“What is it, Lina?”
“Nothing, it’s OK.”
“Celie, your turn”, Cassie says as Harry returns from the bushes, she’ll check in with Lina later. She smiles to herself—perhaps this mum thing is something she can do. She looks across the car park. Rick has disappeared and only Dan and Zak remain at the cars. She counts the children - good, they’re all back - and heads back towards Dan.
“Where’s Rick?”
“He’s gone to do his action man thing?” Dan returns with a smirk.
Cassie’s brow creases for a second. “Oh,” is her weak reply. Perhaps Dan should try to be an action man too. “But … where is he?”
“He’s said he’s gone for a ‘reccy’. Anyone would think he was still in the war!”
“This feels like a kind of war! Why didn’t you go with him?”
“He told me to stay here and keep an eye on you and the children,” he replies, a quizzical look in his eyes as he catches the note of sarcasm in her voice.
She smiles brightly at him, keen, apologetic. “Good. It’s good that the children have got you to watch out for them.”
“They’ve got you too, Cassie,” he returns. “You’re an instant mum!”
“Hah! Well, I don’t know about that!”
“I never wanted kids,” he says quietly and walks to the front of the car. She follows his back as he looks out over the car park, a knot tightening in her stomach, but smiles down at Harry as he takes hold of her hand.
“Can we go in there now—and look for some food? I promise I won’t take any sweets or pop.”
“Sure. I’m sure we can. We just have to wait for Rick.”
“Where is he?”
“He’s checking this place out. He’ll be back soon.”
“I hope so. It’s getting dark,” Lina adds. “Do you think it’s September yet?”
“Huh?”
“The nights start drawing in. I just noticed. I’ve lost track of the days. It was summer when the plague … when it came. It seems quicker to get dark now.”
Cassie looks down at her watch, the diamonds catch the warm light of the evening.
“My watch has the date,” Harry interrupts.
“Look,” he says thrusting his arm into Cassie’s face. “It says twenty-ninth August.”
“So, it’ll be September in two days.”
“It’s my birthday on the fourth of September. Can we get some cake when we go into the supermarket? That’s where my mum used to buy my birthday cakes after she went back to work. She used to make them herself before …” he trails off and Cassie’s heart hurts for him.
“We can get you a cake, Harry,” she returns. “If there are any.”
He turns back to her and smiles and she puts her arm around his shoulders and pulls him to her. “What about candles?”
“Hey, don’t push it,” she laughs as Rick reappears out of the trees.
“As far as I can tell, there are only two men in there—they were both hanging out the delivery door at the back, smoking.”
“So, we can go down and ask them to share some of their food with us?” Cassie responds.
“I don’t think that would be smart. They don’t look too friendly.”
“But we’re hungry—the kids are hungry and I need …” Lina blurts.
“We’re all hungry, Lina, but the men in there are protecting their stocks.”
“Protecting it from what?”
“People like us. I don’t’ think they’d take too kindly to us turning up and asking if we can come in and do our weekly shop.”
“What are we supposed to do then?”
“Find another place that has food.”
“But what if that place has men keeping watch over it too, and the next?”
“We’ll find somewhere. Don’t worry,” he smiles and turns back to Cassie.
“Cassie!” Lina calls.
“Yeah,” she replies smiling as she turns to the girl.
“I need to pee again.”
“Oh? But you just went!”
“I know, but I need to go again,” she says her face reddening.
“Oh. Sure. OK, but don’t be long. The night’s starting to draw in and we don’t know who’s around here,” she calls as Lina slips back into the trees.
“So, what do you suggest?” she asks returning to Rick. The closeness of his body is intoxicating and she imagines him leaning into her, his strong hand around her waist, and instantly regrets it. Washed by guilt she takes a step back from him and looks over to Dan.
“There’ll be other markets in the town,” Rick replies, her discomfort unnoticed. “We should check them ou-”
As Rick falters, Cassie follows his eyes. Along the road leading to the supermarket the dimming light is brightened by the headlights of a car.
***
Chapter Six
Saskia stares at herself in the bathroom mirror, the flush of sex still tinged across the dimple at the base of her throat. She liked this apocalypse, or whatever it was. Her collarbones were defined now and her waist slimmer and that made her happy, even if she did have to suffer an ever-hungry stomach to get them. If she stands to the side her belly is flatter. Sure, her buttocks are still rounded, but she’s never had any complaints. She smiles at her reflection as she turns from side to side in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror. The fading light picks up the contours beautifully. Lifting the jug, she starts to pour the water into the sink then looks for a flannel. There are none. No washing has been done since everything went to shit. That was something she had to rectify, but there was no way she’d be the one doing the scrubbing! She frowns and holds the jug upright. This not having running water and electricity was wearing thin.
Sitting down on the toilet she grabs a bar of soap, wets it in the jug and moves it round and round in her hand. It barely lathers in the cold water. Frustrated, she takes the bar and throws it in the sink then slides her hands between her legs, rubbing at the stink left by Murray, washing it away. She shivers as cold splashes against her warmth, and goose bumps prickle on her thighs. The thought of him touching her later makes her grimace and her lips purse. He’s a pathetic specimen, but the strongest of the ones that were left. He’d have to do. At least he seemed pliable, or was it just desperate? She could stink the need coming off him. She’d make sure he did exactly as he was told. Grabbing a towel, she stands and dries between her legs then, hands on hips, breasts pushed out, takes a final look at her naked glory before returning to the bedroom to dress. If she couldn’t find a better man, she’d make sure he became what she wanted. And if he didn’t? Well …
A noise outside catches her attention and she moves to the window scouring the street for movement. Empty. It’d better not be those kids! If Murray didn’t deal with them little sneak-thieves she’d have to do it herself, the way she had with that last little shit. Her bare breasts brush against the cold paintwork of the window sill, and she pulls back into the room. There was something absolutely liberating about everyone else being dead, and if those still alive didn’t want to tow-the-line, well … they’d have her to deal with.
An image of a film she’d watched as a teenager when she’d tagged along with Sergei and his mates flashes in her mind. The heroes in that film had guns to fight the people who’d tried to steal their supplies. She’d have to find some—let those kids try to take her stuff then! Farmer Crawford up at Nettleton would have some she was sure—she’d get Murray to take her up there tomorrow. That would go to the top of her ‘To Do’ list. For now, the bows stashed in the boot of her car would do—not that Murray or his imbeciles had any skills. She and Sergei would have to teach them. Where the hell was Sergei anyway? For a fleeting moment she’s touched with concern and then her thoughts return to the crossbows she’d stashed in the boot of her car. They could use the grass at the side of the market for practice. Those bozos had better have made that place secure. She didn’t want to have to move into the supermarket—her home was comf
ortable—but she would if it meant keeping their stock safe—that’s what farmers used to do—live with their livestock—well the food wasn’t live, but it was all they had so she’d have to protect it come hell or high water. How else were they going to feed themselves? She had no idea how to grow food and she sure as hell wasn’t going to get her fingers dirty digging in the soil—the men would have to do that. Dressed, she sits on the bed and straps on the black patent shoes. Killer heels! Murray would be begging for any crumb of attention she threw his way. She’d give him some, after she’d finished taking stock of the aisles she’d missed yesterday, if she was satisfied with his efforts. If not, well, she’d really make him beg. She pulls at the zip of her tight leather jacket and closes it across her breasts then steps out onto the landing, shakes her blonde curls against her shoulder and struts down the stairs. Yes, there was definitely something empowering about being one of the only women left on the planet.
***
The light fades as Cassie looks out across the wide carpark, between the cars and along the sides where the trees cast their shadows.
“Rick, have you seen Lina?”
He turns and scans the area. “No. Last I saw she went back into the trees.”
“She did, but that was ten minutes ago,” Cassie says with concern. “She should be back by now.” She frowns and looks into the darkening trees and out among the cars.
“What are we doing then?” Dan interrupts. “We should be on our way if we’re not going to get supplies here.”
“But I’m hungry!” Harry’s face crumples with dissatisfaction.
“Well, I think we’re going to have to find somewhere else to eat. Rick says there are men guarding this place,” he returns smiling down at the boy. The boy shifts and stands a little closer to Dan. Cassie’s heart warms a little. He says he doesn’t want kids, but he’s good with them, perhaps, in a few years … She smooths her hands over her barren stomach. Grief! What is she thinking? Get a grip Cassie! You’ve got to get these kids to safety, not daydream about bringing another one into this torn up world. She turns again to the supermarket’s facade. The lowering sun reflects off the huge plate glass windows, the light brightening the building on one side, the other cast into dark shade. A movement among the trees opposite the building’s side catches her eye and then a figure scurries to the wall, small against the red bricks. Lina! She gasps and her eyes widen as she watches the girl check about her then run down the concrete path to the back corner of the supermarket. Is she going in? She can’t!
“Rick … Dan. Look after the kids,” she demands, her voice low and unexcited as she glances at the children crowded around them. Rick nods with a frown. She darts to the grassed area and steps into the shade of the trees.
“Cassie!” Dan calls after her, his voice a low rasp. “Cassie! What are you doing?”
“It’s Lina,” she calls back. “She’s gone into the supermarket!”
“Come back, Cassie! I’ll go,” Rick demands, but she ignores his command and sprints along the line of trees, hoping that she won’t be seen by the thugs inside, until she’s in line with the back of the building. As she draws up level with the corner, Lina disappears through back door. She wants to call to her, shout for the girl to come back, but fear of giving Lina away keeps her silent.
“Oh, come on Lina!” she whispers aloud. “Don’t make me come in for you.”
She looks back to Dan and Rick - their pale faces are bright against the backdrop of darkening trees as they stand watching her - then turns back to the open door, hoping that Lina will step out and they can go back to the safety of the cars. Nothing! She’s gone. Cassie swallows and clenches her fists, pushing down the fear that grips her belly and steps out of the shadow and across the narrow strip of grass to the back of the building. Her heart beats hard in her chest as she walks, then runs to the door. She listens. It’s quiet inside so they can’t have found her. Taking hold of the edge of the door she peers inside. It opens into a dark room lit only by the light that shines through the doorway that opens into the supermarket itself. Light seeps in, the last of the summer sun pushing at the dinge of the room. Shelves stand high, packed with sealed and shrink-wrapped boxes—the store room. As Cassie steps inside, the coolness of the room covers her and a shuffle of feet sounds from her right. She turns. At the end of the first aisle of dark shelves a figure moves.
“Lina!” she calls softly.
It stops, but remains silent.
“Lina?” she questions, her voice a soft hiss.
The figure steps out between the rows of shelving where the sun spreads its light and Cassie’s shoulders release a little of their tension.
“I’m here,” Lina hisses back then steps towards the light.
“Come back! Don’t go in there.”
Lina jerks her head towards the door then steps back into the shadows. Taking Lina’s lead, Cassie steps behind the shelving, hidden from the open doorway into the supermarket then walks with a light foot to the girl.
“What are you doing, Lina? Those men could be dangerous!”
“I have to get some stuff from in there.”
“Stuff?” Cassie asks, her brow furrowing as she watches Lina’s pale face. “We can go somewhere else to get stuff.”
“No, I need it now and … and even if we go to another shop that could be guarded too.”
Cassie is quiet for a moment. Lina’s right, and the thought of moving on again, even more hungry and tired, fatigues her, but she can’t let the girl walk in there.
“I know, but Rick said those men were guarding the place. They could be armed. They could hurt you.”
“If there’s only two of them I can sneak in, get what I want, then get out quick without them seeing me,” she responds and steps towards the open door.
“What is it you’re so desperate for?” Cassie asks, her voice barely a whisper as she follows Lina to the door.
Lina turns back to face her, lowers her eyes. “I’m … I’m on my period,” she falters.
“Oh,” Cassie responds and puts a gentle hand on the girl’s shoulder.
“And Harry … it’s his birthday. I want to get him a cake.”
Cassie smiles into Lina’s eyes.
“That’s sweet. Listen. Let me go in. I’ll go and get you what you need.”
Lina’s shoulders sag. “Thank you,” she sighs.
“And I’ll get Harry some cake too,” she says stepping to the edge of the open door and peering into the supermarket.
Chapter Seven
The aisles are empty of people, though she can hear movement. It seems to be coming from somewhere near the entrance to the building. The aisles straight ahead are full of tinned goods, neatly stacked although there are large gaps between the tins. It seems perfectly in order, but odd at the same time. She’d expected to see produce scattered across the floor. Back at the penthouse she’d watched the scenes of looting on the news. When they’d first started showing the thieves the screen had been full of men and women pelting pell-mell through the open doors, trolleys full of ridiculously large televisions and boxes of gaming paraphernalia. As the days went by, it was food they were snatching. Her fridge had been full and she’d scoffed in disgust at their greed, but now she understood their desperation. In those ransacked shops, there’d been stuff strewn across the floors, shelves broken and pulled down, but here it was all in order, bare, but in order.
Each aisle has a sign. This one reads, ‘Tinned Vegetables’. She scans along the aisles, ‘Cakes & Biscuits’, that will be where Harry’s cake is. She wonders if they’ll still be in date and determines to find the freshest one. ‘Bread, Eggs, Tea & Coffee’, ‘Milk, Butter & Yoghurt’, ‘Home Baking’, ‘Water’. Everything they need is here. She can’t find the placard for toiletries. It must be at the far end of the aisles. Typical!
“I can see where the cakes are, Lina.” She turns to the girl. “But not the … the ladies things! I’ll have to go in. I’m sure it’s further across
. I just can’t see the sign from here.” She stops, listens and follows the sound of the men’s voices. They’re at the entrance looking out.
“I think they’ve seen us,” she says.
“Seen us!” Lina responds, taking a step back.
“No, not us,” Cassie soothes. “The cars—I think they’re standing at the entrance looking at Rick and the others.”
“I shouldn’t have come!”
“I’ll go in quick, whilst they’re distracted.”
“Please hurry, Cassie. I feel so bad now. If they see the kids!”
A stone seems to shift in Cassie’s belly. “Rick and Dan will look after them,” she replies though her belly gripes again and her feet want to take her back to the fresh air beyond the store room and back to the children.
She takes a deep breath, steps into the supermarket, crouches low and begins to run across the back of the aisles. Her shoes tap on the tiles and seem to boom across the vast space. She stops and listens. Did they hear? From the sound of the voices the men don’t seem to have moved, though she can’t see them from her crouched position. Thankful for the shadows lengthening across the back of the shop, she stands a little taller, peering over the tops of the aisles, but can’t see the men, or hear them now. Stepping forward, she’s careful and her shoes make barely any noise as she walks across the hard surface. As she passes each aisle with its neatly stacked goods, she wishes the men would disappear so she can get a trolley and fill it with food for the children.
The final aisle looks promising. Against the far wall is a shelf full of makeup and next to it sunscreen and moisturisers. The pads should be along there somewhere. She runs her hand through her hair, feels the lankness there, and determines to pick up some shampoo too, perhaps some of that dry shampoo you use if you’re travelling. Half way down the aisle, she stops. To her left are the sanitary towels and next to them toothbrushes and toothpaste. She’d get those too, one for each of them. She stands, takes off her jacket, lays it on the floor and reaches for a packet of pads. One won’t be enough. She reaches again. Take what you can Cassie. There’s no knowing when you’ll get the chance to get more. She reaches up and grabs the rest of the packets and lays them on the ground. Now for the toothbrushes. And soap. The kids will need a wash soon and Dan was starting to hum a little too. She lets out a low chuckle at her thoughts. Dan would be horrified if he thought that. He was so particular about showering and being well-groomed, well, he had been. Not so much now. She preferred the more rugged Dan anyway, he seemed more real. Smiling to herself, she steps away from the growing pile of sanitary wear, toothbrushes and soap and reaches for the deodorant. Which one would he like? He hated the aerosols, said they gave him a headache. A roll-on would be best. Which brand did Bella buy for him? She thinks back to their gleaming, light-filled penthouse bathroom and her smile slips for a moment and the stone slumps again in her belly. No point being maudlin. She takes a deep breath then freezes rigid as a hand clamps down hard on her shoulder, steel fingers pressing into her collar bone.
The Savage Road: A post-apocalyptic survival series (A World Torn Down Book 2) Page 3