An ache seeped from Mick and he dropped to the chair.
Briggs asked. “And you Doc?”
“I’m good. It’s only strong in Mick’s blood.”
“Double check,” Briggs instructed.
“I did.”
“Then check again.”
Mick stood. “No. We knew. We both did. It was Doc we were unsure of. Briggs, I was exposed. I was cut and I stood inches from the broken vial. I knew.” He slowly turned and began to walk.
“Mick?” Briggs called. “Where are you going?”
“The way I see it, I have three days tops until I am sick. Two days until I’m contagious. I’m not gonna gamble. Mick dropped his voice to near whisper. “So I don’t want to take a chance on infecting my sons. That means I have just a little bit of time left with them. Make the plans for tomorrow, Briggs. Tonight … tonight I just want to hold my kids. I’m gonna absorb every moment left that I can.” Again he turned, only this time, Mick didn’t look back. He kept walking, strong and tall even though, emotionally, he was torn up inside.
* * *
“Our scouts told us that the first blockade is set up on 90 just before Wattsburg Road,” Briggs said, pointing to a map as he stood that night with twenty men in the room. “You gentlemen will be in charge of your own squad and we are storming this town, but we have to do so with caution. 90 is the first blockade. I believe that is what Dr. Rayburn is calling the left lumbar region. The right lumbar region, I am placing here at the 79 and 80 interchange. Sgt. Nelson will handle that, along with the right hypochondria areas.” He saw Jon raise his hand. “Yes, Jon?”
“The iliac regions and hypogastria regions? Are we joining forces with Nelson?”
“Negative,” Briggs said. “Sgt. Hems will take out five squads at first light and plan a southern trip coming up fifteen miles to meet those regions. Our entrance is here.” He pointed west of Erie. “This is what I believe to be the tight left hypochondria. Three quarters of a mile is McDonald’s, that’s where Mrs. Owens and Dr. Rayburn are. That’s where I believe the bulk of the troops are. This main center of town, north, has to be the vital organs. I’ll move with my men to the lower left lumbar region. Mick Owens and an elite squad will infiltrate the left hypochondria taking out the men there. Mick will enter the camp, radio us when he is in and unseen, and then we synchronize an attack, unless of course there is trouble.”
Jon nodded. “Wait — if Mick is that vital, where is he?”
Briggs lowered his head. “He knows what he needs to do. And I believe he has a more important place to be right now.” He exhaled and returned to the map, but Mick and the boys were never far from his mind.
* * *
Mick stood in the door of the room, watching the boys. They didn’t even know he was there. Chris argued with Tigger over a game, so reminiscent of the arguments Chris used to have with Dustin.
“Are not,” Chris said to Dustin.
“Are too.”
“Are not.”
“What the heck is wrong with you?” Dustin asked. “They aren’t gonna do something like that.”
“Are too. Gonna build a super highway right on top of Lodi, and we’re gonna be able to look up and see it. Cars will be going by all hours of the day and night.”
“Are not. Mick’s the chief of police; he would never let them do that to our town. He would sign a petition, he would fight it. He wouldn’t let them build a highway over Lodi.” Dustin paused. “Or would you, Mick?”
“No.” Mick grumbled. “And it’s bullshit. Where did you hear this from?”
Both boys at that second pointed to Dylan.
“That’s what I heard,” their mom said. “All the talk down at Connie’s beauty shop.”
“Well, keep the talk at the shop and don’t get these boys started. It’ll get them started on their back and forth and it drives me nuts.”
What Mick wouldn’t give for one more moment of Chris and Dustin fighting, Dylan being the catalyst, and Dustin standing up for Mick then tearing him down. All that was gone and life was far from done changing for Chris.
* * *
“Mick’s back!” Tigger exclaimed.
“Hey, Mick!” Chris rushed to him. “Did you get the germ? Are we good now?”
Mick sniffed.
“Oh, no, you didn’t,” Chris said.
“No, no we got it. We’re good.” Mick winked.
“We waited up for you to eat,” Chris informed him. “I made sliced beef in a can. Not that your eggs weren’t all that good, they were, you know, but I wanted sliced beef in a can.”
Tigger argued. “Maybe Mick hates sliced beef in a can.”
“Oh, Mick eats everything. He don’t hate sliced beef in a can. Do you, Mick?”
Mick’s heart thumped in his chest so hard he swore he heard it. “I eat everything.”
“You okay, Mick?” Chris asked.
“I’m just tired from the trip and want to spend some time with you guys before tomorrow.”
“That the big day?” Chris asked, enthused. “Are you gonna go get your mom?”
“I am.” Mick nodded, then exhaled. “Let’s eat, I’m hungry.”
Chris jumped excitedly. “You’re gonna eat my cooking now. Hope you don’t get sick. Come on, it’s in the cafeteria.” He grabbed Tigger’s hand and they ran by Mick.
Hope you don’t get sick. Chris’ words echoed in Mick’s thoughts. His entire being sank but he had to keep his spirits up, he didn’t want anything to distract from every second he had left with the boys.
Mick planned on taking in every second, holding them, appreciating them and making just one more memory.
This night was the last night Mick would have with his sons and the last night, unknowingly, they would have with him.
He was going to make the best of it.
Mick’s Last Letter
Chris and Tigger:
It’s a difficult task. Many soldiers and men and women who have sacrificed for our country have written a letter like this. This is by far the hardest letter I will ever write. It is my hope that you never have to read this. But if you do, if you get this letter, then I am no longer with you. It breaks my heart to even think about never seeing you two grow up, be men, fall in love, have children. My entire life has been spent loving you with every breath of life I take.
All I ever wanted to was to be there for you. I will always be there, watching, but not the way I want, you want or any of us need. It is the best I can do.
I am so very proud of you both. The greatest gift was the day each of you were born. My flesh and blood or not, you boys, all three of you, never will be less than my own sons.
My life has been complete. Please know that everything I have done, especially the past few months, has been for you boys. I did it without regrets.
It kills me to know that you will feel any more pain. It was not my intention, because God knows you boys have had enough pain for a lifetime.
You deserve a good life. A safe life, and one that is open to many opportunities. The world has changed since the days when I changed your diapers, took you to school, talked about space travel and wrestling. The days of dreaming of great things are not over, they are just different. Remember that.
Both of you boys are destined for greatness. You are remarkable young men and I know the path you choose will be good and honorable. You have it in your hearts to make this world what it needs to be, make it a better place.
This world is a new place and has changed. Please promise me it will not change you.
With all of my heart I love you. I love you more than I could write on this paper.
Be strong. Be brave. Live life for every single second. It’s too short.
Again, I am proud and I love you.
Mick
18. Final Battle
October 19th
Damon, NY
Forty men left at dawn. Two hundred and ten lined the streets of Damon. Every vehicle was utilized. They were determined to defeat th
e rebels and exterminate the threat of the virus.
Even Doc was suited up to go, he had to. They didn’t doubt that there would be injuries. They expected them. The midnight scouts estimated over a hundred rebel soldiers. The plan was simple. Outnumber them, outgun them, and outsmart them with minimal casualties. Take prisoners if need be. Life was too scarce to lose any more. There was only one life that wasn’t sacred and that was the life of Shane ‘Ace’ Drummond. For him there was no mercy, but that mercy had to be given if Mick didn’t locate the virus.
“Mick,” Briggs walked by him. “We’re ready.”
Mick nodded. He stood with the boys.
“You’re scared, aren’t you Mick?” Chris asked. “It’s okay. Maybe scared isn’t a good word.”
“Yeah, I’m scared,” Mick told him honestly. “Scared can be a good thing. We’re going into battle, there’s always a risk. You know that right?”
“Yeah,” Chris waved his hand dismissively, “but it’s you. You’re the mighty Mick Owens. I’m not worried. And just to show you how much I have faith in you …” He reached into his pocket and handed Mick the coin. “I didn’t give it to you when you went for the virus. Didn’t want a virus attached to it. But this is for you.”
Mick’s hand closed around the coin. “Oh, God. Chris.”
“What?”
Mick shook his head. “This means a lot. And just in case ... you know …” Mick hugged Chris into him. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Mick.”
Mick looked down to Tigger. “I know you hate it, but can I lift you up, one more time for a good hug?”
Tigger raised his arms. “I’m sure it’s not gonna be the last.” He wrapped his arms tight around Mick’s neck.
“I love you, Tig. Be good.” Mick closed his eyes, one arm holding tight to Tigger, the other wrapped around Chris. He didn’t want to let go. He didn’t want to walk away. But his internal clock was ticking. “I …I gotta go boys.” He tried hard to keep his emotions in check. “I’m sorry.”
“Why you apologizing, Mick?” Chris asked. “Gosh, don’t do that. We understand. We’ll see ya soon.”
Mick kissed his sons one last time.
Just as he turned, Chris called out. “Hey, Mick?”
Mick looked over his shoulder.
“Remember, you got this. You’re our hero, you know.”
Every muscle in Mick’s face tensed up and his throat closed. That was it. The last he’d hear Chris’ voice, the last he’d see his boys. He lifted his hand in acknowledgment and turned around.
His guts swirled with an echoing, screaming pounding to get out with every step he took. His eyes welled and glossed with tears and his face grew red and hot. Mick was in agony. He said his last goodbye.
He wanted to look back one more time but he didn’t. He couldn’t. He just kept walking.
* * *
Las Vegas, NV
“I can’t thank you enough,” Matt told Lexi after stepping from his mother’s room. “She is doing great. Both of you, I thank you.”
Bill looked to Lexi then to Matt. “We need to talk, Matt.”
A look of worry immediately crossed his face. “You’re leaving. That’s what it is, isn’t it? Is there anything I can do to get you to stay?”
Lexi said, “I have no plans to leave. We have too many that are ill. But Matt, is there anything we can do to get you to leave?”
He produced a half smile. “Why would I leave?”
“Not just you,” Lexi said.”Everyone. This whole damn place.”
“What? That’s insane.”
Bill added. “And it’s insane to stay here. Eventually we can all return, but for now, it’s too dangerous.”
“SARS is highly contagious,” Lexi said. “It’s carried by animals, insects, rodents, you name it.”
“But you shut the lab down,” Matt said.
“Animals, birds, they all got through,” Lexi explained. “I know this is your home. And you know what? Come back. It could be crazy to leave here and you could very well wait it out. But in the last two days we have had nine more cases of SARS.”
“What if we all have it?” Matt asked. “We’ll carry it wherever we go.”
“Start packing,” Bill suggested. “Isolate the sick, care for the sick. Start moving. Most incubation periods are a week to ten days. We move further east, away from the threat. Wait. Then move again, until the time frame has passed and no one is sick.”
“That really sounds kind of crazy,” Matt said.
“Your choice,” Lexi said. “As a health professional in this field, I recommend we all go. Bill and I will stay the course with you. We’ll travel with you.”
“Go where?” Matt asked. “Do you know how much we have?”
Bill nodded. “It’ll be a big move. Heck, send scouts out now, look for a town, a place, one that’s vacant. Staying here is not the answer.”
“Do you honestly think it isn’t safe?” Matt asked. “With everything you believe, is it dangerous?”
“I wouldn’t say go,” Lexi told him. “Your pilgrimages will eventually stop. The location of that lab will carry everything west with the wind and the animals and so forth will bring it here. So much escaped that lab. The only way to stop this thing from going any further is for all of us to leave. Leave it behind.”
“Sad as it sounds,” Bill interjected, “the painful truth is, the west is a biological wasteland right now and we need to leave.”
* * *
12 Miles West of Erie, PA
Dylan’s eyes were bright and smiling as she held on to Dustin in the picture taken on the Fourth of July.
“I’m sorry, baby,” Mick whispered as he stared at the picture. “I wanted to raise the boys, I wanted to be here for them. I’m sorry. But I’ll see you soon. Both of you.” Mick brought his lips to the phone, looked once more, then powered it down.
The convoy had pulled over.
It was the point where Mick and Briggs parted ways. Mick’s squad was ready, and before he veered off with them, he approached Briggs.
Briggs inhaled and lowered his head. “Are you sure?” he asked Mick.
“Yeah. It has to be done. Got my weapon, got the incendiary grenades. I’m ready. This is where you and I say goodbye.”
“Radio when you’re in and have your mother and Lars. We’ll start timing the coordinated attack once you search for Ace and the weapon. Weapon first.”
“I got it,” Mick said. “Listen, there’s something I need you do to.”
“What’s that?”
Mick grabbed Briggs’ hand and placed the phone in it, along with the coin. “Give those to Chris. I don’t want them on me any longer. Can’t take a chance I’ll contaminate them. And this …” He reached to his back pocket and handed Briggs the letter. “You give this to them tomorrow or the day after, okay? Not today. Not … today.”
Briggs swallowed. “I will. We all owe you a debt of gratitude for this.”
“Don’t give me credit yet.” Mick said, his voice coarse with sorrow. “When it’s done, then you can say thanks.” He winked and extended his hand to Briggs. “You’re a good man, Jonah Briggs. Get my boys back to Lodi and then if you can, keep an eye on them for me.”
“It would be my honor, Mick Owens.”
Sniffing hard through his nostrils, Mick gave one last look to Briggs, locking eye contact and conveying gratitude and respect. Then Mick joined his eight man squad. Their route to battle would be on foot, and Mick led the way.
* * *
Lodi, OH
“It’s pretty cool here, Pap. I started school again. I’m not having school today,” Chris rambled fast in a conversation with Tom. ‘It’s like a big praying day. I think I’ll join them. Tigger made a friend. Speaking of which, we’re bringing two kids home with us. I know you’re like the community dad now. You’ll like them.”
“Wow, Chris, you sound excited. Now, when do I get to see you? When you guys coming home? Any idea?”
“Oh, sure, Pap, soon. They’re having, like, a war not far from Lodi. You know that, right? Bunch of bad guys taking everyone hostage. Of course you know that they have Rose. Anyhow, as soon as that’s done we’ll be home. When Mick comes back we leave.”
“When Mick what?” Tom asked.
“Comes back. He went and fought with them, you know.”
“No, I didn’t,” Tom said and then changed the subject, silently seething over Mick’s leaving and going off to fight. Tom finished talking and said his goodbye, then he had Joey keep an eye on Doe and headed down to the war room. Not for a meeting but to vent.
Henry was there and so was Kurt. As expected, they were monitoring everything. Tom didn’t say hello, he stormed in complaining.
“Did you two know?”
“Know what?” Henry asked.
“That Mick went into battle with them.”
Henry looked at Kurt then back to Tom. “No, we didn’t.”
“Son of a bitch bastard!” Tom barked. “I don’t like to swear, but this just gets my goat. He leaves them and they are on the run, he leaves again, taking a chance to go to the labs in Maryland. But darn it, leave the fighting to the others. He doesn’t need to go in there. What the hell are those boys gonna do if something happens to him?” He literally growled. “Oh, wait. I am gonna kick his big ass for leaving them boys alone again. He didn’t need to take them from home. When he gets back, I’m killing him.”
“Tom,” Henry’s voice cracked. “Mick won’t be coming back to Lodi.”
“What do you mean?”
“We didn’t know he went,” Kurt explained, “but it makes sense. This is all more than likely a suicide mission for Mick.”
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