The residents clapped loudly. Brother Bartholomew entered from the side entrance and strode onto the stage. Two fiftyish military-looking men flanked him on both sides. Brother Bartholomew stood six and a half feet tall, with dark hair that was meticulously combed into place. He wore khakis and a blue Oxford, and Thorn noted his expensive Italian loafers. He estimated that Bartholomew was in his mid-fifties, but the man’s blue eyes gave him a youthful appearance.
“He looks like he just got back from the country club,” Susan said softly.
“I was thinking the same thing. A politician dressed down to interact with the common people,” Thorn whispered.
Brother Bartholomew presented a large bleached white smile and raised his hands to quiet the applause.
“Good evening, my brothers and sisters. We are truly blessed. Our Lord guided each of us through the rapture to find Fort New Hope. Our blessed City on the Hill—or in the woods, as it were.”
The residents laughed.
“Many would say that we have reached the end of the world. That life is over and that humankind has lost. I say, never. I say that this is the beginning and that we have been chosen to begin again and to prevail as the old world could never prevail. I say that our glasses are yet half full.”
“Half full of tequila,” Brandon whispered.
“But enough of my preaching,” Brother Bartholomew continued. “Our Lord has also blessed us with some young guests, and for that we are truly thankful, for in youth there is hope still. Welcome, my new friends.”
He looked at their group and smiled.
“Please enjoy your meal, and I look forward to hearing your story after dinner.”
He turned back to the residents and smiled. “Bless you.”
He waved and left the stage followed by his two companions. His companions moved like guards protecting an important diplomat.
“That was kind of strange,” Susan said.
Thorn didn’t answer. He watched Devin, who whispered something to Brandon. The smile left Brandon’s face and he nodded.
After dinner, Brother Luke and Pam approached their table.
“Brother Bartholomew will meet with you now,” Luke announced and looked at Devin.
“Sounds good,” Devin said and stood. “Dr. Thorn and Golden will join me.”
Brother Luke seemed to consider it for a moment. He looked almost pained.
“Well, yes, I’m sure that will be fine,” he finally said.
“And I will take the rest of you to your rooms,” Pam said and smiled. “We have running water, we have comfy beds, and we have clean clothes. Life is good.”
She laughed but she stared at Devin as if measuring him, and the musical quality of her voice didn’t match her eyes. She broke off the stare, and she was again the easygoing woman.
“Come on, troops, follow me.”
As they left the hall, Devin kissed Caroline and whispered something in her ear.
“Okay, this way,” Brother Luke directed.
He led the three out through a back door and down a small alleyway that led to a steel spiral staircase. At the top, they went through a door and entered a large office. It was decorated with dark panels, leather furniture, and brass candelabras. On the far wall was a large oak desk with a leather top. Brother Bartholomew sat behind the desk in an equally large captain’s chair. His two companions were nowhere in sight.
“Please, my friends, come in and sit down.”
Devin and Thorn took the chairs in front of the desk, but Golden remained standing by the door. Brother Luke indicated she should sit, but she ignored him.
“She’s fine, Brother Luke,” Bartholomew said and smiled.
He half stood from his chair and reached out his hand in greeting. Devin shook it. Thorn noted that Bart was one of those guys who squeezed too hard when he shook.
“Welcome, gentlemen. I’m glad you made it to us safely.”
“Thanks,” Devin said. “You have a very nice setup here.”
Bart studied him for a moment, deciding if Devin’s tone held some criticism.
“Yes, we have been very fortunate, as have you, apparently.”
“We’ve lost some good friends on the road,” Devin said in a flat tone.
“So I’m very intrigued,” Bart continued, and then he turned his attention to Thorn. “I understand that you are a doctor, sir.”
“Yes, I am,” Thorn answered.
“And clearly the senior member of your team. Why is it—and no offense,” he said and looked at Devin. “Why is it that this young man is in charge?”
“Who said he is?” Thorn asked. He didn’t like Bart.
Bart laughed and it was a quick bark.
“Dr. Thorn, I was a corporate attorney for over thirty years. It takes me about two seconds to figure out who is in charge in any room.” He waved his hand. “No matter, it was rude to even ask. We are glad to have you here. What is your plan?”
“We’ll stay the night and get on the road tomorrow evening,” Devin said.
“And where will you go?” Bart asked.
“Northwest. Away from the cities.”
Bart nodded.
“Makes sense. Cities have a lot of infected.”
He adjusted his chair and looked at Devin. His face changed, the politician smile was gone, and for a moment, Thorn thought that perhaps Bart was an okay guy under it all.
“Devin, I understand you’d have good cause to be suspicious of any survivors you meet. It’s the smart play, and I won’t try to convince you otherwise. Instincts keep a man alive. But your group is safe here. Sure, we’re a little religious, but we’re harmless. Besides, you have us seriously outgunned, and most of the residents here couldn’t shoot a gun if you showed them the right end to hold. Heck, one look from the little girl over there and most of them would wet themselves and run. So please, stick around for a few days, rest up, get together the supplies you need. Heck, we have a great mechanic who can fix that van of yours.”
Thorn noted that Bart was already aware of their van’s condition but remained quiet.
“Why?” Devin asked. He waited for a response.
“Because of the children,” Bart said, and it sounded sincere because he didn’t pretend to not understand Devin’s question. “Their presence is good for the hearts and souls of my congregation. But it’s more than that. It’s dangerous out there. You know that as well as I. Wherever you plan on going, the chances are, you won’t make it. I don’t want to see those little ones die. So stay a few days. Keep your guns on you. See that we’re not what you fear we are, and then maybe, you’ll stay longer because you’ll find this can be your home too.”
Devin stood and said, “Thank you, sir. I appreciate the offer. We’ll stay as long as is necessary to get ourselves rested, and then we’ll be heading out.”
Bart stood up and nodded.
“Fair enough,” he said.
He shook Devin’s hand and then Thorn’s.
“Brother Luke will show you to your rooms. Enjoy your stay, gentlemen.”
The next time they saw Brother Bart, things were not so friendly.
The tip of insanity
They planned to stay for only a few days, but that became a few weeks.
Devin had not given up his suspicions, but they proved difficult to maintain. The people of New Hope were nice, and their actions didn’t raise concerns. Pam turned out to be the one that put them most at ease. Caroline, Susan, and Annie struck up an almost immediate friendship with her. The other residents proved to be a big help with the children. Neither Caroline nor Susan had gotten much rest on the road. It seemed the little ones always needed something or that one of them was always awake when the others slept. Having an entire village to assist with the kids gave both the women some much-needed rest.
Pam, howeve
r, had no desire for them to stay. In fact, she thought that their plan, which Caroline shared with her, much to Devin’s disapproval, was a great idea.
“I’m sure,” she said, “there is more out there for you kids than this tired old place. You should go as soon as you’re ready. Hell, maybe me and Bob will tag along.”
Austin didn’t get any worse. He was a little fatigued. The fever came and went; occasionally he coughed, but other than that, he appeared to be fine. Thorn checked his vitals daily when the two met in private, but he felt confident Austin would beat it.
Adam had only one interest—Dani, the gray-eyed girl. She was nice in a quiet, reserved way. The two of them spent every day together. Dani had many chores. Adam helped her with everything, except for the office work that she did for Brother Bartholomew.
Annie believed that Dani’s share of chores was unfair. She made it clear that she had no interest in remaining at Fort New Hope if it meant a boring life of domestic responsibilities.
Pam agreed with Annie. On their last day at New Hope, Pam explained Dani’s situation to Annie, Golden, and Susan as they sat at a picnic table, drinking iced tea.
“Dani is Bartholomew’s niece, and he insists that she be productive.”
“Niece?” Annie questioned. “The way I’ve seen him look at her, I’d say that he was something else.”
Pam didn’t laugh. “You want to be careful with what you say about the brother, Annie. People will get the wrong idea.”
“No, they’ll get the right idea. The guy is a fuckin’ creep,” Annie said loudly.
Pam slapped her in the face and then immediately regretted it. Golden was every bit as quick on the draw as her husband, Bob. Golden leveled the .38 at Pam’s face before Annie recovered from the assault.
“I’m sorry,” Pam said in a whisper. “You just can’t talk like that, you can’t.”
“It’s all right, Pam,” Susan said and placed her hand on Golden’s arm. “I think you should just go.”
Pam hesitated. She ignored the gun and looked at Annie’s red cheek.
“Annie, I’m really sorry.” Tears spilled down her face, but the sadness didn’t quite touch her eyes.
“You’re crazy, Pam. Just go before my sister puts a hole in your head.”
Pam got up, but it was a slow, reluctant movement, and she kept her head down.
“I … I wish I could explain.”
“Just go,” Susan said. “Now.”
Pam walked away. They were all sad. They had lost a friend.
“Dr. Thorn,” Dr. Scott called out, “have you been avoiding me?”
Devin and Thorn turned and saw the doctor coming down the street.
“Not at all, Dr. Scott, just been busy.”
“Well, I do want to talk to you about these infected. I have so many thoughts, ideas, and theories. We really do need to compare notes.”
“Yes, that would be great,” Thorn said.
Thorn and Devin were discussing plans for their departure, and he didn’t want to be diverted by this lonely old man.
“Maybe we can sit down one night after dinner,” Thorn offered, and he and Devin continued to walk.
“Wait, wait, just hold on and I’ll walk with you.”
The old doctor kept coming.
Devin wanted their planned departure kept a secret. He couldn’t nail it, but he still had his suspicions. Although Thorn no longer felt the creepy vibe of the first night, he trusted Devin’s instincts and agreed.
“I’m sorry, Dr. Scott, but this just isn’t a good time.”
The man looked dejected and stopped walking.
“But seriously, tonight after dinner,” Thorn added.
“I could show you one,” Dr. Scott said in a whisper.
“Excuse me,” Thorn said. “You could show me what?”
“The infected—well, actually I could show you several. I have them in my lab. Most fascinating.” The smile returned.
“You have a lab?”
“Yes, yes, of course.”
“And you keep infecteds there?”
Dr. Scott put his finger to his lips and then gave them a conspirator’s smile.
“Come on, I’ll show you,” he said and walked away.
“So why not come with us?” Adam asked.
He was helping wash the lunch plates and wondering how anyone expected Dani to do all the dishes on her own.
“Oh, I couldn’t do that,” she said and looked down at the soapy water.
“Why not? I mean, don’t you want to be with younger people?”
“You mean with you, don’t you?”
“Well, yes, with me.”
“I hardly know you,” she said and looked into his eyes.
He turned away for a moment, her beauty and her intense gray eyes made him nervous but in a very good way.
“I know, but it’s the end of the world, Dani. The rules are different,” Adam said.
“Brother Bartholomew says the state of the world shouldn’t change how we behave.”
“Yeah, from his big office, while everyone else does the work.”
“Ssssh,” she said and looked around. “Adam, don’t make those kinds of comments.”
“I’m not afraid of your uncle or his henchmen, Dani.”
“Then do it for me, okay?”
“Fine. I’ll do it for a kiss.”
She blushed and turned away.
“Don’t ask that, Adam.”
“One kiss, Dani, that’s all. If it’s not the best you’ve ever had, I’ll stop bothering you to come with us.”
“You could stay here … with me,” she said and looked at him again, and he melted.
“Oh, Dani, I wish I could.”
“Why can’t you? We could be happy. It could be a safe life here.”
“I know we’d be happy, but my friends need me. You should come with us.”
“I-I can’t.”
“Then how about that kiss?”
“I’m scared, Adam.”
“Sacred? Of what? Your uncle?”
Her head dropped, and she was silent.
“Okay. If you don’t want to, I’m not gonna beg, Dani.”
He turned and started to walk away, but she grabbed his arm.
“Don’t, please.” She shook with fear.
“Dani, what the hell are you so afraid of?”
“I’m different than other girls, Adam.”
“Yeah, that’s why I like you.”
He brushed her hair from her face.
“No, really different, and I’m afraid what will happen if we kiss.”
“Jeez, Dani, I’m not gonna try and rape you.”
“I’m not afraid for me. I’m afraid for you and your friends.”
“Dani, you aren’t making any sense,” he said, but a little warning went off in his head and his stomach flipped because since their first night at the fort, a part of him knew there was something dangerous here.
“I know,” she said, and then she leaned in and kissed him.
Something changed halfway through the kiss. Adam didn’t know what it was exactly, but he felt it just the same.
He broke the kiss and looked at her. The girl that stared back at him was not the shy beautiful Dani. She had a little smirk on her face, and he would have sworn her eye color had changed to a shade of blue.
“Hello, darlin’,” she said and flipped her hair with a quick snap of her head.
“Dani?” It was a dumb question.
“No, darlin’, sweet little Dani isn’t home right now. I’m Kira, and you and your friends are fucked.”
Nick had his own reservations about Fort New Hope. The place had an odd vibe. The people, for all their pleasantness, seemed a little strained. Nick had worked as a waiter
for a while. He was familiar with “game faces” and of having to be all smiles on the job regardless of the stress of an upcoming exam or a head-splitting hangover. It felt like the folks here were just that: actors playing a role. He was determined to look behind the curtain. Backstage was the best place to see the real faces of the actors. In the restaurant, he often watched smiles fade to misery as wait staff entered the kitchen. His own smile had been among them on more than one occasion.
Since his friend’s death, Nick had become the de facto transportation engineer, so his presence in the garage would not raise suspicions. An innocent walk through the maintenance garage was the ideal excuse for his mission. They had moved all three of their vehicles inside the garage during their first week at the Fort. Two of the residents were mechanics, although the old guy, George, was at least eighty and had been retired for almost twenty years. The mechanic duo had promised to fix the van’s radiator and to inspect and oil change the two SUVs.
In the garage, he saw that the van and the Escalade were gone. The Tahoe sat alone in the center of the garage, and the old man’s legs poked out from beneath it.
“Hey,” Nick called. He tried to keep the panic from his voice.
George slid out from beneath the SUV on his mechanic’s dolly. When he saw Nick, he smiled and waved.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Nicolas. How are you?”
“I’m fine, George. Where are the other two vehicles?”
George looked around as if he expected to see them there in the garage.
“Oh, yes, well, Captain Bob and Brother Paul took them.”
“Took them where?”
“I think they said a test drive.”
“A test drive? Why would they do that?”
“I don’t know, son. I just work here,” George answered, and his voice contained a dejected note.
Nick went to the Tahoe’s cargo area and looked through the open hatch. All of the weapons and ammunition were gone. All they had now were the personal weapons they kept in their rooms.
“Where is all of our stuff?”
“Yes, that, well, one of Brother Bartholomew’s men came by to collect it. He said that the Brother wanted it all kept safe in the weapons depot.”
You and Me against the World: The Creepers Saga Book 1 Page 21