Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series

by Krista Street

  My gut had known that.

  I shouldn’t have ignored it.

  My voice broke when I said, “There have been a few incidences on the reservation from the sounds of it. A Kazzie, with strain 15, was shot down while she was flying.”

  “She was shot?” His words sounded as surprised as mine. “With a gun?”

  “I don’t know. Maybe it was a gun. Maybe it was a tranquilizing dart. I have no idea. But I need to find out what’s going on.”

  “I’ll find a flight if you want to pack.”

  My eyes sought his in the dark cab. “Are you serious about coming with me?”

  He made an attempt at a smile, but it fell flat. “My job was to help you for the next month. So in a way, I’m still doing my job. It’s simply in a new location.”

  A sense of relief filled me. It felt good to know someone would be at my side. “Thank you.”

  5 – BACK TO SIOUX FALLS

  Ian found flights for us, but we couldn’t leave until the morning. We had no choice. There were no planes arriving in Seattle until then.

  I spent most of the night pacing. My feet moved steadily back and forth across my room, like a windup toy that wouldn’t stop marching.

  Stupid, stupid, stupid. It was so stupid that I trusted Dr. Roberts to keep his word. And to think I broke my telepathic link with Sara for our deal!

  The most frustrating part was that I couldn’t re-establish that link unless I was in close proximity to her. A feat that was impossible.

  I berated myself internally until I fell into a fitful sleep. Nightmares plagued me. Horrifying scenes of my friends being held down, mercilessly cut into, while Dr. Roberts watched with a smile on his face. In one of the dreams, Dr. Roberts shoved his hand into Davin’s chest, right through his skin before he ripped out his still-beating heart. With a grin, he held up the bloody, pulsing organ for me to see.

  A scream tore from my throat.

  “Meghan!”

  Davin! Davin! I screamed his name again and again. But I was too late. His body lay still. Lifeless. His beautiful dark hair fell into open, unseeing eyes. I’m too late!

  “Meghan! Wake up!” A voice permeated the dream, but I kept fighting to get to Davin. Maybe it’s not too late! Maybe, somehow, someway, I can bring him back! But then Dr. Roberts advanced on me, that evil grin still stretched across his face.

  I thrashed at him.

  “Whoa! For god sakes, Meghan, wake up!”

  A real shove permeated the dream. I physically moved. “Meghan, wake up!” Harper’s voice finally cut through my dream-ridden state. Gasping, I bolted upright and turned wild eyes on her.

  She crouched at my bedside.

  “You were screaming.” Her worried eyes met mine as dawn light seeped around the curtains. Long blond hair tumbled down her back. She looked like a younger version of Cate. “Are you okay?”

  Ragged breaths filled the room. It took a moment before I realized they were my breaths. Snarls tangled around my hands when I pushed my hair back. It was damp with sweat. I blinked a few times. Images of Davin and my dead friends still swirled in my mind. I shuddered.

  “Meghan? Are you all right?”

  “Yeah.” I gasped. “I’m fine.” My chest continued to rise and fall heavily. Just breathe. Inhale, one… two… three… I closed my eyes until my racing heart calmed.

  Harper’s voice turned gentle. “Do you want me to make some coffee?”

  “Yes, please.” I swung my legs over the side of the bed. My t-shirt clung to me, damp with perspiration. I peeled it from my chest as Harper pushed to standing.

  “Good thing the coffee crops in California were productive this year. I think mom and I go through half of the Distribution Center’s supply every week.”

  I tried to smile at her meager joke. I could tell from her wary expression and tense lips that she was worried about me.

  Pushing more snarls from my face, I forced a smile. “I’m sorry I woke you.”

  She shrugged. “It’s okay, really. A few blood-curdling screams during the night are to be expected from time to time.”

  I grimaced. “Sorry.”

  Her joking demeanor vanished. “It’s fine, really. How about I go make that coffee now?”

  “Yeah, thank you.” I rubbed my face as I became more awake.

  Harper left and I finally stood. A flash from my cell phone on the bedside table caught my attention. Someone had left me a voicemail during the night.

  I put it on speaker while moving unsteadily to the bathroom.

  Cate’s voice filled the small space when I closed the door. “Meghan, I just got your message.” She sighed heavily. “I can’t believe that bastard is at it again. I’m catching the next flight to South Dakota. Ian’s already told me he’s joining you. I’ll arrive there as fast as I can.”

  The message ended.

  I sagged in relief against the bathroom wall. Cate would still be at my side despite us being on opposite coasts. She wielded more political power than me, so if we had any chance of stopping what was happening on the reservation, the driving force would come from Cate.

  My hands shook when I reached into the tub to turn on the shower. It felt like my nightmares had followed me upon waking, their ugly and vile images cloaking my skin in attempts to pull me under. I had to actively block horrific thoughts of what was happening to Davin and my friends.

  When I finally stepped under the hot water, I savored the steamy shower as it washed away the sticky film that coated my skin.

  I finished showering and hurried to dress. It was already six in the morning, and the lone flight leaving Seattle this morning was due to takeoff at eight.

  Scents of coffee soon permeated the house. I grabbed a cup in the kitchen as Harper whipped up a batch of oatmeal. Fuzzy slippers covered her feet, and she wore a pink bathrobe that looked as old as her.

  Slopping oatmeal into a bowl, she pushed it my way. “Better eat before you leave. Who knows when you’ll eat next.”

  She had a point. They didn’t have food on the planes or in the airports. And once we reached Omaha, there would be nothing unless we found a restaurant along the way.

  “Maybe I should pack sandwiches?” I spooned a bite of warm cereal into my mouth before grabbing the bread.

  Harper stopped me. “I’ll make them for you. I’d hate for you to poison Ian.” She winked.

  Her relaxed manner and wry joke eased some of the tension in my shoulders.

  Sitting on the table, I finished the oatmeal while watching Cate’s daughter. It was funny, even though Harper and I weren’t related, she was starting to feel like a little sister. An obnoxious little sister at times, but for the most part, she was endearing.

  Ian arrived twenty minutes later. He appeared freshly showered and wore a parka over his sweater. He fumbled with the jacket in the entryway. “I hear it’s colder in South Dakota. I pulled this out of storage.”

  I nodded. “Good thinking. You’ll definitely need it.”

  IT WAS TWO in the afternoon by the time we landed in Omaha. I called to check in with Sharon. She was still in the Mobridge area, and despite trying to be admitted three more times into the reservation, she’d been denied. Anger and frustration strummed in her voice. Her ever-increasing worry felt like a storm that was about to be unleashed. Electric and deadly.

  “Just hold tight,” I told her before we hung up. “We’re on our way.”

  Ian and I hurried down the dark airport terminals to the exit. The other passengers quickly fell behind us.

  It was strange traveling with Ian. At times, I felt incredibly self-conscious and unsure at his side. It was intimate to travel with another, regardless of this being a work related excursion.

  I’d already learned that Ian preferred driving versus being a passenger. He’d been tense during the flight and made a comment about not liking it since he wasn’t in control of the plane.

  I’d also learned that he responded well to stressful situations. An older pa
ssenger at SeaTac’s check-in began yelling when he was told his bag needed to be searched. The gentleman seemed a bit confused, so Ian calmly stepped forward and distracted the man as the flustered flight attendant quickly searched his bag. That done, Ian offered to carry the older gentleman’s bag which he gladly accepted.

  And right now, as we strode to my car, my bag jostled against Ian’s hip. He insisted on carrying it, which taught me something else about him that I’d been suspecting all week.

  Ian liked taking care of people.

  Whether that be me, the older gentleman at the airport, Cate and her crazy schedule, or the flustered flight attendant who needed a helping hand – Ian always seemed ready to jump in and offer his services. That personality no doubt suited his position at Compounds 10 and 11 since serving others was essentially what he did. It would also explain why he was so attentive and thoughtful. Those interpersonal skills made him exceptional at his job.

  “Where to from here?” Ian asked when we reached my car. He brushed the snow off the windshield.

  I could tell that he didn’t want to be the passenger, but I wasn’t about to give up my independence. I opened the door to the driver’s seat. “We’ll need to stop in Sioux Falls to buy groceries. I also need a few supplies from my apartment, and I’d like to talk to my lab group before we drive to the reservation. They may be able to help.”

  Slipping inside, we slammed our doors.

  “Do you really intend on driving to the reservation tonight?” Ian asked while buckling his seatbelt.

  I started the motor and looked at him with a confused expression.

  “It’s getting close to evening, and we’re eight hours away. I’m wondering about the logistics. Where would we spend the night?”

  I started my car and drove out of the parking lot. “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “We could stay in Sioux Falls tonight and drive up first thing in the morning.”

  A light dusting of snow blew off my hood as I picked up speed. I switched on the wiper blades to get rid of the rest. “But my friends could be being abused right now. I can’t put that off.”

  Ian’s gaze softened. “And arriving at midnight demanding admittance isn’t the best plan either. Besides, I’m guessing there aren’t hotels up there. Where would we sleep?”

  I sighed heavily. It was probably good that Ian had accompanied me. I hadn’t considered any of this. Instead, I’d been hell-bent on reaching the reservation and putting a stop to whatever Dr. Roberts was doing. Logic be damned.

  “Okay, you have a point. We’ll drive up first thing tomorrow.”

  I CALLED SHARON to tell her our new plans. She understood, but I could tell she was anxious for me to arrive. I then called Amy as soon as we reached Sioux Falls. She, Mitch, and Charlie had just arrived at Sean’s Pub.

  “What are you doing in town?” she asked.

  “I’ll explain when I get there.” An idea had formed in my mind during the drive. To make it work, I’d need my co-workers help.

  “Mind if we make a stop?” I asked Ian after Amy and I hung up.

  He shrugged. “Fine by me.”

  I drove straight to the pub. Since it was only five, it was relatively quiet, but that would soon change. Sean’s was very popular. Each time I ventured to it, it took longer and longer to secure a table. Word was definitely out about how good the beer and cheap the food was.

  “Meghan!” Amy waved at me from a corner table when Ian and I walked in. Irish folk music floated through the air.

  I nodded at her so she’d know I’d seen them. “This way.” I led him out of the foyer.

  The floorboards creaked underfoot. Sean’s Pub was really an old historic home in Sioux Falls that the owner, Sean, had transformed into a bar and restaurant. It had faded wallpaper, plastered ceilings, and plenty of Irish decorations. A large mahogany bar ran the length of the room. Dozens of tables and chairs were scattered about, while a few chairs and couches circled the fireplace.

  Crackling sounds came from the hearth, and dry warmth from the roaring fire filled the room while the Irish songs continued in the background. It was such a familiar and pleasant feeling. If I hadn’t been so concerned about my friends, I would have sat down, relaxed, and enjoyed it.

  Mitch’s gaze went from me to Ian when we approached. I could tell he didn’t know if Ian was with me or another patron looking for a seat. Either way, his brow furrowed.

  I shuffled my feet uncertainly. It was the first time I’d seen Mitch since I’d rejected him.

  “Um… this is Ian Gallager.” I made the introductions and then stuffed my hands in my jacket as Ian and I stood beside their table. “He works with Dr. Hutchinson in Washington.”

  Charlie raised an eyebrow. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Washington?” Charlie’s small Asian build looked positively petite beside Mitch’s hulk. “Did something go wrong? It must have, if you’re back here already.” Charlie leaned forward and whispered, “Did you get fired?”

  I rolled my eyes. “No, and in all seriousness, something’s actually very wrong.” I nodded at Ian. “Ian’s going to accompany me to the reservation, and I’m hoping you all will too.”

  “Reservation 1?” Mitch cocked his head. “You’re going back up there?”

  “Yes, first thing tomorrow.” I eyed Amy. “Did you process those blood samples?”

  “Yeah.” She twirled her long, red curls in her ponytail. “They all came back clean. No drugs.”

  I sighed heavily and did my best to stomp down the anger that started to rise in me at how easily Dr. Roberts had duped me. “He may not be drugging them, but he’s doing other things.”

  Charlie leaned forward and put his forearms on the table. “Meg… what the heck are you talking about? Drugging them?”

  “I’m sorry.” I shook my head as I put a lid on my emotional kettle that wanted to explode. “It’s about the Kazzies. Dr. Roberts is abusing them again.”

  “You’re kidding me.” Mitch frowned. “Is this a joke?”

  “I wish it were.”

  Mitch growled. “That son-of-a-bitch.”

  Amy’s green eyes glittered. “What’s he done this time?”

  I told them how they’d refused to admit Sharon to the reservation or let her contact Davin. I then told them about the teenager who’d been secretly videoing things happening on the rez.

  “Wait… they shot a Kazzie?” Amy’s eyes grew wide “Are you serious?”

  “That’s what Sharon said. That they actually shot her with something that made her fall from the sky.”

  Charlie’s dark eyebrows drew together. “So if she was flying, she’s infected with strain 15.”

  Mitch nodded. “I think there’s only around twenty Kazzies with that strain.”

  I remembered one of them. She’d been admitted to Reservation 1 at the same time Davin and my friends had been. She’d been a tall woman with downcast eyes and a fearful demeanor. I could only imagine how much Dr. Roberts loved her fear. He was a sadist to his core.

  “So what are we going to do?” Mitch’s gaze swung from mine to Ian’s.

  I was glad that things weren’t awkward between Mitch and me. I could only hope he’d put the past behind us. “Ian and I are driving there tomorrow morning. I told Sharon to stay put and not lose that kid who has the videos. And I’m hoping you’ll all join us.”

  Amy’s eyebrows rose as she pulled an empty chair out. “Seriously, you should both sit. We obviously have a lot to talk about.”

  I gave Ian a questioning look.

  He nodded. “We might as well eat supper while we’re here.”

  Ian had a point. My grumbling stomach also agreed, but while food was not high on my priority list, Ian was right. We needed to eat. The sandwiches Harper had made for us had disappeared hours ago. We couldn’t run forever on adrenaline.

  I took the chair beside Amy while Ian sat next to Mitch. Before I could launch into my plan, the waitress approached. She handed each of us menus. “Wel
l, it looks like you two are staying. Would either of you like anything to drink?”

  “A beer for me.” I handed her back the menu. My favorite item was available.

  “Same here.” Ian glanced down at the selections.

  “Do you both need a minute?”

  “I’m ready.” Ian handed her back the menu before he asked me, “If you are?”

  I nodded. “Irish stew and a salad for me. Whatever dressing you have available is fine.”

  The waitress jotted down my order on her pad. “And for you?” She eyed Ian.

  “The pasta and bread.”

  Mitch raised his eyebrows after the waitress left. “A pasta man? I would have pegged you for a meat and potato guy.”

  Ian chuckled. “Because of my slim figure?”

  Mitch’s bark of laughter followed.

  Ian’s forearms rested on the table. Mitch’s did the same. In a way, it was comical to watch the two men crammed into seats beside each other. Both had large builds.

  “Okay, so what the heck is going on?” Amy leaned forward. “You’re returning to Reservation 1, and you want us to go with you?”

  Ian and Mitch’s expressions sobered. Charlie continued sitting quietly.

  “We’re going to try to get in.” I turned my attention to Amy. The fire crackled behind us. I slipped my jacket off and put it on my chair back. “And that’s where you all come in. I’m hoping if we all go up, they’ll have a harder time keeping us out.”

  Charlie stroked his chin. “Power in numbers. Yes, I like it.”

  “That was my thinking too.”

  The waitress returned and placed beers in front of me and Ian. I took a sip of mine. Cool, frothy beer flooded my taste buds.

  “Okay, so if we all join you, we’ll go to the gates and demand to be let in. Is that the plan?” Amy hooked her elbow over the back of her chair so she could turn toward me. “How many nights are we staying?”

  “And don’t we need this okayed from Dr. Miller?” Charlie asked.

  Dr. Miller was the new head of research at Compound 26. He’d taken Dr. Roberts position after our former boss left.

  I sighed. “Yeah, you’re right. You’ll all need the week off.”