The man behind the door’s head snapped back as an arc of brain and skull flew out, his lifeless body crumpling to the floor.
I lied, asshole.
She quickly fired at the one called Terry, a couple of quick bursts into his chest. Terry looked down, shock etched on his face. Maggie didn’t have time to feel sorry for him. There was still another occupant to worry about. She heard Alice fire, and waited for any return fire. Hearing nothing, Maggie swivelled around, her carbine raised, and glanced towards Alice. The remaining traitor was shuffling along the ground, holding his leg and screaming.
Maggie jumped out of the fountain, green water sloshing out after her. She ran up to the front of the 4x4, using the grill as protection. Glancing under the vehicle, Maggie could see that the injured man had moved back a few feet. He tucked his rifle behind him and called out, “Wait! Don’t shoot.”
Maggie paused, her finger hovering over the trigger, planning her next move. She knew that he was trying to stall her. “Why shouldn’t I?”
“I’m unarmed.”
“Tell you what. You answer me a question, and I’ll let you live.”
“Anything. Just don’t shoot.”
“Where do they take the children?”
Maggie heard him cough, a wet, fluid-filled cough. Alice must have hit him somewhere else as well. She glanced over at Alice lying flat in the water, her eyes staring back, questioning.
Maggie turned her attention back to the injured traitor. “I’m waiting.”
“Fine. It will do you no good. There’s hundreds of them. They’re in the dam.”
A high-pitched shriek reminded Maggie of the Variants. She risked a peek around, searching for them. The concrete road exploded next to her foot, bits of concrete and tile stinging her face moments before she heard the crack of a rifle.
Stupid, Maggie. Real stupid.
She lowered her aim and fired at the traitor, hitting him in the torso. He grunted, and she watched as he slumped to the ground, blood and saliva dribbling from his mouth.
Bastard. What did he mean by dam?
She waved at Alice and ran around to the man. Grabbing his gun, she slung it over her shoulder, searching for any danger. The Variants would be close. With all the noise and spilt blood, she couldn’t rely on these disguises.
As if on cue, howls and shrieks echoed around the buildings, announcing the Variants’ arrival.
Maggie looked at Alice. “Quick, let’s grab the kids and find a boat.” She pointed past the fountain, to where several masts bobbed around in the distance. Drawing in a deep breath, the hint of salt surprised her. The familiar scent refocused her attention. She was within reach of going home. With new determination, Maggie ran to the smashed-up van. She helped Becs and Leela out, grabbed each by a hand, and led them towards the harbour. Alice jogged after them with the other four kids.
The sight of all the boats bobbing up and down in the harbour made Maggie’s heart pound in her chest. There was an abundance of yachts and motorized launches of different sizes. Her eyes scanned along the edges of the wharf, stopping on a couple of sturdy-looking fishing vessels. Maggie nodded to herself; that was what she was looking for. Fishing boats were built tough. Her eyes flicked farther out, to where the yachts were moored. One or two looked suitable for a long sea voyage. Was she finally going to head home? She’d never thought she would be stuck in a foreign country in a time of such crisis. She’d always assumed, like everyone, that she would be at home. Home, to protect her family. But instead she was here, herding a bunch of kids to what she hoped was safety.
Maggie glanced at the last few shops as they went past, looking for Variants. The generic shops you would find in most western countries. Bakeries, telco, clothing. They all stood, silent and untouched. No one had the time or desire to loot when man-eating monsters were lurking in the shadows.
She caught their reflections as they walked past the walls of glass. Her dark hair poked out in wispy strands from under the cap. The children between her and Alice reminded her of a bunch of street kids from a Dickens novel. Sighing, Maggie hoped that the red coveralls she and Alice were wearing would fool the local creatures too.
Maggie followed Alice out from the relative cover of the shopping street, and onto the wooden jetty, which jutted three hundred feet into the harbour. At the far end sat a small green building, facing the harbour entrance and the open ocean beyond. As they drew closer, the large sign nailed to the side became legible. Bay of Plenty Game Fishing Club.
Despite the danger, the children ran to the edge of the wharf and peered over, looking into the water, laughing. Maggie considered telling them to be quiet, but with no signs of any Variants, she let them have their fun.
Alice turned towards her. “What do you think? One of these boats?”
“Yeah. I guess we just try and get one of them started. How far is it to this Mayor Island?”
Alice shrugged her shoulders and gestured out towards the open ocean. “I’m not sure. It’s just out past the Mount there.”
Maggie looked to where she was pointing, but all she could see was a big hill at the end of a long, low stretch of land. Dotted along the coast were tall apartment blocks and wealthy-looking houses.
“Mount?”
Alice pointed to the big hill. “Yeah, sorry. The Mount, as in Mount Maunganui.”
“Oh right. Any idea on how long it would take?”
“I’ve never actually been to the island, but I think about three to four hours?”
Maggie tried to do the math in her head for how much fuel they needed, but with no idea on the tank size or range of the available boats, she gave up. She glanced out at the multi-coloured yachts moored in the harbour. “You don’t know how to sail, do you?”
Alice followed her gaze. “Not really, no. I know the principles.”
“Boat it is, then. You keep an eye on the kids, I’ll find us a ride.”
Alice nodded and turned, walking over to the kids.
Leela looked up as she approached. Spotting Maggie, she ran over. “I’m hungry, Maggie.”
Maggie crouched down and hugged the little blonde-haired girl. “Tell you what. You play with the other kids and Alice. I’m going to get us a boat. Then we can eat. What do you think?”
Leela twirled her fingers together before reluctantly walking back over to the other kids.
Maggie watched her go, more driven than ever to get her, Becs, and the others to safety. She couldn’t help her daughter Izzy when she was sick, but she could help these kids. Maggie felt her cheeks flush. Not for the last time, she cursed those responsible for the situation she found herself in.
She pivoted and headed for the nearest fishing boat. Wafts of its working life assaulted her nose as she jumped in. Diesel, oil, and fish; the pungency of the smells surprised her.
Maggie opened the pilot house door, taking the cabin in. It was a simple room with a large, comfortable-looking seat and a tiny steering wheel. A small curved window faced out to the water, and below it, a wood-veneer dashboard ran the width of the cabin. Dotted near the wheel was an array of radios and instruments. Maggie’s heart soared at the sight of the radio. She reached out and clicked it on. Nothing. No lights, nothing. She looked at the ignition, hoping for keys. The slot lay empty. A quick search of the cabin proved fruitless, and Maggie moved on to search through the other moored boats. None had keys, and she couldn’t get any of the radios to work.
She finally stood on the last fishing boat, holding her hand over her mouth in an attempt to not gag on the stench of rotting fish emanating from the hold. A large motor launch bobbed up and down with the swell at the end of the jetty. She could just make out its name, Sea You Later, painted in bright blue on its white hull.
Last chance Larry. She made her way over to it, smiling at the children, who all lay on their stomachs watching the fish swimming under and around the jetty poles. Alice sat with them, rifle clutched in her hands. Her head swivelled around, watching for any movement.
Maggie grinned. She admired Alice’s resolve. She had never told Maggie what had happened to her, but here she was, focused on protecting everyone.
Maggie jumped over the gunwale of the boat, landing softly on the deck. She quickly brought her rifle up and headed into the covered area. Flinging open the door, she could see that it had been well lived in, and recently too. In the wheelhouse, Maggie spotted the keys, tied to a yellow plastic float, dangling from the ignition. She pumped her fist. Finally, some luck. Tentative, she reached out and turned the key. An orange light next to the ignition came on, splashing light over the gauges. The fuel gauge read nearly empty. Maggie clicked off the ignition. She didn’t want to drain the battery for nothing. She turned and went back onto the deck. She scanned the jetty, looking for a fuel tank. Spotting a grey tank with rusty streaks nestled against the green building, Maggie jumped out of the boat and jogged over to Alice and the kids.
“Found us a ride, but it needs fuel,” she said, indicating the white boat and the grey tank.
Alice grinned at her. “You get them on board. I’ll see if we can get some fuel.”
The children had lost interest in the fish and were beginning to mill around. Maggie crouched down, looking at them. “All right. Who wants to go for a ride in the boat?”
The kids all turned to where she was pointing, their cheeks flushed from their fish-watching activities.
“We do,” they answered in unison.
Maggie reached out and took Leela’s hand, walking her over to the white and blue boat. She jumped over the small gap and lifted Leela in after her. Becs jumped in after, and took Leela’s hand.
Maggie pointed to the cabin. “Take them in there. Thanks, Becs.”
Becs nodded, leading Leela and the other kids into the cabin.
Maggie turned, searching for Alice. She had unhooked a hose and gas pump, and was bringing it over to the boat. “Look what I found.”
Maggie smiled. “Thanks, Alice.”
“All good. You put it in the tank, I’ll pump. There’s a manual hand pump on the side.”
“Sounds good. Really, thank you.” Maggie held Alice’s gaze for a moment. As much as she thought and knew herself to be a strong independent woman, she was thankful for Alice’s company. She wouldn’t have kept her sanity or her anger in check if it hadn’t been for Alice. The last few hours together had proven how determined Alice was to survive, and help those in need.
Maggie watched the fuel rise to the top of the tank. It just needed a few more minutes. A shriek bounced over the water. She swivelled her head, seeking the source. The creature was perched on the roof of the building across the road from the jetty. Several more Variant heads popped up and howled. They were looking out to sea, raising their heads as if sniffing the breeze. The thumping of feet on the boat deck caused her to turn. Becs was running towards her.
“Maggie, there…there’s boats coming!”
Maggie frowned and grabbed her hand. “Show me.”
She signalled to Alice to stop pumping, and ran with Becs into the cabin.
Her mouth dropped open at the sight. Half a dozen boats were cruising their way between the Mount and the long flat island on the other side, and several men with guns dotted the decks. Maggie raised her carbine so she could get a better view through her scope. Standing on the deck of the lead boat stood the biggest Variant she had ever seen. It was at least seven foot tall. It had bark-like skin, and spiky bones protruded from its shoulders. With the aid of her scope, she could see children’s heads mounted on those spikes.
Maggie let the rifle drop. Bile rose up from her liver and travelled up her oesophagus, burning the lining as it went, as if her body was rejecting what she’d just seen. Horrific! She had heard rumours of bigger Variants, but until now had not seen any. She shook her head. This one was not only big, but seemed to have command over the Variants and the human helpers. Maybe it was what Ian had meant when he’d been boasting?
Thinking quickly, she spun around, raced outside, and waved for Alice to come over.
Alice jogged up and looked over Maggie’s shoulder. “Oh, shit.”
“Shit is right. We have to hide. Now!”
They ran the few steps into the cabin. Maggie was struggling to keep her fear for the children from bubbling over and making her do something rash, something stupid that would nullify everything they had done to escape.
Alice started flinging the cushions off the seats, revealing storage cells. “Kids, I’m sorry, but the bad creatures are coming. We have to hide.”
Maggie ran forward and helped them into the spaces. “Just pretend it’s the world championship of hide ’n seek.” She helped Leela in, admiring how they didn’t question why. They just did. She guessed they were used to this sort of thing, hiding from the monsters, by now. After they’d placed the cushions back on the seats, Maggie went to the engine cover and lifted it off. She peered down into the semi darkness. It would be a tight fit, but it would have to do. She turned to Alice. She had her rifle up, watching the boats through the small window. A pained look crossed her face.
“Alice?”
Alice glanced at her, frowning. “I know that kid.”
Maggie looked through her scope. The boats had moored at the next jetty down. A few of the gunmen had driven a couple of vans down, and were herding children into them. Dozens of Variants flanked one side of the jetty, watching. Maggie swore she could see them salivating. The giant Variant lumbered onto the jetty, a figure draped over each shoulder. A teenager with one leg hung over the right, and a small red-haired kid over the left.
“Which one?”
“The bigger of the two the ugly bastard is holding… What is that on his shoulders…? Oh God…”
Maggie glanced at Alice. She’d dropped her rifle and slid to the floor. Maggie sat down next to her and took her hand. “I’m sorry, Alice.”
Alice wiped a tear from her eye and looked at Maggie. “He was whole, when I knew him. Back in the beginning. He hid in the basement with Dee and the others. We, we decided to go our own way. He’s just a kid.”
Maggie stood back up and moved to one side, careful to keep out of sight. She watched as the demons and their human captives moved up the jetty. A small truck with a flatbed backed up to the jetty and the giant Variant bounded onto it, causing the suspension to buckle with its weight. Then it bent down and wrapped its two captives in chains. A couple of men in red coveralls hopped into the cabin and the doors slammed. Then the giant Variant leant back and bellowed. The deep baritone sound reverberated around the harbour, sending shivers up her spine. Everything about the Variants disgusted her. Their smell, their look. That horrible popping sound their joints made when they moved. Their howls. And now this giant Variant’s bellow. Sounds that she could add to the sounds of war. Something else to keep her awake at night.
The warmth of the carbine in her hands penetrated and, remembering her oath as a paramedic and the promise she’d made to her daughter, she decided to act. To fight. To make a stand.
Maggie checked her rifle and reached down to grab the bag she had stolen from the camp guards. She grasped Alice’s shoulder. “I’m going after those kids.”
Alice met her eyes and nodded. “Okay. What about Becs?”
“You take Becs, Leela, and the others to Mayor Island. Hopefully you have enough fuel. If you run out, drop the anchor.” Maggie looked up at the radio. “Radio for help, but only once you’re out in open water. Otherwise you don’t know who’s listening. I’m sorry to do this, Alice, but I can’t bear the thought of leaving those kids to a horrible fate. I’m going to track them to wherever they take them. It’s unfinished business.”
Alice stood up and, shouldering her rifle, drew Maggie into a hug. “Please come back. I like you.”
Maggie smiled. “I’ll do my best. I like you too, hun.” The seats behind them thumped, and she looked back at Alice. “I’m going to go. Tell Becs and Leela to behave for me.”
Alice smiled and hugged her aga
in. Maggie broke the hug and wriggled into the pack. With a last look back, she smiled and jumped over the gap onto the jetty. Glancing towards the new arrivals and seeing no activity, she ran for the cover of the shops.
EIGHTEEN
Jack sat back and rubbed his full stomach. It was the first decent meal he’d eaten for a number of days. He reached forward and started to fill another plate, and Dee elbowed him in the ribs. “You pig, how much are you going to eat?”
Jack smiled at her. “Oi. This is for Eric.”
“Oh yeah, sorry.” She giggled.
Jack let a grin spread on his face. After all she had been through, she still had the knack of lifting his spirits. Maybe her mirth was a cover. Hone and his whanau had scheduled to cremate Katherine and the other casualties at noon. Ben had secured them a lift back to Mayor Island. Jack was happy that they would finally be on their way. He was eager to see how Boss and George were. Eager for a shower and a change of clothes. Jack sniffed at his shirt. Definitely need a shower.
He glanced down at the silver case Katherine had given him. Jack couldn’t help but think it was cursed. All this over the contents of that rectangle of metal. He looked up into the adjoining room, taking in its beauty. Spread out on the floor were expertly-woven flax mats. The building was made from strong native timber, it’s high-raking ceiling soaring to a good six metres. Adorning the walls behind him, and in front, were huge carved pieces. He knew each carving told a story of Hone’s Iwi. He made a mental note to ask him another time; the history buff in him was piqued.
Jack nudged Dee and rose up, grabbed the food-laden plate and, with a nod to Ben, headed outside.
Eric was sitting next to Tony, wiping his brow with a cloth. As Jack drew closer he could see Tony’s skin had become all blotchy with bruised-looking patches. He offered the plate to Eric. “Here, eat. We’ll take over.”
“Thanks, guys.” Eric started shoveling the food into his mouth, eating hungrily.
Jack knelt down next to Tony. He wasn’t quite sure, but he thought he detected a faint fruity smell.
Extinction NZ (Book 2): The Fourth Phase Page 14