IT WAS EARLY morning a week later when I grabbed my purse and ran a brush through my hair. Nerves made my fingers shake. The day had come. The Kazzies would be free.
I typed in a quick text to Davin to let him know I was leaving to drive up to the rez. Texting was new to him. He’d only been given a cell phone in the past few days, but his reply was immediate.
Drive safe. See you soon. x
That “x” made me grin. I left my apartment and jogged down the steps. Pushing open the door to leave my apartment building, I stopped short when a microphone was thrust into my face. The reporter must have been hiding behind the door. I hadn’t seen him waiting there.
Unfortunately, ANN reporters had discovered where I lived. They’d parked themselves outside of my apartment building after the vote and seemed intent on staying. It had been an incredibly stressful week as I returned to my job at the Compound.
“Dr. Forester? Are you driving to the reservation? The gates are opening this afternoon. Are you planning to attend?”
My age-old anxiety kicked in. Reporters had been asking me similar questions all week.
Mumbling, “No comment,” I pushed past him and raced to my car.
Once inside, I wasted no time escaping the parking lot. Reporters banged on my windows and followed on foot until I was driving too fast for them to keep up.
Checking my rearview mirror, I let out a sigh of relief when they didn’t follow. Although, I knew they’d be waiting for me to return. Tightening my hands on the steering wheel, I stomped on the pedal. Within minutes, I merged onto the interstate.
I could only hope that the coverage and animosity over the new law would eventually die down. Everything was still so new. People were still getting used to the idea of the Kazzies integrating into society. But there were only twelve-hundred of them. Most cities and communities would never see a Kazzie. I could only hope those Kazzies that looked physically different wouldn’t be harassed. I knew their road ahead wouldn’t be easy. It never was for people who were different.
I rested my elbow against the window and leaned my head into my hand. The landscape flew past. Unfortunately, one thing I’d learned during my political tours was that facts meant nothing when fear was involved. I could spew data till my face turned blue. It wouldn’t do a damned thing if a person was convinced their life was at stake.
As the miles passed, I straightened more in my seat. Dozens of vehicles were on the road.
As we all took the same exits and highways, it soon became apparent we were all driving to the reservation. I actually hit a roadblock outside Vivian. Police officers were directing traffic. I’d never seen so many people in such a remote area before.
Opening my window, I pulled over to speak with the officer. “What’s going on?”
“The reservation’s opening today. Haven’t you heard?” His eyes widened when he saw me. “Dr. Forester! Oh… excuse me.” He waved another car around. “You obviously know the reservation’s opening.”
“Are they expecting protests? Violence?”
His radio crackled on his shoulder. He muted it. “Of course they are. Let’s just hope it’s not too bad. Stay safe up there.”
I nodded and merged back into the traffic, but as the reservation grew closer, anxiety twisted my stomach into knots. It was naïve to wish for the Kazzies to have a peaceful resurgence into society. I could only hope that nobody did anything stupid.
Once I reached Mobridge, it was nearly impossible to get through. I was supposed to meet Sharon outside of the gates. I wondered if she was having as many problems as I was navigating the streets.
The road leading across the bridge was completely congested with traffic. I ended up parking my car across from the bridge. Police officers on the other side were setting up roadblocks and waving everyone around. It would probably take hours to get the vehicles sorted out.
Stepping out of my car, I winced when fiercely cold winter wind hit me. Despite the low temperature and snow flurries, nobody had been deterred.
Stuffing a hat on my head, I wrapped my arms around myself and locked my car. Picking up a jog, I made sure my scarf covered my face. The last thing I needed were people recognizing me.
Sara scratched on our mental door as I ran along the streets in between cars and gawkers. I opened up to her readily. Behind my scarf, I smiled. Are you ready to join the rest of the world?
She groaned. I really hope it’s that easy. A lot of us are freaking out. We can see the crowds that have formed outside.
Don’t worry, the MRRA and State Police will keep you safe. They’re setting up roadblocks now. Just whatever you do, don’t engage with anybody if they’re angry. Trust me, I learned that the hard way.
They told us they’d bus us out, but some have opted not to. Their families are picking them up.
I reached the bridge and ducked around a couple that was taking pictures. What are you doing? I asked her.
We won’t be bussing. We’re going with Davin to Rapid City, you know, since…
My throat tightened, making it harder to breathe as I jogged. Since you don’t have a family to go home to?
Her sadness strummed through our bond. Exactly. Are you here yet? It felt like she was pacing.
Yes, I’m just crossing the bridge now. I’m on foot.
What? Why are you on foot?
Too many people. Too many cars. I couldn’t get through. I parked in Mobridge and am almost to the roadblock.
Please hurry. They’re opening the gates in twenty minutes. I want you there.
I won’t miss it. Promise.
We shut down our connection, and I ran the rest of the way to the roadblock. Dozens of people lined it. Most of them nervously chatted. More than a few were taking pictures. One group even had matching hats with pictures of aliens on them. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know what their group was.
Large banners waved in the air around some groups. I was pleased that just as many banners were from Kazzie supporters as from Kazzie haters.
It quickly became apparent which side was which. The protestors were the loudest and kept yelling obscenities at the supporters. It made my stomach roll.
Swallowing down the anxiety that strummed through me, I pushed through the crowds as I tried to reach the front. I was elbowed, stepped on, and shoved.
Nervous energy radiated through my limbs like electric waves. Forcing myself to keep going, I ducked around people until I reached the front. This close to the gate I could see better. They had the family members corralled off to the right by the gates.
Sharon was one of them. She kept looking around. I knew she was searching for me.
Police officers lined the blockade. I grabbed one’s arm.
He ripped his arm back and scowled. “Touch me again and you’ll be arrested!”
I pulled my scarf down, and his eyes widened.
“Will you let me in?”
He nudged his fellow officers. As they hurried to move the blockade for me, people began to notice.
“Is that…”
“Yeah, I think it is!”
“Meghan! Meghan Forester!”
I slipped around the roadblock just as someone in the crowd reached for me. My hair got snarled in someone’s hand which yanked my head back. The police officer yelled something.
A few harrowing seconds later, I was on the other side. I straightened my jacket and smoothed my hair as the officer pulled me up the hill toward the gates.
“Are you crazy? What were you thinking coming here alone?” He glared at me.
“I didn’t know it would be like this. I didn’t think to–”
“Severson!” The police officer yelled over my head. “Get her up to the gates and away from these crowds!”
A different officer appeared. He was younger and didn’t hold as commanding of a presence. “Follow me.”
Snow flurries drifted through the air as we hiked up the hill. Sharon spotted me and grinned before waving.
I raised
my hand so she’d know I’d seen her. “Have they been here long?” I asked the officer. The crowds’ yells carried in the wind behind us.
“Them?” He nodded behind his shoulder at the unruly crowd. “Yeah, some arrived yesterday and spent the night out here. Crazy nutters. It was below freezing last night.”
We didn’t say anything else as he led me up the hill. When we reached the gates, the MRRA soldier gave me a stiff nod. His hands gripped his assault rifle tightly.
“You’ll need to stay with the families. It’s not safe for you down there.” The police officer waved at the crowds.
His stern order was in complete contradiction to his age. He couldn’t be any older than me. However, I nodded as he hurried back to be with the other officers.
Sharon hugged me tightly when I reached her side. Her familiar scent of soap and lavender wafted to my nose.
“Sorry it took me so long to get here.”
She pulled back and waved my words away. “It’s fine. Don’t worry. I’m just so glad you made it. I had no idea the crowds would be this bad.”
“When do the gates open?” Other family members bumped into me. Nervous energy strummed in the air.
“Two minutes.”
Her reply made my heart race.
Sharon and I stood with our arms wrapped around each other. Everyone huddled together since it was so cold.
We didn’t have to wait long. Rumbles grew in the distance. Vehicles from within the reservation appeared on the crest of the hill.
At least twenty buses drove from town. The crowd went wild. Some cheered, some booed, some yelled obscenities, and some began to cry.
All of the family members tensed. Through the chain-link fence, we had the best view.
“How will they get through the roadblock?” I asked a soldier. I had to yell at him over the crowd. Sharon continued to grip my hand.
“We’ll move the blocks when the gates open.”
“But how will you contain the crowds?” A bitter wind blew across my face. I barely felt it. All I could think about was what was to come.
“We’ll contain them.” He didn’t elaborate.
The buses grew closer so I tapped into my connection with Sara.
I’m outside of the gate.
I’ll look for you. We’re on the last bus. All of the buses ahead of us will drive to out of state locations. Those of us that are staying in state are on the last bus. They’ll drop us off outside of the gates to be with our families.
Her sadness oozed through our bond. She and Sophie no longer had a family. They only had each other.
I’ll see you soon. The first bus is coming now.
We shut down our connection as the bus approached the gate. All at once, the soldiers and policemen kicked into action. It was like watching a coordinated dance. They all moved together and as one.
I felt a little better watching them. It was obvious they had rehearsed exactly what they were going to do.
The officers at the bridge pushed the roadblocks to the side, effectively herding the crowd out of the way. Just at that moment, the gate to the reservation opened, and the first bus barreled through. It didn’t slow down. It kept its pace of at least thirty miles an hour as it flew out of the reservation.
It was amazing to watch, like the Red Sea parted as bus after bus flew through the gates. I grinned. The crowd kept yelling and calling things. It didn’t stop the buses.
It was only when the last bus approached that it slowed. When it reached us just outside of the gates, it stopped.
A hiss of the brakes followed and the door opened. The crowd continued to yell.
Other family members, along with Sharon and me, stepped forward. We all rushed to greet them, crowding around the door. Tears poured down the faces of mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers. There weren’t many people greeting the Kazzies. I guessed that most had died in the First or Second Wave. Still, it was heartwarming to see.
When the first Kazzie emerged, someone pulled him into a hug. I guessed it was a sister or cousin. They appeared to be around the same age. Since the Kazzie appeared normal-looking, I knew he had one of the strains that didn’t outwardly Change him. He and the young woman stepped to the side, still hugging. The next Kazzie stepped out.
I held my breath as I waited for Davin.
When he finally stepped to the front of the bus, his legs appeared first as he walked down the stairs. My gaze traveled up his tall, strong frame as my heart caught in my throat.
This is it. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for ever since I met him. He’s finally free!
Bright blue eyes met mine when he hopped onto the ground. Despite the cold weather, he only wore a sweater and jeans. Sharon rushed forward and grabbed him in a hug. He lifted her off the ground and hugged her back fiercely. I clutched the scarf around my neck. Tears formed in my eyes and threatened to spill onto my cheeks.
When Davin let Sharon go, his gaze found mine. A deep swimming emotion swam in his irises. In a husky voice he said, “You did it. You got us out. You really did it.”
I wrapped my arms around him just as he pulled me into a hug.
The tears fell then. I couldn’t hold them back. They streamed down my face in icy rivers. I closed my eyes tightly shut as his hard chest pressed against mine.
Everything I’d been working for, everything I’d ever dreamed of, was right here in my arms.
He was finally holding me, and he was finally free.
It felt like minutes before he set me down. When he did, the twins rushed forward. I hugged both of them as all three of us laughed and cried.
I knew the crowds were still cheering or booing, but I didn’t hear them. Everything I cared about in this world was right in front of me. My best friends, a woman who felt more like a mother to me than mine ever had, and the only man I’d ever loved.
My entire world stood right here.
Several guards stepped forward. “We need to get you to your vehicles. This crowd is getting too unruly.”
I pushed a tendril of hair out of my gaze. The wind was picking up, and the snow was falling harder. All I could manage was a tight nod. “Sure, we’ll follow you.”
Sharon held on to Davin’s arm, while the twins flanked my sides. It was then I saw the bandages around their wrists. The tracking devices. They must have removed them.
We followed the policeman and MRRA soldiers to a Jeep. I tried to ignore the crowds. At least nothing was thrown at us. The five of us climbed into the vehicle. It was a tight squeeze to fit all of us in. I crammed in the middle next to Davin and Sharon.
“Will you take us to our vehicles across the river?” I clicked my seatbelt on.
The soldier in front nodded at me in the rearview mirror. “Yes, ma’am.”
It took forever to travel across the bridge. The jeeps carrying other Kazzies and family members split up once we reached Mobridge. At least the crowds weren’t as bad over here. Most of the crowd was still across the river by the gates. Even those who had run after us hadn’t been able to keep up.
“You have a short window to get out.” The soldier skidded to a stop beside my vehicle. “I suggest you start driving immediately.”
I opened my door and turned to my friends. “Should I follow you to Rapid? If I miss work tomorrow, I’m sure Dr. Sadowsky will understand.”
Sara and Sophie grinned. “Yes!” they yelled simultaneously.
Giddiness welled up inside me. They’re finally free!
Davin squeezed my hand. “I’ll ride with you. Sara and Sophie can ride with my mom. It’ll give her a chance to get to know them since they’ll be living with us.”
Sharon nodded. “You two go on. We’ll catch up with you on the road.”
Davin and I walked carefully on the slippery pavement to my vehicle. He stopped just outside my door, towering over me. His eyes were so bright that all I wanted to do was gaze into them.
“How does it feel to be going home?”
He smiled.
“Better than I could have ever imagined.”
For a moment, we both stared at one another as an undercurrent of energy flowed between us. It was here, finally here, the moment we’d been dreaming of for months. He was free. I was free. Both of us lived in the same world.
I opened my mouth to tell him how excited I was for our future when a scuffle sounded behind the building beside my car. I turned to see what was going on. My eyes widened as my mouth dropped.
Dr. Roberts appeared from around the building’s corner. He looked haggard and tired, as if he’d aged a decade in the last month.
A scream formed in my mouth when my gaze dipped lower.
He carried a gun.
I grabbed on to Davin and tried to pull him away from Dr. Roberts’ sight, but it was too late.
Dr. Roberts raised the handgun. His expression was blank, as if he’d resigned himself to what he was about to do. He didn’t say a word. He didn’t need to. That blank look said everything.
Davin yelled as I lunged.
I flew in front of Davin’s body just as a single shot fired. A burning sensation ripped through my skin. Screaming, I fell to the ground.
“No!” Davin’s roar filled the air.
I had no idea what happened next. Car doors slammed. People screamed. Others shouted. The guard was out of the jeep and running, weapon raised.
Another shot fired.
Dr. Roberts fell to the ground, clutching his chest.
The sky appeared above me. Blue sky and wispy clouds. I hadn’t realized it had turned into a beautiful day. My eyes began to drift closed as Davin’s face hovered above me.
“Meghan! Meghan! Stay with me! Meghan!”
I tried to tell him that I would be fine. Pain ripped through my body, as tiredness descended, but I was sure I was fine. It couldn’t end here. Not like this. Surely, he’d know that.
Davin’s hand closed around mine as tears filled his eyes. He screamed my name again as his face drifted in and out of focus. I smiled or tried to. All I’d ever wanted was for him to be free, and now he was.
I squeezed his hand as commotion filled the street. Everything felt like it was happening in slow motion. Davin still gripped me as he yelled and called for help, but his grip felt looser and looser, as if I was disconnecting from my body.
Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series Page 25