Don't Look Back (Warders of Earth)

by S. E. GILCHRIST

  “You know they must never capture you.”

  “You’ll keep me safe. I trust you.” She gazed into my face and I thought my heart would explode in my chest, so painfully did it swell.

  I traced the line of her lips with a shaking finger. “Damnit, Tara.”

  She kissed my fingertip before saying, “We need to get our hands on some vaccines.”

  “No way,” I said in a strangled voice. “We have to get you to a safe place so we can make contact.”

  Her gaze locked onto mine and she placed her free hand on my cheek. The grim acceptance I read in her brown eyes sent a fresh shaft of heartache piercing through my body.

  I knew then there was nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her.

  “I don’t believe there is a safe place. And if I don’t make it, Dan will step into my shoes. I’m positive I saw boxes marked with a red cross at the camp. These guys would never leave something so valuable behind. They’d have it with them wherever their new base camp is located.”

  She took a deep breath. “Alex, there’s more.”

  And I braced myself.

  She linked with me and allowing me access to her thoughts.

  I stiffened, my blood turning to ice. That explained how Marnie had kept herself apart from everyone the past few hours. “Bloody hell!”

  “I think Marnie’s infected.” Obviously needing to spell it out anyway, she ran through everything her friend had told her thirty minutes ago and her belief the soldiers would have more than vaccines with them.

  I let her rattle on while I thought. When she stopped, I ran a hand through my hair. My lips flattened. “Your safety is paramount.”

  “He’s right and our orders are clear. You must complete your mission,” said my father, appearing beside us.

  How much had he heard? I knew my father. If he believed someone would jeopardise the mission, he’d have no hesitation in pulling the trigger and putting a bullet in their brain.

  If it came down to it, should I stop him?

  Could I stop him?

  I didn’t know but I prayed I’d never be put to the test.

  ***

  Tara

  Garroway pulled Alex away from me, saying “I’ve decided on the rendeavous point.”

  My hands curled involuntarily into fists while Alex and his father huddled over a map and muttered together. I thought of Marnie, the vaccines. What was I going to do?

  Marnie’s life, my mother’s, all these people here…I couldn’t allow them to die so horribly. And what about Alex? What if he needed the antidote?

  There, decision made. I had to take the risk.

  But would Alex help me? It was obvious a little subterfuge would be needed if I intended to escape from Garroway and his eagle eyes.

  I hurried off to help toss supplies into the trunk of the car then scooped Bartholomew off the ground. After giving him a big hug, I handed him to Mum.

  “Tara,” Mum hesitated before continuing. “You’re going after the vaccines.”

  No flies on my mum. “I have to Mum. I’ve got a good reason.”

  She juggled the cat in her arms, then gently pushed aside hair from my eyes. “I know.”

  Our gazes met and I knew she’d sussed something was up with Marnie.

  “Be safe,” choked out Mum.

  “I’ll try.” The tightness in my chest was like a band of steel so hard did it press into me. I blinked away tears.

  The garage door splintered.

  “Quick!” bellowed Garroway, grabbing me by the upper arm and hustling me toward the ute, He picked up his rifle off a crate as he passed. “Everyone into the cars. Alex. Do what you have to do.”

  Heart hammering, I shot frantic glances around at my friends and family.

  Things were happening too fast.

  How was I going to get away?

  Another horrendous smash. The front bay doors buckled under the onslaught. I spun around and saw Alex running for the bathroom, his boots slapping hard against the concrete.

  He flashed, Be careful. I’ll catch up with you. Try the courthouse.

  A little of my anxiety eased. Not only did he have my back, the sweet guy was going to help.

  Then Garroway practically threw me into the front passenger seat and slammed the door on me before taking shot-gun position in the back of the ute. Mum with the cat squirming inside the towel she’d wrapped him in, Dan and Mrs Tolini crammed into the back.

  I wrestled into my jacket and did up the zip with a snap.

  “Seat belts on,” ordered Shay in a quiet undertone.

  Clicks resounded as we obeyed.

  Then in silence we sat waiting.

  Our eyes were glued to the garage door.

  Slits of bright light glared through the cracks in the heavy timber planks. It was down to seconds.

  Would Alex make it in time to set off the grenade before the door collapsed?

  Another thud resounded through the workshop.

  The walls creaked and shook.

  In the backseat, someone pumped a shotgun readying it for firing. I swivelled around. My mother had wound down the side window and now rested the gun on the pane, her finger steady on the trigger. Dan, clutching the cat, gazed at me sadly.

  “Mum?” I said, gaping at her.

  “Get ready, Tara,” Mum said calmly and I knew she wasn’t talking about our forthcoming escape attempt from the garage. She intended to give me the chance I needed.

  Another slam against the door.

  Wood fragmented and a hole appeared.

  Garroway doused the oil lamps leaving the only source of light coming from outside. The soldiers must have several spotlights aimed at the building judging by the glare flooding inside.

  In the distance a massive explosion rent the air.

  Alex.

  Shouts erupted from the soldiers. Engines rumbled into life.

  “Here we go, people,” said Shay as he turned the ignition and rammed his foot down on the accelerator.

  The car leapt forward.

  We smashed through the already weakened garage door and roared across the carpark scattering soldiers in all directions as they leapt out of the way.

  From the backseat, my mother let loose with a volley of shots. The car cleared the spread of jeeps and Shay spun the wheel, turning left onto Wattletree Drive. Bullets pinged into the rear. Mrs Tolini produced a hand gun and, cursing in Italian, fired back through her open window at the soldier-filled jeeps chasing them.

  My gaze fixed on the road ahead; waiting. Stealthily, I released my seat belt, shrugging it off my shoulders. Wait for it. As the car sped toward the T-intersection ahead I reached for the door handle.

  This was my only chance.

  As I’d hoped, Shay braked for the sharp corner.

  The car slowed its rush.

  Turned.

  I opened the door. “Don’t follow me.”

  Shay sent a startled glance in my direction. Flung out a hand.

  My mother leaned forward and pressed her rifle muzzle against Shay’s head. “Let her go.”

  I leapt out.

  Curled into a tight ball I slammed onto the roadway and tumbled.

  Heaving to my feet, I ran across the footpath and jumped the fence. I crept along the fence-line, hiding in the shadows. My blood pumped furiously through my veins in unison with my pounding heart. My breathing was way too loud. A deaf man would hear me, if I didn’t calm down. Concentrating I focused on controlling my adrenaline rush and strained my senses as sounds of vehicles, shooting and furious men faded into the night.

  No one had stopped to give chase.

  A quick look around and I recognised my location. I jumped back over the front fence, crossed the road and began to circumnavigate my way toward where both Alex and I suspected the Mundos Novos Force had made their headquarters.

  ***

  Outside the seventy-year old courthouse built from convict bricks and surrounded by almost equally old elm trees, I crouched behin
d an overflowing skip bin. I breathed through my mouth, one hand pressed against my protesting stomach.

  The stench was unbelievable.

  The sight of nine trucks lining the street confirmed Alex’s guess. This had to be where the command unit was holed up. Somewhere inside, the vaccines and hopefully, the antidotes, should be stored.

  So far, so good. By clambering over residential fences, I’d managed to avoid being spotted. But how much longer my luck would hold, I had no idea.

  Now that I’d stopped moving, my skinned elbows and various bruises and cuts were making themselves known. The leather jacket my mother had given me had been a good idea. It had cushioned my fall from the car and limited the gravel rash to one side of my thighs where my jeans had ripped.

  I took another peek around the side of the skip.

  The moonlight revealed that apart from two guards standing on the front porch of the building, the road was empty of soldiers. At least what I could see. The shadows were fairly impenetrable beneath the old trees and around the far sides of the trucks. But I couldn’t hear the murmur of any voices either. In the distance came the crack of rifle fire.

  Where was Alex?

  Were the soldiers still chasing my family? Mum, Dan. Be safe.

  Paper rustled.

  My heart seized in my chest for a moment before skittering on.

  A little gecko scurried out from beneath the skip bin, paused, its tiny nose sniffing the air then skittered across the cracked pavement to disappear under a straggling grevillea bush.

  Straightening, I prepared to step forward only to have someone grab a fistful of my jacket and jerk me backwards. An arm locked me in place, while a hand stifled my sharp intake of breath.

  “Jeeze, Tara. Quiet or they’ll hear us,” whispered Alex close to my ear.

  My sudden terror settled and despite the situation, I couldn’t help leaning into his warmth and enjoying the feel of his hard, virile body pressing against me.

  “Okay?”

  I nodded and Alex slowly removed his hand from my mouth. Turning me around by the shoulders to face him, he bit out, “You could be jeopardising the safety of millions if you’re caught.”

  “I know but I’m not prepared for people I know to be written off as collateral damage.”

  Alex shifted and moonlight bathed his set face. “This won’t be easy.”

  “I know the risks, Alex. My family and friends are not going to catch this disease. I won’t lose them,” I said firmly and keeping my gaze glued to his. “Even if I manage to speak with the aliens what guarantees do we have they will cease the attack? None.”

  “I know it’s a leap of faith for you, me, all of us.”

  “It doesn’t mean I’m not going to try. But first I intend to make sure my family and my friends have the best possible chance for survival.”

  “I’ll go for the vaccines while you wait here.”

  I shook my head.

  “Shit.” He rasped a hand along his jaw, looking suddenly older. “Then we do this together. I’ll be able to keep an eye on you this way. But you have to promise to obey me without question. Is that a deal?”

  “Yes.” I touched his bottom lip with a trembling finger. “Alex, I abandoned my father. I did nothing to save him. I can’t and I won’t run when I may be able to help what’s left of my family. Do you understand? I don't want to put you in danger but I’m so glad you’re here with me.”

  “Where else where I be?” he muttered. Then rolling his shoulders he smiled, his teeth glinting palely in the moonlight. “Yeah, I get it. I didn’t want to leave our friends and your family behind with no insurance either. Come on, let’s do this. Marnie must be close to running out of time.”

  “Thank you.” I pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

  As if he couldn't help himself he kissed me back until breathless, I slid my lips from his. “What are we going to do? Another diversion?”

  “No. My guess there'll be limited guards here anyway and the security will be lax. I think these guys have underestimated us. They’re devoted to their cause but blind to the motivation of others. From the amount of weapon fire we can hear about the town, I figure they're busy clearing the streets of any infected. We'll go in the back. Follow me and keep your head down.”

  Turning around, he slipped past the skip bin and after a quick glance behind him to ensure I followed, Alex ran along the side of the building.

  As soon as he reached the back, he paused and took a moment to scan the paved courtyard that spread as far as the rear fence.

  “All clear,” he murmured over his shoulder.

  As silent as a ghost he slipped around the side of the building and trod toward a narrow porch. I was as close as his shadow.

  The first step Alex took onto the old timbers, had them creaking loudly. He froze but no shouts were heard from inside the building.

  Wouldn’t it be a stroke of luck if this place were empty? We could do with something going our way for a change.

  Alex tried the handle but it was locked. About to force the door with his shoulder, I squeezed his hand quickly. I whispered, “Wait. I think someone’s coming.”

  Alex grabbed my wrist and jumped off the porch, pulling me along behind him. We raced across the paved courtyard to press ourselves in the deepest shadows behind a garden shed. I half expected to feel the slam of a bullet in my back.

  Footsteps tramped along the side of the building, coming closer.

  My nerves taut, sickness churning in my belly, I longed for invisibility. Hey, that would have been a nifty trick to have, instead of an ability to talk the talk with aliens. Not daring to move in case I dislodged pebbles and betrayed our presence I plastered myself against the shed wall.

  Alex released my hand. His arm brushed against mine and I heard the infinitesimal slide of metal against leather as he gently eased his gun from its holster.

  Tramp.

  Tramp.

  Closer.

  My heart became thunderclaps in my ears. I waited.

  They were close, mere feet away. One complained about the food he’d been given that night. The footsteps stopped.

  I held my breath.

  With a rusty grind, the door to the shed rumbled open. The men grunted as if lifting something or moving something heavy. Then a dull thud as a box hit the ground.

  The door rattled shut. Footsteps and voices faded as the men disappeared down the driveway of the courthouse.

  “Stay here.” Alex edged past me and checked the soldiers had gone. “I’ve got a hunch.” His teeth gleamed as he grinned then strode quickly to the shed door.

  I tiptoed to his side, straining my eyes searching the darkness but as far as I could tell, we were alone in the courtyard. When I turned around, Alex had already begun to slide the door along its tracks. Inch by careful inch, excruciatingly slowly, the door slid open wide enough to enable one of us to enter.

  Alex flicked on a penlight he’d fished from his shirt pocket. Its thin beam swept over the interior revealing stacks of metal boxes of varying sizes.

  Bingo.

  “That’s them. The vaccines, I mean. At least, they look like the same boxes,” I squeaked excitedly, my fingers digging into Alex’s arm.

  “We have to make sure.” Alex handed over the torch. “Here, hold this please.”

  While I kept the light shining on the closest box, he used his knife to break the flimsy lock. Sweat beaded on my forehead. Any second now and those soldiers could come marching back and we’d be trapped inside the shed.

  “Got it.” Alex replaced his knife into its sheath and opened the lid.

  Inside were numerous tiny vials of a clear liquid. Taped to the inside of the lid were packets of syringes. The vials all had either a small green or red sticker.

  “This has to be it.”

  “If all these boxes contain the vaccines, there’d be enough to vaccinate an entire city. I’m going with green for vaccine and red for antidote,” I said.

  Ale
x snorted. “That’s a bit of leap.”

  “Not really. It says it here. And it mentions deadline when the antidote won’t work. Nine hours. We’ve got fifty minutes to get this to Marnie.” I waved the sheet of paper that had fallen from the case when Alex opened the lid.

  “Good one. You know, Tara, maybe that’s their plan. Hold a city to ransom and gain control of the populace by offering salvation from the virus.”

  “We have to take as many as we can carry.”

  “That’s not going to be very many. I have a better idea.” Alex hefted up the closest box and handed it to me. “Not too heavy?”

  “I can manage.” I beat back my gasp as the weight dragged at my arms.

  Alex indicated the door. “Go across the courtyard, along the side of the building and place the box behind the skip bin. I’ll be right behind you.”

  “Okay.” I stepped over the door track, checked the coast was clear and hurried back the way we’d come until I reached the bin where I lowered the box to the ground. Alex was right behind me. He placed two larger containers next to mine.

  “Now we do it all over again,” Alex said.

  Two super-fast trips later we had nine boxes and I felt as if my arms had been wrenched from their sockets.

  “Now what?” Rubbing my aching muscles, I looked up and down the dark street.

  “We wait.”

  “But Marnie…”

  “Don’t worry, Shay will be here soon.”

  Alex pulled me back against his chest and wrapped his arms around me. Sagging, I closed my eyes, nestling in, glad to be given a moment’s rest.

  I don’t understand.

  I’ve sent for him. He’ll park a block away and meet us here.

  But Mum, Dan, Mrs Tolini? They may get caught.

  Don’t worry. He’s left them somewhere safe. He hugged me closer and I snuggled into his warmth.

  A long ten minutes later, Alex stiffened and stared down the road to the left.

  He’s here.

  Then Shay stepped out of the shadows beside us. Without speaking he lifted two containers and set off into the night.

  I stared after him. He’s telepathic too. This is so cool.

  Yeah.

  Then I had a horrifying thought. Wonderful. Someone else that can look inside my mind.