For the first time, she was just as hysterical as Addie and it showed.
Quinta grabbed Addie's body and pulled her inside, “Come on. Come on.” She hissed.
Addie crashed to the floor in a panic while Quinta slammed the door behind them. The sounds of her loud, uncontrollable cries blended in with the echoes of furniture being moved across the floor and pressed against the door. They did the only thing they knew how to protect themselves even though they both knew if that thing wanted, a few chairs would not stop a rampage. Leon kicked open each door within the clinic with his gun aimed and ready as he made sure they were in the clear.
Down the long hallway, beyond the examination rooms, Leon's voice echoed out, “In here!”
Unable to breathe let alone stand, Dane picked his sister up under her legs and waddled where Leon called in a hurried fashion. Quinta took one last look through the sunlight beyond the windows before she followed them. Leon was shrouded in the dark within the largest office that and overlooked a long pond. Dane set his sister down on one of the plush, dark blue chairs while Quinta sat beside her and drew her into her arms. She shushed Addie who poured every ounce of energy into Quinta's chest. Quinta's bottom lip quivered and tears mixed with the sweat along her cheeks as she continued to try and quiet Addie down. Dane stared down at the two most important women in his life with his hands on his hips. His nostrils were flared as he watched Quinta kiss along Addie's hairline. Looking over his shoulder at Leon, Dane faced him and scratched the side of his cheek while Leon stared blankly at the carpet.
Even though he was terrified for not only his life but theirs, Dane wanted answers over anything else, “What the fuck was that?!” He exclaimed.
Leon shook his head distantly, “I don't know.”
Dane pointed back to the door, “What do you mean you don't know! What. Happened. To. Deer. Park? THAT I have never seen anything like THAT.” Dane raged. Leon fell silent which only caused Dane to snap his fingers in Leon's face, “Leon! What was that?”
“I DON'T KNOW!” Leon snapped.
Addie lurched in Quinta's embrace all while Dane fell silent. Starting up again, Leon paced in a circle while he gripped at the roots of his hair. His mind ran a mile a minute with what he saw, what he knew, and what he possibly didn't.
He was overloaded and the distress showed over his face, “I... I’m going to uh call base. You guys just stay here and try...to keep her quiet.”
Numbly, Leon exited the office and treaded down the darkened hallway and back towards the light in the lobby. He licked his dry lips as he pulled out the satellite phone. Leaning his head back, Leon's Adams apple visibly shifted as he tried his hardest to regain his composure. Lowering his head and looking forward, he released a breath before he clicked redial and placed the receiver to his ear; staring out of the window.
How did such a smooth journey transition to that? Had the colony been overrun, then Leon could accept the bitter reality that they weren't as prosperous as he initially thought. Leon couldn't foresee nor comprehend what happened.
He wanted answers. Now.
He's already had odd, conflicted emotions recently when at work. He'd heard rumors, seen discrepancies from what he'd report to what was noted for Decker and the others. Deer Park only exacerbated his suspicions.
Jonathan's voice echoed into Leon's ear, “Delacroix?” He asked.
Leon was short of breath because he half expected for whatever that was to crash in on him at any moment, “Ma-Major Pinder can you hear me?” He asked.
“I can, Delacroix. You're reporting earlier than I expect I take it you arrived at Deer Park?” He questioned.
Leon nodded his head as he began to pace from one end of the room to the other, “Y-yes Sir we arrived.” He answered.
In a rush, Jonathan interjected, “And what of it?”
Leon wet his lips while he glanced out over the overgrown grass, “Deer Park has fallen sir. It's been torn apart. There are no survivors. Everything, everyone is burnt and charred like there was an... explosion, Sir. I-I don't know what this is. I've never seen anything like this before. Just when we were about to search for the cause...we were stopped. Something loud, vicious, and massive called out and we...we retreated.” Leon answered.
Jonathan's demeanor darkened and he pressed a hand over his face and sat along the edge of a table with a long sigh, “What's your location?” He questioned.
Leon scrambled with the map in his shaken palms, “W-we've taken shelter inside of a nearby pet clinic from that...creature.” Leon answered. He then blew out and leaned his head back, “What are your orders, Sir?” He asked.
A long moment of silence followed Leon's question before he spoke in an unconcerned tone, “I see. You've done well. Continue on your way, keep your crew and yourself safe.” He answered.
To hear Pinder not even show the minimal amount of care that an entire village had been smeared off the face of the Earth caused Leon to feel sick.
His stunned voice was clear as day in Jonathan's ear, “C-continue? Sir...Deer Park....is completely obliterated. Nothing is left. Aren't you going to send backup? This...this should take priority over the recovery mission. Especially if there is something that dangerous on the loose. Lives should come before all else, correct, Sir?” He asked in wistful disbelief.
Starting to see his suspicions come to fruition in a gory, surreal example, Leon's slate eyes narrowed and stared down at a fixed point on the floor.
Johnathan sighed and rubbed his fingertips along his forehead in his own personal frustration, “While it is unfortunate that Deer Park has fallen, you must continue. The documentation in that rover will save many more than those lost. There is no use in rescuing the dead, Delacroix. Finish the mission, you have defied the odds this far. Get it done and come home.” He answered before he hung up.
With that click, Leon slowly lowered the phone from his ear and wondered to himself just what sort of leader would disregard danger. Especially when ones he relied on could be wiped out like the ones he sent before them. He was one the main one who emphasized safety and told them to call if they were in danger. Yet now he showed no interest at all?
Leon's confusion slowly morphed to anger while he silently placed the phone back where it belonged. He thought back on all the incidents he'd brush under the rug for them. What he'd let slide and passed as to not bring suspicion to the people who looked to them for sanctuary. This only embittered him more. His trust in them was tested, his suspicions grew ten-fold and this did no good for him in the long run. He knew that if Decker and the others had an inkling or a whiff of his dedication faltering, they would do to him as they did to the others. He only had to hold out a bit longer to get he and the ones who didn't deserve these lies away from Sanctuary and to his contact in Kissimmee. For a better life in a place that sought to end the corruption.
What other option did he have other than get by and survive by following their orders?
Clenching his jaw, Leon shut his eyes and listened to Dane and Quinta's faraway conversation among Addie's moaning sobs. Even though he wanted to let them into what he knew, it was too soon. To protect them, they couldn't know just yet and the time to recruit them for his cause was too far away. Blowing out, Leon had come to a resolution. Now, came his real task. He had to convince the other three to complete the mission despite what they saw, heard, and feared.
All of this...to help them in the end.
Chapter 11
Finding his way back to the office with the others, Leon knew he had to be quick on his toes and think of a way to distract them. He knew, for all their sake, that they needed to get back in line and on track through the mission as he was ordered. All while he kept any suspicions for the generals and what they'd have for him at bay. When he saw the three of them huddled together and scared, this caused him to hesitate before he broke the news. Addie's sobs had lowered to soft moans. Quinta shook her head and looked between the men as she kept her arms around Addie who refused
to release her.
With a nervous lick of his lips, Leon averted eye contact as he spoke, “I called in. They won't be sending anyone right now.” He paused for a moment, “We're to carry on with our mission. They don't want to grab the attention of whatever is out there.” Leon said.
Quinta listened to Leon before her gaze slowly drifted towards Dane. From the moment Leon opened his mouth Dane didn't buy a word. Anger pinched in his chest but he bit his tongue for Addie's sake. Dane didn't want to frighten his little sister any more than she already was in Quinta’s arms. The only motion he could do without bringing attention to Addie was shake his head and look away. Leon read into his physical cue and tried to add assurance.
By lying.
This was not one of Leon's strong points which showed, “They said they'd look into everything but not at this point in time. I think the best we can do is hold out here for the night. I don't know about you all but my nerves are shot and I don't want to take the chance if that thing is still close by.” He said.
Although he gave Quinta some eye contact, Leon once again flicked his slate gaze away as guilt planted in his stomach with the fear. Even though he was terrified about being stalked, he felt as if it were best to just pretend as though things were under control. Like he knew what to do even when he didn't. Setting his bag down decidedly, he made an example of himself to settle in for the rest of the day. Anything he could do to make everything feel normal again.
Staying there was scary but leaving was risky. All in all, they weren't in an ideal position. Addie's condition proved obvious to the fact that they were stuck for the rest of the day.
Quinta inhaled a deep breath and sighted out, “So 'ow far are we?” She questioned quietly.
Leon was a bit relieved that at least Quinta seemed to be on his side and that would quell the obvious doubts that were painted on Dane's face for a bit.
Blowing out, Leon tried to make his answer appear as not a big deal, “Just an hour away. We're close. Plus, once we get off the last stretch of main road the warehouse is six or seven blocks away. Maybe. At least that's what I see on the map.” He answered. Unzipping his bag, he began to take out Addie's stove and lighter, “We could be there well before noon and finished with this once and for all tomorrow. I'll send in the order to be picked up and all we'll have to do after is relax and wait. You'll see. Things can only get better.” He said with a nod.
Despite trying to give an overall optimistic view of their mission, there wasn't an ounce of change for better moods from the others across from him.
Blowing out obviously, Leon clapped his hands together and gave them a rub, “Well. Who wants beans for dinner?” He asked.
Dane shook his head and stood up before his tall frame walked past Leon and towards the window. While Leon went ahead and lived in his fantasy world, Dane had a duty to protect the two women he cared about. He kept watch out of that window with a fixed expression for most of the night. He had no desire to speak to Leon, that was palpable with his stern silence.
“Right.” Quinta said.
That was the only word she intended to say for the rest of the night. They'll see and relax is what Leon said. How the hell did he expect them to do that? Had he expressed such optimism the previous night they would have believed that. Now...Quinta couldn't help but feel deep in the pit of her stomach that someone's life, if not all, were bound to end within hours. Addie had completely checked out and the only one who had beans...was Leon. He was the only one who had the strength in him to eat.
Although they should have followed their own unsaid procedure and had one stay up throughout the night, they knew that no longer mattered tonight. Barricading the door of the office with the desk, Addie slept at her brother’s side on the floor. Her head rested on his chest and her arm was tightly wrapped around his torso. On the other side of Addie was Quinta who laid on her back and stared up at the ceiling in the dark. She stroked down the middle of her chest all while she listened to Addie's strained moans. Even Leon found himself awake while he laid on his side. He felt this weight of responsibility and guilt crushing him. He couldn't help but push himself to believe that everything would be better in the morning even when he knew he was wrong.
Clearly, sleep would not make itself known that night.
Finding themselves still alive when the sun rose, Quinta was the first one to rise that morning involuntarily. Dane blinked his eyes against the filtered light that shone from the shaded window. His arms gripped Addie just as tightly as she held him. Times like this reminded him how she was the only family he had left and vice versa. This only reignited his strong desire to protect her.
Leon's eyesight blurred as he woke. There were dark circles that bruised along his cheeks and under his eyes from the lack of sleep. The silence was still thick between them which did not help the moral nor boost the desire to leave this place. Even though they weren't safe inside, they surely weren't out there. Now, today, at this moment, that creature could be anywhere. He rubbed both with his palms together before he groggily began to pack up and prepped to leave with the others in the lobby.
They carried on with cooking breakfast and gathering the rest of their things from the previous night. Unfortunately, the water did not work and so they couldn't even attempt to freshen This only exacerbated the mood that trickled over and persisted.
Addie stared out of the window in the direction of Deer Park and Quinta forced food down her throat. She watched Dane and Leon move the furniture from the door only to sigh out. With a shake of her head, Quinta turned her attention to Addie and held out a bag of jerky in her direction. Lost in the world outside, Addie didn't even realize that Quinta moved let along sat beside her.
Where was she?
Turning around, Leon faced them from the door after they broke the barricade down. The first one to speak was the self-proclaimed leader which also caught Addie off guard.
He tried to look them in the face but an immoral sensation bubbled in his stomach, “Is everyone ready?” He questioned.
All eyes on him, Addie swallowed tightly and stood up all while she held onto herself, “Let's...just get out of here, please. The further the better.” She answered.
Finally, she came around even if for a moment. Quinta tied off the bag of meat and tucked it into her pouch only to stand with Addie. There wasn't a point in prolonging this, not when they were so close to being home. If they were meant to die, there would be no stopping death whether inside or out.
“Yuh.” Quinta stated.
Quinta looked to Dane and her eyebrows tucked together. They were all tired, sunburned, and most of all scared. The only thing Quinta wanted to know was if Dane was alright. Addie's feelings and stance was far easier to read then his. He was the one who worried her most of all.
Catching onto Quinta staring at him, Dane returned the same expression. He didn't understand what her eyes tried to look for which only caused him to take charge of the situation.
Taking a hold of Addie's hand, he pointed towards Leon, “You lead the way up front and make sure the coast is clear. Addie and I will be in the middle and I'll back you up if anything happens. Same for you. Quinta, you will follow up the rear and make sure that nothing can sneak up on us.” He ordered.
Addie's grasp on Dane's hand tightened while she pressed her other palm against her stomach. Just listening to her brother speak about anything sneaking on them made her sick. Quinta already sharpened her machetes the previous night and held them in her hands now. They would not be put away until they were clear for safety again. Leon didn't like the way Dane tried to take over but he was not in the position to argue when their situation was considered. Begrudgingly, he accepted his place in the front. Rolling her lips in, Quinta pressed the back of her hand against her forehead and blew out. Addie pulled away from Dane to meet Leon at the door. Just as Quinta was about to follow, Dane turned to Quinta and stopped her by her shoulder. Leaning down into her face, their noses were barely an inch away from
one another.
Pulling in even closer to her still, his voice touched her ear quietly to speak to her before they were forbidden outside, “Are you okay?” He asked.
Just as she had been worrying about him, he had been doing the same and dealing with this all in his own, stoic way. He cared about her immensely he just wasn't sure on how to show her. He drew away from her enough for those deep, blue eyes to stare into hers for an answer. Quinta's gaze shifted towards the window before back in the direction of Dane's sweat riddled face. Wondering why they weren't following, Leon paused by the door and looked back at them.
To see them interacting in such an intimate manner caused Leon to sigh out because he wanted them back on track, “Come on, let's go.” He urged over to them.
Addie inhaled a deep breath all while she took a step forward, “Come on guys. I... really want to get out of here.” She expressed.
Dane wouldn't turn away from Quinta until he received an answer. With the danger that lurked outside, he was worried about his sister but the look on Quinta's face caused him to realize just how much he worried about this woman as well. She was as important as his sister. No, he felt a different sort of sickness when crossed with the idea of what could've happened to her.
He was in far too deep for Quinta and his fears came to light.
Quinta's stomach, just like everyone else's, was in knots and her heart was in a vice grip, “Yuh. Me just want dis over.” She whispered in response to him. She tapped the end of her blade against her leg and clenched her jaw before she spoke, “And what 'bout yuh?” She asked.
Dane hadn't thought about himself since he was too busy engulfed with thoughts of her and Addie to care. Though he wasn't considered a liar, with that look in her eye, he couldn't give her a truthful answer at that moment on how he felt.
Instead, he gave her a nod and weak smile, “I'm good. I'm...good.” He muttered.
Quinta's eyebrows tucked together as Dane answered her. Although he said he was alright, there was a detail that was off in his response and she couldn't put her finger on what it could be. Quickly, he heeded Addie's wishes and pulled away from Quinta before she could stop him.
The World We Once Knew Page 28