“Push!” shouted Lauren.
Kristie screamed as she complied with Lauren’s demand. Sweat dotted her face. Her hair was matted and wet. She squeezed Lauren’s hand as tight as she could. Doc and Stacy were stationed at the foot of the bed. Kristie’s legs were brought up to her swollen stomach. The pain subsided slightly and her grip on Lauren’s hand became weak.
“Alright relax! Take some deep breaths, that was a big one,” offered Stacy.
“You’re doing so good!” coached Lauren.
“Almost there,” stated Doc. “Here comes the next one. Big push! Big push!” he encouraged as the next contraction took hold of her body.
“God!” she shouted.
Lauren held her hand tightly, waiting for her to squeeze. Kristie screamed. Again the pain diminished a little.
“Is it over? Please let it be over!” Kristie pled.
“Not yet,” confessed Doc. “I can see the top of the head now! Just one more big push!”
“You already said one more!” she shouted furiously.
“It’s okay, hon,” comforted Stacy. “One more and you’re a mommy!”
“You can do this,” boasted Lauren.
Kristie looked deep into Lauren’s eyes. Her brown honest eyes.
“One more. Come on! I want to meet this little person!” cheered Lauren.
The pain returned and Kristie bore down with all her strength.
“That’s it!” hailed Doc.
The pressure released and Kristie went limp with exhaustion. Her vision blurred.
“Scissors,” she heard Doc say. “Grab that blanket.”
“Is…is the baby here?” she asked Lauren.
Lauren looked down at her. “You did good. Just breathe.”
“I need the bulb syringe,” Doc requested.
“Is my baby—” began Kristie weakly.
The baby cried its first cry. Lauren disappeared from view, but quickly returned.
“Kristie,” she said softly. “I want to introduce you to your daughter.”
Lauren presented a little bundle of blankets. A tiny face peered out. She wailed and screamed.
“A g-girl?” stuttered Kristie with tears in her eyes.
She fought to sit up.
“Here,” Stacy offered her help in bringing her upright.
“Sure is,” said Lauren as she handed over the newborn.
Graciously, Kristie accepted the child, who quieted down as Kristie began to weep. Even though her body still hurt, she was filled with joy.
“Ya did good, mama!” praised Stacy.
“Congratulations!” offered Doc.
“Thank you,” she whispered as she looked over her child. “Look at you. Look at you,” she repeated over and over.
“What’s her name?” asked Lauren almost whispering.
Kristie had decided on names a while ago, but chose not to share the information. Not knowing if it were a girl or boy also added a level of excitement. She wrestled with the two girl names she’d picked out for a moment.
“Gertrude,” she decided.
“That’s old fashioned,” said Stacy politely.
“It was my grandma’s name. Coolest lady I knew,” explained Kristie. “Even in the nursing home she’d drink beer and tell dirty jokes.”
Lauren and Stacy laughed, as did Doc.
“She’d hit on the male nurses,” she added. “They sometimes called her ‘Dirty Gertie.’”
“That’s horrible,” said Lauren.
“She loved it.” Kristie offered a mischievous smile.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll call her Gertie,” said Doc with a smile. “I’ll go spread the word. When I get back you’re going to need a few stitches. Nothing major. You did a great job!”
“Thank you,” stated Kristie.
Doc took his leave and Lauren and Stacy stayed to admire the mother and child.
“I think she looks like you,” said Stacy.
“Yeah?”
“Sure does,” agreed Lauren.
The women all admired the newest addition to their community. Her tiny hand brushed against her own cheek, then she shuddered.
“Poor thing is cold,” Lauren stated.
Gertie fussed quietly.
“It’s okay, girly,” assured Kristie.
Lauren and Stacy exchanged smiles.
“Let’s leave mommy and baby alone for a bit,” suggested Stacy. “They need to get acquainted.”
* * *
Lauren agreed and accompanied Stacy in the hall. Doc had converted a combat medic exam room into a maternity room. The armory itself never had a medic on site. The federal government had required it in the plans for construction. So until now, the room had never been used.
Stacy closed the door behind them. Doc was already out on the drill floor delivering the good news. The entire community was anxious for the arrival of the first child.
“A good thing you could step in,” said Stacy. “It’s too bad Simon couldn’t be here.”
Thanks to Lauren, Simon and Kristie were now a couple. After their trip to the other town, he and Lauren spent considerable time together. Many, including Kristie, assumed they’d become romantically involved. Truth was, it was nothing like that. He’d become the only person she could truly be honest with. And in return, he was able to shed his shy nature around her. It was careful probing on Kristie’s part that made Lauren aware of the assumptions made about her relationship with Simon. Lauren sensed a little jealousy on her part. Simon had expressed an interest in Kristie before. So, with a slight nudge, they’d been pushed together.
Immediately Simon became a great help to Kristie. He was going to make a great father for her child. He’d been her rock, and in return she’d become his everything. He was currently escorting traders to the other community, Billings. They named their village after a man who sacrificed himself to keep them safe. Kristie hadn’t been due for another week, but Gertrude had other plans.
“More than happy to help. She did great,” voiced Lauren.
“She did,” Stacy agreed.
Lauren noticed a slight change in Stacy’s demeanor. Perhaps she was thinking about her son. No mother forgets the first time they see their child.
“How are you holding up?” Lauren asked.
Stacy gave a weak smile. “I’m…I’m just staying busy. Just staying strong for Michael.”
“But how are you doing?” Lauren asked in a direct manner.
Tears welled up in Stacy’s eyes. “I’m struggling. First, Roy, then Leonard.”
Lauren hugged her.
“I don’t think I could stand to lose anyone else,” she continued.
“That’s not going to happen,” Lauren comforted her.
“I’m crying all the time. And Michael—” she trailed off.
“What about him?” asked Lauren.
“He hasn’t cried or talked about it since that night,” Stacy explained.
“It’s been a few months,” Lauren offered an excuse. “I think he’s just coping in his own way.”
“I know,” Stacy nodded. “I’m just worried about him.”
“He’s doing fine,” encouraged Lauren. “Michael is a smart young man. You have a lot to be proud of.”
Stacy knew all of this, but it was nice to hear. The two women embraced in silence for a minute longer.
“Well, I’m going to go check on the kids then,” said Stacy.
Michael was watching Marie and Callum. His brother’s death had changed him in unexpected ways. For starters, Mikey was more responsible. It was like he’d aged ten years. The whining child was gone. He stepped up in big ways. Volunteering around the community and even taking interest in the erection of the wall.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes, okay?” said Lauren. “I’m going to keep an eye on Kristie and Gertie for a little bit longer.”
“Okay,” replied Stacy.
Lauren quietly opened the door and crept back in. Kristie was still admiring the minia
ture person she’d created. She looked up and smiled at Lauren.
“She’s sleeping,” she whispered.
Lauren approached her bedside and looked at the baby. She was beautiful. Already she had thick dark hair.
“So pretty,” Lauren stated. “You did amazing.”
“For a second I didn’t think I’d make it,” confessed Kristie.
Lauren chuckled.
“You know what I mean,” Kristie continued.
“Can’t say I do,” explained Lauren. “You did all that without pain killers. And naturally.”
“You didn’t?” asked Kristie.
“Nope,” stated Lauren. “Marie went breach two weeks before my due date. Had to have a cesarean. You are far tougher than I am. You’re a badass chick.”
Kristie smiled. Silence settled on them as they listened to the rapid breathing of the infant.
“I’d like to ask you a question,” Kristie said. “But first I have to tell you something.”
“Okay,” Lauren replied apprehensively.
Kristie stopped looking at her child and looked Lauren right in the eye.
“I don’t want what I’m about to tell you change things between us,” she explained. “I value our friendship.”
“I do too,” Lauren chimed uneasily. “What’s this about?”
Kristie thought about her next words carefully.
“It’s about Gertrude’s father,” she explained. “I’ve only been with one man since all of this.”
“Okay,” Lauren was curious.
“I…I’m sorry,” she stammered.
Kristie was scared and on the verge of tears.
“For what?” asked Lauren placing her hand on Kristie’s shoulder.
“I wanted to tell you sooner.” She continued stalling.
“It’s okay,” Lauren comforted her. “Tell me now.”
“It was Ben,” she finally said. “Ben is the father.”
Lauren wasn’t surprised. She’d speculated as much, but now she’d have to pretend to be slightly startled by the news.
“Oh,” her time as a thespian was paying off. “I-I,” she feigned a stammer.
“It’s just you never acted like there was anything between you,” she said. “I don’t know what I was thinking when it happened, but as soon as it was over, he freaked out. I made a mistake.”
Lauren took a moment to absorb Kristie’s confession before speaking.
“Ben and I weren’t together. And there was nothing between us,” Lauren explained. “He might have wanted something, but I—”
“Your husband is still out there,” smiled Kristie. “and you’re waiting for him.”
“Yeah,” Lauren nodded.
Both of them breathed a little easier now that there was a mutual understanding.
“Now that that’s settled, what was your question?” asked Lauren.
“I was hoping you’d be Gertie’s godmother,” she sounded hopeful.
“Of course!” Lauren said excitedly.
“Great,” Kristie stated. “I just thought, ya know? Since we’re—” she trailed off.
“Friends?” Lauren inquired rhetorically. “Duh, we’re friends silly.”
“I know,” she replied. “It’s just given that anything is possible, ya know? And you took Callum in after Julie died.”
Lauren fought the urge to say she was murdered.
“You’re just such a good mom, and if anything happened to me I know you’d take care of my baby like she was your own,” Kristie rationalized.
“You’d do the same for me,” stated Lauren. “It’s important that we establish these things. You’re right, anything could happen.”
The two of them shared a smile and a warm hug. Gertie grunted softly and both women fawned over her for a moment.
“Well, I told Stacy I’d be right behind her. So I should get going,” explained Lauren.
Gertie started to fuss.
“Okay,” whispered Kristie. “We’ll see you later.”
“Bye,” Lauren replied before taking one last look at the baby and walking out.
Godmother. She liked the sound of that, but her thoughts went to her husband. She wished he were here to share in on the joy she felt.
Chapter 21
DEATH CLOCK
Cale floated a few feet below the surface. Above him the Freedom Runner drifted on the surface and below him was darkness. He could feel himself gently sink down. The water got colder the deeper he went. Cale knew it was a dream because he could breathe under the water. When the sunlight was gone he turned to face the darkness. It was quiet.
“Why are you doing this?” Lauren’s voice echoed all around him.
Cale couldn’t reply. A light appeared at the bottom.
“Stop!” she called to him.
He couldn’t help it though. The light called to him. It danced and swayed. Cale identified its source as he got closer. It was a crashed plane. Somehow it was on fire. Shadows were cast along the sea bed of smooth sand. Whispers rose from the depths. Lots of them. Gradually they became voices, which then became screams. He couldn’t move or speak. Cale was horrified as he watched the shadows evolve into creatures. They beckoned to him with dead mouths and rotted hands.
“Feed! Hunger!” they shouted in unison as if they shared one voice.
Cale was paralyzed, there was nothing he could do to fight them. Cale fell into their eager hands. Immediately, they began feasting. Numbness set over his body as they ripped him apart. Slowly a set of teeth sunk into his eye.
Cale woke up on the floor of the dealership. The undead man in the window loomed over him. He’d been frozen there for days now. An arrow still protruded from his back. Cale had become too ill to move. Outside, a thick layer of snow covered everything in sight. The other murdered men were frozen in place like undead statues.
Cale turned away from the window. A frozen pool of vomit occupied the floor next to him. He felt weak. His food was about out and the water was all gone. Cale’s lips were dry and cracked from dehydration. He shivered despite his increased temperature. The blackened veins remained localized to his injury.
He forced himself to sit up. The room felt like it was spinning. Cale could hear whispers coming from each of the offices. He knew that they were only hallucinations, but wished they’d shut up. He reached into his bag and pulled out one of three jerky packs left. It wasn’t what he wanted or needed, but Cale was starving. The coarse meat went down roughly. He uncapped his empty water bottle and held it to his lips, hoping even just a stray droplet would find its way into his mouth. His efforts, however, bore no fruit.
“Damn it,” he cursed as he tossed the bottle aside.
He mustered up the energy to crawl out of his sleeping bag. The air was cold and so was the floor. He stumbled to the door and began to move the items that blocked it. Cale feared he’d pass out from fatigue, but forced himself to remain conscious. He struggled to push the door open, allowing a gust of icy cold wind to blow in. Greedily he dropped to his knees and began to eat the snow. It melted as it hit his tongue. The snow was already four inches thick. His hands flushed bright red as his body combated the cold.
Once he’d had his fill he backed through the door, still on his knees. Cale tried to pull the door but it wouldn’t move. He’d unintentionally packed the snow down, blocking it.
“Come on,” he said frustrated.
Cale yanked on the door with one arm. Slowly the snow chipped away.
“God damn it!” shouted Cale.
Finally, it closed. Cale used the door’s push bar to stand up, then sloppily returned the barricades to the door. Another bout of dizziness struck him as he returned to his sleeping bag. He caught himself against the wall and slid down it to the floor. He rolled into his sleeping bag. Cale took another look at the undead icicle and wondered if that was his future. He closed his eyes and waited for sleep, but the whispers returned.
“God, please,” Cale pled.
But the whis
pers became talking. Cale realized he’d made a mistake. He reached for his gun as his barricade flew inward.
“What the fuck is all this?” asked Damian.
Cale fumbled to get the handgun free from its holster.
“Stop right there!” ordered Connor.
Cale froze in place. Connor had an arrow ready for him.
“Drop it!” barked Connor.
Cale obeyed the command and let the holster drop to the floor. Damian ignored him and checked each of the offices. Connor rolled his eyes.
“No!” Damian shouted at the first office.
He stepped out and glared at Cale before checking the others.
“You mother fucker!” he shouted before charging at Cale.
He struck him in the face, knocking him out with the first blow.
* * *
“How is he still alive?” asked Damian.
“I only hit his arm, missed his heart,” observed Connor. “Something I plan to remedy right now.”
He pulled back his drawstring.
“Wait!” Damian demanded.
“Why? He killed Will and Frankie!” Connor shouted at him.
“I want his death to be nice and slow.” Damian smiled. “He probably doesn’t have long anyway.”
Connor relaxed his arms and put his arrow back in its quiver.
“Fine, but you’re fucking carrying him!” he said, annoyed. “What about his gear?”
“We’ll come back for it later,” stated Damian.
The two men ignored Cale’s gear and carried him outside. They had a quarter mile walk back to their truck. Damian threw Cale over his shoulder the best he could and began walking. Snow crunched loudly under their feet and flakes continued to flutter down from the sky.
“Shit it’s really coming down,” observed Damian. “Thought they called it global warming,” he laughed.
“It’s more like climate change in general. I bet we’re going to see a lot of snow this winter,” answered Connor.
“Why is that?” Damian asked.
“There aren’t any cities putting off heat. Think about it. Even though it gets cold in cities, it’s still colder out in the country right? So the heat let out by homes and businesses running their heaters or just cars in general won’t be present. It’s going to be fucking cold, man,” he lectured.
Z Plan (Book 3): Homecoming Page 21