Boston Under Siege (Book 1): Virus:

by Willson, Fisher

  “Like DC. Hurry, undress,” Ami said. She was naked, visibly quaking, bruised, skinny, pale and so very vulnerable that Trips could hardly bare it. He held up his covers and Ami slid in next to him. She grabbed the top of his Johnny and ripped it down the middle.

  “Lord, woman, you're stronger than you look.”

  “Should we take the bandage off?” Ami asked examining his shaved and bruised abdomen. “On or off?” she asked repeatedly, like a mantra, tracing her fingers just above the wound.

  “Yeah, Ami – I don't think ——” Ami snatched the front and back bandages off and curled around Trips, “Okay, then,” he said, as she surrounded his side with her body.

  “Oh, God.” She gasped then hissed out a controlled exhalation. “I feel it.”

  Trips scowled. “You feel what?”

  She snuggled in closer. “Everything.”

  Trips studied her. Her mouth was a hard line, her face pinched. “You mean...my pain?”

  Ami’s eyelids fluttered. She nodded, panting. “Yes, oh, closer, now.”

  Trips struggled. “Ami, get away from me,” he lifted her away, holding her at arm's length, his brow furrowed.

  Ami grasped his forearms. “No, don't. Trips, you don't understand. It helps me. It's not so bad. Please, please don't.”

  He squinted, studied her intense gray eyes. “You said it hurt.”

  Ami shook her head. “I feel it, but it makes me better, too. It’s hard to explain. It’s like a double helix of power, it winds up. You have to trust me.” Trips released her. She lay next to him, curving her body to his. “Sleep, now.”

  “What? I thought we were gonna make-out!” He jested, stroking her brown hair.

  Ami lifted her head off of his chest. “Regeneration takes complete and total concentration,” She said, riffing on a quote from ‘A Fist Full of Yen.'

  “Okay fine. I'm just glad you're here,” he smiled, holding her close. After a moment, he added. “You know, I thought you were dead, Ami.”

  Ami opened her eyes. “I know.” She pinched her lower lip between her fingers. “You kissed me.”

  Trips swallowed hard remembering kissing what he believed was her corpse at the time. He nodded. It was a difficult memory to erase.

  Ami sat up and looked deep into his ice-blue eyes. “You were very brave.”

  “It wasn't bravery, ducks,” Trips chuckled. “I just went mental. I'm not even sure what happened,” he glanced away, “except I'm pretty sure I killed that fucker.”

  “Like I said, you were very brave.” She snuggled back into him, and Trips held her close, kissing the top of her head. A few moments later, she asked, “You're not afraid of me...are you?”

  Trips inhaled and let the breath go. “Should I be? I mean, I still don't quite understand. You were dead. I swear to God, you were dead.”

  Ami shook her head. “I don't either, Trips. All I know is I would always recover. It would take a long time, sometimes, and it could hurt like hell, but I'd recover, no matter what he did.”

  Trips kissed her hair. “God, Ami, I'm so sorry.”

  She lifted off of his chest to look at him. “Don't look like that. It's you I'm worried about.”

  “I'll be fine.” Trips stroked her face. They snuggled again. After a few minutes, he asked, “So, he injected you with his blood?”

  Ami nodded. “Some, and made me...swallow things.”

  “Swallow things?”

  Ami shrugged. “Tainted water. Formulas. Mostly he just siphoned my blood.”

  They held each other tight. Trips cleared his throat. “Ami, you're still human, right?”

  Ami shrugged. “I don't know. I'm not a vampire if that's what you mean.”

  “No. I didn't mean anything.”

  “Let's just say I don't die like your average Joe.”

  “Right. That's one way of looking at it.”

  “Or?”

  “You're immortal?”

  “I better fucking not be because I'm fucking exhausted.”

  They drifted off and awoke to pounding on the door, loud voices, and the scratch of a key in the lock.

  “Oh, Crikey! Mum's here!” Trips cried, pulling the covers to his chin. Ami slid down and accidentally bumped him. Trips cried out in pain, as a small woman in a peach lace dress with matching pumps, and pearls made eye contact.

  “Baby! What on earth is going on in here?” Mrs. Kentigern asked, as orderlies checked the monitors and drip lines, and gathered the stray bandages on the floor from Trips' wound.

  “Looks pretty apparent to me, mother,” Ed said.

  Mrs. Kentigern narrowed her eyes at her husband. Ed bounced on his toes, looking down at his shoes.

  “It's not what you think, Mama,” Trips said, cowering under the sheets with Ami.” He smiled, gesturing with a palm up toward Ami. “You remember Ami, Doctor Amelia Alpert. You met at Dad’s fundraiser in DC.”

  Ami and his mother both gave him a wide-eyed stare.

  “You have five minutes. Make that three. Do not lock that door. Do you understand me, young man?”

  “Yes'um,” Trips said. His parents and the orderlies left the room. “Nice while it lasted.” He sighed. “I can't wait to get home.”

  “I have to stay. Trips don't let them make me go.”

  “It's okay. Just come back tomorrow.”

  Ami shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. “He's gonna get you.”

  “Oh, now. Sweetie, no one is gonna get me. I told you, I took care of him. Besides, Dewey says I might get out real soon if I can absorb a bunch more mess. See that one's almost empty. C'mon, she'll kill us both if we're not dressed.”

  Ami dressed quickly and helped Trips into an off-white waffle robe. She kissed him, then opened the door. His mother strode into the room right to Trips bedside. “Mummy! I’ve missed you.” Trips said, grinning madly, his arms outstretched.

  “You stop that this instant, young man! Land sakes you are a sight!” Mrs. Kentigern said, pulling his hands down, and kissing his cheek. She pulled at his hair. “Lord knows you’re part Billy goat.” Trips craned his neck trying to get away. “What are we going to do about this rat’s nest?”

  Ami shuffled, and Mrs. Kentigern’s steely blue eyes zeroed in on her. Trips began chattering on, making requests of his parents. He asked his mother about the food and his father about the state of his AWOL and whether the colonel had fixed it. With a chin wag toward the door, Ami escaped as his parents answered his questions.

  Ichiro blocked Ami’s escape. She sighed, closing her eyes. “Why are you always in my way?”

  “S'up Mrs. K.?” Ichiro asked, slumping in the doorway.

  “Your friend Ami was just leaving. Weren't you...dear,” Mrs. Kentigern said, without looking over.

  “Yes ma'am,” Ami whispered.

  “Come back tonight,” Trips said.

  “No, darlin' you need your rest. Now, you can play with your friends later. Goodbye Itchy-Row,” she said, dismissively. “Goodbye ladies.”

  Trips blushed at her tone. “Ami, wait. Mom, I need another minute...alone with my fiancée.”

  “Come on, mother. Bridget, c'mon, now,” Edwin Kentigern said, with a horse cluck. They cleared the room and closed the door.

  * * *

  Outside in the hallway, the Kentigerns discussed the situation. Bridget Kentigern gave Alexx a sidelong glance. “Ed, he should come home with me. I cannot abide this behavior.” Mrs. Kentigern lowered her voice even further. “What if the media got a hold of this?”

  The senator shook his head and bounced on his toes. “Now, mother, let's be reasonable,” he slouched with his hands deep in his pockets.

  “There's something funny about that girl,” Mrs. Kentigern said.

  Ichiro approached them and smiled sheepishly. “Mrs. Kentigern I don't think Trips, I mean Erv, wants to move, you know? I mean we're pretty tight roomies.”

  “We'll pay his rent if that's your concern,” Mrs. Kentigern said, acidly.

&nb
sp; “Be polite, mother,” Mr. Kentigern said, with a little smirk, turning her away from Ichiro. He waved a hand behind her back dismissing him.

  “Are you smirking at me? Don't you smirk at me. What is taking them so long?” Mrs. Kentigern glanced at the door as her husband sat her down near the television set.

  “Now, Bridget, give the boy a minute. He loves that sweet young thing. You remember what it's like, don't you?” he asked, tucking in around her. Mrs. Kentigern shook loose and crossed her arms.

  The door opened – Ami and Mrs. Kentigern locked eyes. Ami lowered her gaze. The corners of Mrs. Kentigern's mouth curled into a tight smile as she stepped forward. “I'm taking him home to West Virginia.”

  Ed caught up to his wife and pat her arm. “Now, now. That has not been established. He's a grown man,” Ed said, shaking his head to reassure Ami.

  Bridget Kentigern cast her piercing blue eyes on her husband. “Edwin Kentigern, he has been shot, my only son has been put in mortal danger, by you and that Campbell man, and I have had just about enough. Do you hear me?” She brushed past him into Trips’ room.

  Senator Kentigern escorted Ami down the hall. “She comes back guns a blazing every time. She’s a firecracker. She'll settle down once she sees he's all right. I imagine your visit has improved him immeasurably.”

  Ami blushed, as they joined Ichiro and Alexx.

  “Now, I’ll be back and forth until he's released. There's a Senate subcommittee hearing that I need to prep for,” Mr. Kentigern said, looking at his watch and bouncing on his toes. “Don't you worry, darlin', he'll be home soon.” He plopped a big fat kiss on Ami's lips. “You take care of yourself.”

  Ami held back a whimper.

  “Come on, little dude. Let's go home,” Ichiro pulled at Ami, getting her to walk. “Bye, Mr. Kentigern.”

  Ami turned to confirm they were out of earshot and swiped the back of her hand over her mouth. “So gross.”

  “You want Alexx to stay with you?” Ichiro asked, making eye contact with Alexx.

  “Ah. I don't know. I...” Ami stammered.

  Alexx put an arm around her. “I'll stay 'til Trips is home, okay?”

  Ami looked from Alexx to Ichiro. “Could I just stay in Trips' room?”

  Ichiro smiled broadly. “That would be awesome!”

  “But, I'll need a bed. I can't sleep in that weird chair or the leaky air mattress or that foul settee.”

  Chapter 43: There's No Place Like Home

  Trips was getting released from the hospital as Ichiro slunk past the nurse’s station. Edwin Kentigern was busy signing release forms while Bridget Kentigern learned about the care and management of gunshot wounds.

  From a distance, Ichiro could tell Trips was itching to get out of there, slouched in a wheelchair, legs bouncing and chewing his cuticles. His mother had gotten to him, though. His beard was trimmed, and his hair neatened into a ponytail. Ichiro smirked at the ill-fitting blue jeans, too-small Sponge Bob Square Pants tee, and tan orthopedic walking shoes as he whispered, “Psst.”

  Trips looked up. “Aw, mate!” He climbed out of the wheelchair, glancing around surreptitiously. “Get me outta here!”

  “C’mon.” Ichiro led the way to where Alexx and Ami waited. Trips smiled, shooing them toward the stairs, as he looked back over his shoulder. His smiled faded as he caught sight of his mother.

  “Ervin! Ervin Ambrose Kentigern the third, you stop right there!” Bridget Kentigern called, watching him slink down the hall.

  “Go! Run!” Trips said, ushering them on. His mother stood in the center of the hallway in a crisp navy blue suit, tapping a forefinger on her folded arms. No one moved as she approached, her heels clicking on the linoleum. Trips offered a sheepish grin. “We were just gonna go get a coffee, Mummy. We were coming right back.”

  “A likely story,” Bridget said. “I don't know what I'm going to do with you.”

  “Hey, Mrs. K.,” Ichiro said with an equally sheepish grin.

  “Hi, Senator Kentigern,” Alexx said, bouncing and beaming at the man standing behind Trips’ mother.

  Mrs. Kentigern turned around as Mr. Kentigern put his hands on his wife's shoulders, and winked at Alexx, his eyes then shifted to his son’s. “You're all checked out. Mother has the instructions on taking care of your wounds. You have a follow-up in a week.” He took the papers from Bridget and handed them to Trips.

  “Thanks, Dad,” Trips sighed. “So we'll see you for supper, then, right? Drinks at our place? Five-ish?”

  “I won't stand for this Edwin,” Bridget murmured through clenched teeth.

  “He's a grown man, Bridget,” Ed whispered, massaging her shoulders. He stood tall and nodded at his son. “Go on, git. See you tonight.”

  Trips took his cue and ushered everyone to the stairwell, but he made the mistake of looking back at his mother. “Dammit. I'll be right back.” He slunk back and put his arms around her. They stood talking for a long moment. Trips started to look exasperated and held her again in a long embrace. His father held his mother's shoulders, as Trips turned to join his friends.

  “Harsh, dude,” Ichiro said, galloping down the staircase.

  “Can't blame her.” Trips shrugged. “I mean, ya’ know, she's my mom. But, Gah.” He glanced at Ami and smiled. “Hey, Ami, the surgeon was flabbergasted. They couldn’t explain the expediential healing.”

  Ami rolled her eyes. “Your mom hates me.”

  “She hates everybody,” Ichiro said, glancing at Ami.

  “But she was so...” Ami shrugged, “pleasant when I first met her.”

  Ichiro and Trips snorted, then Trips added, “Yeah, but, that was when you were the nice doctor lady. Now you’re the harlot hussy who crawls into bed with unsuspecting gunshot victims and tries to steal them from their mothers.” Ami blanched. Trips smiled. “Sweetie, she'll get over it, and it was so worth it.”

  * * *

  After the four of them ate leftover pizza in the apartment, Trips flipped on some music in his bedroom and undressed. “The bed is way awesome! I wouldn't have been able to sleep in the chair, anyway. It's so awesome to be home. You're awesome.” He crawled into bed. “C'mere, and get out of those awesome knickers! Oh, where'd I put those papers?”

  “They're on the awesome dining table,” Ami said, hanging her jeans and t-shirt in the closet.

  “There's my awesome observant girl.” Trips smiled, tracing an infinity sign on the sheets. He crooked his finger, and she knelt over and kissed him. Then he inhaled sharply.

  Ami pulled away. “What is it?” She glanced at the bandage on his right side. “You okay? Did I bump you?”

  Trips shook his head. “Promise you won’t get mad.” Ami frowned as Trips slid one of her bra straps down, his eyes following the movement of the strap. “It was just a dream.”

  “What was?” She asked as Trips brushed her hair away from her collarbone and kissed her neck. Ami pulled away reseating her bra strap. “Oh, I know. It was that girl, Sandy, wasn't it?”

  “How'd you know?” He tilted his head and tried to go back to nuzzling. “It wasn't good. Not like this.”

  “You dreamed of sex with her?” Ami stood up and stepped back out of reach.

  “No. No, no, no. It’s just that it was so real.” He sat back against the pillows. “Aw, c'mon.”

  She arched an eyebrow. “Your seduction skills need some work.”

  “But I'm sick.” He pouted. “Fine. I won’t tell you.”

  “You're not sick, you're injured. Tell me, or you won’t get any.” She slid out of her panties and bra and slipped under the covers. “Not even cuddles.”

  Trips rolled his eyes, twitching his toes. “The thing is, it was just, like, so real. She was in my hospital room, and she tried to kiss me, and it was awful.” He sneered and glanced at Ami. “Then she did something to the bag of saline, or something, and something about Amos. I don't remember.” He covered the bandage on his arm with his hand. “Then my arm hurt, wicked. It hurt like anyth
ing. There were all these black lines crawling up my arm.”

  Ami sat up and ripped the tape off the drip line incisions on his inner elbow. Black lines radiated from a central bruise. “That's not normal, Trips.” She got up to get bandages.

  “What?” Trips sat on the edge of the bed as she cut a piece of gauze. “You think she gave me something?”

  Ami shrugged. “I don’t know.” She laid the gauze over the wound. “I think we should get you back in the lab.”

  Trips shook his head. “No way. Not again. That's what started this whole indentured warrior thing. No. I will call the doctor if I feel the least little thing. I'm seeing him in a week.”

  “Okay, but I swear to you, Trips,” Ami sheered the medical tape with her teeth, “he’s still alive.”

  Trips pulled her back into bed. “We'll deal with it.” He ran his nose over her cheek and stroked the nape of her neck, keeping steady eye contact. “There's something I've meant to ask, Ami.” Ami knit her brows and searched his eyes. Trips stroked her cheek with his thumb. “Just know that...there's nothing to be scared of. I can wait, or we don't have to, just know, I would never hurt you.”

  Ami exhaled, lying back. “Trips, he didn't. They didn't do that.”

  Trips sighed heavily and collapsed. “Thank God. You've just been so... skitters! “You know, like scattered and crazy. I didn't know what to think!”

  Ami kissed his ear, and whispered, “I want to, but you're not supposed to.”

  “Pish-posh. We'll go nice and slow,” he said, glancing at her mouth. Ami smiled, and kissed him.

  Chapter 44: Spartans

  As the weather got cooler and time passed, businesses reopened, and citizens moved back, but a military presence remained. Fewer vampire and zombie incidents meant things were returning to normal. Ami and Alexx were back at work in the lab, which was good, but tonight, Ami just wanted to put her feet up. She was angry and disgusted with her situation.

  Alexx parked the car on Charlesgate East behind the guys’ apartment. Ami slipped out of the car, inhaling the crisp evening air and glanced west toward Kenmore. She shielded her eyes from the last rays of the sun, watching unsavory characters gather under the overpass in the evening light. Later tonight it’s going to be a free-for-all.