Apocalyptic Beginnings Box Set

by M. D. Massey

  “So that’s where you came in? Protecting at any cost?” Henry nodded. “Why? That’s horrible. Innocent people would kill and be killed.” I began to get emotional again.

  I sick of the new Elaina. The past day’s events raced through my head, making me a bit dizzy. I put my head into my hands. I kept seeing the death all around me.

  “Elaina, maybe I should stop for now.” I looked up at him. His eyes still watery, I could see his pain and he could feel mine.

  “No, go on. I need to hear this. What countries are on the list to be, essentially, executed?”

  “The first one on the list was North Korea. They felt it would be justified because of their crimes against their own people and threats to other countries. The States would be able to get rid of one of their sworn enemies. There was plenty of intelligence North Korea was going to use against the States. They’d been launching what they called ‘weather satellites’, but we knew they were full of shit.”

  “So they would kill all the people who are there by circumstance?”

  “Yes.”

  “But doesn’t that make them just as bad as Roger?”

  “Yes. Yes, it does.”

  “So where do you fit in with all this now?”

  “Well, neither country trusts the other, and Roger doesn’t trust anyone. He has control issues, if you haven’t figured that out yet. He wanted full control, whether or not they wanted to give it to him. As it looks right now, Roger has won. I’m not sure how the virus was released, but I will find out. I do have my suspicions. And, mark my words, I will take care of it. Even if I have to die doing it.” He growled his last sentence.

  “How could they trust you if they don’t trust each other?”

  “The only thing I can think of is that I was on Roger’s payroll. I barely have an eighth grade education. They feel they can keep me honest by threatening to take away my income. I have no qualifications. I only have life and street skills. That’s not going to get me anywhere. They would expose me, leaving me to my own devices. He had me by the bollocks.”

  “But you ran the blood bank.”

  “Yeah, I did, and they own it. I can read, write, and understand, Elaina, but I don’t have those important documents that declare me educated. I have spent a lot of my own time, through reading and research, educating myself as best as I could. Hence, all the books in the living room.”

  I decided to move away from the education part of the conversation. He seemed touchy about it. He always seemed intelligent to me. I would never have guessed he had a lack of proper schooling.

  “So the government probably knows the intent now?”

  He took my hands and looked me in the eyes. “More than likely. That’s why what I’m telling you has to stay confidential. If this gets out and your government is still up and running, they will figure out everything, hunt me…us down, and kill us.”

  “Right.” I said it so matter-of-factly, it startled Henry. “I’m still not understanding why you’re here, instead of protecting England.”

  “So we can contain it. The farther away from our shores, the better.”

  “Then how do you think the virus got out?”

  “One of the other agents…” Henry swallowed hard. “There are a few possibilities, all very plausible.”

  “Perfect.” I became suspicious that maybe it was Henry, but I didn’t let on that I was.

  “It’s not me, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Damn it. How did he do that? “I saw the light ages ago and abandoned the program, as you heard when I was on the phone. The day I proposed, I threw in the towel.”

  He still hadn’t convinced me. I tried not to think ill of him, but how could I not after what happened?

  “Was it the butch chick who’s coming?”

  “No. I can trust Sophie with my life. Besides, she was in England. Roger thinks she’s going to make me go back. Not happening. And she isn’t butch. You’ll see.” Excitement ran through his eyes.

  Great, I thought, feeling the heat of jealousy flare up in the pit of my stomach.

  “So you think Roger sent this agent with the virus in on purpose?”

  “Oh, most definitely. It was the only way he could prove a point and feel like he was in control. Why not take out the superpower? He would have the world at his mercy and eating out of the palm of his hand. It’s precisely what he wanted, the ego-driven son of a bitch.”

  “I just don’t understand why he would do that.”

  “He’s mental. I do wish I had all the answers for you. The only thing I can really think of is that Roger felt like he could get the upper hand. If he could release this virus and have the agents contain it at the borders, then England…or, shall I say, Roger…would essentially have control of the world. Now I need to try to protect the innocent. The virus is here and we need to fight it.”

  He took a deep breath. “Elaina, I am so sorry I got you into this mess. This is killing me. Because of me, you have lost most of your family and friends. And you may even lose me, if Roger’s bleeders find me. Obviously, he doesn’t want me to release the program information or his agenda. They will protect their secret at any cost.”

  “Henry.” I reached out to him, worrying about his safety. “I believe this would have happened with or without you. If I didn’t have you by my side…” His eyes lit up, “I might be one of the undeads right now. Or true dead in the streets somewhere.”

  “I’m not even sure if survival is the best thing. You saw how rapidly it spreads. They are savages. This will change the human race. It may even eliminate it.”

  “Right. Well, I’m glad to take on this fight with you.” Henry looked at me with intensity, love for me glimmering in his eyes.

  “I hope you don’t regret it.”

  “Honestly, I don’t really have a choice, do I?”

  He shook his head, then cupped his hands around my face and kissed me.

  I returned his kiss, which became more passionate by the second. He tipped me back and positioned himself over me, my body buzzing with excitement. He groaned as his tongue explored my mouth. He ran his lips over my jawline, and placed soft kisses down my neck…

  Someone knocked on the door.

  “Fuck me,” Henry grumbled.

  “Nope.” We both laughed a little.

  He got up and cracked open the door. Nick stood in the hall, arms crossed. When I sat up and tried to look casual, Nick looked down and ran his hand through his hair. He was embarrassed, but probably not as embarrassed as I was.

  “Uh… I’m sorry if I interrupted anything, but I have been pacing back and forth. I want an explanation. You promised me that.” He stared at Henry.

  “Yes. Yes, I did. Give us a moment, please.”

  “Sure.” Henry turned back to me. Nick stayed in the doorway. I looked at Nick so Henry knew he was still there. He mouthed, Thank you and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled and we all walked into the living room.

  Chapter 4

  It was a bit of a cold reception for us in the living room. I wondered what they had been talking about. Then again, they were probably wondering what we were talking about…or maybe doing. The thought made me blush. Everyone had cleaned up and was trying to relax. I didn’t realize we had been talking that long. Henry cleared his throat.

  “Has everyone eaten something?” he asked.

  Nick nodded. “Yes. Thank you for your hospitality.” Henry nodded. “Okay, here’s the deal—”

  Henry put his hand up. “Wait a moment. Keep in mind that I’m calling the shots here.”

  Nick barked out, “Who the fuck died and made you captain of this ship?!”

  “Shut it, Nick,” I snapped. “He’s the only one here right now who is equipped to deal with this situation.”

  Nick sat, crossed his arms in front of his chest, and glared at Henry, pouting like a five-year-old.

  “Thank you, love. Now, you all deserve an explanation.”

  “You’re damn right,” Nick mumbled.


  “Nick, we aren’t going to get anywhere if you continue to give me shit,” Henry said in an irritated tone.

  “Whatever.” Nick rolled his eyes, turning so he could look out the window.

  “Anyway, I’m obviously not American. I’m English. My real name is Liam. But, please, continue to call me Henry. For more reasons than I want to discuss at the moment, I don’t go by Liam. I’m a Special Forces agent for the English government. Check that. I was an agent.” I knew he was purposely leaving out bits of information, but I went with it.

  “Perfect. A secret agent.”

  I walked over to Nick and got between him and the window. I grabbed him by the shirt collar to get his attention. “You will shut the fuck up and listen to Henry, or I will lock you outside and let the undeads have their merry way with you. Got it?” Nick rolled his eyes and nodded, but he wasn’t amused. “Tell me you understand.” I looked around the room. “I want everyone here to understand. Nobody is going to go all batshit crazy. We’re all going to work together. We’re taking this on together. If anyone wants out, go now…but you’ll go without supplies.”

  Nick cleared his throat. I wasn’t sure if he believed my threat, but no one moved. Knowing we had weapons, I had a feeling they would stay.

  “Uh… I’m sorry, Henry. You’re in charge and I will follow your orders…humbly,” Nick grumbled, and everyone else agreed.

  “Thank you.” I let go of him and went back to stand next to Henry.

  “I owe you one, love. Anyway, this is a man-made, rapidly spreading virus that was somehow released into your country. All it needed was one host, and boom… It’s now a bloody epidemic.” Claire shuddered. “I’m not going to stand here and apologize for all that’s happened. We have to move forward and live in the now. If you are here, plan on staying for the duration. We’re a team and I’m in charge. I will do my best to keep you safe, as you will do your best to keep yourselves safe.”

  Nate got up and headed toward the door. “Uh… I didn’t sign up for this, so I think I—”

  Before Nate could finish his thought, Henry aggressively jumped toward him and got in his face. Angry Henry had returned. “You will sit the fuck down and listen! You’re stuck with us now. Elaina gave you your chance to leave. No one, not even me, signed up for this motherfucking bullshit.” I pulled Henry back before he made Nate piss himself.

  “Right. Okay, okay. I’m sitting. Geez, you brute.” Nate readjusted his ill-fitting shirt.

  Henry took a deep breath. “Sophie, another agent, is on her way and will be here in a few hours. She will also have a vehicle and a cache of weapons. You will respect her and follow her direction, as she will be second-in-command.”

  I really hoped Roger’s behavior hadn’t rubbed off on him. I wasn’t sure if his behavior was for show, or if he was really bonkers. Tentatively, Claire raised her hand, like she was in grade school.

  “Yes, Claire.”

  “Is there a cure?”

  Henry sighed and looked down. “No. I’m afraid not.”

  “Then what do we do?” She sounded like she was ready for revenge. I looked over at Henry.

  “We fight it,” Henry said.

  “Fight it?” Claire questioned.

  “Yes.”

  “Like what we did earlier? Kill people?”

  “They aren’t people once they are exposed to the virus.”

  “Do they die when they are exposed? We haven’t seen anyone turn yet.”

  “I have,” Nick spoke up. “Jenna lost a lot of blood after she was bit by my father. Then she passed out…or died, I guess. I don’t know. I couldn’t wake her. I held her for a bit, then left to find help. I got about twenty feet away when I heard a moaning growl.” He took a deep breath. “She sat up and I ran to her. Her eyes were this…this lifeless, putrid gray. I went to grab her and she lunged at me, mouth open.”

  Everyone was fixated on Nick, who still stared out the window as he told us what he saw.

  Claire asked, “What was the time frame?”

  Henry cleared his throat, getting our attention. “The change usually happens anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. There isn’t much time between bite, suspended animation, then reanimation. It truly depends on the wound. Plus, it’s very aggressive.”

  “And you know all of this because…?” Nate seemed to be questioning Henry’s knowledge.

  “Let’s just say I’m experienced with the change.” I almost got the feeling he wasn’t telling us something. Henry clapped his hands together before anyone else could interrupt him. “All right. Well… The only thing left is weapons.”

  He walked to the trunk and pulled out his keys. He opened it and displayed his weapons. There was everything from small guns to shotguns, double-sided axes to different types of rifles.

  Henry pulled out the shotgun he had used earlier in the day. “This is a twelve-gauge, pump-action Remington. It’s high-powered, has a decent recoil, and holds six plus one rounds.” He checked to make sure it was empty. “I’ll show you how to load it when we need it. You’ll need to take a wide stance and pump.” He put himself in a wide stance and showed us how to pump it. “Take aim quickly, and pull the trigger.” He raised the gun and pulled the trigger. Click. “You will need to pump before each shot.”

  Then Henry grabbed a rifle, smiling as he picked it up. He was in his element. “This beauty is one of my favorites. It’s an H&K, and it has the ability to shoot seven hundred and fifty rounds per minute. If you hold down the trigger, you’ll blow through ammo. I ask that no one uses this unless you are experienced. I’d rather not spend my entire cache of ammo in one outing. It will only be used when we need high volume.”

  Henry pulled out another rifle, smiling again. I didn’t understand his joy over the weapons. “This is a sniper rifle. An AWS. It’s good for picking off the buggers at a distance. About three hundred meters. I have two of these. Again, I ask you to refrain from using this unless you have experience.”

  Lastly, he pulled out several handguns, all identical. “These Sigs are what we will use for the most part. They conceal nicely.” He turned around and lifted the back of his shirt. His Sig was neatly tucked into the back of his pants. “This is what I normally carry, and what I had at our wedding.”

  Normally carry? How did I miss that he had been carrying a gun?

  He continued. “I have twenty round magazines for each one of them. I do not have an unlimited supply of bullets, though. Until we can hit up a sporting goods store to grab more, we need to conserve as much as possible. That’s why we have these.” He picked up a couple axes and knives.

  “Those will make them dead dead?” asked Nate.

  “You have to make sure you damage their brains with these. It will make the undeads true dead.”

  “True dead?”

  Holy shit, not again.

  “Yes, true dead,” Henry growled.

  “I’ll take that gun, thank you.” Nate reached over to grab the shotgun. Henry reached out and grabbed his wrist with such speed, it amazed me. Nate whimpered in pain. I had a feeling if he squeezed his wrist any harder it would have snapped.

  “You do not touch these unless I hand you one.”

  “You just said we will get weapons.” Nate breathed out.

  “I will hand out what I think you can handle. And you, Mr. Fabulous, will not be able to handle that shotgun. It has a major kick. Got it?”

  “How do you know what I can or cannot handle?” Nate snapped.

  I sighed. I wished people would just shut the fuck up. I exhaled, at great length, in annoyance.

  “I’m highly trained in weaponry. You just have to trust I know what I’m doing.” He handed Nate a handgun. “You can start with this. If I have time, I will train you all on the other ones.”

  “Gee, thanks.” Nate shrunk back into the couch with his new, unwanted toy.

  Henry glared at him. “Like I said, conserve. It’s late. Everyone try to get a little rest. Sophie should be he
re in a couple hours. Do not open the door for her. Come and get me, and I will let her in.” Everyone nodded. “Now, Elaina and I are going to get some rest, and I suggest you do the same.” Henry turned and walked toward the bedroom.

  Nick sarcastically saluted him.

  “Nick, quit your shit.”

  “I don’t trust him.”

  “Then give me your Sig and take a fucking hike.” I pointed at the door. Nick swallowed hard. I held out my hand, waiting.

  “I’m only staying so I can protect you.”

  “I can take care of myself, and if I can’t, Henry will.”

  Nick slouched, looking defeated. “You don’t need me then.” He dropped his Sig in my hand and walked to the door.

  “Wait!” Claire yelled, jumping out of her seat. “Nick, don’t go. She may not need you to protect her, but she needs you here. You two could be the last of your family.” Her words grew quiet. “Besides, I need you. I have no one to watch over me.”

  I thought, Really, Claire? I do believe Henry said, not that long ago, that he wouldn’t let anything happen to either one of us. I rolled my eyes.

  “Right.” He looked down at his feet. “I’ll only stay if she wants me to.”

  I wondered if he was still processing what Claire said or if he ignored it on purpose. I guess that was my cue to apologize, like a good sister.

  “Please stay. I’m sorry. You’re my brother and I love you.”

  Nick walked over and gave me a short, tight squeeze. He reached into his pocket, pulling out a quarter to determine who slept on the couch.

  “Call it, Nate,” he said, flipping it.

  “Tails, of course.” Nate smirked.

  Nick showed me the quarter. “Darn. It’s heads.” He shrugged. It was tails. Nick was just trying to have control over something.

  “Okay. Since all the sleeping arrangements have been made, I am going to bed. Don’t forget what Henry said.”

  Claire got up and we both headed to the bedrooms. She put her arm around me and smiled. “Make sure you sleep.” She winked. “Does Henry have any earplugs I can borrow?”