Then There Was You

by Heather Thurmeier

  “You gave me strength, even when you weren’t there. I kept hearing your voice inside my head, yelling at me to fight. So I did.”

  “You did good, darlin’. You did so good.”

  Sara ate quietly for a while, and Dane sat with her, happy to be with her again. The urgency of the last few days faded as if the world outside the bookstore didn’t exist anymore—those terrible people who’d taken Sara where bad memories waiting to be forgotten, the virus nothing more than a cold. He didn’t care about the world out there as long as he could share this reality, in here with her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Sara couldn’t stop the disappointment from bubbling up in her chest. She’d been so happy to find Dane waiting for her she’d put her family out of her mind. But she’d had a chance to relax after her long journey to the bookstore, and she couldn’t help but wonder if it had been worth it since everyone else wasn’t here.

  Sure, there’d been some evidence of use, but it could’ve been anyone, and it could’ve been from days ago. They both knew how much could change in a couple of days. What if whoever had been here had left and been attacked? They could be out there somewhere, hurt, or worse. The unknown ate at her rational thought.

  Maybe she should face the facts. The odds of reuniting with her loved ones had long since disappeared. Dane had become her family. He had been since the cabin.

  “What should we do next?” Sara asked.

  He looked rough after being on the road for days. He’d been caring for her since the second he’d woken up to find her in the bookstore apartment, but by the layer of grime covering him head to toe, he needed a little care and attention, too. He needed to get cleaned up, into fresh clothes, and if the bags under his eyes were any indication of fatigue, he needed about a week’s worth of uninterrupted sleep.

  “You mean after I have my way with you in front of the fireplace?” Dane’s eyes twinkled in the firelight. How the man could have such a strong sex drive in times of crisis amazed her. Nonetheless, her body responded to his suggestion as warmth pooled low in her belly.

  “That’s not what I meant,” she said, scooting a few feet away from him, so she had some hope of conversation before he got in the mood. “I mean, what do we do next? Wait here for someone to show up again? Go back to the bunker? Make this our new home?”

  “All of those sound plausible to me, and I’ll do whatever it is you want to do. I’ve learned not to try and stop you when you get your heart set on something.”

  “Are you trying to placate me, so you get to the making out part faster?”

  “Is it working?”

  “No. We need a plan. I’m tired of winging it. I want to make a good decision for a change. One we both agree on.”

  After a long pause, Dane spoke. “I think we should wait here a few days, as long as it stays safe, and see if your family returns. I believe they were the ones here before since the bookshelves hiding this apartment were all in place when I arrived. Then, if no one comes, we gather as much as we can from here and head to the bunker. It’s a safer location. This time we’ll travel on foot through the woods, so we can go undetected.”

  Sara weighed the options. Walking for days through the woods sounded torturous to her sore feet. They could also go to the colony like Travis had offered. At least it was closer, and after experiencing a taste of what the colony could offer them, it might be nice to live with a community of people instead of by themselves in the isolated bunker.

  “After I got away,” she began. Dane’s jaw bulged when he clenched his teeth together, like he did every time he had to listen to something he didn’t want to hear. “Some nice people found me. They took me to this little camp they’d set up called the colony. They had shelter and some food and supplies. They gave me new clothes and shoes. They were nothing at all like the other people we’ve met. Travis, the doctor, he invited me back anytime to live there.”

  Dane’s eyes narrowed. “He did, huh? Awfully nice for a complete stranger. Did Travis’ wife think you should join the colony, too?”

  “I don’t think he’s married, but what does his marital status have to do with anything?”

  “A lot.” Dane stood and paced, more agitated than she’d ever seen him. “Did he offer you a puppy if you bring them all the supplies you have? Did you tell them where you were going? Did you even mention me when he offered you a place at his table?”

  She heard the real words, but his tone implied “in his bed.” Sara’s heart raced, her cheeks heated with anger and frustration. “What? They were nice people. I thought it might be a good option for us. Together. Of course, I mentioned you. I made it clear I had a boyfriend. Maybe past tense had been the right term to use, if you’re going to act like a jealous idiot.”

  “Just how nice was this Travis guy?”

  “Nice enough not to hit me, if that’s what you’re getting at!” All the stress and anger, all the pain and frustration of the last few weeks flew out of her. She’d never been so angry with him. “I can’t believe you would even go there for one fleeting second after everything we’ve been through together.”

  Dane turned on her. “What do you expect me to think? You’ve done nothing but insist on how important it is to stay away from people for the last month. Every discussion with you has been about laying low, hiding out in the bunker, keeping secrets. All of a sudden, some doctor asks you to join his little colony and you’re jumping at the chance?”

  “Maybe I was wrong about everything!” Sara couldn’t stop from yelling any more than she could stop her eyes from tearing up.

  “Maybe I was, too! Maybe I was wrong to follow you onto not one, but two wild goose chases to find your family.”

  Sara’s mouth dropped open for a second before she clamped it shut. She balled her hands into fists at her sides, trying to channel her anger into them. “I never said you had to come with me.”

  “You didn’t leave me any choice. I had to come to protect your ass, so I could make sure you lived long enough to find your family, if they’re even still around to be found. If I’d had any choice, I would have stayed in the cabin and defended my home instead of following you around like a guard dog and pack mule.”

  Sara opened her fists and slammed her palms into Dane’s chest, shoving him away from her as hard as she could. He stumbled a few steps, shock registering on his face before he found his footing and stormed up to her again.

  “A lot of good you did me. They were going to rape me! Three of them. I had to kill one and run. And where were you, huh? So don’t tell me I can’t save myself, because I can. I don’t need you.”

  Sara sucked in a breath when a tear beaded in the corner of Dane’s eye. He blinked a few times, and it vanished, making her wonder if she’d actually seen it or if it had been wishful thinking that he’d feel so deeply about what she’d been through.

  Her chest heaved, her lungs burned, as she tried to catch her breath. But the pain and anger coursing through her made it impossible. She wanted to run away. Away from Dane and the men in the woods. Away from the pain and disappointment of not finding her family again. Away from the virus stealing everything from her.

  Instead, she crumpled to the floor in front of the fireplace and wrapped her arms around her knees, rocking.

  The door to the apartment flew open, slamming into the wall. Sara startled and shrieked, clambering to her feet. Dane faced their intruder, his body positioned in front of Sara. The gesture made her feel a tiny bit less pissed off at him.

  “Get out of here. Stay away!” Dane challenged.

  “Who the hell are you?” the intruder asked.

  “Josh?” Sara stepped out from behind Dane. She didn’t believe her own ears, but her eyes couldn’t deceive her. By the door stood a man who looked as if he’d slept in a bush somewhere, twigs in his hair, grime smeared on his face and clothing, a frantic glint in his eyes.

  “Sara?” He rushed to her and hugged her so tight she thought her ribs might break. “I
don’t even believe it’s you.”

  Sara tried to blink away tears. “I could say the same, big brother.”

  “How did you get here? Where were you?” Josh stepped away enough to look at her before hugging her again.

  “I went to the bunker, but you guys never came.”

  “We tried. The roads were parking lots, and then a curfew was implemented. We couldn’t make it any farther.”

  “We?” Hope filled her voice. It was amazing enough to see Josh again, but the possibility of seeing the rest of her family overwhelmed her too much to think about. “Sue? Mom and Dad?”

  “We made it. All of us did. You were the only one missing.” Josh squeezed her shoulder before letting her go, his gaze shifting to Dane. His hand went to the gun at his hip.

  “Josh, this is Dane. Dane, this is my brother Josh.” Sara could tell neither man wanted to trust the other. “Dane took me in right after the virus hit. He taught me to fight and use weapons.”

  “And you brought him with you?” Josh stared at her with a mix of shock and anger. “You weren’t supposed to tell anyone about this place. No matter what.”

  “Well, I did. Get over it. He’s with me, so you’ll have to get used to him.” Her gaze shifted to Dane. Sure, they’d just torn a strip off each other, but he still loved her, didn’t he?

  Dane walked to stand beside her and placed his hand on her lower back, answering her silent question. “Nice to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He held out his hand.

  Josh eyed him for a moment but didn’t shake it. “Well, I’ve heard nothing about you, so you’ll forgive me when I’m rude and tell you to get the hell out.”

  “I’ll leave when Sara asks me to and not a second before.” Dane’s hand tightened on her waist, silently giving away his annoyance.

  “It doesn’t matter anyway.” Josh looked around the living room. “This place won’t be ours much longer.” He wandered into the kitchen and started stuffing food rations into a backpack.

  “What’re you talking about?” Sara followed him. Her nerves had been shot for so long, she didn’t think she could handle any more stress or bad news.

  “Pack up. Grab your shit. We have to go.” Josh motioned for the two of them to hurry up.

  “Dane, there should be a bag in the closet around the corner.” She opened her pack from the colony and shoved some food into it, then into Dane’s when he reappeared at her side with a bag in his hands. “Why are we packing up? What’s going on?”

  “The people in town are pissed. They figured out we were up here with supplies the whole time. Like it’s our fault they didn’t prepare. Anyways, we tried to throw them off the scent by spending a few days away, but then I got word they’d seen light inside again and are planning to attack. Tonight. We’ll be lucky if we get out of here before they raid the place.”

  “What else do we need to grab?” Dane asked, leaving the empty cabinet hanging open.

  Josh eyed him suspiciously.

  “He’s with me, and he’s another able body who can carry supplies. This way.”

  Sara brushed past Josh. She’d always known her family would have a problem with her telling Dane about their hideouts, but it annoyed her more than she’d expected. Why couldn’t her brother focus on the important stuff, like gathering their supplies and getting away, and leave the petty stuff behind?

  Walking into one of the bedrooms, she opened a small closet and slid out a long, narrow black case. She twisted the dials on the front, and a lock clicked open. Rows of handguns and boxes of ammo filled the interior.

  Banging sounded from the bottom floor of the house. Someone outside was making a solid effort to figure out how to get upstairs. It wouldn’t be long before they either found the lever or busted through the bookshelf.

  “Take as much as you can carry in your bag and your pockets. We won’t get to make a return trip.” Josh grabbed two guns and a few boxes of ammo himself before moving off into the other bedroom. Sara and Dane did the same then followed.

  In the second bedroom, they grabbed first aid supplies and medications from another locked storage case. By the time they finished, they each had packs and pockets filled to bursting.

  The banging on the bookshelf got louder, followed by the sounds of splintering wood and cheering.

  “We gotta get out of here,” Dane said, looking around for an exit.

  “This way.” Sara ducked behind a set of bunk beds. Together, she and Josh pulled up a trap door, revealing a ladder attached to the wall with enough space for them to climb down with their overfilled packs. Sara nudged Josh toward the opening in the floor. “You first, big brother.”

  He smirked and climbed onto the ladder, pausing before his head disappeared inside. “Don’t trust me with your boyfriend, huh?”

  “No, I don’t. Move it, or we’re all going to get caught.”

  “You’re next,” Dane said.

  “I am not. You’re next. I’m the only other person besides Josh who knows the way. You should be in the middle, so you don’t get left behind.” Not her strongest argument, but with every wasted second, the uneasiness in her stomach quadrupled.

  “Are you going to fight with me about this?” Dane shook his head, frowning in frustration. “You won’t be able to pull the door shut as easily as I will. The last thing we need is them finding our way out. Go, or it’ll be too late.”

  She hesitated before stepping toward the ladder as a noise—so thunderous it rattled the walls—roared through the house.

  “Go,” he yelled.

  The angry voices from the lower level grew clearer the closer they got. “Shit! I’m going!” She sprang into action.

  Already a moment too late, arms grabbed her shoulders from behind, pulling her off her feet. She yelped and struggled against them as the cold, raw fear of being taken away again flooded her system. She couldn’t let that happen. Fight, Sara, fight, ran through her mind and her eyes connected with Dane’s. He hadn’t shouted the words out loud this time but he didn’t need to. His expression said everything.

  Sara struggled hard against the tightening grip on her arms. Dane rushed forward in an unexpected burst of speed, and she welcomed his presence. She needed him, his strength, his conviction, his power to do what had to be done, no matter what the cost, if it meant saving the people he loved.

  Dane lunged when Sara dodged to the side. His fist connected with her assailant’s nose. Blood splattered and the man let out a pained screech and bones crunched.

  Sara dropped to the ground, hard, on her knees and scrambled out of the way.

  “The ladder, Sara,” Dane yelled, rousing her from her shocked stupor.

  She crawled to the trap door and swung her legs over the edge, catching the first rung. “I’m not leaving without you,” she said, turning to watch him fight.

  “I’ll be right behind you. Go!” Dane took a solid punch to the gut and rolled forward. Sara grabbed the side of the opening, ready to propel herself into the fight, but before she could, Dane sprang to his feet again, pummeling the guy. A moment later, only Dane remained standing.

  “Go. I’m coming,” Dane said, gasping and holding his stomach.

  Sara climbed down the rungs and into the darkness. She peered up at the light, making sure he followed her. A loud bang sounded from above her. Angry voices and shouting filled the air. She started up the ladder but stopped when Dane swung down.

  “Go!” He pulled the trap door closed behind him. Before it shut, he drew his weapon and fired twice, aiming high.

  Panic rose in Sara’s throat, momentarily suffocating her. Fear coursed through her at the possibility she’d have to watch Dane almost die again. What if, this time, the bad guys won?

  But he was already climbing down the ladder and would step on her hands in another rung or two. She didn’t wait around to find out whom he’d shot at. He’d said go, so she would listen. Below her, Josh called for them to hurry. A few seconds later, Sara stepped down onto the hard dir
t floor of the cellar and helped Josh pull a large chest away from the wall. Behind it, a secret tunnel led out of the room and into the nearby woods.

  “You guys are unbelievable.” Dane came up behind Sara, breathing hard from racing down the ladder. “You have any other mystery doors I should know about?”

  “Not here,” Sara said. “The bunker is a whole other house of mystery.”

  “Damn it,” Josh fumed. “You told him about the bunker? What the fuck, Sara?”

  “Now’s really not the time.” Dane glanced toward the ladder they’d escaped down. “I took out the first two who came into the room, but I’m pretty sure there were more behind them. If we’re getting out of here alive, we need to go.”

  This time Sara went first. When she passed Josh, she couldn’t resist. “I showed him where the bunker is. What are you going to do about it, big brother?”

  He grumbled an unrecognizable response as Dane followed Sara. Behind them, Josh struggled to pull the chest into place, hiding their exit.

  Darkness enclosed them and they started down the tunnel. Sara coughed on the dank, stale air. Panic threatened to overwhelm her. She wasn’t afraid of small spaces, but she didn’t enjoy this one. Who knew what could be down there with them—bugs, spiders, rodents? The image of a giant spider, lurking on the walls, sent a shiver up her spine, and she picked up the speed of her steps.

  After what felt like forever, with only the sounds of their breathing and footfalls keeping them company, she saw a tiny sliver of light ahead. A moment later, she reached a door and felt for the latch to let them out.

  “Halfway down on the left,” Josh said from somewhere behind her.

  She traced along the door until she came to the wall then skimmed her hands down the rough boards. At last, she found a cold metal latch and lifted it. The door swung open, and they stepped out into a section of woods. A veil of weeping willow branches from a huge tree helped to camouflage the exit. In the distance, she could barely make out the bookstore through the trees. They had to be almost a half-mile away.