“You know I can’t. I won’t.”
“You have to; you don’t understand.”
“Then tell me why.” Frustration twisted his lips. “Just tell me.”
“I can’t.” She scrambled off the rock and onto the sand.
“Can’t, or won’t?” he called after her retreating back.
“Both,” she whispered as she rushed back to the house. Silent tears streamed down her face. I’m sorry. I can never touch you, never let you close. Or you’ll die.
Once inside her room, she slammed the door shut before leaning against it for a moment to gather her wits. Since the moment she’d met Caleb, he’d been problematic. Both for her peace of mind, and the secret she kept from this town. Nobody here knew what she was. Nobody here looked at her with condemnation or loathing. Only she and Logan knew the truth, and that’s the way she wanted to keep it. It was a selfish desire, but one she couldn’t let go of.
After wiping her face and brushing her teeth, she put on her shoes and padded down the hall toward the kitchen. Right then she longed for a cup of coffee. Anything to warm up the core of ice inside her heart.
At the breakfast table, she encountered Logan. He looked good, fresh from a bath and clear-eyed. He’d kept his promise, not touching a drink since the day he tossed out his stash. He’d held her to that promise too, ensuring she stayed off the pills and cigarettes no matter how much she might long for them. A fact that earned her gratitude even though she begrudged him for it at times.
“Morning,” he said, mouth quirking in a wry greeting.
“Hi,” she replied as she hurried toward the gas stove where a kettle of coffee stood, still warm from the flames. She poured herself a cup and took the seat opposite him, avoiding his sharp gaze. He was oiling his handgun, his fingers moving with well-practiced ease.
“Everything all right?” Logan asked.
“Yeah, I’m good.”
“Are you sure? You look upset.”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Is it that boy again?” His voice deepened to a growl. “Because if he’s becoming a problem, I’ll chop off his knackers with a blunt knife.”
She shook her head, a reluctant giggle escaping her lips at the mental image his words evoked. “Nothing’s wrong, Logan, and Caleb isn’t bothering me so you can keep your torture fantasies to yourself for now.”
He grunted and eyed her for another long second before nodding. “Well, whatever it is, it’ll have to wait. Martin’s called a meeting.”
“Oh?” She looked up in surprise. “What for?”
“He wants to discuss my proposal.”
“Really?” Her eyebrows arched at this bit of news. “Took him long enough.”
Ever since they arrived, Logan had lobbied for Martin to allow an expeditionary force to travel to Max’s camp to establish cohesiveness between the two surviving groups. Maybe even set up a trade route. But for weeks now, nothing had happened, and they’d been forced to sit and wait.
Logan shrugged. “I don’t blame him. It’s a tough decision, and he’s got his people to worry about.”
“True, but shouldn’t we survivors stick together?” Nadia asked. “There’s few enough of us left as it is.”
“I know.” Logan emptied his cup and sat back in his chair. “It isn’t that easy though.”
“Nothing is anymore,” she grumbled as she finished her coffee.
“Ready to go?” Logan asked.
“I’m ready.” She pushed back her chair with a scrape and flexed her spine.
“Good,” Logan answered with a grunt, sliding his gun into its customary holster. “Time to find out what the future holds.”
Nadia followed Logan out of the kitchen with mixed feelings. Was Martin finally approving the expedition? And if so, what about her? What did her future hold? And whom?
Chapter 2 - Logan
Logan left behind the warm kitchen and made his way downhill. The asphalt crunched beneath his boots, and the breeze felt crisp on his skin. It tugged at his collar and carried with it the briny scent of the sea. The brisk walk invigorated him, and he enjoyed the feel of his muscles stretching and moving with ease. Since he’d decided to stop smoking and drinking, his health had returned faster than even he had anticipated.
“Do you think Martin will agree to the expedition, at last?” Nadia asked. She hurried along beside him, her shorter legs struggling to keep pace with him. The vigorous movement stained her cheeks pink, and her blue eyes glowed like aquamarines. No wonder that boy Caleb is so infatuated with her.
“I don’t know. I hope so because I’m just about done waiting.” He shook his head as impatience overwhelmed him. For all of a month now, he’d sat around twiddling his thumbs while Martin held meetings and deliberated with his advisors. Though he understood Martin’s position, he had little patience with red tape and longed to get back home.
“You’d leave without them?” Nadia asked. “You wouldn’t stay?”
“No, I have to go back, whatever happens.” He turned his head and regarded her. Something in her tone of voice alerted him to trouble. “And you? Are you thinking of staying?”
“No, of course not. Where you go, I go. That was the deal, right?”
“Right.” Logan slowed his pace and thought his next words over carefully before saying. “You know, Nadia. You don’t have to leave just because I am. My goal was to find you somewhere safe to live, and if that place is here, you should stick around.”
Nadia bit her lip and looked away. “I could never stay here without you.”
“If you feel you can make a life here, then stay. Don’t leave because of me.”
“That’s just it! How can I make a life here, knowing what I am? What I can do?” Nadia shook her head, a miserable expression crossing her features. “I don’t belong here, Logan. I’m a freak, and if these people realized it, they’d throw me out.”
“How do you know that? Sometimes, you just have to give people a chance.”
She snorted, her disdain evident. “Don’t be stupid, Logan. They’d look at me the same way they look at the zoms.”
Logan sighed. “Is this about Caleb?”
“No, of course not.” She flashed him an angry glare, and he decided to back off even though instinct told him he had a point.
“Well, whatever you decide to do, you have my full support. As long as you do it for you, not me.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that.”
Logan nodded and turned his attention to the direction their feet had carried them. Down a steep hill and toward a small whitewashed building that was hidden between a stand of ancient trees. It was an old house of historical value and now served as a city hall and museum of sorts.
It was from these premises that Martin conducted most of his business. From coordinating the latest raids and fishing expeditions to who would man the walls during the long days and nights. Though Logan had been there a few times, he’d never been summoned to a meeting before and was curious as to the procedures involved.
A small knot of people already stood outside when they arrived. As one they turned to watch Logan and Nadia approach. He recognized most of them, but a few were unfamiliar.
Martin was already there as well, and he turned toward Logan with a stern nod. “Glad to see you could make it.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Logan replied as they shook hands.
“Morning, Nadia. I trust you slept well?” Martin asked.
She returned his smile. “As always.”
“Good, good. Now let’s get out of the cold, shall we?” With practiced courtesy, Martin ushered everyone inside, and they filed in through the front door.
A small foyer and a formal parlor met the eye as they walked toward the meeting room. Expensive paintings dotted the walls, and antique vases languished in glass cabinets along with rows of old books, now precious in their rarity. Anything of historical importance had been placed here after the infection began in a bid to safeguard it. A smart
move, no doubt.
A large table awaited them in the old dining room that moonlighted as a meeting room, complete with jugs of water, coffee, and tea. A platter of fresh fruit served as breakfast.
Logan chose a seat at the far end with his back to the wall. He folded his long legs beneath him and picked a shiny green apple from the tray before nabbing a bottle of water. While munching on the tart fruit, he leaned back and watched the rest of the gathering file into the room.
Nadia took the open spot next to him and sat with stiff reserve, her lips pinched into a thin line. She looked worried, and he heaved an inward sigh at her neuroses. Yes, she was a carrier of the virus and therefore dangerous, but as long as she was careful, it would be all right. Sure, if people found out a few would have a problem with it, but most would accept it. A nagging voice at the back of his head told him it wasn’t quite that easy, but he chose to disregard it.
Martin took a seat at the head of the table flanked by his right-hand man Thys. A woman called Ada sat opposite him at the other end. She was the head of security, and the defense of the town lay squarely in her capable hands. Tall with iron-gray hair, her fierce gaze cut like a knife, and few people were dumb enough to challenge her.
Marie, who was in charge of the stores, took the seat next to Nadia while two men of roughly Logan’s age poured themselves a cup of coffee each. Neither were familiar, but Logan recognized the wary caution with which they moved and surmised they were raiders. Last, but not least, came the resident doctor Mrs. Barnard, and the old but still spry Adam, who was in charge of the small fleet of Chokka boats that kept the community fed.
Martin waited a few minutes until everyone had settled down before clearing his throat. An expectant hush replaced the cheerful chatter of before, and Logan shifted in his seat in readiness.
“Morning, ladies and gents,” Martin said after rustling a stack of papers in a manner designed to look official. “Let’s begin, shall we?”
Murmured greetings hummed through the air.
The meeting opened with a discussion on the supplies available to the town. This was followed by a lengthy debate on the state of the medical facilities, and the season’s haul of fish and seafood.
Halfway through, Logan spotted Nadia’s eyes glazing over. This was followed by a stifled yawn. She perfectly mirrored his feelings, and he found himself hiding a grin behind his hand.
Martin’s sharp gaze fell on the duo, and he cleared his throat. “Now, as some of you might know, we’re gathered here to discuss the possibility of sending out an expeditionary force to the Free State. Logan here has informed me that there’s a sizable group of survivors there, and he desires us to make contact.”
All eyes turned on Logan, and he straightened up in his seat with an embarrassed cough. “That’s correct.”
An excited buzz rose around the table, interrupted when Ada asked, “How many people are there, and how big is their camp?”
Logan shrugged. “I’d guess around forty, but it’s been awhile, and that might have changed. The camp itself is big enough to support more and is well-fortified.”
Ada’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not a whole lot to go on. How do you know they’re still there?”
“I know,” Logan replied. “Call it instinct.”
“You’re very sure of yourself,” Ada said. A strong hint of disapproval colored her tone, echoed by the tightening of her severe features.
“With reason,” Logan replied. He met her stare with a fixed gaze, not backing down an inch. “I know them. I know what they’re capable of doing. They’re a tough crowd, and nothing short of a meteor could wipe them out.”
Ada snorted and shot a sharp glance toward Nadia. “You’re willing to risk her life on an off chance like that?”
Logan stiffened, but before he could answer, Nadia jumped in. “I can take care of myself, lady. I did so for several months while I lived on my own, and I can make my own damn decisions.”
Shocked silence reigned for a few seconds before Ada barked out a short laugh. “Well said, young miss. Are you sure you don’t want to join the Watch? I could use people like you.”
“Thanks, but I’ve got other plans.” Nadia sat back with a defiant look on her face which prompted a smile from Logan. There’s the real Nadia. I’ve missed her.
“Suppose this camp of yours is still there, why should we risk the lives of our people to journey there?” Thys asked, taking over from Ada. He spread his hands wide on the table. “It’s a long way, filled with dangers.”
Logan looked at Thys for a moment while weighing his answer. Short and slender, with sandy hair and wiry strength, Thys was a tough opponent. He had years of experience in the local government to back him up, and the force of will to overcome any obstacle. If he opposed this expedition, it was unlikely anyone could sway the decision even if they tried.
“When I left my camp, I roamed far and wide. I traveled the length and breadth of South Africa, just the Landie and me. Is it dangerous? Sure, I had plenty of close calls. But if you stick to the back roads and the small towns, it can be done.” Logan allowed his eyes travel around the table, resting on each person before moving on. “I was searching for something.”
“Something?” Thys asked with the quirk of an eyebrow.
“Yes, but that doesn’t concern you. While I won’t go into detail of what I was looking for, I will tell you what I didn’t find.”
“What’s that?”
“Survivors.”
Thick silence enveloped the table, broken only when a skeptical Thys asked, “You found no survivors? None? I find that hard to believe.”
“Oh, I found a few. Loners like myself, moving from place to place. Hell, I even found a few groups clinging to existence by the skin of their teeth. They never numbered more than a handful, and I’m willing to bet most of them are dead by now.”
“There have to be others. People like us. It stands to reason we’re not the only ones.”
“Probably. I’ve seen evidence of larger groups in the cities. Those I avoided for obvious reasons. Not only are the undead more abundant there, but the people are not all friendly. You’d be shocked at some of the things I’ve seen.”
“What’s your point exactly?” Thys asked.
“My point is, with so few survivors left, especially good ones, can we afford to sit back and do nothing?” Logan asked. “Here we have a camp, forty strong and well-fortified. Why not make contact? Why not establish some co-operation? Together, we are strong. Separate, I don’t give much for any of our chances in the long run.”
The two men Logan had pegged as raiders earlier, now surprised him by agreeing. The older of the two said, “He speaks the truth, Thys. We go out there almost every day looking for supplies. We hardly ever see anyone, and when we do, they’re not all good people. It’s a dog eat dog world out there, and if this other group could join us or even just work with us, we’d be that much better off.”
His younger companion nodded. “I say we go. It can’t hurt to have allies.”
“You make a good point. Both of you,” Thys said before he turned to Martin. “What do you think?”
Martin nodded. “They’re right. Which is why I’ve decided to let Logan have his wish.”
“Already?” Thys asked, surprise evident on his face. “We’re not discussing this?”
Martin shook his head. “No, in this regard my mind is quite made up. I was simply waiting for the right opportunity.”
“Then what was the point of this meeting?” Ada asked.
“So that you can hear what he has to say and understand why I must go.”
“You?” Ada sputtered. “You can’t go.”
“Certainly not,” Thys agreed with a vehement shake of the head. “We need you.”
“You don’t need me, Thys. Neither do you, Ada. You are both perfectly capable of taking over in my absence.”
“But what about Kimberley?” Marie asked, speaking for the first time.
“She will be quite safe with you, my dear. I know you’ll look after her like she’s your own.”
“Of course, but she’ll be distraught.”
“She’ll understand,” Martin replied. “Besides, I have every intention of coming back. This is my home.”
“This is quite unorthodox,” Dr. Barnard said. “Why do you need to go? Why not send someone else in your place?”
“Because I know Max. He’s my friend, but more than that, he’s the reason I’m here,” Martin replied. “He’s the reason we’re all here. If it weren’t for him, I’d have died in the streets of some distant town with my fellow soldiers, fighting a losing battle against an enemy we didn’t understand. I owe him, and so do you.”
Dr. Barnard gave a slow nod. “In that case, I have no option but to support your decision.”
“Who will go with you?” Adam asked. “I cannot spare anyone from the boats.”
“Neither can I,” Ada added. “We are spread too thinly as it is.”
“I understand,” Martin said. “I don’t intend leaving you shorthanded.”
“I’ll go,” the younger raider said. “Dirk here can spare me for a while.”
“Josh,” Dirk protested. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.”
“Thanks, Josh,” Martin replied. “That brings our party up to four.”
“Four is not enough for a journey of this magnitude,” Ada said. “I’ll spread the word that you’re looking for more people.”
“Volunteers only, Ada,” Martin said.
“Understood.” She gave a stiff nod. “When do you wish to leave?”
Martin looked at Logan before replying. “Tomorrow at dawn.”
“So soon?”
“Yes.”
“I will take my leave then,” Ada said. “There is much to arrange before then. I will see to it that your party is fully equipped.”
“Thank you, Ada.”
The older woman left the room, followed soon after by the rest as the meeting wound down to a natural end. Each member had a task to perform before the morrow, and finally, it was just Logan and Nadia left at the table.
Dangerous Days: Boxed Set (A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Thriller Books 1-4) Page 47