Office desks had been pushed to the edges of the room allowing space for a number of filthy mattresses, surrounded by empty water bottles and stale, bloodied sheets. There were half a dozen women, at least three of them in various stages of pregnancy. And there was Hope; Travis and Scarlett's three year old daughter, being looked after by a girl who can't have been much older than sixteen, probably the second youngest in the small office. The young woman was heavily pregnant.
She hurriedly gestured for Scarlett and Travis to come in and close the door, which they did, before hearing the dormitory door open across the corridor, followed by the low rumblings of a man who'd been rudely awoken from a deep sleep.
The women stared at the door, hopeful that the man might discipline them lightly because he just wanted to go back to bed. Travis put his back against the door, digging his feet into the thin, worn out carpet, readying himself for the slaver trying to get in. Scarlett took aim at the door and, just as Travis' feet began to slip under the pressure of what he assumed to be a big guy, she gave him a nod, signalling for him to move. He did so and Scarlett pulled the trigger the moment she caught a glimpse of the man's sweaty bald head, and he fell to the ground. Travis left the room to check that the other slavers were still asleep, which they were, while Scarlett made her way speedily to her daughter.
She held Hope tightly and was quickly joined by Travis who wrapped his arms around them both.
“Jasmine.” Hope said, looking to the girl who’d been taking care of her.
“Travis, we can’t leave these other girls here.” Scarlett whispered.
“Okay. When I get into the other room, you lead them all out. Get them to that truck outside and load them into the back. If the keys are in there then start her up and wait for me. I love you both.”
Scarlett didn't have time to react before Travis kissed her head, then Hope's and left the room. After a confused pause, Scarlett glanced around the room at the women, looking directly back at her expectantly. She stood and took Hope's hand.
“You heard him. Let's get the fuck out of here.”
Scarlett, Hope and the other women made it to the truck and, having gathered a few of the male slaves too, all piled into the back. Scarlett placed Hope in the passenger seat and strapped her in as best she could. As she clambered down, she felt the familiar cold, rigid sensation of a gun pressed to her spine. She calmly closed the cab door hoping that whoever was in possession of the weapon had not seen her load her daughter into the truck.
“I wondered when we’d be seeing you again, Miss McKenzie,” came Quinlan’s voice. “Your boyfriend here too?”
“Do you greet all your guests this way? I suppose I should be thankful that I’m not playing host again though, right?”
Quinlan chortled and lowered his weapon. Scarlett turned around to look him in the face.
“So, where’s your man, Scarlett?”
“Oh, he’s around. In fact I think I last saw him headed into the dorm with a crossbow and a ten inch hunting blade.”
“I see. He’ll be busy for a while then. If he gets out at all.” Quinlan smirked. “You know, the Queen’s in the building just down the end there,” he stated, pointing to a brewery, “She really wants to see Travis, but I’m sure the two of you could get acquainted over a nice bottle of ale while we wait.”
“I’m okay here. I’ve never really liked ale.” Scarlett said, smiling sweetly.
“Well, you haven’t tried these ales. Come on, I insist. Your little one can come too.”
Quinlan winked at her as her smile faded. She turned around and opened the cab door, climbing up a little to retrieve Hope. Scarlett held on to her protectively while she and Quinlan began walking down the road to the brewery.
“No need to look so worried,” Quinlan started, “The Queen really is lovely. Although you did try and fuck her husband... then your man cut his throat.”
“He tried to rape me.” Scarlett countered. “If you’d examined that depraved maniac’s body properly you might have noticed his distinct lack of tongue.”
“You know, I like you, Scarlett. You’ve got a certain ferocity about you, but you seem kinda fun at the same time. It’s such a shame we had to meet under these circumstances. I think we could have been friends.”
“I doubt it.” Scarlett scoffed.
“And, if you’ll pardon my forwardness, I can’t say I blame The King. You’re an attractive young woman, and specimens like you are few and far between these days.” Scarlett glared at him. “But don’t worry, I’m not like him. I know a committed relationship when I see one.”
They stopped outside the building while Quinlan fumbled with a set of keys.
“What are you doing here, Quinlan?” Scarlett asked. “You seem like a savvy guy. How’d you wind up here?”
“Easy – the world ended. Savvy or not, if a man in a dire situation is offered safety, food and water and his pick of ladies, well, he’s going to accept, isn’t he? Travis did.”
“Yeah. And look how his life changed when he left. All he got in The City was a higher chance of getting sick. The women Mark offered him had already been passed around Mark and the rest of his men, against their will. All it took was him having something to offer my people. We didn’t like him – we didn’t have to. He was useful. Now we wouldn’t be without him. He has a beautiful daughter and one woman who’d die for him. Travis was made to torture innocent people in exchange for his food and water.”
“Well, you know I don’t torture anyone for my payment.” Quinlan reasoned.
“No. You hunt people down and kidnap their children, knowing fully what will happen to them once they get here.” Scarlett reached out a hand and gently took the keys from him to make sure he listened to her as she lowered her voice. “You could be a good man, Quinlan. You have so much to offer us. Listen, we’re holed up at the warehouse in Newhill. You get us out of here, you can stay. You can have your safety, your food and water, but you can have it knowing that no one got hurt. Please. You could save us. You could save my little girl.”
“Nothing’s gonna happen to your daughter--”
“Not yet, no. But do you really think that ‘her majesty’ is going to let us go after she kills Travis? What’ll they do to her when she’s old enough to reproduce?” Quinlan stared at the ground. “Look at this little girl, Quinlan, and tell me that you don’t care. Tell me that you don’t care about grown men repeatedly trying to impregnate a child. Look at her!”
Quinlan looked at Hope. She gawked at him and smiled broadly. He looked at Scarlett with regret in his eyes.
“I’m sorry, Scarlett. There’s nothing I can do.”
“What happened to you?” she asked in a last ditch attempt to change his mind. “Everybody’s lost someone, Quinlan. Who did you lose?”
“Stop it. I’m not here for therapy, I’ve got a job to do.”
“Who was it, Quinlan? You can appreciate a committed relationship. You were married, right? You had a wife?”
“That’s enough, Scarlett.” Quinlan seemed to become agitated as he snatched the keys back and began again to search for the brewery key. Scarlett scanned his body. On inspecting his hands, she noticed a gold ring on his right hand with the word ‘Dad’ inscribed in large letters.
“How did your children die, Quinlan? Did they suffer, or was it quick?”
“Shut up!” he scowled. He found the key and unlocked the large black door before ushering Scarlett inside. “Don’t say another word to me.”
“No one should outlive their children.” Scarlett added gently.
Quinlan didn’t respond. He led Scarlett straight up a metal staircase and toward the main office. He knocked on the door twice and waited.
“Come in,” sounded a voice from inside.
He opened the door for Scarlett and she entered, still clinging to Hope.
The Queen sat on the edge of the bulky desk situated in the middle of the room. She was a beautiful woman. She dressed all in black and her c
lothes clung to her feminine figure. She appeared to be wearing make-up. She smiled at Scarlett as she entered and motioned for her to sit down. Scarlett did so after removing her axes and dropping them on the floor next to the wooden chair.
“Find the other one and bring him to me please, Quinlan.” She said smoothly. Quinlan closed the door and left the women alone. “I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, Scarlett.”
“I sure am popular.” Scarlett retorted pathetically.
“Actually, it’s Travis I really wanted to see. He is the one who ended my husband, after all. Drink?” she offered.
“No, thank you.”
“She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she?” she gushed, glancing at Hope, “Spitting image of you.”
“What do you want with us?” Scarlett asked.
“All in good time. Please, have a drink with me. I saved this bottle of red for a special occasion and I don’t like drinking alone.”
Without another word, The Queen stood and walked around the desk, reaching behind and grabbing two glasses. She poured an equal amount of wine into each and placed one on the desk for Scarlett.
“It’s there if you want it.”
“So, what do I call you? Queen? Queeny? Your majesty?”
“Oh, don’t be silly. That was all Mark’s idea, the others just picked up on it and it became a habit. My name is Alexa.”
Hope started to become restless in her mother’s arms and Scarlett was struggling to hold her.
“I know, sweetie. We’ll be going soon, I promise.” Scarlett told her.
“Let her go.” Alexa offered. “She’s quite safe in here. It’s okay.”
Scarlett surveyed her for a moment before grudgingly letting go of her child. Hope ran across the room and began investigating an old printer. At that moment, there was a light tap on the door.
“Yes?”
Quinlan once again pushed the door open, this time with Travis in tow. Scarlett looked around. Instead of seeking Travis, she first sought Quinlan’s eyes. He looked at her reluctantly and guilt and remorse took over his face. He quickly left. Upon observing Travis properly, Scarlett could see that he was saturated in blood; his hair, his face, his clothes, even his shoes held evidence of his most recent activity.
“Nice of you to join us, Travis. Have a seat.” Alexa said.
Travis sat next to Scarlett and she unconsciously took his hand. He looked at her and, with his eyes full of sincerity, simply said, “I love you.”
“That’s so sweet.” Alexa continued. “I remember when Mark and I were like you. Of course, life was easier then. Anyway, it’s great to finally meet the two of you. My boys spent a long time looking for you.”
“What do you want?” Travis mumbled.
“Cards on the table? I’m going to kill you, Travis. It’s important that you’re both here. Once you’re dead, Scarlett can join my little repopulation group. I can already see she makes beautiful children. She’s young and strong too, and that’s what I need for this place. All these factories could be running again in a few years. I just need the people power.” Alexa smiled again before glancing at the door. “Are you still there, Quinlan?” Quinlan entered and she continued, “I need you to look after this precious little girl while I deal with her parents. Just take her to the next room in case I need you again.”
“Don’t you touch her.” Travis said, standing.
“Travis,” Quinlan began, “I promise you she’ll be fine. As soon as The Queen is done with you I’ll see that she gets back to her mother.”
“It’s okay, Travis.” Scarlett interrupted, “Hope will be fine. She’ll be back with me in no time. Go ahead, Quinlan. Please take good care of her. You know how it feels to lose a child.”
Quinlan made his way over to Hope and picked her up. As he started to leave the room, Hope span her head around to look for her parents. She reached out and began to cry for them, “Daddy, Mama!” Quinlan closed the door as he left with her.
“Cute.” Alexa said. She wheeled her office chair around the desk and sat down directly in front of Travis. “Now, Travis, I was very disappointed to hear that you’d left us all those years ago. I was prepared to let it go, however. People leave us all the time and, to be honest, we thought you were dead. That was until I was informed that you’d killed my poor husband.”
“Your ‘poor husband’ was a rapist.” Travis said calmly. As he continued, he leant forward, making sure Alexa heard every syllable that left his lips. “He tied Scarlett to a chair and tortured her. When he didn’t get what he wanted from her, he stabbed her, he bent her over a counter, he put his hands on her and forced his tongue into her mouth. If I’d taken any longer to show up, he’d have raped her. So I cut that asshole’s dirty throat. I only wish he’d taken longer to die.”
Alexa smiled at Travis and put a well-manicured hand on his knee. Travis held eye contact while she spoke and stroked his leg. He was determined not to strike her.
“Maybe he did.” She said. “It’s my fault really for not being with him to keep him satisfied and out of trouble. It takes a lot of perseverance and personal sacrifice to build what we were trying to build.”
“Get your bony little hands off of him.” Scarlett rumbled. “Maybe Mark’s problem was that you couldn’t keep him satisfied.”
“Scarlett--” Travis tried.
“He wanted me so bad he had to force himself on me. Couldn’t resist a younger, better model. Don’t blame yourself, Queeny – if it hadn’t been me it would have been someone else.”
Alexa turned to face Scarlett.
“You genuinely believe that?”
“Oh yeah. You should have heard his gratified moans and heavy breathing when he was touching me.” She purred. “Whether he’d actually fucked me or not, you wouldn’t have seen him again. What sort of man would want a barren old hag when he could have me? If I’d given myself to him he’d have had the time of his fucking life.”
Scarlett had struck a nerve. Alexa slid her chair in front of her. Travis was about to stand, but Scarlett put her hand out to the side as a silent ‘I got this’.
“I don’t need you in repopulation that bad. I might just kill you both.”
“You can try, bitch.”
“Quinlan!” Alexa shouted. After a few seconds, Quinlan entered once again. “Make sure Travis watches this.”
“What about the baby?”
“Forget the baby. Get over here and keep your weapon on him.”
Quinlan did as ordered, aiming his automatic rifle at Travis’ face. Scarlett quickly shot Travis a look. He met her eyes as she directed them downwards to her axes. Alexa took hold of Scarlett by her jacket and pulled her closer.
“I am really going to enjoy this.” She spat.
“Not as much as Mark would have enjoyed me.” Scarlett retorted, “Travis will vouch for that, right, honey?”
“Absolutely.” He growled.
Immediately, Travis batted away the gun from his face so hard that Quinlan lost his balance and fell to the ground before reaching for one of Scarlett’s axes. Simultaneously, Scarlett took hold of Alexa’s lapels and lifted both feet, placing them on the vile woman’s abdomen while Travis swung the axe as firmly as he could into one of Scarlett’s chair legs. It gave way and the chair tipped backwards. Scarlett used her feet and the movement of the chair to flip Alexa over, onto her back.
Scarlett quickly stood, as did Quinlan, who flew at Travis. Scarlett was quickly dragged to the ground as Alexa jerked on her leg. In no time, Scarlett, unable to escape the fact that Alexa was bigger and stronger than her, was pinned with those immaculate hands wrapped around her throat. She couldn’t move under Alexa’s weight. All she could do was make a vain attempt to ease the pressure on her neck.
Travis’ exhaustion from taking care of the men in the dormitory was showing as he appeared to be losing the battle with Quinlan. He scanned the room for Scarlett. He could see that she couldn’t breathe and panicked.
“N
o!” he yelled. “She’s gonna kill her! Get the fuck off me, I can’t let her die!”
Scarlett began to feel weak. Her grip on Alexa’s arms began to wane and her eyes started to droop closed. On observing this, Quinlan suddenly ceased his fight and Travis lurched toward Alexa. Before he could pull her away, a single bullet was fired, directly into the side of her head, knocking her, lifeless, to Scarlett’s left. Travis pushed Alexa’s body away and took hold of Scarlett’s shoulders, raising her up onto his lap, allowing her head to fall backward over his arm. She drew a sudden, wheezy breath.
“Is she okay?” Quinlan enquired with a shaky voice.
“Scarlett? Scarlett, look at me, sweetheart.” She looked up at him, her eyes still foggy, “That’s my girl.”
“I’m sorry, Travis.” Quinlan tried, “Is there anything I can do?”
“Yeah. Take us to our daughter.” He responded. He got to his feet and laid Scarlett’s arm across his shoulders.
Outside, Travis held Hope in one arm while using the other to steady Scarlett. Her throat felt bruised but breathing had at least become easier, if a little painful in the cold air. She climbed into the cab and Travis passed Hope to her.
“I don’t suppose there’s room in there for one more, is there?” Quinlan asked tentatively. Travis turned to face him.
“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?” He challenged.
“Please. I saved her!”
“You’re the reason we came here in the first place!”
“I know. I told Scarlett why I had to do it. I helped you because she showed me that it was wrong. It just took a while to sink in.” Travis studied him. “Please.”
“Get in. But one wrong move and you’re a dead man.”
Quinlan climbed into the cab next to Scarlett and Hope, and Travis walked around to the driver’s side, started the engine and left Stonebrook.
Scarlett looked at Quinlan, then to Travis, and smiled.
“I told you.” She announced.
Roamers (Book 1) Page 25