I sat down on the wheelchair Davin held out. Squeaking from the wheels ensued when he began pushing me out of the makeshift room down the hall.
“He won’t.”
“You don’t know that.” His words were tight.
We passed hospital personnel and other people in the hall. Some stopped to watch us.
The exit doors couldn’t come fast enough.
“You’re right. I don’t know that,” I said in a low voice. “But I’m going to take my chances. And if he does attack me again, then I will press charges. I’m willing to forgive him for this one occurrence. His daughter just died, he’s hurting, and he’s looking for someone to blame. And I also think other voices have put ideas into his head. I don’t think he would have come here on his own if higher powers weren’t involved.”
“Senator Douglas?” A cold gust of winter air quieted Davin’s words as he pushed me through the main doors.
“Yes. Senator Douglas.”
More than ever, I was convinced the senator was somehow involved with Zoe’s parents. He had the power to find which hotel I’d stayed in, despite Davin and me taking precautions. I imagined Zoe’s father wouldn’t have been able to acquire that information alone. It would explain how he’d found me.
However, I still had no proof that Senator Douglas was connected to Zoe Mathison or her parents. And while I still didn’t have proof that the senator had also manipulated the hospital’s CEO in Chicago—I firmly believed he’d done that too.
With a CEO bending the rules and Zoe’s parents not complying with the MRI—well, it played right into the senator’s agenda to convince the public Zoe had died from Makanza. It also fueled his case for locking my friends up again.
I pulled my coat tighter around me as Davin pushed me across the parking lot. “He got to them, Davin. I’m sure of it.”
It was already late afternoon and the sun was setting. Clouds drifted above when we reached Davin’s car.
Opening the door for me, Davin cocked his head. “What do you think he said to them?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but he did something to convince them an autopsy wasn’t necessary. He may have also instilled beliefs in them that I was to blame for their daughter’s death. It would explain why her father singled me out. Or,” I paused and shrugged, “her father decided that entirely on his own, and Senator Douglas had nothing to do with it.”
I slid ungracefully into the passenger seat.
Davin clicked my seatbelt in place before I could protest.
In a blurred move, he vanished from my side. The next thing I knew the wheelchair was back at the hospital door and Davin was inside the vehicle. As usual, it was like he disappeared and then reappeared beside me. Luckily, there was no one around to see.
I spent the drive back to Sioux Falls either biting my lip or staring out the window. The attack could prevent me from joining Division 5. If Dr. Sadowsky caught wind of it, he’d not only use my injury as an excuse to keep me from work, but my safety as well.
“I don’t want anybody knowing what happened in Des Moines.” I uttered the words just as Davin pulled into my apartment’s parking lot.
He cut the motor and angled his body to face me. “Why’s that?”
I explained my fears to him. With every word that left my mouth, his expression grew darker and darker.
“Meghan, maybe it’s best if we disappear again. You’re right about what could happen. This could just be the beginning. If others fall ill, more people will blame you. More could come looking for you, and if I step away and am not there to protect you—”
“But people will fall ill. That can’t be prevented. That’s part of the process when one is exposed. We’ve told the public that over and over, but that initial feeling of being unwell won’t last. They may feel sick for a few days, but then they’ll feel fine.”
Davin nodded. “I know that. You know that. But logic doesn’t necessarily mean that others will believe it. You of all people should understand that.”
I slumped against the seat. He was right. Fear still ran rampant in our country. It didn’t help that our opponents were actively trying to wreak havoc.
“It just needs to blow over. I’ve been saying that from the beginning, and I stand by that. This first month is going to be the hardest as people become exposed. And over the years it should grow less and less.” I grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly. “There are only twelve-hundred of you. Most people will never encounter a Kazzie in their lifetime. I don’t understand why people don’t see that.”
He squeezed me back. “I still think we should leave. You’ve done enough for the MRI and this country. And you’re still not fully healed. Let somebody else fight this battle for a while.”
I met his gaze. Fear still lined it. I understood his fear of losing me since I was terrified of losing him, but I wasn’t willing to back down.
Not yet.
“I’m going to California, Davin, and I’m going to join Division 5. We need a cure.”
14 – WEEKEND VISIT
Davin and I spent the next few days at my apartment. Thankfully, my wound had closed by the time Sharon and the twins’ were due to arrive, but that didn’t stop my worry over what I was seeing on the news.
It seemed each time I turned on the TV, opened a newspaper, or pulled up the internet, some story flashed across my vision about people becoming sick and blaming the Kazzies, or a Kazzie attacking an innocent bystander for no apparent reason—which I didn’t believe. It was all so absurd.
But what was extremely surprising was that my attack in Des Moines was never mentioned anywhere. Not once.
I bit my lip as I scanned the internet. Only one person I can think of has the power to keep a story like that from spreading.
But . . . Division 5 loomed which meant this could all go away.
If we find a cure.
Snapping the lid of my laptop closed, I joined Davin in the bathroom. He was helping to clean my small apartment for our impending visitors. After pulling on my cleaning gloves, I got to work on the toilet which wasn’t easy with my injury.
Davin peeked his head out of the shower. A lock of dark hair fell across his forehead. “I’ve got this. You don’t need to help.”
“I can help. My arm may be injured, but it’s not broken.”
He grumbled a response before closing the see-through curtain. Behind it, he turned into a blur just as my cell phone rang. Cate’s picture flashed across the screen.
My heart jumped into my throat. Ripping off my glove, I brought my phone to my ear. “Hi. Any news on the autopsy?”
“No,” Cate replied. “That’s not actually why I’m calling. I just thought I’d fill you in on Zoe’s family. Her dad finally turned up.”
I dropped the sponge I was holding into the toilet water. “He did?”
Since I’d asked Cate about him daily since the attack in Des Moines, I wasn’t surprised she was calling to fill me in. However, I still hadn’t divulged the attack to Cate. I knew she’d agree with Davin and say that I should have pressed charges, but I knew in my heart that would have distracted everyone from the real problem in front of us.
Senator Douglas.
After seeing the lack of news coverage on my attack, I firmly believed that if Zoe’s father had truly acted on his own with no outside manipulation, the story would have made national headlines, the MRI would have been informed, therefore, Cate would have known. But if the senator was involved, he wouldn’t want to be implicated in any way, and he’d use his power to keep my attack hushed.
I hung my head. How am I ever going to prove that he’s involved?
“He arrived back in Chicago last night and came to the hospital to take his wife home.” Cate’s words snapped my attention back to our conversation. “He was acting a little odd. He wouldn’t speak to anyone, and he kept his head down. He also seems to have broken his arm, since he had a cast on.”
“Oh. Really?” I played dumb. I didn’t tell
Cate that the cause of his broken limb was probably from Davin throwing him across the room. Clearing my throat, I added, “Well, I’m glad he’s back. His wife must be relieved.”
“She is. I think she needs his support.”
Cate and I hung up a few minutes later with her promise to call me if anything was revealed in the autopsy.
I retrieved the sponge floating in the toilet before snapping off my other glove and washing my hands. Davin stepped out of the shower. I was pretty sure my shower was now the cleanest it had ever been.
“Any news?” he asked.
“Not about the virus or Zoe, but Zoe’s dad turned back up in Chicago.”
Davin’s mouth tightened. “Have you told Cate yet what he did? How you’re more injured now?”
I shook my head.
His jaw clenched, but he didn’t argue.
We both moved into the living room as scents of the dinner Davin made wafted in from the kitchen. Luckily, Davin had acquired a South Dakota Food Distribution Center card after using my address as his own. He’d also changed his driver’s license to show his permanent residence being here. So while the event in Des Moines had been scary and wasn’t one I wanted to repeat, one good thing had come out of it.
Davin and I were officially living together.
I sat down on the couch and only winced slightly. I’d taken pain meds again this morning, but I was moving better, and I’d finished my course of antibiotics. Still, a few days ago I’d been pain pill-free. The attack in Iowa had definitely pushed my recovery back.
Sitting beside me, Davin interlocked his fingers. “Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“Yes. I can’t wait to see them. It’s exactly what I need.”
I lifted my lips to him and he kissed me softly. His lips felt so smooth and firm. He tasted like honey and chocolate. The familiar tingling began deep in my belly. Wrapping my uninjured arm around his neck, I pulled him closer.
He deepened the kiss, his tongue flicking into my mouth.
A knock sounded on the door.
Davin pulled back. “Damn visitors. Couldn’t they have waited another hour?”
I smiled and smoothed my hair back. “Perhaps we can finish this later?”
He growled and pulled me closer. “I’m holding you to that.”
In a blurred move, Davin was at the front door. Squeals of joy and Sharon’s laughter followed when the twins and Davin’s mother spilled into my tiny apartment.
Sara’s eyes crinkled in the corners when she saw me. She looked exactly as I remembered her. Blue skin as beautiful as a robin’s egg, shiny blond hair, and eyes bright with happiness.
“Meghan!” She barreled into me.
I groaned.
“Oh, shoot! I’m so sorry! I’m such an idiot!” She pulled back and looked at my shoulder. “Did I hurt you? Are you okay?”
I laughed and pulled her back into a hug. “I’m fine, really. The doctors said in a few weeks I’ll be back to normal.”
I left out the part about how I’d probably now need physical therapy to regain full movement in my arm. Neither Sharon nor the twins knew about the attack in Iowa, and I intended to keep it that way.
“Oh, good. I’m so glad to hear that!” She grinned again and hugged me more tentatively.
Sophie hovered at my side when Sara pulled back. The Sara tattoo flashed on Sara’s wrist when she lifted a hand to run through her hair. Beside it was a thin scar from where they’d implanted a tracking device in her during her time on Reservation 1. Sophie had both too.
The tattoos had been forced on the twins during their time in Compound 26. They were like concentration camp markings inflicted into their skin. And it had all been Dr. Roberts doing. Whereas, the tracking devices had been implanted when they arrived on Reservation 1. They had been removed before the twins left the reservation, but still . . .
I forced down my anger. Those tattoos and scars symbolized so much more.
“How are you?” Sophie smiled shyly and shoved her hands into her back pockets.
She looked just like Sara but carried a different air to her. Whereas Sara was outgoing and bubbly, Sophie had always been more reserved and shy. More like me.
“I’m good. How are you?” I stepped closer and pulled her into a hug.
A year ago, I never would have done that, but when it came to the Kinders and now the twins, I didn’t balk at being touched or showing affection.
Sophie stiffened for a second, but then she softened and wrapped her arms around me. Her hair carried the same floral scent as Sara’s.
When she let go, Sharon stepped forward and embraced me. “Meghan, sweetie. How are you?” Her auburn hair was swept back in a loose ponytail. As usual, a few stubborn tendrils escaped to frame her face. She had eyes just like Davin—electric blue and bright. They were the only people I’d ever met with eyes like that.
“I’m good. I’ve missed you.”
She smiled tenderly. “I’ve missed you too.”
Just behind them, Davin lounged against the wall with his arms crossed and a content smile on his face. My heart filled at the sight.
Everyone I loved was in this room.
Except for your parents.
My head cocked at that thought. Yeah, except Mom and Dad. I suddenly had the crazy idea to call them and ask them to join us, and then I realized that thought wasn’t entirely crazy. The twins were my best friends, and Sharon was like a second mother to me. Why shouldn’t my parents be here?
As the four of us stood in my tiny apartment, my spirits rose. “It’s so good to have you all here.”
Sara did a little happy dance. “I’ve been wanting to visit you for ages. And this is where you live, huh? So, do we get a tour?”
I grinned. “Sure, but don’t blink or you may miss it.”
Sophie giggled as I led them down the hallway to show them my bathroom and bedroom. The tour literally took twenty seconds.
Back in the living room, I shrugged. “I told you not to blink.”
Sara glanced out the window to check out my unimpressive view before plopping down on the couch. The couch springs squeaked. “I love it! I can’t wait until I live on my own when Sophie and I are done with school and have jobs.”
Sophie sat in the middle of the sofa just as Davin brought out glasses of water for everyone. He handed them out before going back to the kitchen.
“So you have a house husband now?” Sara watched Davin’s retreating form.
Sophie giggled.
“I heard that!” Davin called.
“Well . . . we’ve uh . . .” Heat rushed up my neck.
Sara angled her body toward me. “You’re blushing!” She grinned. “Okay, spill it. What’s going on?”
Sharon also leaned forward from where she’d sat on the lone chair.
“Meghan and I are living together.” Davin’s deep voice rang again from the kitchen. Whistling sounded from the tea kettle. “I’ve officially moved to Sioux Falls.”
Sharon’s eyes widened.
I wrung my hands. “I know you wanted him home with you since you haven’t seen him for almost seven years. Please know you’re welcome here anytime.”
She nodded acceptingly. “I knew I wouldn’t have him for long, and I’m thrilled things have worked out between you two.”
THE REST OF the weekend flew by. My parents came up on Sunday morning to spend the day with all of us.
A part of me worried it would be awkward, but since my parents had already met the twins and Sharon following my injury and time in Reservation 1’s hospital, it was anything but.
Sharon greeted my mother in her typical fashion while my dad pumped Davin with questions about how he was adjusting to life on the outside.
The twins and I spent every minute together. It was crazy how much they felt like the sisters I’d never had.
By the time Sunday evening rolled around, it was time for everyone to go. Sharon and the twins left first since they had such a long drive, but
my parents lingered.
When it was nearly nine at night, they finally made their way toward the door. I wrung my hands as they shrugged their coats on.
I’d already told Sharon and the twins about my and Davin’s plans to fly to California, but my parents still didn’t know.
“Um, I suppose I should tell you guys something.”
My dad looked my way as my mother picked up her purse.
“What is it, kiddo?”
I felt Davin approach me from behind. He laid a hand gently on my uninjured shoulder.
“Davin and I are moving to California temporarily. It’s for work.”
My mother’s eyebrows rose. “Who’s work? Did you get a job there, Davin?”
I quickly shook my head. “No, my work. I’m going to be working at Compound 3 for a while.” I hope. I didn’t add that my position still wasn’t a guarantee. While I had the doctor’s note Dr. Sadowsky insisted on, it still held the work restriction. “But it’s temporary,” I rushed to add. “It’s just short-term for a project.”
My dad exhaled in relief. “That’s good to hear. You scared me there for a minute. I thought we may be losing you forever.”
The meaning behind his words wasn’t lost on me. I could have died from my gunshot wound.
“No, Dad. You’re not losing me. Most likely, I’ll be back in a few months.”
My mother’s lips pursed. “You’re still injured, Meghan.”
“I know. I am resting. Really, I swear.”
Davin stepped to my side. “I’ll make sure she’s taken care of. That’s a promise.”
Relieved expressions crossed both of my parents’ features at Davin’s words. Apparently, my track record wasn’t the best for personal care.
“Well, in that case . . .” My mother stepped forward tentatively. Lifting her arms, she wrapped me into an awkward hug.
It was nothing like hugging Sharon, but my mother wasn’t nearly as practiced in touching people. Closing my eyes, I squeezed her in return before she awkwardly stepped back.
It’s not natural yet, but maybe in time, it will be.
My dad also embraced me which was equally as embarrassing, but a warm feeling still rushed up inside me. It was crazy how much I’d wanted my parents’ support in this matter.
The Complete Makanza Series: Books 0-4 Page 101