“Night,” she murmured.
“Goodnight, Tess. It’s been a pleasure to have you as my assistant again.”
Erik left the lab with an extra bounce in his stride. Everything seemed to be sliding into place.
-Camp North, North Carolina-
We rolled up to a military camp with armed guards around the perimeter of a mammoth barricade, which had to be twice my height. The gates opened to allow us in.
Elaina grabbed my hand and squeezed. I leaned into her. “I love you.” She smiled and gripped harder.
The trucks came to a halt and the two sergeants hopped out to address us, a couple more soldiers gathering around.
“Welcome to Camp North. I hope your stay here is a pleasant one. I ask that no one leave the premises at any time. We have a mess hall, medical, and a place for you to rest your heads. It’s not paradise or a five-star hotel, but it’s guaranteed security. I ask you to please line up by family so we can make sleeping arrangements. We will start verifying your home addresses in the morning.”
“Can you show us where medical is.” I pointed at Elaina’s ample belly.
“How far?” he asked.
“Close to term.”
“I will show you as soon as we get everyone situated.”
“Thank you.”
We all clustered into our core family groups. I had my mum stand with us because I didn’t want her in a tent alone. Looking around, I saw an odd pairing. Chris and Mara whispered to one another, then stood together on their own, leaving her family gawking at them. We had been noticing them chumming it up at the school, but for her to part from her family was interesting. Seemed like a desperate move for both of them.
The soldiers directed us to the large non-private tents with rough-looking cots lined up along the sides. The look on Elaina’s face said it all.
“I think I would rather have the gym mat,” she whispered. “How am I going to sleep on that thing?”
“We’ll figure it out. You can have all our pillows and blankets to make it more comfortable. Besides, it’s only temporary. Hopefully, we’ll be out of here soon,” I said with a smile, doing my best to stay positive.
Down the row, I went to my mum and helped her settle in. “Are you good, Mum?” I asked as I arranged the blankets on her cot.
She smiled. “Yes, thank you.” She rested her hand on my cheek. “I just want to reiterate how proud I am of you. You have restored my faith in good men. I’m so proud to call you my son.”
I looked away bashfully. “Thanks, but that doesn’t change the fact of who my father is.”
“Don’t let that lead you. You are a good man.”
Not wanting to listen to another one of the undeserving compliments, I kissed her on the cheek. “If you need anything, let me know.”
We ended up in a tent with Gunther and Cora’s family, along with Josie and Jake. Everyone else was in the next tent. It was a little loud in there with the four kids. Josie and Jake slid two cots together, claiming a small space in the far corner. I chuckled as they strung a blanket around the corner for a little privacy. It was quite brilliant, though, because it made a great spot to do the draws and kick back for a moment while Gunther and I moved through our highs.
I made Elaina sit and relax while I finished getting us adjusted. Gunther walked past with Grey and settled on two cots away from Cora.
I raised a brow at Elaina and she shrugged. “I’ll talk to her later.”
“Daniels!” a soldier yelled from the door.
The cool, calculated sense began to take over my tainted rationality. At my side, Elaina’s fingers intertwined with mine, helping me shake off the feeling of the program invading my mind. I needed to keep tight for her, my unborn…and myself.
“Yeah?” I wasn’t about to say “Yes, sir”.
“Sergeant Cane requested medical for you?”
Elaina and I made our way to the door. “As you can see, my wife is very pregnant. We would just like to see where it is just in case we need to get there in a rush.”
“Yes, sir. Follow me.”
The irony never got old.
The soldier showed us what he felt were all the important stops for a pregnant woman: medical, the loo, and the mess. At the end, Elaina was in no shape to walk any further. Her feet had swelled up and she was exhausted. The soldier ended up borrowing a truck and drove us back to the tent. I thanked him for being empathetic to my wife’s needs.
After helping her into bed, I grabbed Gunther. I needed to talk to him about what was going on between Cora and himself.
He was holding a disposable nappy in his hands, turning it repeatedly. “How do these things work?” he asked as I approached.
“Clueless. Ask Cora. I’m sure she knows.”
“Not happening. The cloth ones are old habit now, but I’ve got to learn this on my own.”
“Well, I’m not an expert, but I would think the flappy things go in the back and wrap around the front.”
“Right.” He leaned over and fussed around until he had Grey put back together.
“Can I ask you something?” He glanced up at me. “Is there a reason there’s a space the size of Siberia between you and Cora?”
“I don’t want to get into it right now,” he muttered.
“Mate, what’s going on?”
“Just leave it.”
“I thought you two were getting along smashingly.”
“Not your concern.”
Gunther turned away from me and sat with Grey and a toy. It was probably a good idea for me to stop pressing him. I had a feeling he would get physical if I didn’t.
I headed back to my cot and dragged it closer to Elaina’s. She was already fast asleep on her side, one arm under her head and the other resting across her belly. She was so beautiful. Knowing that in just a short period of time we were going to meet our baby astounded me. I became emotional thinking about how far we had come. Life with her would never be quiet or uneventful, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
James helped Eden and Farren get their blankets situated. “This okay? Do you need anything else?”
The girls exchanged curious glances, trying to keep their mouths from falling wide open.
“Uhh… Yeah, I think that’s fine. Thank you,” Farren murmured.
“Good. Very good.” James clapped his hands, rubbing them together. “Okay. I’m going to go get settled in with Savannah.”
“Sure,” Eden said, looking away.
James headed over to Savannah, who was gawking at Jane.
“Mara, I do not approve.” She glared at Chris standing a few feet away. He tucked his hands in his jean pockets, not meeting anyone’s eyes.
Crossing her arms in front of her chest, Mara threw out a hefty eye roll. “Save it, Mother.”
“I don’t understand why you’re doing this.”
“Because I like him.”
Chris’ gazed lifted to Mara.
“So you’re just going to walk away from us? After all we’ve been through as a family?”
“Mom… Holy shit, I am just sleeping at the other end of the tent. It’s not like he’s sweeping me off to some remote location in Africa.”
Hesitant, Chris held up a finger. “Can I interject here for a moment?” Mara and her entire family turned and stared at him. “Okay. For starters, this is really awkward. Secondly, if you’re worried about her safety, I promise she’s in good hands.” Jane’s heated gaze burned through him. “Umm… I mean, she can stay here with you all. I was just thinking since… Well, never mind. I should just keep my mouth shut. I’ll see you all around.” He waved and walked away.
Jane glared Mara. Her voice raised to a volume possibly heard around the entire camp. “Are you having sex with him?!”
“Mother!” Mara yelled.
“Christ,” Eli mumbled, grabbing Maggie from Lauren and taking her to his cot to get her away from the explosion that was about to occur.
“Are you?” Jane asked.
“What if I am?”
As she turned away, Jane shook her head and muttered, “Hope you don’t get pregnant.”
Lauren pursed her lips, patting Mara on the shoulder. “Go be with him if that’s what you want. She’ll get over it. She’s just being over-protective.”
“Yeah.” Mara shook her head and walked down to where Chris was getting his cot ready.
He glanced up as she dropped on the one next to him. “That went well,” he muttered.
“Hmm…”
Kneeling in front of her, Chris tucked her hair behind her ears. “I didn’t think she would have that reaction.”
“It’s fine. The leash was always tight for me, being slack for Lauren.”
“Gotcha.” He stood and jammed his hand through his hair. “You need help getting spread out?” He shut his eyes, realizing what he had just said. Mara covered her mouth and giggled. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Sure you didn’t. But whatever way you meant it, I’ll take the offer.”
“You are such a perv.”
Mara huffed. “Like you have room to talk.”
“What are you talking about? You’ve taught me stuff.”
Mara snorted, stood, and began fixing up her cot.
The next morning, we woke to the sounds of generators running, the scent of food wafting into our tent. My stomach growled with an intensity I hadn’t felt in a while. My body had gotten used to our predicament, but the smell of food brought back the hunger I once knew.
Groaning, I sat up and rubbed my belly.
“Henry?” Elaina murmured, stirring under the blanket.
“Hmm?”
“Tell me I’m not dreaming,” she said in a sleepy haze. I smiled, reaching over to take her hand. “Is that breakfast I smell?”
“I do believe it is.”
“Well, I’m out of here then. I have to pee, then I’m going to do some serious eating for two.”
She sprung up and took off toward the tent door. I hadn’t seen her move that fast in a long while. I chuckled and walked to my mum.
“Well, I guess we’re going to clean up and have breakfast. Want to join us?”
“I’ll catch up, son. Go enjoy some time with Elaina before two becomes three.”
“Henry?! You coming or what?!” she called.
My mum and I laughed, then she took my hand. “Son, I wanted to talk to you about a few things.”
“I’m going to leave without you!” Elaina yelled.
“Another time, I guess,” Mum said. “Sounds like she means business.”
“Yeah. I better run before I get into trouble.”
Elaina and I popped out of the tent to see the kids running around, entertaining the soldiers wandering about.
“Good morning,” Sergeant Cane said as he approached.
I yawned. “Morning.”
“Sleep well?”
“Eh… About as good as we could, I suppose,” I said.
“Understood. Well, breakfast is about to be served, then we’ll be getting together by families to check out your previous residences before some of my boys make a run today.”
“Sounds good. Thank you.”
“Feel free to shower. Try to keep it to no more than five minutes or so. All supplies are available in the facilities.”
“No problem. Thanks.”
I turned to Elaina and took her hand. She had a smile on her face when I dropped her off at the women’s facility. Once she went inside, I headed to the men’s.
Standing under the weak spray, I groaned as the hot water hit my body, enjoying the heat on my achy muscles and joints. Small bars of soap and bottles of shampoo were on a shelf in the stall. I took a moment and lined everything up before I used what I needed. It felt bloody marvelous to be truly clean for a change.
Once finished, I wrapped the towel around my hips and padded to the sinks. The wavy mirror threw back an image I wasn’t very pleased with. My gaze shifted to my chest and my scarring. I needed to pull my mum aside at some point and talk to her about what she meant when she said she had gotten us into this mess.
I swallowed hard and pulled away from what would surely be a spiraling moment of darkness. However, seeing the resemblance to my father and all the scarring had me boiling. Everything Roger had done ruined me.
I gripped the edge of the sink, fighting the anger. Needing to get my emotions under control, I whispered at my reflection. “Deep breaths. Deep breaths.”
Finally able to pull my gaze away from the mirror, I glanced down at the sink where there were fresh toothbrushes and little tubes of toothpaste. I picked them up and marveled. “Holy shit,” I murmured to no one in particular.
“What’s that?” Jake asked, walking past me.
Startled, I wondered if he saw my moment of lack of composure. Clearing my throat, I said, “Check it out.” I picked up the new toothbrush and waved it at Jake.
“Now, that is epic. I’ve used the same one for ages with no toothpaste.”
“I feel you, mate.” As I started brushing, Jake stripped down and hopped in the shower. I chuckled when I heard him let out the same groan I had about the hot water.
Moments later, Gunther brought in Grey and Silas. “All right, Si. You do what you’ve got to do in the loo, then Mum said a quick shower.”
“Yes, sir,” Silas said, marching off.
I rinsed out my mouth and turned to Gunther. “How’s is going?” He shrugged and looked…simply not right. “What’s going on with you, mate?”
“Another time.”
When Silas returned, I watched him ready the two boys, chatting and being silly with Grey, enjoying caring for his family. I had true admiration for him. I never thought he could be so tender and loving with anyone, let alone children.
“You’re a really great father,” I murmured.
Gunther looked at me. “Huh?”
“You… I hope I can be as good a father as you.”
“Thanks,” he said, not knowing how to take my compliment.
I dressed, headed out of the showers, and waited for Elaina. She finally appeared, smelling just as I did—clean.
She pulled her long, wet hair back into a ponytail. “I’m starving. Baby wants food.”
“Both my babies will get food.” I leaned in and kissed her. “How was your shower?”
“Oh god, I almost orgasmed over the hot water.”
I barked out a laugh. “You always keep me on my toes.”
We followed the scent of food lingering in the air. I stepped in the door and saw small groups of people sitting sporadically in the tent.
“Other survivors,” I murmured, gawking at them as they did us.
I rested my palm on the small of Elaina’s back, guiding her forward. When we stepped in front of the food station, my mouth dropped open.
“What can I get for you, sir?” I was speechless, studying each selection. The soldier chuckled. “Been a while since you had a decent meal?”
“We had a garden and the occasional deer or bunny, but yes, a while since anything like this.”
“Well, the works then!” The soldier handed us each a tray fully loaded with everything: eggs, sausages, toast, fried potatoes, fruit. “Have a great day and enjoy your meal.”
“Thank you. Much appreciated. You, as well.”
We nodded at one another, then Elaina and I hurried off down the line to grab utensils. I stopped abruptly.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Is that coffee?” I pointed to the metal urn.
“It looks that way!” We filled cups, adding sugar and creamer. I took a sip immediately. It scalded my mouth, but I didn’t care. It tasted horrible, but it was coffee.
The rest of our community filed in group by group, all taking a deep breath, filling their sinuses with the glorious smell of hot food. I smiled at my mum as she sat down next to me with a tray of food almost as big as she was. I was so happy to see her like that after all she had been through.
Chapter 23
-East End of London-
Walking into the café, briefcase in hand, Erik locked eyes with Xander sitting in the far corner next to the window. Thankfully, it was busy, so their voices wouldn’t be much more than a murmur amongst the rest of the noise.
Erik sat in a chair across from Xander, who was already halfway through a pastry and coffee. The former private investigator turned “fixer”, who took pride in living on the outer fringes of the law, sipped his coffee. “About time you showed up, Carlson.”
Glancing down at his timepiece, he muttered, “I beg your pardon. I’m right on time. Eight AM on the button.” With a slight smirk lifting Erik’s narrow lips, he added, “I see the pastry is catching up with you.”
“Don’t be jealous of my stunning looks. Let’s get on with this. I’m a busy man.”
Erik leaned over and opened the case, pulling out the files. He dropped them in front of Xander and tapped on the tab. “You remember him? Luke Richards?” He lifted his brow.
“Bet your sweet ass I do.” Erik recoiled, making Xander chuckle. “You’re so uptight. I’m surprised there’s no bowtie choking off that pencil neck of yours.” He took another bite of his pastry.
“Anyway,” Erik continued, ignoring what he thought was Xander’s ill sense of humor. “Currently, he’s located in a military camp in North Carolina. I have reason to believe he’ll be making his way to New York soon.”
“Keep going…”
“Once his device signals he’s moving, I want you to go back to New York and track him down.”
“Any interaction?”
“No. I can’t take any chances of him noticing you’re tailing him. He’ll definitely remember you. Plus, he’s very dangerous.”
Xander snorted and stuffed the last bite of pastry in his mouth. He picked up the papers, leaving a smudge of cherry filling on the edge. “I can handle myself.”
Erik leaned toward him. “He is a trained killer. Supreme marksman. He could put a hole in your head with his eyes closed and his hands tied behind his back. Heed my warning, Xander. You know nothing of him. You’ve had very little interaction previously.”
Blind Faith (Shattered Lives, Book Four) Page 21