Chapter Sixty-Three
Vicky only realised Aaron had come up to Home’s foyer when she moved over to one of the large windows and found herself standing next to him. As gaunt as ever, but much cleaner, he stood in one of Home’s grey tracksuits. He’d washed his hair, shaved his face, and any trace of the stench of human waste had gone.
Outside, Moira’s crowd were being torn apart by the diseased and more arrived at the back of the meadow, clearly in response to the siren.
A glassy sheen covered Aaron’s hollow eyes and he spoke with a warble in his voice. “I never thought I’d get away from them. Stuck in that fucking prison, I couldn’t ever see a way out.”
To touch one of his razor-sharp shoulders made Vicky flinch, but she kept her hand there as she looked into the man’s hollow stare. “You’re safe now. She’s gone for good.”
“I saw what you did to her.” And without another word, Aaron reached up across his chest and placed his hand over the back of Vicky’s.
They stood in silence for a moment before they looked outside again. Vicky watched the diseased Piotr stalk the line of guards from Moira’s community, clearly looking for one of them to attack. “Looks like slim pickings,” she said, pushing the words through her grief. “Those on their feet all seem to be infected. Those on the ground are either turning or dead.”
Several blinks later and tears ran freely down Vicky’s cheeks as she kept her focus outside. The siren rang out as a wet pulse that spread out into the meadow. Regardless of how Piotr had made her feel when it came to Flynn, they’d lost a good and principled man. Home would be poorer for his absence. However, as much as she hated herself for thinking it, her secret had hopefully just died on the battlefield with him.
“Right,” Vicky said as she wiped the tears from her eyes and sniffed against her running nose. “We need to check everyone for bites.” She turned the siren off. “No one’s getting any farther than here without being checked.”
“Who the fuck made you boss?”
Vicky looked into the crowd to see Brian flanked by Sharon and Dan. He glared at her with his usual hatred.
Exhaustion had lifted Vicky’s emotions to the surface and she couldn’t hold back. “Fuck you, Brian.”
Several of the people in the foyer gasped and silence descended on the place.
“You’re a fucking piece of shit, you know that? You, you, and you”—she pointed at Sharon and Dan too—“left me for dead out there when I needed your help. Stuart died rescuing me. He wouldn’t have needed to if you’d done the right thing.”
“And you’d know about doing the right thing, would you?”
“What the fuck’s that supposed to mean?”
A twisted expression of disgust and Brian didn’t respond for a few seconds. He then said, “Stuart died because he was too fucking loyal to you. He died because he was stupid.”
The space went from silent to a vacuum. Before Vicky could say anything, Serj nudged his way through the press of people and grabbed her shoulder so he could drag her closer and whisper in her ear, “Don’t do this now.”
Vicky turned her back on Brian, Dan, and Sharon and kept her voice low as she leaned close to Serj. “Why?”
The gravity of his stare cut straight to Vicky’s core and he spoke so only she heard him. “You don’t want this discussion here, not in front of everyone.”
Fuck! Vicky looked into Serj’s dark eyes and her heart sank. They knew. It must have been why Piotr apologised before he turned. They fucking knew.
A quick glance around and Vicky picked Flynn out of the crowd. So consumed with his grief for Piotr, he didn’t seem too engaged with the drama. Better it stayed that way. If he found out that Piotr had repeated what he’d blurted out, then he might not be able to live with himself.
Vicky turned back to Serj and whispered, “Okay. Let’s talk later.”
Serj nodded. “You go and rest and we’ll sort out whatever needs to be sorted out. How about we meet up after dinner? I’ll make this lot hold off until tomorrow.”
They would take her to task. A deep breath and Vicky nodded slowly at him.
“Flynn,” Serj called over to the boy, “I need your help checking people for bites before we let them in.”
A look back at Home’s residents and Vicky saw a very different reaction to her than what she’d previously seen. How many people already knew? What would they do to her because of it?
Vicky’s head spun as she stumbled off. Finally, after all these years, the past had caught up with her.
Chapter Sixty-Four
Vicky returned to her room, her head spinning from a mixture of fatigue and fear. Piotr had told the people of Home what Flynn had blurted out. In their minds, she was responsible for the virus’s release. Most people in Home feared her. Many openly hated her. None of them would listen to the truth of it. Not that the truth would make her look much better. Were it not for her, then Brendan or Oscar or whatever the fucking prick’s name was wouldn’t have been able to do what he did. The people would want justice and who could blame them?
There were many things she could have done with what would more than likely be her last day in Home. But once she lay on her bed, her body seemed to treble in weight and she couldn’t move.
Not that she slept, she simply stared up at the white ceiling, her eyes on fire from blinking so infrequently. A low-level buzz of exhaustion ran through her body. It sat deep in her muscles, and for the next few hours she felt as if she’d never get up again.
The activity outside Vicky’s room told her the dinner shift had started.
It took another hour or so for Vicky to finally will herself to get up and head to the canteen. Wobbly on her weak legs when she stood up, her hunger ate away at her like a parasite. Otherwise, she probably would have remained in her room.
***
When Vicky got to the canteen, the place seemed busier than she’d seen it in a long time. Maybe the camaraderie of war had pulled the community closer together. Maybe they needed comfort as they grieved for those lost on the battlefield.
The monitors showed images of the diseased outside and the sun setting on the horizon. There seemed to be hundreds of the fuckers wandering aimlessly as if in hope of finding something to attack. Vicky didn’t watch the screens for long. She’d seen more than enough already.
Not all of the faces in the canteen stared at her, but many did. One particularly packed table had Brian, Dan, and Sharon at it. All three of them and all of the people around them glared at Vicky. They blamed her and they probably should.
If the looks were anything to go by, plenty of people knew what Vicky had done. Hopefully Serj had been good to his word and kept that from Flynn. If he found out, he’d work out they knew because of him. Not that he should blame himself, he didn’t do anything wrong, but he wouldn’t see it like that.
Vicky saw Flynn in the corner at a table by himself. On her way over to him, she picked up a tray of stew.
***
Despite having the taste of meat, Vicky found no trace of it when she ate the vegetable broth. For a few minutes neither her nor Flynn spoke. From repeated glances at the boy, she struggled to see a way to get through his grief. “He was a good man,” she finally said.
“I know.” Flynn’s response snapped back at her like the crack of a whip and he continued to stare at his food.
“He’ll be sorely missed.”
“Don’t give me that.”
“What do you mean?”
Flynn looked up at her, his eyes narrowed. “You won’t miss him. You were jealous of him. I could see that.”
“I wasn’t jealous.” Vicky looked around at that moment to see many people still watched her. Hostility emanated from their dark glares.
“Why did you look at him like you did, then?”
“I never resented Piotr for being there for you. I loved that you had someone there to confide in. It just made me sad that I couldn’t be that person. I knew I was always too ove
rbearing.”
The angry scowl on Flynn’s face softened and he sighed. Tears glazed his eyes. “Yeah, you were.”
“I’m sorry. Please know it comes from a place of love, however misguided.”
Flynn nodded. “Piotr always said that to me.”
The comment made Vicky’s eyes itch with tears, but she blinked them away. This moment shouldn’t be about her. She needed to make sure Flynn would be okay. “You’re a brave young man, you know that?”
The frown returned and Flynn didn’t reply.
“You have good morals and you’re a strong leader. You’re a survivor and people like you. You will always be like a son to me, Flynn. I’m sorry if that’s made you feel awkward, but know I love you without condition.”
“I know,” Flynn said, his attention back on his dinner. His lip buckled and he cleared his throat before he said, “Look, I want to go and lie down.”
It didn’t matter how many times Vicky swallowed, she couldn’t clear the lump in her throat. A nod at Flynn and she said okay, despite a desire to hold on to him and never let go. “Take care of yourself, okay? Never forget how much I love you.”
The same confused frown returned and Flynn nodded. “I know, Vicky.” He rolled his eyes, and for the first time in what felt like months, he reached across and held her hand, his dark and watery stare looking straight into hers. Maybe he understood what was about to happen, even if he didn’t realise it.
After he’d let go, Vicky’s hand turned cold as if longing for one last touch, one last moment of affection to take with her. Whatever happened, she wouldn’t be able to stay in Home. She watched him leave the canteen at a slow trudge. Tears dampened her cheeks and dripped onto her lap to see him leave her life. A knot tied in her guts and she pushed her tray of food away from her. It didn’t matter who looked at her anymore. They could fuck off and die for all she cared. Fuck them.
Once Flynn had left, Vicky got up and left the canteen too.
***
By the time Vicky returned to her room, she couldn’t see for tears. It took several attempts for her to reach the door handle to get into the place.
Vicky jumped when she entered and found Serj waiting for her.
A twist of apology turned his features and he said, “I’m sorry, Vicky. I wish I could make it work so you could stay here. I’ll miss you more than you know.”
“I understand,” Vicky said. “Just let me do it on my terms, yeah?”
Serj drew a deep inhale and his cheeks puffed out when he let it go. He didn’t respond to her.
Chapter Sixty-Five
Flynn woke up and ached all over. The battle the day before had taken it out of him and he missed Piotr like he’d lost a part of himself. Vicky had gone all weird on him and he needed the big Russian man now more than ever. But he had cleared the air with her at least. Maybe they could find a way to get on again. She’d been such a pain in his arse for the longest time.
Although he didn’t want to get up, Flynn forced himself to sit in his bed. The voice of his fallen comrade, Piotr, echoed through his mind. Keep going, Flynn. You need to keep going.
Before Flynn could do much else, he saw a piece of paper folded up on his duvet. When he picked it up and unfolded it, he saw Vicky’s writing.
Dear Flynn,
I’ve chosen to go now. The fact is, I can’t stay here after all the shit that’s happened. I’m not good for the mood of this place, and now Moira’s gone, I’m not needed. You’ve seen the effect my presence has on people. A lot of them blame me for the war with Moira, and maybe they’re right to. The fact is, I can’t stay here any longer. Don’t try to follow, you’ll never find me, and I’ve got a good lead on you already.
I want you to know you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met. You’re so loyal and I know you’d come after me if you could, so please trust me when I say you’ll NEVER find me. You need to make a go of things in Home and I don’t want to get in the way of that. Things are on the up for you, so stay there and realise the greatness you have inside. Serj needs a new deputy and you’re a warrior more than fit for the task.
Flynn’s pulse pounded through his skull and his head spun. He continued to read.
I love you more than you’ll ever know. I know we’ve butted heads, but it never once diluted how I feel about you. If you feel angry towards anyone and how they treated me, please let that go. I would make the same decisions and accept the same consequences all over again. To blame the people around you will eat you from the inside out. The truth is, the only person to blame here is me. I’m responsible for this mess, so I’m taking myself away from it. I don’t want to jeopardise your future.
If there’s one thing we’re on this planet for, it’s to make sure we do everything we can to make the next generation better than we’ve been. You’re a thousand times the person I could ever be, so take that and burn bright with it. Help future generations make this world shine again.
Things will get better as long as there’s people like you in the world. You’ll find happiness beyond this. Know that’s all we’ll ever want for you. Your mum, your dad, and me. We all want you to live your life to its fullest. Be strong and walk with the love of generations in your heart. Make this world your own and don’t be afraid to show everyone the warrior within.
As I walk in the shadows, I’ll have the light of my love for you in my heart. Be strong and burn bright.
Love always,
Vicky XXX
By the time he’d finished reading the letter, Flynn’s hands shook, wobbling the sheet of paper. The grief for Piotr trebled to know Vicky had gone too. And she’d chosen to go. Chosen to leave him when he needed her most …
Epilogue
THE PREVIOUS EVENING
After Vicky had written Flynn a letter, she folded it and gave it to Serj. “Make sure he gets it.”
Serj nodded.
Vicky knew what had to happen. Whether she agreed with it or not, she had to accept the way of things around here. No one would forgive her for the virus, and why should they? After she’d taken all of her weapons out and thrown them on her bed, she offered her wrists to Serj to bind.
A glassy stare and Serj shook his head.
***
“This has to happen,” Brian said when Vicky arrived in the foyer with Serj. The vicious man stood next to Sharon, Dan, and several other people from Home.
“I always knew you were a cunt,” Brian added, “but to know you’re the reason this fucking virus happened.”
“I didn’t create it.”
“Did you or did you not help release it upon the world?”
Instead of answering, Vicky stared at the floor and sighed.
“Exactly. How can you expect the people here to be happy with you staying when you’re the reason their loved ones are dead?”
“Just fucking get on with it, yeah?” Vicky said.
A flash of anger snapped across Brian’s face before he drew a deep breath, stepped forwards, and cable tied her hands. “Not that I’m inclined to grant them, but do you have any last requests?”
“Just make sure Flynn thinks I’ve gone. I want him to be safe here, and if he thinks I’ve left him and don’t want to be found, he’ll stay. If he knows you found out about what I did and that you’ve sentenced me, he’ll leave. He’s only a boy. He’s done nothing wrong and shouldn’t be punished for my mistakes.”
Cruelty twisted Brian’s features, and before he could answer, Serj said, “I’ll make sure that happens. Also, we don’t use the alarm tonight.”
A few of the group looked at Serj.
“We don’t need to,” Serj said. “There are enough diseased out there. We don’t need to make a big show of it. Whatever you think of Vicky and her past, she fought hard in this war and she’s the reason we still live here.”
“The war wouldn’t have ever happened were it not for her,” Sharon said. “My kids would still be alive.”
Serj shook his head and didn’t reply.
“I promise you,” Serj said, his eyes tearing up again as he put his arm around Vicky, “Flynn will never know what happened here. If anyone tries to tell him, they’ll be out the door next.”
“Thank you,” Vicky said, her grief cutting off her words.
On her way to the front door, Vicky glanced out of one of the large windows. Scores of diseased milled about in the darkness. At least it would be quick.
The top lock on the door snapped free from where Brian released it. The second made the same loud crack. One final angry glare at Vicky and he said, “You’d best get the fuck out with no nonsense.”
Just before Brian opened the door, Serj wrapped Vicky in a tight hug. The man smelled of soap and Vicky breathed in her final moments of human contact.
After Serj had pulled away from her, Vicky nodded at him, her world blurred through her tears. “Please look after Flynn.”
Serj nodded back, clearly unable to speak.
The hinges creaked as Brian opened the door, and before Vicky knew it, Dan and Sharon grabbed an arm each and shoved her out.
Two steps through the long grass and Vicky fell forward. The pain of hitting the ground clattered through her knees and up her body.
The Alpha Plague 6: A Fast-Paced Post-Apocalyptic Thriller Page 20