“Chancellor Abert, I think—”
“Let me jump in here,” Horton said, stepping up and putting his arm around Mueller. “Excuse me for intruding, but I overheard your conversation.”
“Chancellor Horton, how typical of you,” Abert responded, clearly annoyed by Horton.
“Dr. Mueller, I need you to stay with me; you need to stay here. There’s still much work to be done.”
“Work?” Mueller asked.
“Fun for you, I imagine.” Horton laughed.
“The man is done. What type of work could he have to do?” Abert asked curiously.
“Maybe I exaggerated, but there’s a special project he needs to attend to.”
Abert shifted and faced Horton straight on. “Don’t be so coy. Tell us.”
“I didn’t want to bring this up, but it’s bound to get out. I was hoping he could address it before it became irreversible.”
Abert cocked his head and asked, “What’s going on?”
Mueller scrunched his face and answered, “I don’t know what Chancellor Horton is talking about.”
Horton looked around to ensure no one was in earshot. Once he confirmed they were alone, he leaned in and said, “The animals, you didn’t test animals, did you?”
Like someone had dropped a large weight into his arms, Mueller’s legs almost buckled. The blood rushed from his face and he turned ashen. He didn’t have to ask more; Horton was correct. This entire time, he hadn’t tested animals. Of course, he used the virus against laboratory monkeys but never did a widespread test on how it affected other species.
“Animals? What’s going on?” Abert insisted.
“Chancellor Abert, I just found this out myself, but apparently many animal species are also succumbing to the virus.”
“That’s impossible,” Mueller challenged.
“My dear Doctor, it might be scientifically impossible, but it’s happening. I’m not a scientist, but something is killing most animals right along with humans.”
“That’s…it’s…impossible, there’s no way that could happen,” Mueller again countered. He no longer was looking at either man; he was staring off into nothing.
“Franz, I didn’t want to alarm anyone just yet; I wanted to get the doctor right to work to counter this, create a vaccine, something aerosol. That way we could begin massive spraying operations around the world.”
Abert looked at Mueller and he was still mumbling, “Impossible.”
“Doctor, can you begin working on this right away?” Horton asked.
Mueller was lost in doubtful thoughts.
“Doctor?” Horton asked.
“It’s impossible,” Mueller muttered. In an instant the glory and praise was taken from him. This alone would undermine him, even threaten his life.
Horton grabbed his shoulder and shook him. “Doctor!”
“Yes, yes.”
“I need you,” Horton said and looked at Abert then corrected himself, “We need you to begin working on this problem.”
“Yes, yes, of course. I’ll get working right away,” Mueller replied. He turned and rushed off before the weakness he felt could take hold.
“What does this mean for our overall plan?” Abert asked.
Horton kept his gaze upon Mueller as he walked away down the long hall.
“Chancellor Horton, shall we call the others back to discuss this?”
“I apologize, I was lost in thought. I believe we should let the others know, but let them get back to their areas, then tell them. There’s nothing that can be done now that would change anything, and when we do need to shift, they’ll be in the exact places to do what’s needed.”
“Very well.”
“Chancellor Abert, so good to see you, but if you’ll excuse me, I need to go to work myself,” Horton said and put out his hand.
“I understand, but before you run off, I wanted to tell you how impressed I was with how you took care of the president and vice president. That was some work you did. The other world leaders weren’t as difficult to get, but you, my friend, you risked it all, thank you.”
“Thank you for the kind words, but it had to be done; in fact, I found pleasure in killing that disgusting man and his minions.”
Abert patted him on the shoulder and said, “Walk me out.”
Both men walked the passageways of the DIA, discussing operation details, and laughed about the overall success of phase one.
“Have you found a match yet?” Abert asked, referencing the DNA mate-matching Horton was engaged in on the side.
“It’s a bit early yet.”
“I miss Tabitha. She was a good woman,” Abert lamented.
“Yes, she was, but it’s time for us to rebuild a new world and I need a new mate, someone compatible and without the defective genes she had.”
“Soon, eh?”
“Once the FEMA camps are set up and they begin blood testing, I’ll find mine, but until then I’ll just stay focused on the task at hand.”
“Good man, and keep in touch with us on this animal issue,” Abert said and exited through the large metal door onto the bustling and loud tarmac.
When the door slammed, Horton said, “I’ll be in touch, don’t you worry, I’ll be in touch.” He flipped open his phone and hit a button. The phone rang several times and was answered. “Dr. Mueller, are you in the lab?”
“Yes, sir.”
The large metal door opened, surprising Horton, who hadn’t moved an inch.
Abert appeared in the doorway and shouted, “I forgot to mention, find another scientist to help Dr. Mueller.”
“He has a team already,” Horton answered, lowering the phone to his side.
“I know that, but we’ll need a new lead because once the doctor corrects his mistake, kill him.”
A jet engine had powered up just as Abert finished, making it impossible for Horton to hear.
“What did you say?” Horton asked,
Abert leaned in and barked, “I said kill the doctor once he corrects his mistake. We can’t have failures like him around!”
Horton nodded.
Abert turned and strutted off.
Horton put the phone back to his ear and asked, “Dr. Mueller, are you still there?”
“Yes.”
“Did you hear that?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t worry, Doctor; I have no intention of following his orders. I know you’re a valuable asset. Meet me in your office; I’m coming right down. I want to discuss our plans going forward. I do have a special project I want you to work on and it has nothing to do with the animals.”
Day 235
May 23, 2021
Charleston, South Carolina
Devin violently tossed and turned in his sleep as his dreams took him back to a time and place he wished had never happened.
“Tess, back away. I don’t trust this kid.”
“Devin, be quiet. He’s just a boy.”
The small pistol shook in the boy’s grip as he processed just how to deal with the strangers before him.
Tess took a few more steps.
Three shots rang out.
Tess stumbled backwards and fell down; one of the bullets had hit her in the chest.
Devin, in shock, lowered his rifle and went to her aid.
The boy yelled out, “They’re over here! They’re over here!”
Devin grabbed her under the arm and brought her to her feet. “Tess, you okay? Please tell me you’re okay.”
“Um, the little fucker shot me,” Tess said, a look of surprise on her face.
Another series of shots rang out; one hit Devin in his left shoulder. The other hit Tess, but the bullet ripped through her right arm.
She grunted loudly and fell back against the railing.
The shot that hit Devin made him spin and lose his grasp on her.
The boy walked a few feet closer to Tess. He took aim on her.
On wobbly feet she took a step, looked at him and
asked, “Why? I’m one of the good ones. I’m here to help save you.”
The boy cocked his head, confused by her comment, and pulled the trigger again. The bullet hit her center mass. The force of the impact slammed her back against the rail and over.
“No, Tess!” Devin cried out as he watched the bullet slam into her. He lunged for her but just missed grabbing her. He watched her disappear into the black water below.
Devin opened his swollen eyes and shot up, panting as if he’d run a race. His heart was beating fast and sweat poured off him. The intense black that surrounded him made it impossible to see anything. Not a stitch of light penetrated the space where he was being held. The smell of oil and plastic filled his nostrils. He sat up straighter and exhaled deeply to ease the pain that racked his battered body. With no light he didn’t know where he was or what time of day it was. He shook his head in an attempt to clear his thoughts and the images of Tess being shot. Sound and restful sleep had proven difficult; every time he reached rapid eye movement the haunting moments of his last time with her would replay in detail, like he was watching a high-definition movie.
His feeble and unplanned attempt to find Tess had only landed him imprisoned by the pirates. He now wished he had taken the time to coordinate, but instead he allowed his emotions to lead. Nothing had come from his foolish endeavor. In fact, he had only made things worse and that wasn’t counting whatever outcome he’d receive, which was certainly death.
Brianna had pleaded with him to think things through, but he refused. Now he was captive and they were left alone in North Carolina with no one to protect them.
Regrets filled him as he cursed himself for his knee-jerk reaction to a theory that Tess might be alive.
A loud clank followed by shrieking metal jolted him from his self-pity. Bright afternoon light splashed across the small container.
He recoiled from the light and curled up in fear of what was coming next.
“Get up!” a tall and skinny man yelled.
Devin looked at him and feared that his death was coming soon, and knowing this struck deep fear in him.
“I said get up!” the man ordered. He reached down and grabbed Devin by his thick dark hair and pulled him to his feet.
“Argh!” Devin cried out.
“Move!” the man hollered and pushed Devin towards the open door. The intense light made it impossible for Devin to see what he was walking into.
Squinting his eyes to adjust to the light, Devin’s other senses were overwhelmed, specifically his hearing as loud cheering and screams blasted his ears. Then the smell of smoke hit him. He looked around frantically as his eyes became more focused. Around him were hundreds of screaming men.
“Silence!” a voice boomed over a megaphone.
The rowdy crowd quickly fell silent.
“Bring him up here!” the voice boomed.
Devin looked up but couldn’t see where the voice came from through the forest of limbs that poked and prodded him.
The tall skinny man jabbed his rifle muzzle into his back and barked, “Move!”
“Let him through!” the voice bellowed.
Like Moses parting the Red Sea, the crowd opened up.
Devin looked ahead and saw a lone man standing, a bullhorn in his hand. The man had a thick long beard and motioned for Devin to advance.
Beyond the man stood piles of burning wood and just beyond that was a large stake with ropes dangling from it.
Fear shot through Devin as he now imagined what his fate would be. He was to be burned alive. Hesitant to advance, he stopped.
The man again jabbed him in the back, but Devin wouldn’t move.
“Move, damn it!” the man yelled and with his foot kicked Devin forward.
The force from the kick buckled Devin’s weakened knees and he fell to the ground.
“Bring him forth, on his feet or on his back, bring him forth!” the bearded man called out.
Devin didn’t wish to be dragged; he held his hand up and said, “I’ll walk, okay, I’ll walk.”
“Then walk.”
Devin’s body was weak, but he found the strength and courage to rise. Thoughts of Tess came to him; this gave him the fortitude to stand straight and walk towards his destiny. The last thing he’d want her to see was him cowering in fear. If this was how he’d die, then so be it.
Each step he took, he felt resolve and contentment come over him. Soon he’d be dead, and if Tess had also perished, he hoped he'd see her soon. With his thoughts consumed by visions of her, he lost focus on where he was. Not until the bearded man grabbed him did he reconnect with the present.
“So tell me, who are you?” the man asked.
Devin looked at the man and with a straight back said, “Devin Chase.”
“Devin Chase, what were you doing the other day when my men caught you?”
“I was looking for someone.”
“And who might that be?”
Devin thought about the question. Should he answer honestly? What if Tess was alive and also being held captive? Would answering honestly put her in jeopardy?
“Well, Mr. Chase, what say you?”
“I was looking for my brother, Morgan.”
“Hmm, Morgan.”
“Are you Renfield?” Devin asked.
The man looked at him and asked, “How do you know that name?”
“Morgan mentioned him. He said he worked for him and I wanted to come and help.”
The man cocked his head and squinted at Devin. He then looked up at the crowd and bellowed, “Does anyone know Morgan?”
A few hands rose from the sea of men.
“Come forward.”
“If you’re Renfield, please allow me to serve you,” Devin said.
“Be quiet,” the man said.
A large burly man stepped forward. “I know Morgan. He and John never returned from Jacksonville.”
“Did he ever mention having a brother?”
The large man’s eyes rolled in his head as he thought. “He never mentioned one, Captain.”
Upon hearing the man call the bearded man captain, Devin knew this was the infamous Renfield.
“But did he ever say he didn’t have one?” Renfield asked.
“No, sir, he never said he didn’t.”
“And you?” Renfield asked another man who had stepped forward acknowledging Morgan.
“No, Captain, he never said either way.”
Renfield lifted his gaze above the men and hollered, “Does any man here know if Morgan had a brother or not?”
The crowd remained silent.
“Looks like Morgan didn’t talk much or you didn’t know your comrade,” Renfield said and looked at Devin. “Where are you from? I hear a Yankee accent.”
“New York.”
“Ha, New York! You, tell me where was Morgan from?” Renfield asked.
“Sir, he wasn’t no Yankee, I can tell you that,” the large man answered.
“Captain, please, Morgan was my half brother. We had different mothers; I was raised in New York but moved South years ago.”
“Why should I believe you?” Renfield asked.
“Why would I make this up? The last time I saw my brother—”
“And when was that?” Renfield asked.
“A while back,” Devin answered. The questioning was making him extremely nervous. If one lie was found out, he was sure to cook.
Renfield turned to the two men and asked, “When did Morgan join our crew?”
They both looked at each other, searching for the right answer.
Devin was hopeful their pause meant they didn’t know.
“Um, I can’t quite remember the specific date, maybe three or four months ago,” the large man replied.
“And I spoke to him two months ago when he was in Jacksonville. He had sent someone north to check on me and his mother. His letter told me to meet him in Jacksonville. I did, but he soon left. I haven’t seen him since.”
Renfield lo
oked at Devin carefully, examining every inch. “Mr. Chase, you came here looking for your brother, who is no longer with us, because you wanted to join him and our crew?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You two, step aside,” Renfield ordered the two men. He grabbed Devin by the shoulders and turned him around to face the crowd. “Men, I will leave this to you. Do we add Devin Chase to our crew?”
All around chatter began and seconds later a few men called out, “Yes!”
“Are there any dissenters?” Renfield asked.
Devin closed his eyes and prayed.
“I’ve got a question, Captain,” a man called out.
“And what’s that?” Renfield asked.
Devin’s heart sank.
“What’s he good at? We don’t need a loafer; we need men who can fight and pillage.”
“Well, Mr. Chase, what are you good at?” Renfield asked.
“I’m good with a rifle; I can hunt and kill with no problem!” Devin declared.
Renfield nodded and pushed Devin forward. “Welcome, Mr. Chase, to our crew!”
Like a weight had been lifted, Devin wanted to scream with joy. He was free from certain death, but exactly how was he going to get away from these animals?
The men roared their approval.
Renfield turned to his first mate, Silas Gardener, and ordered, “Bring the other prisoner out.”
Men opened the large shipping container next to the one Devin had been held in and pulled out a young man. From the looks of it, he couldn’t have been more than twenty-five.
“What’s he charged with, Silas?” Renfield asked his first mate.
“Sir, he’s charged with theft from his fellow mates, but more importantly, he disobeyed a direct order.”
Renfield smiled and loudly proclaimed, “And what order was that?”
“Captain, he refused to participate in the raid on Savannah.”
“So he stole from his mates, and then when those mates needed him, he refused to help. Please share what happened that tragic day.”
The crowd began to howl and jeer.
Renfield raised his arms and motioned for the men to calm down.
“Sir, we lost seven brave men that day. In fact, we almost lost the entire raiding party. If our brave Fitzpatrick hadn’t survived, we would never have known of this man’s cowardice,” Silas remarked.
The Death: The Complete Trilogy Page 48