Anguish Unfolds

by A E Faulkner

  Mei nervously peeks around Mr. Sparkles, either awaiting my response or gauging my reaction. Maybe both. Before I can form any words, Jim answers for me.

  “Don’t you worry about it, little girl. You mind your own business,” Jim snaps. “I think it’s time to find your mommy and daddy.” He pauses for a moment before shooing her away. “Go on now.”

  A little hand raises, as if to wave goodbye, just as her parents spring forward to retrieve her. Her mother’s dark complexion exudes concern.

  “Mei, honey, are you bothering these people?”

  Before the little girl can answer, I sharply shake my head. “No, not at all,” I say, rising from the seat. “Mei was kind enough to introduce me to Mr. Sparkles. He’s a very handsome fellow.”

  The woman breathes a sigh of relief and runs a slender hand through her dark wavy hair. “Oh good. Alright, well, it’s time for us to go. Come on, sweetie.” As her parents head for the door, Mei trails behind them. She throws me a smile and a genuine wave before the door closes behind her.

  Before I have a chance to return to my seat, a uniformed woman pops out of a door and announces that she’s ready to see Riley Masters.

  Chapter 28

  Laptop in hand, the doctor steps into the waiting room and scans it for her next patient. I slowly rise from my chair, surprised she’s calling us back individually. Jim shoots to his feet. “I should come too, I’m her...husband.” It’s so wrong that even he stumbles over the word.

  “Sir, we will be with you in a moment. Right now, I am ready to see…” she starts as her eyes dance across the laptop. Scrutinizing my eyes, she concludes, “Riley Masters. Is that correct?”

  One heartbeat and deep gulp later, I nod dumbly, focusing on holding her gaze. Does she suspect something?

  Her eyes quickly scan my cheek and stained shirt, silently assessing. I’ll bet she misses nothing. I’m not fooling her with the old “turn-the-shirt-inside-out” trick.

  “Well, Riley Masters, it is very nice to meet you. I am Dr. Noori but please call me Safiya.” She throws Jim a dismissive nod and turns on her heel. “Mrs. Masters, right this way.”

  I follow her to a small exam room. Other than the stethoscope looped around her neck, she looks like any other soldier, covered in camouflage. Smooth mocha skin complements her deep brown eyes. Her black hair is pulled into a tight bun at the nape of her neck.

  “That’s a really pretty name, Dr. N—um, Safiya,” I stammer. When her eyes drop to my lap, I know I’m wringing my hands again. I’ve got to acknowledge the awkwardness. Shaking my hands out, I force out a slight chuckle.

  “I’m sorry, I’m just nervous. It’s been…a rough road to get here.” At least that’s not a lie.

  “I understand, and you are safe now.” She pauses momentarily, swiping the laptop’s screen. Her eyes glance over what I can only imagine is a description of my grand entrance. Though she maintains a professional air, I notice her eyes jump a few times as she reads the available information.

  “So,” she says in a thick accent. “You made quite the entrance when you arrived here.” Her deep brown eyes radiate kindness and amusement. I can’t help but smile at her. Her articulate enunciation of each word sounds strange. I’m used to slang and sloppy English. While her words are measured, her demeanor is genuinely warm.

  “It sounds like both you, and another person you arrived with, had injuries. And, you were carrying a weapon.” She watches me carefully, letting the silence invite me to explain.

  “Um…yeah,” I stammer. “You know it can be pretty dangerous out there,” I say while shakily pointing toward the door. I slide my hands under my thighs to prevent the inevitable wringing acrobatics they’ll attempt next.

  “I would imagine so,” she says politely. “Let me ask. Did the weapon cause any of the injuries?” I didn’t expect that question.

  “No! No, I just had the knife to protect myself, that’s all. I didn’t actually use it on anyone.” My nerves electrify, triggering my hands to tremble with worry. I wonder what she thinks of me, showing up here with dried blood crusted on my clothes and a knife in my shoe.

  “Do you know where Dan is? Is he okay?” She’s got to know something.

  “We are going to get him fixed up,” Safiya says, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Tell me, Riley, are you related to Daniel? I cannot release patient information except to relatives.”

  “Yes,” I start, I can’t believe I’m about to say this, “Um, yeah, Dan’s my brother-in-law so I’m family. And he was in pretty bad shape when we arrived. He was swarmed by fire ants, we think.”

  She gently places a cold palm over my hand. “I assure you we are going to do everything we can to help him.” Her eyes speak honesty. If she told me the sky was green right now, I’d probably believe her. Although maybe that isn’t so far-fetched at the moment.

  Looking down at her laptop, she swipes a few screens. “Daniel Masters is in the isolation ward,” she says. “We have to conduct some testing on him before we can move him to a regular bed.” I open my mouth to ask when he’ll be out of isolation and what kind of tests they’re running on him, but she continues before I can utter a word.

  “But we are here to talk about you right now.” She stares at me intently, reaching for my scarred cheek. “May I?”

  I nod quickly.

  She gently tugs on green medical gloves. After a quick examination, she steps to an adjacent counter and proceeds to open several drawers, retrieving supplies: a bottle of antiseptic, swabs, and tube of what looks like glue. Walking back toward me, she holds my gaze.

  “Now, why don’t you tell me about how this happened?” she asks, her eyes as inquisitive as her words. She sets to work as I talk, explaining how Dylan and his friends broke into the RV. I leave out the part about how it wasn’t exactly our RV to begin with, and about what happened with Alex.

  My voice quakes with each word and tears blur my vision. She asks a few questions, like how long ago this happened, but she doesn’t pry. When I finish talking, she gives me a wistful look.

  “And your parents are…not here with you?” she asks carefully. I shake my head. Forcing an upbeat turn to the conversation, she smiles.

  “You know, Mrs. Riley, you do not need a weapon to be strong.” She pauses momentarily, letting that sink in. “You can work to make this,” she points to her brain, “and this,” she taps on her bicep, “strong. And those are the very best weapons any of us have.”

  “Now, enough distracting me,” she teases. “Let’s clean and close that wound.”

  With a genuine smile, stretching some facial muscles that haven’t gotten much use in several weeks, I nod.

  Chapter 29

  The last two days have been a blur. I’ve alternated between visiting the library to checking on Dan in the hospital. After the first day, he was moved out of isolation. They figured out pretty quickly that he wasn’t contagious. And with some anti-inflammatory medication, the swelling went way down. He’s still weak and on a steady stream of painkillers, but he’s conscious and healing. For that, I am thankful.

  This base is like a mini town. Everything we need is tucked safely within the perimeter fence—a recreation center, dry cleaner, gas station, fast food restaurants and a grocery store, or commissary, as they call it. There’s even a bowling alley and small movie theater.

  I have no interest in leisure activities, except for reading. It’s my only escape.

  Jim and I share a room, since we’re supposedly married. Thankfully, since there are only so many rooms available, we had to take one that mimics a standard cadet dorm room—with two separate beds and two desks. Once we were processed, my next fear was that I’d have to share a bed with Jim.

  Mostly, my time is spent in the mess hall or our assigned room. And Jim is by my side through it all. Yesterday he decided to check out the base’s gym, so I tagged along. The whole place felt foreign. I always hated gym class and I was never athletic. But something about Safiya’s word
s stay with me. The only way out of this is to get stronger.

  No one is coming to rescue me. This isn’t living. It’s just going through the motions—sleeping, eating, breathing. And I’m not sure how much longer I can do it.

  With a few hours to kill before dinner, I decide to visit Dan. Of course, Jim has to accompany me. Although we pass people along the way, they might as well have purple skin and green hair. I don’t see faces or personalities. I just follow the path to the hospital, barely acknowledging the surroundings.

  With each step, I retreat further into my mind. I should start working out at that gym. Safiya’s right. I can work on making myself stronger. It’s not like we’re going to live on this base forever. This is a temporary stop. Once everything gets fixed outside, we’ll leave. It’s a long way home, and I need to be ready to go whenever a chance to escape comes.

  A harsh antiseptic smell bombards my senses the moment the sliding glass doors swish open. Walking through the spotless hallways, we proceed to room 304, Dan’s temporary home. Pushing through the wooden door, I smile when I see the patient.

  For the first time since we’ve been on the base, Dan greets us from his bed. Propped at a forty-degree angle, his eyes dance when they recognize our faces. Jim rushes past me and clasps his brother on the shoulder.

  “You’re looking good, brother!”

  Dan’s smile prompts a genuine grin to burst across my face. He’s really going to be okay. His skin still screams with abrasions from the fire ants, but he’s improved tremendously. We never could have saved him without this place.

  Taking seats next to the bed, we listen as Dan updates us on his day, and how they were able to cut back some of his pain medication. When he finishes, his jovial mood turns somber.

  I stand, intending to place a hand over his but hesitate when I remember his scorched skin.

  His eyes shift between us. “When I was, like, really out of it,” he starts hesitantly. “I think I heard some stuff. Stuff about the base.”

  My narrowed eyes flick to Jim instinctively and his meet mine.

  “What kind of stuff did you hear?” I ask gently. I get the feeling he thinks we won’t believe him.

  Releasing a deep breath, he continues. “It’s almost full. They’re gonna close it soon. We’re sure as hell lucky we got here when we did.” He smirks but it’s weak.

  My worry reflects in his eyes. What will happen if others, like us, are out there looking for a place to go?

  Our conversation is cut short when a nurse arrives to deliver medication. Noting that it’s getting close to dinner time, she encourages us to come back tomorrow so that her patient can rest. We say our goodbyes and walk in silence back to our room.

  My mind whirls with this new information. If Dan’s better, maybe he’ll help me get away from Jim. He knows I don’t want to be here. Maybe he’ll even come with me.

  I silence that thought before I allow my brain to slither too far down that path. Dan may be a good guy who’s just had a lousy influence his whole life, but he’d still never leave his brother. I know that because if I can make it back to Quinn, I’m not leaving her side again. Ever.

  Chapter 30

  A sharp wrapping on our door pulls me out of my latest library find. Jim’s eyes meet mine before he scrambles up and yanks it open. He takes two automatic steps back when a solider greets him.

  “Sir, I am here to see Riley Masters.”

  Again, Jim glances my way. Neither of us responds in stunned silence. Since we arrived here, we have had no visitors. We’re free to roam the base as long as we stay out of authorized areas, but no one checks on us. The necessities are provided to us, so we haven’t had to worry about money.

  “And what is this about?” Jim asks cautiously.

  “Someone wants to speak to her. Privately,” the soldier says, making it pretty clear that Jim isn’t invited.

  Scrunching my face in confusion, I fashion an honest response. “Why would anyone here want to talk to me?” As soon as the words pass my lips, I feel Jim’s red-hot glare turn my way, confirming he’s wondering the same thing.

  “Look, I have orders to retrieve you,” the soldier says impatiently, pointing at me. Turning that pointer finger toward Jim, he finishes with, “And you, sir, are to stay put.”

  “I’m her husband,” Jim pushes. “Doesn’t that count for anything around here?”

  Stopping just short of rolling his eyes, the soldier huffs out a frustrated breath. Grabbing the radio on his belt, he lifts it to his mouth. Meeting Jim’s eyes, he depresses the button.

  “Sir, the lady you asked me to retrieve, her husband is demanding that he accompany her,” he says.

  A stern voice immediately cuts through the mild static. “No. Just her. If he can’t follow our orders, then I will personally explain what is expected of guests on this base.”

  Satisfied, the soldier gives Jim a knowing smirk. “That is my sergeant. If he says, ‘Just her,’ then that means it’s ‘just her.’”

  Jim’s face reddens, but he stays silent. His steely glare threatens what he can’t voice in front of the solider. You better keep your mouth shut.

  Shrugging my shoulders, I concede. “Okay, I’m ready.” At least I’ll get a few minutes away from my prison cell, also known as our room.

  Jim’s fury chokes the air as the soldier turns on his heel and opens the door for me. I throw Jim another shrug before stepping into the corridor. Pausing to let the soldier lead the way, I follow obediently, letting my eyes wander up and down the drab hallways.

  “Now, ma’am, I’m going to bring you to my sergeant, and he’ll take you to see your visitor.”

  I answer with a slight um-hm. No one is here to see Riley Whelan. And whoever wants to see Riley Masters is in for a disappointment.

  Lost in my own thoughts, I struggle to keep up with my escort. His legs are much longer than mine and he strides at a fast pace.

  As we exit the living quarters and follow the pavement to another building, a calming warmth spreads over my skin. Hope slowly unfolds with each step I take. Maybe it’s Safiya who wants to see me? Maybe she suspected something was seriously wrong and wants to help me? Could she help me track down Quinn?

  We approach another gray building, its sign labeling it the Family Readiness Center. I no longer struggle to keep up with the soldier. I’m on his heels, ready to see my visitor. When he leads me to a small office, I’m nearly jumping out of my skin in anticipation.

  My eagerness plummets when the room’s only occupant stands to greet me. It’s just another solider. I glance at his name badge: E. Bowen.

  “Sir,” my escort says. “This is Riley Masters.” I look to the new guy and he gives the soldier I came with a sharp nod of dismissal. The soldier marches out of the room, closing the door behind him.

  Extending a hand to me, the new guy introduces himself. “I’m Sergeant Bowen. I’d like to have just a word with you before I bring you to your visitor.” Motioning to a stiff chair, he says, “Please have a seat.”

  I comply, numbly dropping into the seat that’s just as uncomfortable as it looks.

  “So, your name is Riley Masters?” he asks, eyebrows raised.

  “Didn’t we already establish that?” I reply cautiously. He scratches his chin, scrutinizing my features. What’s he looking for? Does he know my existence here is a lie?

  “Do you have any family members that might be looking for you?” he tries. I hold his gaze. “What are you saying? Is someone really here to see me?” I rise from my seat. I need to know what’s going on. Now.

  The sergeant blows out a frustrated sigh and stands. “We’re not really getting anywhere here anyway,” he says under his breath. Walking around the desk, he opens the door for me and we stride back down the dreary hallway.

  Questions swirl through my mind as I follow the sergeant. When he stops outside another nondescript door, he glances at me before slowing pushing the door open. Hopefully, there’s not another random soldier i
n this room, just waiting to ask me ridiculous questions.

  When he crosses the threshold, I obediently follow. As soon as the sergeant steps aside, my eyes focus on the space before me previously occupied by his solid frame. In that moment they land on the one person I never thought I’d see again.

  My heart bubbles with emotion while my mind numbs with shock. Quinn. It’s really Quinn. She found me. My vision blurs as tears threaten to spill. Silence surrounds us. For all I know we could have a whole audience watching us right now. But I don’t care. All I see is my sister, even though she’s becoming a splotchy blur with every second that passes.

  As I rush toward her, my pulse quickens and thoughts flash through my mind. I am not Riley Masters. I never was. I’m Riley Whelan. Quinn’s older sister. And now that she’s here, nothing else matters.

  As I collapse into her arms, everything else fades away. A single word bubbles to the surface in my mind. Home.

  Author Note

  Dear Reader,

  Thanks for taking the time to catch up with Riley. Although she didn’t get much attention in book 1 of the series, Darkness Falls, she was just as busy as Quinn and the rest of the gang. And, while Quinn and Riley are back together and all is well for the moment, they sit on the cusp of danger and disorder. If you’d like to join them on their continued journey, stay tuned for book 3 of the Nature’s Fury series, Devastation Erupts, which will be released in 2020.

  If you enjoyed Anguish Unfolds, please take a moment to post a review or rating on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Reviews are a HUGE help to independent authors, and they help readers discover books they may have otherwise never found. Even a star rating with no review is appreciated.