by Dawn, M. K.
“Well,” Kat kept her voice low, “we know there’s at least one roaming around. Keep your eyes open and your back covered.”
Both a given but Axel kept any snide comments to himself.
They continued down their original path. Axel strained against the silence, certain he could hear footsteps growing closer.
Kat must have heard them, too. She froze and crouched in one fluid movement, her gun aimed in the direction of the footsteps.
Axel positioned himself beside her, his back pressed firmly against the wall. “People?”
Kat’s breath quickened. “Not sure.”
They held their positions for what felt like an eternity, waiting for who or whatever moved toward them to come into view. After a couple of agonizing minutes, two of Kat’s people appeared, eyes wide and obviously on edge.
As to not startle them, Kat gave a small whistle.
The two snapped their heads and rushed over.
James dropped to the ground next to Kat while Lucas stood guard.
“What happened?” Kat asked.
“Savages,” James said through a ragged breath. “Three. Came out of nowhere. Got Tommy.”
Kat laid a hand on his shoulder. “We saw. What about Cammi?”
The missing fourth. Axel feared what would happen to anyone who ventured out alone.
Lucas shook his head. “Same story. Different side of the building. Three attacked and took her down. There was nothing I could do.”
Shit. That meant there was a possible six infested roaming the storeroom. And Axel had left Archer alone. At least he was protected by a locked door. Though Axel wasn’t sure how long it would hold up against six infested.
Kat stood and dusted off her pants. “We need to get out of here. There’s got to be a back way.”
“What about Archer?” Not a chance in hell Axel was leaving him here.
“He’s probably already dead,” James snapped. “And we will be, too, if we don’t get out of here.”
Axel grabbed Kat by the sleeve of her jacket. “We’re not leaving without knowing for sure?”
Kat shoved Axel out of earshot from the other two. “I know he’s family and all but we can’t risk the entire mission for one person that we don’t even know is still alive.”
“Are you fucking kidding me? We can’t just leave him here.”
Kat patted him on the shoulder. “Sorry but the community is counting on us. If we all die, they all die. Let’s find a way to open one of these overhead doors.”
“I’m not leaving without Archer,” Axel said but no one seemed to notice. How could they do this? Be so cold and dismissive? If Axel hadn’t thought leaving the prison was a good idea before, he did now. “I’m going back for him.”
“Stop!” Kat ordered as James raised his gun. “You’ll get us all killed, yourself included.”
Axel glared at James. “Put it down.”
“No, sir. We stick together. There is no other alternative.”
Trying his best to ignore the gun pointed at him, he turned to Kat. “This is wrong on so many levels and you fucking know it.”
Lucas came rushing back. “Found a manual way to open the overhead doors.”
Kat kept her eyes trained on Axel. “Time to go. Pretty sure you can’t afford to lose two people today.”
Axel couldn’t be sure but that almost sounded like a threat, not a warning. “I can’t—”
A deafening growl cut him off. Out from the shadows, not twenty feet away, stepped three infested, their white skin glowing in the dim lightening.
Unlike before, these didn’t attack without thinking. They seemed to move with a purpose, noses in the air, stalking their prey. If their eyesight had developed like they feared, these three didn’t show it.
A forceful hand gripped the collar of Axel’s shirt and yanked him back.
Everything inside him begged him to run, but Axel knew better. The infested relied on their sense of hearing along with their smell to locate their prey. Running would only attract more attention.
He crept away on his tip toes, his gaze locked on the infested close.
It was strange how they didn’t move. They might not have been able to see them, but they sure as hell could smell them. That might not have been as accurate as their hearing, but it usually sent them in a frenzy.
“Something’s wrong.” Axel knew it in his gut.
Kat said nothing just pressed a single finger against her lips silently shushing him.
He fought the urge to punch her in the face. Like he would have said anything if he didn’t think it was important.
“Kat,” Axel hissed, “this isn’t right.”
Lucas slid to a stop near the chain to the right of the overhead door. “James, cover me.”
“Hurry up,” Kat barked.
Hand over hand, Lucas dragged the chain down, lifting the door.
Axel did what he could to keep one eye over his shoulder and the other on the now half-opened door. There didn’t appear to be anything on the other side, but that could change in an instant.
Kat jerked her head to the left then right. “That’s good. We gotta go. Tie it up.”
Axel couldn’t hear anything other than the rumble of the door, but he agreed they were out of time. Once he made it back the Humvee, he’d drive the thing back in and rescue Archer.
“Holy fuck!” Lucas backed into Axel, nearly knocking him to the ground.
Axel caught himself and spun around, ready to curse the kid out for being so careless, when he froze. Six infested waited crouched on the other side, baring their serrated teeth.
“Other way!” Kat ordered, spinning them on their heels.
But there was nowhere to run. Another three infested blocked their escape route. Somehow, they had managed to surround them. By accident, Axel hoped, but he wasn’t sure.
The four huddled up, their backs together and guns ready. Nine versus four wasn't great odds but what choice did they have? Fight or die.
“Clean shots.” The calmness of Kat’s voice came as no surprise. The woman was fearless. “Chest then head if it don’t work. Fire!”
The infested attacked the second after the first bullet was fired.
Chest shots dropped a few, but the others kept coming.
Lucas went down first, followed by James, leaving Kat and Axel facing four. The infested hadn’t enjoyed their victims like they normally did. One bite and they retreated, their focus back on the living.
“Motherfucker!” Kat stuffed her gun in its holster and pulled out her machete. “This ain’t gonna end well.”
They had managed to back themselves into a corner; Axel wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Nothing could attack from behind, but they were also trapped.
“Got any ammo left?”
Axel didn’t need to check his gun. “Two shots.”
“Make them count.”
He fired off one as the infested crept closer, missing the head by a few inches. “Shit.”
The second bullet hit its mark but still left them three to deal with.
“Come on fuckers, attack,” Kat said through clenched teeth.
The infested hissed and growled, crouched on all fours.
Unlike Kat, Axel didn't have much in the way of a backup weapon. The short-blade knife in his hand would mean he’d have to get up close and personal which gave the infested the advantage.
Kat spotted the knife in his hand and shook her head. “Stay behind me. You play back up.”
Like she could take on three of them alone. “Side by side or we’re both dead.”
“We’re dead either way.” Kat raised the machete over her head. “But we go out fighting.”
The pop of a gun echoed off the walls. Two more followed, sending all three infested to the ground, black goo-like substance oozing from each of their heads.
Axel fell to his knees as Archer strolled toward them.
“Thought you two could use a hand.”
“Jesus,�
� Axel mumbled. “You’re okay.”
Archer offered a hand and helped pull Axel off the floor. “Yeah. The commotion woke me up. You?”
Axel grabbed Archer and pulled him in for a hug. “Shit. I’m so sorry. I was coming back for you. I swear I was.”
Archer gave him a light pat on the back, and the two men stepped apart.
He didn’t look angry, which didn’t ease Axel’s guilt. “Kat…” Axel dropped his head. He wasn’t the kind of guy who called people out. But he also didn’t want Archer to think he would leave him behind.
“We need to go,” Kat ordered. “God only knows if there are any more of the savages lurking around.”
Archer gave a half-shrug, and they followed her toward the overhead door.
She paused by her two fallen comrades and stabbed them both in the head and heart.
“What now? You just going to leave them here?” Axel asked. It felt wrong leaving their bodies this way.
“They’re gone.” Kat stepped outside and took a quick look around. “Coast is clear. We should get back to the vehicles.”
Archer hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “What about the supplies?”
“The building’s been compromised and with only three of us left…” She shook her head. “We should probably just head back to the prison.”
Maybe she did care after all. Axel moved next to her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry. You lost some good people today.”
Kat hung her head in silence before brushing him off. “There’s no time to mourn. People die in this world every day. But us living, we got to keep moving.”
“Exactly,” Archer limped out of the storeroom. “Which is why we have to continue with the mission. If we go back empty handed, the infested win.”
She whipped her head to face him. “Don’t you get it? The savage always wins in the end. At this point, we’re just buying time.”
Archer took a step closer. “Same as it’s always been. Life was never guaranteed. Bad shit happened every day before all of this. We didn’t give up then and like hell we’re going to give up now. It’s getting late, and we could all use some rest. But tomorrow, we’re coming back here and getting what we need. Okay?”
Kat nodded.
“All right, then.” Archer rolled his neck. “Time to find a place to settle in for the night.”
Chapter ten
Sloan
A light knock on the infirmary door drew Sloan’s attention away from the medicine cabinet where she took inventory. “Come in.”
Angie strolled inside, concern creases on her forehead. “Hey, girl. Got a sec?”
“More than a second.” Sloan offered her the chair across from the desk she shared with Dr. Williams. “Is there something I can help you with?”
Angie massaged each of her fingers before popping her knuckles in a very nervous and uncharacteristic way. “Well, the thing is…” Her eyes darted around the room. “Deion, Dr. Williams, he’s not around, right?”
“No.” Sloan hadn’t realized the two were on a first name basis. “Why? Is this more of a psychological matter? Because, really, he would be the best to talk to considering his background.”
“No, no.” Angie sucked in an audible breath through her nose. “It’s just...let me start from the beginning. Me and Deion, you see, well, he’s a beautiful Black man. One like I have never seen before. We got to bonding over our similar upbrinin’s. Then about a month ago, one thing led to another, and well, you know…”
Sloan scrunched up her nose. She had never been good at implied conversations. “I’m sorry I don’t.”
Angie cocked an eyebrow. “We had sex.”
“Oh.” Sloan straightened in her chair, surprised at her bluntness on the matter. “Well, sex is a natural part of the human existence. There’s nothing to be ashamed—”
Angie threw back her head and laughed. “Oh, Lord, I am not ashamed. Less tense but sure as hell not ashamed. Anyway, we’ve been going at it pretty regularly since then. Nothing too serious. No emotional connection just raw, physical—”
Sloan cleared her throat. “Are the details relevant to the matter you wish to discuss?”
“Not so much but as my friend, I thought you might want the inside scoop.”
Sloan smiled fondly at the woman. “You appear happy which then makes me wonder why you’ve decided to leave.”
Angie flipped her long black braids to back over her shoulder. “That’s what I came here to talk to you about. But first, does this place have any pregnancy tests?”
Sloan’s mouth fell open, and for a moment, she couldn’t think of what to say. “Um...I believe we do.”
“Well,” Angie stood up, “I’m gonna need one of those.”
“Yes.” Sloan crossed the room to where they kept all their non-vital supplies. “Here we go. And there’s a bathroom right through that door that you’re welcome to use.”
“Thanks.” She stared down at the test Sloan placed in her hand in silence. “Guess this test won’t take itself. Will you wait for the results with me?”
“I’m not scheduled to take a break until lunch.” Then it occurred to Sloan what she was asking. “I mean, yes. I’m here for as long as you need.”
“Thanks.” Angie headed into the bathroom and returned a few minutes later, used test in her hands. “We have to wait, what two minutes or so?”
“Yes.” Sloan moved to the small loveseat near the door. “Come sit.”
Angie took a seat beside Sloan and laid the test upside down her leg. “I don’t know how I feel about all this.”
“Maybe wait until you have the results?”
“Yeah.” Angie jiggled her foot. “You ever considered having kids?”
Sloan would be lying if she said the thought hadn’t crossed her mind from time to time. It was human nature. “In The Bunker, we were given an inject to prevent pregnancy for five years.”
“Are you for real?”
Sloan glanced up at the ceiling as the memory of those days after they learned the truth about what happened to the world came flooding back. “I assume after the five years have passed, I will be able to procreate. But I am unsure if that’s something I want for myself.”
“What does Archer say?”
“It’s not something we’ve discussed recently. When we first settled in at the farm, it came up a few times, but we never decided on anything. And now...well I can’t imagine traveling, as we are about to do, with a small child.”
Angie flipped over the test. “Or pregnant.”
The two blue lines showed clear.
“Are congratulations in order?” Sloan preferred not to assume.
A smile formed on Angie’s lips. “I always wanted to be a mother but never found the time to settle down. But this world…”
Sloan grasped Angie’s free hand. “It’s a scary place, indeed. But here, I don’t know, maybe it’s not so bad.”
Angie snorted. “With it’s no talking above a whisper and no playing outside. Not exactly a place you want a child growing up at.”
“Things can change.” Sloan got up from the couch and crossed the small room to the medicine cabinet. “I believe there are some prenatal vitamins in here. You’ll need to take them to ensure a healthy pregnancy.”
“If I stay, how am I going to do this without you?” Angie rested her head on the back of the couch and closed her eyes. “Without any of you?”
“Sam and Maria are staying. Plus, you’ll have Dr. Williams. He seems to be an honorable and kind-hearted man. I’m certain he’ll make an excellent father.”
“God,” Angie groaned. “I have to tell him. We were so careful.”
“Unless you were using some sort of protection, which I have not seen here, then there is always a chance.”
Angie scrunched her nose. “Ya think? I mean...obviously.”
Sloan took no offense to the sarcastic remark.
“What would you do, if you were in my shoes?”
/> It was the question Sloan feared she might ask. “There are many variables to consider. Exhaustion and possible morning sickness may become a factor in the near future. Both can hinder your ability to escape if we fall under an attack.”
“When,” she corrected. “Somehow, someway, we’re always fighting for our lives.”
Sloan returned to the couch with the bottle of vitamins. “These should last you a few months. We should be able to pick some up on the way to Hollywood…” Sloan suddenly realized that might not be an option. “Or I’m sure someone will pick some up for you on a supply run.”
Angie scratched at her thumb nail. “I need to talk with Deion before I make any sort of decision.”
“Of course.” Sloan pressed her lips together, not sure what to say next. “Would you like to talk about anything else?”
Angie stood with a sigh. “No. Think I need to take some time and think things over by myself. Some fresh air would be nice.”
Sloan thought it a bit cold outside for a walk but that was one of the only places you could find yourself alone. “I’ll see you at lunch, then?”
“See ya then.” Angie waved by and left.
Sloan returned to her work but in the back of her mind couldn’t help but think of the unborn child growing in Angie womb. And the consequences of the multitude of complications that might occur if Sloan were no longer by her side.
***
Britney slammed her dinner tray on the table across from Sloan and slid into her seat.
Sloan looked up from her barely touched mashed potatoes and frowned. “What?”
Britney shoved a bit of venison in her mouth. “Nothing.”
“You’re clearly upset over something.” All the signs were there. “Is it about Axel? They’ve only been gone less than two days.”
Britney finished the food in her mouth before answering. “No. I just passed Angie on the way here and she told me that she might not be leaving with us. Can you believe that?”
As a doctor, even in times such as these, Sloan continued to abide by doctor-patient confidentiality. Even when it caused tension between herself and Britney. “Did she say why?”
Britney glared at Sloan for a long while. “You know what’s going on, don’t you?”