in the crow’s nest gave him a curt nod and lifted his binoculars. “We got ya covered, boss.”
Hatcher turned and watched the RV crest the small hill, a slight stirring of dust the only sign that it had ever been there. “Godspeed.”
The door to the lab flew open and bounced against the far wall, hard. Dr. Broussard’s head snapped up and he nearly fell from his chair as armed men stormed into the small space. “What’s the meaning of this?”
The Master at Arms entered and glanced around the lab. “Where’s McAlester?”
Andre felt his mouth go dry as he eyed the man, obviously out for blood. “I’m not certain. We’re alternating our time here so the other may rest. He’s probably in my cabin—”
“He’s not.” The large man crossed his arms over his chest and glared at Broussard. “If you’re hiding him, so help me…” He trailed off, leaving his threat hanging in the air.
Broussard shook his head nervously. “I’m not, I assure you.” He suddenly sobered and gave the man a confused look. “The ship is only so big. You’re telling me that you can’t find him?”
The MA glared at him. “He’s not where he’s supposed to be.”
Broussard gave him a dry stare. “Then he obviously jumped overboard.”
“Don’t play with me, doctor.” He stepped closer and scowled. “We will find him.”
“May I ask what you want him for? He’s already told you everything he knows.”
The MA sneered. “We found evidence linking him to the victim. Evidence that he didn’t think to include with his original statements.”
“Evidence?” Broussard raised a brow. “Somehow I doubt you could find your ass without a map and instructions from somebody capable of reading, but let’s assume that you did. What could possibly be so damning that you storm in here with a small army to question a researcher half your size?”
“We’re not here to question. We’re here to arrest.” He leaned closer, his face stone. “For murder.”
Broussard raised a brow and shook his head. “I realize that Dr. McAlester is a bit odd at times, but I assure you, he’s no murderer. You must have misinte
rpreted your ‘evidence.’”
“I doubt it seriously.” The master at arms sneered. “Our medical officer found…things. Things that tie Dr. McAlester to the victim.”
“I’m certain that he did. The man was found in his cabin.” Broussard crossed his arms, fishing for more information.
The MA backed away slowly. “Contact the bridge if you see your colleague. Otherwise we’ll arrest you for obstruction.”
“I’m already arrested,” Broussard replied flippantly. “I’m not sure how much more arrested I could be.” He gave the man a dour look. “But I’ll let you know if I see him.”
“You do that.”
Broussard watched as the group of men filtered out of the lab and broke into two teams, each going a separate direction. He sat back and rubbed at his eyes, his hands beginning to shake. He couldn’t wrap his mind around Kevin being capable of such a thing. It simply made no sense.
Broussard stood from the workbench and stretched his neck. He glanced around at the work in progress and decided it could wait. He stepped out of the lab and motioned to the lone guard assigned to him. “Come on. We have things to do.”
He turned and worked his way through the ship and to his cabin. He felt a knot form in his stomach when he saw his door standing ajar. He pushed it open and groaned; all of his personal items were scattered, his bed upended and his closet and drawers emptied.
“Isn’t there a less obtrusive way to search something?” He bent and picked up the rolled pair of socks. He stared across the small cabin and shook his head. “What in the world have you gotten yourself into?”
He stood and took in the entire room. “If I were him, where would I go?” He turned and met the guard’s gaze. “Where would you go if you were wanted for murder and trapped on a ship?”
The guard stared back at him stoically.
“You are allowed to speak, you know. There was nothing in your orders that demanded you remain like a statue.”
The guard continued to stare at him, unspeaking.
“Fine. We’ll just go room by room and area by area until we find him.” He looked to the guard and smiled. “It’s liable to get tedious—maybe even messy.”
Caldera 8: Simon Sez Page 17