Cat squirmed in her seat, her eyes downcast. “It was.”
“I can see it’s hard for you to talk about. Let’s change the subject.” Jay proceeded to regale her with a few stories from his own past, mostly tales of daring do as he and Paul caused havoc among the neighborhood kids. There were hints of his father, though, and the iron fist with which he ruled his family, and once again, she felt a stirring of empathy for the young boy Jay and his brother, Paul. Whatever they did as adults, at that stage they were only children and easily influenced by their violent parent.
She found herself relaxing into her chair, sipping on the wine and even accepting another refill. Her head buzzed slightly as Jay shook the empty bottle. “So much for that vintage? How about a beer?”
“Sure, I’ll have one,” she agreed.
Mary arrived to remove their empty plates, and Jay asked for two beers to go. “We can drink it while taking our tour.”
“Sounds good,” Cat said.
Mary returned with the drinks, and Jay offered his arm to Cat who felt slightly wobbly after three glasses of wine. She clung to him for support, and together they set out on his proposed tour. It was a long walk, but a pleasant one with the stars overhead and a light breeze brushing across her skin.
Her head soon cleared, though she still sipped on the cold beer while listening to Jay talk about his plans for the future. She quickly realized he was ambitious, far more so than she’d first expected.
The first thing he showed her was a long row of double story flats attached to each other. They ran alongside a tarred road on the outer edge of the community. On the opposite side of the road was an empty park.
“This was all abandoned,” Jay said. “The buildings were dilapidated and falling apart, the park overgrown with weeds and shrubs. My people cleared it, fixed it up, and painted it. The flats now serve as a barracks for new Ravagers, and the park is their training ground. It’s my goal that eventually all young people finished with school will train here until proficient at using weapons and hand-to-hand combat.”
“Why?”
He looked at her with a gleam in his eyes. “So, they can be strong, kitten. Strong enough to survive anything that comes their way.”
She nodded. It made sense in the world they lived in.
Next, he showed her a block of suburban housing with a school attached. “This is where those families with children now reside. I am not so cruel, Cat. I left them intact, gave them jobs, rations, and decent housing. The children are our future, after all.”
Cat was at a loss for words. It was a lot better than she’d expected. “What kind of jobs?”
“Currently, I have the fathers working in the fields with the crops and animals, producing food. The mothers are in charge of storing and inventorying that food. They work while their kids are at school, normal hours.”
He swung around and showed her the warehouses where the food was kept. “These were only a quarter stocked when I showed up. Thanks to my raiding parties, they’re now half-full and growing.”
They walked along a stretch of wall, and he pointed out a few things. “I’ve got people on those walls night and day. Nobody is getting in or out without my leave. I also plan to expand the community until it encompasses the entire city and every single zombie within its perimeter is dead.”
Cat suppressed a shudder. While he spoke of expansion and eradicating the undead, she also caught his implicit warning. Nobody was getting in or out without his leave. Eyeing the walls with their numerous guards, she knew escape would be difficult if not impossible.
“And there’s the Ring, of course,” he said, taking her to an open stretch of ground filled with construction materials and equipment. Already the dreaded structure was taking shape in the form of tiered seats around a walled-in circle. “What do you think?”
Cat stared at it, her heart turning into a lump of ice. “What do I think? I think it’s barbaric. You want people to fight to the death for your entertainment. How is that at all good?”
“Not all fights are to the death, Cat. Most of the time, it’s Ravagers fighting each other to blow off steam and gain respect. Sometimes, we’ll bring in a few infected for extra spice, and those spectacles are always fun to watch. If someone wishes to challenge either me or one of my Generals for our positions, the fight is to the death.”
“What about me?”
“You’ll get your chance. You have to prove yourself worthy as a Ravager Queen. As such, your fight will also be to the death. It has to be, or they won’t accept you.” He looked down at her. “Don’t worry. I’ll wait until your ankle heals, and I’ll choose your opponent with care. You’ll be trained in the meantime, as well.”
“Good to know,” she answered in a dry tone of voice.
He stopped and gripped her chin with tender fingers. “I would never let anything bad happen to you, Cat. You’re mine. Now and forever.”
“I know,” she replied, forcing herself to hold still when he pressed a kiss to her lips.
After a few seconds, he released her. “Now, for our last stop.”
He took her to another row of houses situated on the furthest point of the town. These weren’t as nice as the suburban homes had been and exuded an air of abandonment. Their gardens were bare patches of earth, and the paint peeled from the cracked walls.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“The servant’s housing. Because you spoke up for them, I’ll show you I too can be generous. From tomorrow, I’ll increase their rations by a third, and I’ll allow them material to fix up the place. I’ll even allow them to plant their own vegetable gardens as long as they do their work and obey me without question.”
“You will?” she exclaimed. “I don’t know what to say!”
“Don’t say anything. All I ask is that you give me a second chance. Let me prove to you that I’m not all bad.”
Cat hesitated, her emotions in a whirl. If he was trying to confuse her, he was succeeding. Still, this was the perfect opportunity to get closer to him and have it look real. Finally, she nodded. “All right. A second chance it is.”
He beamed at her. “Now, how about that visit to your mother? Still want to go? Or would you rather go home?”
“Of course, not! I can’t wait,” she said, taking his arm with both her hands this time. As they walked toward the infirmary, she leaned into him, allowing her hair to brush against his arm. She caught a glimpse of his satisfied smile, like the cat that got the cream, and knew her ploy was working. You want me to fall for you, do you? Well, two can play that game. Let’s see who hits the ground first.
Chapter 9 - Lisa
Lisa wasn’t expecting much from Neil’s party. Maybe a couple of oldsters listening to music in the corner, a few of the staff standing around while Trevor’s favorite band Abba played in the background, and some youngsters trying to score free booze.
So, when she stepped into the lounge to find lights flashing and music pumping while several young bodies gyrated on the hastily created dance floor, her jaw hit the floor. Her eyes jumped from one scene to the next, her brain refusing to take it all in.
“Oh, my God, is that Tamara and Cecelia?” she asked, pointing to the dance floor.
“Sure is,” Trevor answered with a shake of his head.
The two girls were dressed in skintight mini dresses that left little to the imagination while their feet were encased in heels so high it was a wonder they could walk, let alone dance. Together, they swayed to the beat of the music, tossing their blonde hair and blowing air kisses to anyone willing to pay them attention.
Lisa shook her head and looked away, but the next person she laid eyes on was no less astonishing than the blonde twins. It was the Matron dressed in a frilly dress a shade of pink so bright Lisa almost got arc eyes just looking at her.
Trevor had spotted her too, for he said. “I didn’t know this was a costume party or I would’ve warned you, sorry Lisa.”
“Huh?” she said, staring up at him.
“Yeah, Matron came dressed as a flamingo, I see, and a bloody good one too!” he said, “while those two are clearly supposed to be cupcakes…or is it tartlets?”
Lisa burst into laughter, her chuckles increasing when she noticed the Matron clinging to the arm of a dour-looking Dr. Heinz. The poor doctor looked uncomfortable in the social setting, his expression drawn into a permanent frown. It didn’t help that he wore a houndstooth jacket that must have been popular in Einstein’s days.
Her heart did a little double-take when she spotted Neil, though. He was talking to the trio, dressed in an immaculate gray suit, and his smile was dazzling to behold. His eyes met hers across the room, and a frisson of excitement ran down her spine. He quickly made his excuses and came over.
“You made it. I’m so glad, and looking as beautiful as ever, Lisa,” he exclaimed, planting a kiss on her hand. His lips lingered a tad too long, and his gaze never left hers.
Lisa stammered a reply, her cheeks flushing with hot blood as butterflies filled her stomach. “Th…thank you, Neil.”
“The pleasure’s all mine. Save me a dance for later, promise?”
“Of course!”
“Great, now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go mingle with the guests,” he said. “I am the host, after all.”
Neil disappeared into the crowd, and Lisa was left wondering what to do with herself. She was about to look for the snacks when Trevor swept her onto the dance floor. “What? Wait, no! I don’t dance.”
“You do tonight, birthday girl! Just hold on, and enjoy the ride,” Trevor said.
Lisa laughed as he twirled her around and around until her head spun and lights flashed before her eyes. For such a big man, he was surprisingly light on his feet and an excellent dancer. His finesse made up for her lack, and she felt like a princess in his arms, gliding across the floor like a swan.
“I never pegged you for a dancer, Trevor,” she said, looking up into his eyes.
“There are lots of things you don’t know about me,” he replied.
The warm note in his voice struck a chord, and she looked a little closer at the way he was watching her. Could it be? Did Trevor have feelings for her? But, no. They were just friends…weren’t they?
The moment was spoiled when they narrowly missed colliding with the blonde tartlets.
“Hey, watch it,” Cecelia cried in a shrill voice, her blue eyes narrowed in a venomous glare.
“Yeah, you heard her,” Tamara added, always the echo to Cecilia’s spite.
“Sorry,” Trevor shouted before whirling Lisa away from them. “Ugh, I can’t stand those two.”
“Tell me about it. Tamara should’ve been called Echo. It’s all she ever does is echo Cecilia,” Lisa added.
“Feel like a drink?” Trevor asked.
“Dying for one.”
He took her off the dance floor, and they went in search of booze. They found it, and Lisa helped herself to a beer before spotting Cat’s mother, Matilda.
“Hello, dear,” Matilda greeted, her nose still covered in a plaster and her eyes blackened by Jay’s blow.
As ever, Lisa felt a fresh surge of anger when she saw it, and for the millionth time, she wondered how Cat was doing. “How are you, Matilda?”
“I’m fine. It doesn’t hurt at all. Have you heard anything from Cat?”
“No, I’m sorry. Not a word.”
Matilda sighed. “I worry about her all the time.”
“Me too.”
A minute passed in glum silence between them when the crowd broke out in shocked whispers. A ripple ran through the throng, and Lisa craned her head to see what was going on. To her immense surprise, Cat and Jay walked in arm-in-arm and dressed like royalty.
“Oh, my. It’s Catherine,” Matilda cried, making as if to rush over.
Lisa restrained her with one hand. “Wait.”
Matilda shot her a confused look but stayed put for the time being. Just as well, for the next moment, Jay said in a booming voice, “Who’s idea was this?”
Silence fell, and someone switched off the music and flashing lights. Neil pushed to the forefront. “It was mine. I’m sorry, I wanted to raise people’s spirits, that’s all.”
Jay’s hand shot out, and he gripped Neil by the throat, muscles bulging as he squeezed. Neil choked, his face turning red as his circulation was cut off. Lisa gasped, pressing a trembling hand to her lips.
“Raise people’s spirits? Are you telling me they’ve got something to be sad about?” Jay asked. “Sad? When they have everything they could possibly need? Food, water, electricity, medical care…even protection from the zombies.”
Neil tried to speak, but it was impossible as Jay squeezed ever harder. His eyes bulged, and his lips turned purple until Lisa felt sure he would die. Unable to help herself, she stormed forward. “Please, don’t hurt him.”
Jay’s cold eyes fell on her face, and she shivered before the raw anger in his gaze. “Lisa, is it?”
“Y…yes,” she managed.
“Why shouldn’t I punish this man for mocking me?” Jay asked.
“Because he didn’t mean to, I’m sure of it,” she replied.
“Didn’t mean to? Then what’s this?” Jay asked, gesturing around him with his free hand.
“There’s been a spate of illnesses lately, and he simply wanted to cheer up those who’ve been ill,” she said, her mind racing for a plausible excuse.
Jay’s eyebrows raised. “Really? Is this true, Dr. Heinz?”
All eyes turned to the doctor, and Lisa was sure the miserable prick would throw both her and Neil under the bus. To her surprise, he backed her story. “It’s true. There’s been a rash of fever going around. More than usual. That time of year.”
Jay nodded thoughtfully and let go of Neil who fell to his knees gasping for breath. “I see. It seems I owe you all an apology. Do carry on. Don’t mind me.” When nobody moved, he sighed. “Come on! Where’s the music? I could use a beer too.”
People scurried around like ants, and once more the music and lights boomed while Cecelia handed him a beer, fluttering her eyelashes like the little twit she was. A pale Cat whispered something in Jay’s ear, and after a moment, he nodded. She took the opportunity to hurry over to Lisa and Matilda with Trevor hot on her heels.
“What the hell was that?” Trevor asked the moment he reached Lisa.
“What do you mean?” she asked, rocking back on her heels.
“Jay could have killed you for interfering like that. He’s not called the Beast for no reason,” Trevor said, his anger blazing forth.
“I couldn’t just let him kill Neil,” she protested.
“Why him, of all people? What is it about Neil that has you so infatuated you’d risk your life for him?” Trevor added before storming off.
Lisa gaped after his retreating back, confusion oozing from every pore in her body. “What just happened? Why is he so angry?”
“If I had to guess, I’d say he’s in love with you,” Cat said.
“What?” Lisa asked.
“He’s jealous, dear. It’s as clear as daylight,” Matilda said.
“Jealous?” Lisa repeated. “I never knew.”
Cat sighed. “Look, guys. I don’t have a lot of time. Jay will want me back any moment now. How are you? I’ve been worried sick.”
“So have we, darling. Are you okay?” Matilda said, drawing her daughter in for a fierce hug.
“Yes, what has that man done to you?” Lisa asked.
“So far, nothing except veiled threats against you two if I don’t co-operate.”
“Meaning?” Lisa said.
“He wants me to marry him,” Cat said.
“That’s preposterous!” Matilda cried.
“Sh, Mom. I know it is, but for now, he’s still trying to win me over. He wants me to agree of my own accord, not because I’m forced to, so he’s treating me with kid gloves,” Cat explained.
“What an idiot,” Lisa said. “But have you se
en Nadia? How is she? I’ve been stuck in here for so long, I don’t know what’s going on outside.”
Tears filled Cat’s eyes, and she shook her head. “Nadia’s dead.”
The earth turned on its axis for Lisa, and she stumbled. “What? That can’t be true.”
“It is. Jay killed her. He told me so himself.”
“And he still thinks you’ll marry him of your own accord? He’s crazy,” Matilda said.
“I don’t have a choice, Mom. If I don’t, he’ll make our lives a living hell. If he thinks he has my affection and loyalty, I might be able to persuade him to ease up on everyone, especially you.”
“You can’t, sweetheart. We’re not your responsibility. Nobody is,” Matilda said.
“I agree,” Lisa said. “It’s your life, Cat. You can’t give yourself to him to save us.”
“I have to. What if he kills you? I’d never forgive myself. He even threatened Sam and Ralph. I can’t risk it,” Cat replied. “Unless…”
“Unless?” Lisa asked.
“We can find a way out of here,” Cat said.
“How do we do that? Even if we could escape, he’d take his rage out on whoever stays behind. Sam, Ralph, we could never escape with all of them,” Lisa said.
“I know. Besides, I’ve seen the guard patrols, and the walls; escape is impossible,” Cat said. “We’re too closely watched.”
“How then?”
“Jay wants me to fight in the Ring to prove I’m a worthy bride to the rest of the Ravagers, or they’ll never accept me. He says he’ll train me to make sure I’m ready. I’m going to ask him to send me out with the raiders. While we’re on a raid, I’ll slip away, pretend to get swarmed if possible so he thinks I’m dead. I’ll go home to St. Francis for help. I’m sure Max will agree.”
“Maybe, but swarmed?” Lisa protested. “That’s too risky. You could get infected or killed.”
“Besides, Jay would never believe you’re dead unless he sees your corpse, and if he doesn’t, he’ll take it out on the rest of us,” a new voice interjected.
They all turned to see Neil, his voice still raw, and his face beet red and swollen. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. I wanted to thank Lisa for saving me. But while I’m here, if you’re planning something, I want in.”
Children of the Apocalypse: Mega Boxed Set Page 144