“Rose, it’s not quite as simple as you think,” said Picasso. “We took a vote after Rafe arrived and decided to help Cadence. She’s the reason we came here. You’re the one who asked Rafe to lead the Dark Angels. He didn’t have to let us vote, but we did. All of us believe this is the right thing to do.”
“Don’t make it sound like I give a shit about Highbrow or his stupid camp,” said Rafe. His blue eyes started to glow a more vibrant shade of cobalt. His fangs popped out, and he took a step closer to Cadence. “The only reason I asked for a vote is because I didn’t want to force anyone to pick sides. We’ve been waiting for Micah to return, but he must be up on the ridge, working on the fence. I’m sure he’ll side with Highbrow, but the rest of us want Cadence to remain in command. If anyone is leaving, it’s Mr. High and Mighty.”
Ginger peered through the curtains. “They’re starting to gather outside,” she said, concerned. “It looks like everyone is camp is coming here. What are we going to do?”
“Are you with us or not, Rose?” Rafe asked.
Rose found herself in a staring contest with Rafe. She’d been the one to ask him to take over as leader of the Dark Angels, but it was clearly a mistake. The Dark Angels had to remain neutral. The camp wouldn’t last a day without the Dark Angels. As soon as the Kaiser learned that Cadence was being replaced by Highbrow, she knew the Shadowguard would attack the camp. The kids were playing right into the Kaiser’s hand.
“We agreed long ago that one person would lead the Dark Angels,” said Rose. “This is something we can’t vote on, but we can have a new leader. I’m prepared to reassume my position as leader. I say we put down our guns and do what Highbrow says. Step away from the door, Ginger. We’re not getting involved and that’s final.”
Rafe laughed. “You seriously are asking me to resign as leader, Rose? Do we need to take another vote or do you want me to pretend I care what you think? You’re not thinking clearly about this at all. Cadence is human, and she needs our help. If we do nothing, then we are siding with Highbrow, because that’s what it sounds like to me.”
The twenty Dark Angels looked from Rose to Rafe, not sure what to do. Ginger turned from the door and came over to stand with Rose, along with most of the vampires. Lachlan, Picasso, Rafe and six others sided with Cadence.
“If you want to be the leader, Rose, then take over the job,” said Rafe, sneering. “I didn’t enjoy being in charge anyway. It’s obvious what we need to do, but if you want to support Highbrow, then do it. I won’t stop you. But I’m not staying either.”
“Rose is right, Rafe,” said Cadence. “The Dark Angels need to stay out of this. This is a problem between Highbrow and me. I know what you want me to do, Rose. I’ll go out there and talk to Highbrow, but it won’t resolve anything. I’m not letting him arrest Thor or any other Chameleon. I’d rather leave camp than see anyone else harmed. Nor do I intend to apologize.”
“Highbrow is afraid, Cadence,” Rose said. “He’s afraid the virus has created a new species. By your own admission, you believe this to be the case as well. The Chameleons, as you call them, will have to leave camp. Where will you go? What will you do? If you could just find a way to make amends, I’m sure Highbrow would allow you all to stay. Please reconsider what you’re doing here, Cadence. Highbrow needs you.”
“Cadence better not surrender,” said Lachlan. “If she does, I’ll shoot her myself.”
“I second that, Irishman.” Rafe faced the commander. “It’s your call, Cadence. Do you want to make up with that wet biscuit or do you want to march out of here with your head held high?”
“Oh, I’m marching out with my head up,” said Cadence. She walked over to Rose and held out her hand. “No hard feelings, Doc. I understand why you’re staying in camp and I approve of your decision. Keep the camp safe, Rose. Highbrow will need you more than ever once I leave.”
Rose shook hands with Cadence. “I’m sorry,” said Rose. “I didn’t want this to happen. Highbrow wants me to start destroying the blood samples and all of my equipment. He intends to burn this place down, along with all of my research, but I’d rather not do that. If you agree, I think Lachlan should take what he can carry back to the hotel. There’s too much valuable information in my files. I still think I can find a way to use your blood and create a cure that won’t change people into Chameleons. If you still want my help, I’m offering it.”
“Of course I do,” said Cadence. “Lachlan, take everything you can and leave out the back window. Anyone else who wants to help can do the same. I won’t expect you to stay at the hotel. You can come back here. I’ll give you a few minutes and then I’m going out to talk to Highbrow. Picasso? Rafe? I’d like you both to come with me.”
Setting his sword aside, Lachlan went over to the file cabinet and started stuffing a bag with Rose’s research. The rest of the vampires started boxing up medical equipment and supplies, taking it out the back window, working together to remove everything valuable. Rafe walked over to the refrigerator, opened it up, and let Ginger place what was needed into a cooler.
“Some of these vials contain dangerous materials,” said Rafe. “When you came here, Rose, you brought along several forms of the virus. I know because I read the labels. We’ll take all of this and get rid of what we don’t need.”
When the bags were filled, Lachlan slid out the back window. Ten vampires followed him out with the rest of the equipment. Cadence, Rafe, and Picasso walked toward the door. Rose sped over and placed her hand on the door knob.
“Let me go first,” said Rose. “I’ll let Highbrow know you’re coming out, Cadence. Try not to be angry with him. Highbrow is only doing what he thinks best, and so am I. I’m not picking Highbrow over you. This isn’t personal. But I am putting the camp first.”
“I understand, Rose,” said Cadence. “I’m not angry with you or the Dark Angels, but I’m furious with Highbrow. I will, however, try to keep the shouting to a minimum.”
The moment Rose went outside, there was a flurry of activity. The Bulldogs, Valkyries, Blue Devils and Lieutenant Sterling stood behind Highbrow. More armed teenagers were coming up the road led by Private Destry. The War Gods, Bandits, Razorbacks, and Panthers came running up from another direction. Rose tensed as Cadence, Rafe, and Picasso walked out and stood behind her. It wasn’t that the entire camp had gathered to see Cadence step down from power, but the fact that Shadowguard were watching from the ridge that had Rose worried. No alarm was raised. Rose assumed Lachlan and the Dark Angels had made it past the Shadowguard without any problem, but part of her wished the enemy would strike while Cadence was still present.
“Captain Highbrow, I believe Commander Cadence would like to speak to you,” said Rose. “I think it would be best in private. I also think you should allow the Dark Angels to bring out the medical supplies for the camp and store it in the mess hall, for now.”
Highbrow smirked as he drew his gun. “I’m not stupid, Dr. Rose,” he said. “Have all of the Dark Angels stop what they’re doing and come out of the lab so I can count heads. We’re going to burn down the lab right now. We can build another hospital and get other supplies.”
Picasso ducked back inside of the lab. He came right back out with the remaining Dark Angels. Micah arrived with the others Dark Angels that had been working on the ridge. Ginger walked over to her boyfriend. The rest of the vampires joined them.
“What now?” asked Cadence. “If you want to talk, then talk, Highbrow.”
“Commander Cadence,” said Highbrow, in a formal voice, “I’m taking over the camp. As of this moment, you are no longer in command of the Freedom Army. Will you stand down?”
“This needs to be in private.” Rose went over to Highbrow. She hadn’t counted on Highbrow grabbing her arm. “What are you doing? I thought you wanted to talk?”
“Making it clear that you’re on my side, Doctor,” said Highbrow. “Have you thought about my offer, Cadence? If you have something to say, then say it in front of th
e camp. I think everyone deserves to hear your side of this. Well?”
“When Pike’s Peak fell,” said Cadence, “I’m the one who brought us here. I’ve done everything possible to ensure our safety. It’s because of me that Rafe brought the Dark Angels here to protect us. You won’t be able to protect this camp without us.”
Rose knew the one thing Highbrow did, and did well, was to keep one move ahead of his opponents. He’d orchestrated the perfect military coup. His forces advanced and formed a horseshoe around Cadence, Rafe, and Picasso.
“Let’s keep this simple,” said Highbrow. “Since I know Cadence won’t surrender or take orders from me, you have one choice. Leave camp. Now.”
Cadence stepped forward, her gun lowered at her side. Lieutenant Sterling snapped his fingers and every soldier and teenager present pointed their weapon directly at their former commander. With a snarl, Rafe stepped in front of Cadence, using his body as a shield. Rose jerked her arm out of Highbrow’s grasp, but remained at his side.
“The Shadowguard are watching us,” said Rose. “I know you can’t see them, Highbrow, but there are scouts on the ridge. Everything said here will be told to the Kaiser. Are you sure you want him to know what’s really going on?”
“It is what it is,” said Highbrow. “I’m waiting, Cadence. What is your decision?”
“So, this is how it’s going to be,” said Cadence, moving from behind Rafe. “You really want to take command? Then take it, Highbrow. I’m not going to stand in your way. I’ll pack my things and leave, but I’m not leaving without Freeborn. I’d have preferred to talk to you about this in private, but since everyone is here, then let’s do keep this simple. Tell Sterling and your soldiers to lower their guns, and I’ll get my things over at HQ while you send for Freeborn.”
“Someone, probably Thor, already cleared out your possessions,” Highbrow said. “That’s how I knew you intended to leave.” He lowered his gun. “I didn’t want it to be this way, Cadence, but I’m doing this for the good of the camp.”
Rafe pointed at Highbrow. “High Horse Powers, you’re an idiot,” he said, angrily. “You’re not fit for command. The moment Cadence leaves, the Shadowguard will start abducting your people. The Kaiser wants fighters for the Death Games, and he needs fresh blood. When you end up in Room 16 at the Citadel, be sure to write your name on the wall, like I did. At least someone else will see it and remember who you were.”
“Be quiet, Rafe,” said Cadence. “You’re not helping things.”
“Commander Cadence,” shouted Freeborn. The tall girl came walking around the mess hall, accompanied by the Buccaneers who joined the ranks of soldiers and patrols. She glared at Highbrow and joined Cadence. “No cage can hold me. You want us to leave then we’ll leave. But I’m disappointed in you, Highbrow. The Fighting Tigers were your family.”
Highbrow seemed moved, but didn’t break. “You want me to be the bad guy,” he said, “but I’m not. All I want is to make sure humans stay human. I want this camp to survive. The one to blame is Cadence. She had a choice, Freeborn. So did you.”
“Yep. You’re just like your father,” said Cadence. “He abandoned you, and now you’re abandoning us.”
Highbrow pointed his gun at Cadence. Confusion and anger filled his eyes. “When the zombie outbreak occurred,” he said, “no one knew what to expect, so we banded together. People from all walks of life came together, simply trying to survive. Eventually, we started rebuilding. I might not be able to control the spread of the virus, but I can control what happens here.”
“We’re with you, Commander,” Thor called out.
The group of misfits led by the large Viking stepped out of the shadows. Thor’s leather coat was zipped up, but he had several bullet holes in the fabric and a layer of dried blood covered the material. He’d been shot, but he’d lived. Rose wanted desperately to run tests on Thor to discover how he was still alive, but it wasn’t the time or place. Cadence’s blood had clearly had a great effect on Thor, and she wasn’t the only one that noticed. Highbrow and Odin were both staring at Thor in disbelief, and for a moment, Rose thought the Viking was going to join Thor, but he remained with the captain. Loki, Dodger, Smack, Xena, Phoenix, the girls of China Six, and two werewolves joined Cadence. A few seconds later, Luna and her pride of werepumas appeared out of the trees and joined them.
“Take care of yourself, Rose,” said Rafe. “Come on, Picasso. Let’s blow this joint.”
Rose watched Picasso, Rafe, and Cadence join the rebels. Picasso was the last Dark Angel that Rose thought would ever leave her side, but if Cadence had promised to rescue Tandor, then she understood why he was doing so.
A commotion behind Highbrow revealed two soldiers dragging a stocky figure through the crowd. Sarge, who hadn't been out of solitary confinement in a month, was thrown on the ground in front of Cadence. He was unwashed and dirty, with an unruly beard. He’d been burly, but he’d lost weight. Rose knew why Highbrow wanted him gone. Sarge looked around at all of the people, rolling his eyes and cackled madly.
“Take Sarge with you,” said Lieutenant Sterling. He glanced over at Destry. At one time, he’d been the Sarge’s best friend, but now Destry hung his head. “We don’t want him. He’s all yours, Cadence.”
Cadence leaned down and grabbed Sarge by the arm, pulling up him from the ground. She gave Highbrow a disapproving look. “You’re throwing away a human?” she said. “Just like that?”
“He’s useless,” said Highbrow. “We can’t waste food on him any longer. It’s all about give and take here. Sarge only takes. Keep him or dump him into the nearest gutter. He’s your problem now.”
“You break my heart, Highbrow,” said Cadence, as she handed Sarge over to Thor. “I’ll take Sarge with us and anyone else who wants to join my new team. I won’t turn anyone away. If you want your freedom, if you want a voice, if you want to know you still have rights, then come with us. I’ll do my best to keep you safe. I give you my word of honor.”
Highbrow walked over to Cadence. No one moved or spoke. The hope in her eyes wrenched at Rose’s heart strings. “From this day forth, you are dead to all of us. Goodbye, Cadence. We won’t meet again.”
Everyone on Cadence’s new team threw their blue berets on the ground, but no one else stepped forward to join them. Rose knew Nomad probably would have joined Cadence, but Betsy wouldn’t leave the children, and he wouldn’t leave Betsy.
“See these people get the supplies they need and escort them out of my camp, Lieutenant Sterling,” said Highbrow, in a firm voice. “Let them take any vehicle they want. They’ll need it. No one is to interfere or get in their way; just let them go.”
“Yes, sir,” said Lieutenant Sterling, saluting.
The soldiers and teen patrols formed two lines on either side of the road. Rose watched Cadence lead her group through the crowd and down the road. The procession paused long enough for the team to secure items from their RVs and fall back into line. She’d never felt more proud of Cadence. Walking with her head held high, going out into the unknown bravely with her small team, Cadence left without one shot being fired.
* * * * *
Chapter Twenty-One
Accompanied by Pallaton and five guards, Blaze was taken to a large auditorium for breakfast. Twice as many prisoners than she’d seen the day before were gathered at three long tables and vampire guards were everywhere. Blaze couldn’t decide if her guardian was a good guy or just another fanged sociopath. He’d let her sleep late, which he hadn’t done for anyone else. Though he’d not talked to her while they walked to the cafeteria, he’d become chatty in the presence of the prisoners.
“You will sit with my fighters,” said Pallaton, indicating a group of people with blue scarves tied around their arms. Everyone was too busy eating to give their guardian a second look. Most had the look of experienced arena fighters, including Tandor, who was one of them.
Pallaton pulled back Blaze’s chair. She received a few stares as she sat.
“I will select your meal. Eat only what I put before you. Is that clear, Blaze?” asked Pallaton. “You’ll be practicing today. All ranked fighters practice before a game. I’m teaming you up with Tandor. Learn all you can from him. What Tandor teaches you may save your life in the arena.”
“Yeah, well, if you just drove me home,” said Blaze, “that would work too.”
Pallaton laughed and gave her a little push into her chair. Tandor was drinking bottled blood, while everyone else ate a wide selection of breakfast food. A plate was placed in front of her by Pallaton, and he reached across the table and served her a raw steak, three poached eggs, and several strips of chicken. Across from Blaze, an overweight fighter was enjoying blueberry pancakes. Annoyed, she sat back, staring with envy at a basket of chocolate muffins. When she reached for one, Pallaton smacked her hand. He moved down the table, making sure his favorite fighters were eating properly, and occasionally took a plate of food away.
“How are you doing?” asked Tandor, pushing her fork closer to her plate. He was the only vampire seated with Pallaton’s fighters, although a few vampires sat at another table, drinking bottled blood.
“Okay.” Blaze picked up the fork and took a bite of eggs.
Tandor offered a tolerant smile. “Vampires have come from all around the world for tomorrow’s fight. Big name fighters have been brought in. We’ll have to train hard today if you’re to be prepared.”
Pallaton returned and placed a purple protein shake in front of Blaze. She hoped it tasted like grapes, not chalk. Taking a sip, she found it tasted like almonds. A steak knife was placed on the table. Apparently, she was among the privileged since only a few fighters had knives. Many were eating steaks with their hands. She spotted Billy Bob and Mr. Smith further down the table. Only Billy Bob acknowledged her and waved.
Dead Hearts (Book 2): Forsaken Hearts Page 20