Rafe led them out into the hallway. He walked beside them, aware vampires were present in both the living room and study. Seeing Rafe with the humans, the vampires paid no mind as they exited through the front; however, zombies were waiting with singular intention. Some of the humans made it to the side of the house, and Rafe gave no further thought to their safety. He left the front door open wide and rushed through the mob of zombies, pushing them aside as he ran to the street. He turned back when he was clear of the throng and witnessed them pouring into the mansion. Screams of vampires filled the night. Rafe laughed as he turned to run.
Rafe found a black Mercedes parked on a side street with the driver’s door open. Rafe climbed in and found the keys still in the ignition. If there was a God, he was responsible for the engine roaring to life. Rafe raced toward an unknown future. He wasn’t sure where he was going, but he knew what he’d left behind.
***
Highbrow was greeted by the very scene he’d imagined, yet far more vivid and painful to see. Luna, Barbarella, Skye, and Sheena were gone, a wake of destruction remained. The Professor was dead, along with the six members of the Green Hornets and the two medics. They had been shredded, and the evidence covered the floor and walls. Highbrow assumed the four girls had fled to Midnight Falls, but knew the dead here would rise again. Logan pushed in behind him and took a quick look around before glancing at Nomad.
“We have werepumas, brother,” said Logan. “Just like I thought. We’re going to have to go hunt them down or they will return.”
Cadence stood at the entrance, unable to come further into the cabin. Highbrow wanted to comfort her, but Logan beat him to it. The scavenger put his hand on Cadence’s shoulder.
“I know you want to cry,” said Logan, “but don’t. Your entire camp is at risk. This is the world I grew up in. It only gets weirder from here.”
“The Professor is dead,” said Cadence. “There is hardly anything left of him. Are Luna and the other girls dangerous? Will they come back and attack others? I thought they could only change at the full moon?”
“These creatures are different from the Old Ones,” said Logan. “Old Ones are werewolves from the darkest forests of Europe. Not many of their kind are left in the U.S. I know. I hunted them down and killed them. Old Ones can only change at the full moon, but this is a new virus. I’m not sure if the girls will remember who they used to be. Now they’ve tasted human blood, they may want more. It’s hard to say.”
“Enough of this,” said Highbrow. He pushed Logan aside and pulled Cadence outside. “It doesn’t matter if Luna and Barbarella remember who they were. They’re infected. We have to kill all of them. The safety of the camp comes first, and you know that.”
“But if they’re still human and they remember, they might not be dangerous. I don’t want Luna and the others harmed. I only want the infected puma killed. That’s a direct order.”
Highbrow wasn’t pleased when Logan and Nomad joined them. He wanted to talk to Cadence in private, get her calmed down and make sure they were on the same page before taking action. But she’d given a direct order. If he didn’t follow her order, he knew there would be consequences.
“You say you can kill those things?” snapped Highbrow. “Get up to Midnight Falls and locate Thor. Let him know what’s going on. He’s already up there hunting for the infected puma with Dragon and the Elite. Only,” he glanced over his shoulder at Cadence, “no harm to the four girls. Cadence doesn’t want them killed. I disagree with her, but I support her decision. We’ll deal with Luna later.”
“You got it, captain. You don’t need to tell me twice,” Logan said. He and Nomad turned and quick-paced to the stairs.
Highbrow put his arm around Cadence and led her to a railing beside the stream. He had never seen her so upset. She was holding back emotions, but she wasn’t handling things well. Highbrow felt there was some way he could step in until she was able to lead effectively again without making a permanent change in command. It wasn’t like they had a rigid command structure. They were doing the best they could with what they had.
“I think you better let me handle things,” said Highbrow, softening his tone. “At least for now, until you feel better. I’ll get a team in here and have the bodies burned. We don’t want the Professor and the others growing fangs and tails. Sit down and rest for a bit. I won’t be gone long.”
She stared at him as though he were a void.
“Cadence, did you hear me? I said go sit down and turn your mind off for a minute.”
Cadence removed her katana from her sheath and walked inside the cabin. Highbrow gave chase. She seemed far too calm as she began slicing the heads off every dead body. Highbrow turned away when she stood over the Professor. It was too much to believe the one man they needed most was no longer alive. He took it hard, but he believed Cadence was losing the capacity to cope.
She walked outside, wiping her blade with a towel. The Blue Devils and Valkyries arrived to give an update on their progress. Highbrow informed them of what had taken place and instructed them to begin cleaning the cabin. He followed Cadence and sat with her.
“Feel better?” said Highbrow, angry. She sighed and he softened his tone. “I’ll handle things from here, Cadence. You rest. I mean it. You’re not thinking clear right now and I can’t be worrying about what you’ll do next.”
“We’re way out of our league, Highbrow. You saw what those things did.”
“You gave orders not to kill Luna and the others. Did you change your mind?”
“No. I’m going to sit here a while. Just sit.” She fell silent.
Taking charge was the only thing Highbrow knew to do. He established teams, briefed everyone on safety measures, and assigned duties. He sent runners to find Star and the rest of the Fighting Tigers. Highbrow wanted to surround Cadence with her team. Everyone was hustling according to their assigned tasks, and the fire to burn the remains of their friends raged fierce.
The Fighting Tigers arrived without Star. Highbrow wasn’t surprised as Star was grieving Luna’s death as well and needed distance. Blaze and Freeborn sat on either side of Cadence, while Dodger and Smack leaned against the railing, rifles in hand. Highbrow knew their senses were heightened and ready for another attack. Whisper sat silent.
“Is she going to be okay?” asked Highbrow.
“What do you think, Highbrow?” Freeborn responded. “Not good,” said Whisper.
Highbrow heard voices at the waterfall and hurried to the stairs. Thor, Dragon, and the Elite were exhausted and empty-handed. Dragon was the first to meet Highbrow.
“No luck?” asked Highbrow.
“The trail went cold,” said Dragon. “That cat is long gone.”
Dragon spotted Freeborn and joined the Tigers. Thor met with Highbrow as the Elite passed by. Raven pushed through the Elite and threw herself into Thor’s arms. Her sobs were unfiltered and heartbreaking. The Vikings stood back as Thor held her tight. He looked over her head to meet Highbrow’s gaze.
“Did you spot Luna? She and the injured girls turned,” Highbrow said, trying to sound calm.
Shock rippled across Thor’s face. He set Raven back, staring at Highbrow as if he were mad.
“Excuse me? Turned into what?”
“Werepumas,” said Highbrow.
“Have you gone crazy, or are you serious? Luna turned into a cat?” Thor wrestled with belief.
“I know it sounds crazy, but Luna, Babs, Sheena, and Skye changed. They killed the Professor, the medics, and all of the Green Hornets, but they won’t hurt anyone else. Not with their heads cuts off.”
“That’s messed up,” said Thor. He looked at the cabin and held Raven tight. “We’ll go back and look for the puma after we take a break. Raven isn’t in any shape to help, and I’m sure Cadence and Star are taking this hard. You and I need to step up, Highbrow.”
“I’m captain,” said Highbrow. “I’m in charge. You do what I say. Got it?”
Thor laughed.
“Man, you need to step off. Don’t go lording over me now, Highbrow. Your ego is way too big for your own good. Dragon, Uther, and I will go back and look for the puma like I said. You can take care of the women. It’s what you always wanted, right? Take care of Cadence and play house.”
“Where is Cadence?” said Raven, lifting her head. “Why isn’t she here taking care of things? You two can’t be in charge. You’re both idiots.”
Highbrow held his tongue. Thor laughed.
“You two are horrible,” said Raven. She pushed Thor back and her temper flared. “Cadence is carrying a heavy load. She can’t do it alone. You know how she felt about Rafe and. . . and now, Luna. I loved Luna, but they were best friends. Both of you need to show some compassion. It’s no wonder if she’s cracking. I’m surprised it hasn’t happened sooner. If she cracks, we all crack. She’s the only thing keeping this camp together. You two sure can’t.”
“Go check on Cadence,” Thor said. “Maybe you should take her to see Star and the three of you can hang out for a while. I know you’re hurting, and I’m sorry. I really am. I’ll take the Vikings back out with me.”
Raven nodded.
Thor motioned for Highbrow to follow him. They walked the wooden porch past HQ, and kept walking.
“We looked everywhere for that cat,” said Thor. “It’s long gone. But we did run into Nomad and the new guy. They may have better luck than we did. I didn’t want to say anything in front of Raven, but we may need to kill the werepumas.”
Highbrow accepted the cigar Thor offered. He didn’t smoke, but it seemed like a good day to start. Thor lit the end for him and then lit his own.
“I don’t know what to do,” said Highbrow, drawing on the cigar. “Cadence is in shock. I hope Raven and Star can snap her out of it. But hell, they’re in no better shape than she is. If it wasn’t for you and Dragon, I’d be lost.”
Thor scratched his jaw, realizing it had been days since his last shave. “First things first,” he said through the thick cloud of the cigar. “Nomad and this Logan can track down the puma. As for us, we can work on bringing order back to the camp. I regret giving you so much crap in the past. You’re doing fine as Cadence’s second. But that’s just it. Cadence is the commander and she’s out of commission for now. You need to start appointing new officers before it catches up with you.”
“Okay, you’re a corporal.” Highbrow didn’t take Thor serious. They never liked one another, and Highbrow wasn’t ready to start now.
“I don’t want to be a corporal,” said Thor. “I need more power than that if I’m going to get things done. I’ll help you figure out what to do about the puma problem. Have everyone sleep in the tunnel tonight and post squads at the entrance. Whisper and the other snipers can stand guard at the lookout point. Hell, I’ll take first watch with my team, then Dragon’s, and then yours.”
“Wow, you just eliminated the leaders of two of those teams. It’s Star’s team and Cadence’s team.”
“No, it’s the Freedom Army, and you assume command when she’s not able to.” Thor blew smoke into the air. “I know things are bad. Trick is not to feel guilty about who lives or who dies. I’m sorry about the Professor. We needed him, but he’s gone. All you have to do is make nice and get everyone in line. People need a leader, Highbrow. Right now, that’s you.”
“You’re handling this better than me. Why don’t you do it? I quit.”
“Grow up,” Thor gruffed. “Dragon and I have been searching those trails for hours without a rest. We’re worn out. I’m too tired to lead. That’s your job. Send Whisper up to Eagle’s Point to watch for intruders and deploy security teams. Appoint officers and rely on them to carry out your orders. Get it together, Captain. Right now, I don’t think you’re in any better condition than Cadence to lead this ragtag group.”
Thor blew smoke in Highbrow’s face. Highbrow stepped away, coughing. He looked at his cigar and tossed it with an angry flick. Highbrow was fuming inside, but held it in and stared at the ground.
“Hell, there’s no fight left in you,” said Thor. “I’m going to do you a favor, Highbrow, and give you some suggestions. First, get your butt down there and attend the funeral. They’re burning the Professor and the Hornets, and you need to say a few words. Then, go talk to the Head Hunters and Amazons. Combine their teams and put Xena in charge. They don’t need to sit around moping, so have them patrol the park road. Ask the Valkyries to patrol with them. Seeing those hot girls walking up and down the road carrying swords and battle axes, wearing their weird helmets and breastplates, will boost camp morale. You’ve got to get people’s heads up and create some harmony. Work with what you’ve got and roll with the punches.”
“You’ve changed since the last time I saw you,” said Highbrow, impressed and humbled. “I feel useless. I found strength in the Professor and Cadence. I’m lost when she’s down. I love her.”
“Yeah, well, we’re not all perfect. Suck it up and be a man. I’ll go back to Midnight Falls and you get out there and act like you’re in control. Fake it if you have to, Highbrow, but get out there and keep it together. Cadence will snap out of it.”
Thor gave a whistle and the Vikings joined him. Dragon kissed Freeborn and joined them as they departed for Midnight Falls. Highbrow sent a runner to find Xena and Phoenix.
Highbrow took a walk around camp, encouraging everyone and reassuring them everything would be okay. Several people called out ‘captain’ and grinned when they saluted. Highbrow saluted back, and felt good about it. He hopped on a four-wheeler and rode down to the bonfire. The Valkyries passed him on their way up to the main camp, leaving the Panthers and a handful of others to watch the fire. No words came to Highbrow. He didn’t make a speech, but he remained until there until the fire turned to embers and helped the Bulldogs fill in the pit.
By the time Highbrow returned to camp, the sun was setting. Tents had been set up under the trees, and everyone was settling down for the night. Campfires were burning, a group was tossing a football around, and morale seemed up. Highbrow located the Tigers and found Dodger, Smack and Blaze tidying up and putting away their gear. Freeborn sat on a blanket, cleaning her shotgun.
“Hey,” said Whisper, walking up behind Highbrow. “It’s not so bad right now. Saw you talking to the patrols. Did good.”
“Think so?” Highbrow wasn’t used to hearing Whisper talk. It was even stranger receiving a compliment from him.
“Yeah. Saw a honeybee earlier today. Haven’t seen one since spring. Good omen. There’s hope. Anyway, that’s what Freeborn says.”
“We survived,” said Freeborn, looking up.
“And we’re still together,” Smack added.
Highbrow returned to HQ and found the Bulldogs waiting for him. After spending some time with them at the fire, he decided to make them his personal guards. The former captain had his own guards, so it seemed like a good idea. Highbrow entered the cabin and found it clean. Apart from the boarded up window, there was little evidence to suggest a massacre had taken place here. Rugs were brought in from the old trading post and covered the floor, and a new blanket covered Cadence’s cot.
Someone lit a few white candles and some incense and placed them on the table. It was a nice touch, thoughtful.
Star and Raven appeared in the doorway supporting Cadence between them. The girls had been drinking and were giggling as they led Cadence to her cot and plopped her down.
Cadence lifted a boot for Star to remove, then the other for Raven to pull. Star removed Cadence’s sword and weapons belt and slung them over a chair. Cadence threw herself back and spread out her arms.
“Are we going to have a party?” asked Cadence, drunk. She patted the bed on either side of her. “What’s the problem? I want to party. Where is the rum?”
“She’s had enough,” said Highbrow. “Why don’t you two call it a night and go back to your tents? I’ll take care of Cadence. Thanks for letting her drink so much.”
“Our pleasure,�
� said Raven. “Star and I will go play with the Tigers if you won’t let us stay here. They always have the good stuff.”
Highbrow closed the door as they ushered out. He slid out of his coat and laid it over a chair.
“You staying the night with me?” said Cadence in a husky whisper.
“Yes.” He removed his boots and sweatshirt while she watched. “I don’t think you need to be alone tonight. I don’t want to be alone either.”
Sitting down beside Cadence, he reached up and ruffled her dark brown hair. They had never been alone together like this, but he felt comfortable with her.
“You hair is so soft,” he said.
“Thanks.”
“You’re amazing, beautiful inside and out. Strong, confident, and incredibly fragile at times. A bit hot-tempered too, but you always manage to figure it out and keep it together.” Highbrow moved a little closer. “I know it’s been hard on you, but I’m here to help carry the burden. I’ve always been here, Cadence. I’ve just been waiting for you to tell me what you need from me.”
“You mean you want me to tell you how I feel about you. Really?”
“Really. Now is the time, I think,” said Highbrow, reaching over to fiddle with the buttons of her jeans. Her hand settled on top of his, holding him still. He met her green eyes and sighed.
“This is a big step,” said Cadence.
“I’m not good at saying how I feel, but I try to show you. I admit I’m a little scared of you, and of how I really feel about us. I love you, Cadence. I think I’ve loved you from the first moment I saw you.”
“I don’t love you.”
Highbrow felt his heart pound in his throat. “You don’t? But I thought….?”
“I’m in love with you,” Cadence said. “I’m drunk enough to admit it, but I didn’t know until I thought I’d lost you. I need you, and if tonight is to be our last night on earth, I want to spend it with you.”
She pressed into his arms. Passionate kissing brought an end to her drunken conversation. They had all night together.
Morbid Hearts (Dead Hearts Book 1) Page 19