Redaction: The Meltdown Part II

by Andrews, Linda

  “Sure, they do. It’s the hip new word.” Papa Rose tugged the keys to the Toyota out of his pocket and tossed them to Red. “Blue Prius. It’s parked around the corner.”

  Red caught the keys then took off.

  Without another word, Papa Rose helped Falcon cover the distance to Jillie, Olivia and Toby’s bedroom.

  The former Green Beret rested against the jamb while Papa Rose opened the door. The hinges squeaked. A blue screen shone from the computer monitor.

  Jillie sat straight up, a two-by-four clutched in her hand like a bat. “What!”

  “It’s me, Papa Rose.” He crossed the room. The three munchkins lay on the blue jean insulation bed. Jillie and Olivia on the outside, Toby curled up in the center, hugging his teddy bear. Safe. Sound. In one piece. He blinked away the tears. Thank God.

  Toby rolled over and blinked. “Papa?”

  “Yes.” He cupped Jillie’s cheek, combed his fingers through Toby’s silky hair and then tucked a dreadlock behind Olivia’s ear. “It’s time to go join the soldiers. You’ll like Colorado.”

  Chapter Forty

  Five minutes. Audra twisted the fabric into a rope. Water poured out, gathered in the rusted metal sink then swirled down the drain. It had been more like five hours. Her stomach growled. Breakfast was just a memory and lunchtime had already come and gone without food.

  “Why are we doing their dirty, stinking laundry?” Tossing her black ponytail over her shoulder, Tina threw a sheet over the line strung across the kitchen. Red hands smoothed the fabric over the cord.

  “Because it smells and we are locked inside with no way out.” And no one wanted to practice self-defense on the air. They wanted flesh and blood targets. Audra squeezed the rest of the sheet dry. Water soaked through her shirt molding it to her body as she trundled toward an open spot on the line.

  “Not good enough.” Amy blotted her forehead with her sleeve. “We could stand next to the open window and breathe fresh air.”

  Audra slung one end over her shoulder, unfurled the other and draped it over the line. “Because maybe if we take care of their sick, they’ll feed us.”

  “And not rape us.” Becky poured boiling water into the galvanized tub they’d found under the sink. White suds foamed up the sides.

  “Definitely that.” Audra finished hanging the sheet. An ache spread across her shoulders. She’d give all her inheritance just for the luxury of a Maytag washing machine. “How many more do we have?”

  With a groan, Becky bent over and pinched fabric between her fingers. The sheet unrolled, revealing the dark stains on the blue and green stripes. “Last one.”

  “Thank God!” Setting her hands along her spine, Tina arched her back. “I hated laundry day at Tucson Unified.”

  Audra nodded. That school had united the three of them, kept them alive during the worst of the Redaction, taught them to do laundry the evil way—by hand and a bucket. “At least there we only had laundry duty once a month.”

  Becky stirred the sheet with a metal spatula. “And the men helped. I see no reason why women should have to do all the crap work. Everyone dirties the clothes, everyone should have to clean them.”

  “I don’t think we’re going to get the same consideration here.” Audra returned to the sink. Holding her shirt’s hem away from her body, she wrung the knit cloth. Water dropped into the sink.

  “That’s because Eddie isn’t around to bully the men into pulling their weight.” Tina jumped on the chipped linoleum counter and sat. Her sneakers banged against the warped doors of the bottom cabinet.

  “Eddie bullied people?” Audra shook her shirt while staring at the black bars caging them inside. A cold breeze slipped under the sash they’d managed to pry open a couple of inches. Goosebumps chased across her skin. She wiped the fogged glass with her sleeve. Outside, snow swirled in big fat flakes.

  “He wanted to impress you.” Becky slapped the soaking fabric.

  Audra turned away from the window. Eddie wanted to impress her? He never seemed to care what anyone thought. “Why?”

  Tina laughed and pulled the rubber band from her hair. “Because he’s gotta crush on you.”

  Becky dropped the spatula with a clatter. “Big time. He follows you around like a lost puppy.”

  Eddie liked her? The thought spun inside her head but couldn’t find traction. “That’s ridiculous.”

  Her suitors brought flowers and chocolates. They opened doors for her and took her to nice restaurants. They were courteous to her and respectful of her mother. Eddie didn’t do any of those things. Good heavens, he’d even told her mother to mind her own business.

  “Oh, he knows you outclass him by a mile.” Tina flapped her hand in the air. “Why do you think he calls you Princess?”

  Heat rolled up Audra’s cheeks. She hoped they blamed the color on the heat, not embarrassment. The name calling had nothing to do with their different classes. “To annoy me.”

  “Like little boys on the playground.” Becky scrubbed the stained cloth. “I even saw him pull your hair once.”

  Audra relaxed. They were teasing her. Eddie couldn’t have a crush on her. She would have known.

  “Eddie’s not a child.” He was a grown man. A little skinny, but he’d skipped a few meals. She sucked on her bottom lip. Oh Lord, he’d given her part of his rations, claiming he wasn’t hungry.

  “You just figured it out.” Tina clapped her hands and rocked on the counter. “You really didn’t know he’d fallen for you?”

  “I thought…” What had she thought? Audra planted her fists on hips. “I thought he was just being nice.”

  He’d been so gentle with his brother when he’d been sick. He’d nursed the sick children and taken them into the classrooms when they’d recovered so they could play Hide and Seek, Red Light-Green Light, and Mother May I.

  “Eddie wasn’t nice before…” Becky scrubbed another spot. Suds oozed down the sides of the tub.

  Tina pushed off the counter and landed on the floor with a thud. “The Redaction changed everyone.”

  And the metamorphosis wasn’t over. Audra stared at her reflection in the window pane. What would she become? She stared at her cracked nails then at the bars. “Eddie says he did time.”

  She slapped her hand over her mouth. Oh bother, she hadn’t meant to share that. He deserved a chance at a new life like the rest of them.

  “Relax. We already knew.” Tina cocked her head. “The question is how do you feel about him now that you know his dark secret.”

  How did she feel about him? She… She liked the man. Really liked him. “He’s a good guy.”

  “And he didn’t deserve to go to jail for it.” Becky dropped the sheet with a splat. Water rained down on the parquet floor. “He beat up his dad for beating up his little brother and mom.”

  Audra propped her hip against the counter. “Eddie was abused?”

  How could that be? But Becky would know. She’d been friends with Eddie’s brother. And why would any kid lie about that?

  “Apparently the whole family was.” Becky returned to poking the sheet with the spatula. “One day he’d had enough and beat the dad so much he had to be hospitalized. Because he was sixteen, he ended up in Florence.”

  “What happened to the dad?” Tina crouched by the tub.

  “He ran away from the hospital because the police wanted to arrest him.” Becky shrugged. “Eddie’s mom lost their house because she couldn’t pay the hospital bills and they had to move away. I was really surprised to see them at the school.”

  Audra swiped at the tear blurring her vision. Poor Eddie. He didn’t deserve to be punished. Sighing, she stared out the window. A black blob moved across the pane. She wiped it clear. Her heart slammed against her sternum. “Someone’s coming.”

  Laundry forgotten, Becky and Tina jumped to their feet. “What do we do?”

  Shoving away from the window, Audra headed for the hallway, grabbing the spatula from Becky’s hand as she passed.
“Let’s join the others. “

  They stood a better chance if they stood together.

  Audra entered the sick room just as the man’s silhouette shimmered across the window.

  Six women congregated by the last occupied bed. The oldest drew the sheet over the boy’s face. Sadness hung heavy on her pale features.

  “Get in the hallway.” Using the spatula, Audra pointed to the space behind her.

  The women grabbed hold of each other as they tromped en masse around the bed. Tina and Becky shuffled them against the linen closet.

  Two more broad-shouldered silhouettes crept into the sick room.

  “Get your coats on.” Audra backed slowly away from the boarded up door. The handle of the spatula bit into her palm. Really, what did she think she was going to do with it? Flip them flapjacks or make them eggs?

  “We’re ready.” Tina draped the coat over Audra’s shoulders and smoothed the fleece.

  “Look!” Becky squeaked and pointed to the door near the kitchen.

  And take her eyes off the front door? No way. Audra shook her head when movement in her peripheral vision snagged her attention. Sweet Jesus! There were more at that door. She held out one arm and backed up until she hit warm flesh.

  “They’re going to rape us.” Someone sobbed.

  “Hush now,” Audra hissed. They had to be strong. They had to get the hades out of here.

  Someone pounded on the wood covering the sick room door.

  “Knock. Knock.”

  Her skin crawled at the sing-song voice.

  Tina wiggled out from behind Audra. Bouncing on the balls of her feet, the teacher’s assistant raised her fists.

  Becky appeared on Audra’s right and mimicked Tina’s stance.

  “Go for the eyes, throat, knees and genitals,” Audra whispered. “They’re the weak spots.”

  Two more girls shuffled forward. Instead of curling their fingers they pressed them to a point like duck bills. “I heard this way is best.”

  Audra nodded. It was best, if you went for the eyes. She didn’t correct them, they’d stood up. It was all she asked. “Remember your elbow is the hardest point on your body, so ram it into their gut if you get the chance.”

  “Oh, ladies!” the man chorused in falsetto. “You have visitors!”

  Audra flipped the spatula in her hand until the flat part rested against her upper arm. If she could thump someone upside the temple, she might be able to do a bit of damage. Swaying from side to side, she warmed her muscles for the action to come.

  Keys jingled. “Now, ladies, don’t be difficult. We didn’t mean to neglect you for so long, but we wanted everything prepared for your welcome.”

  A face pressed against the window next to the door. Hands cupped around it, casting the features in the dark.

  Glaring back, Audra raised her chin.

  “You’re going to regret your attitude,” he taunted.

  The bolt slammed home.

  Becky jumped.

  “Why don’t we rush them?” Tina rasped.

  “Because they have guns.” Audra wouldn’t have anyone getting shot on her watch. But was standing by while they were raped any better? Did she have a choice. At least alive, there was the possibility of escape. Eventually. “Besides where are we to go?”

  Their rides had taken off. They were in a strange town. Add in the weather, and they were screwed. Audra flinched. Poor choice of words. Add in the weather, and they were up a shit creek with only a spatula to help them.

  Metal scratched metal. They were opening the second lock.

  “I hope you’ve taken good care of our boys.”

  Tina hissed. “Oh, God, they’re their children.”

  Their dead children. Were they going to be punished for not saving the boys? Or killed? Damn. Audra eyed the sickroom door then the one by the kitchen. “We’re going to rush them.”

  “But you said—”

  “It’s a chance we have to take.” Audra shuffled forward. Someone stepped on her heels as they shadowed her. “I’ll go first.”

  If anyone would be shot, it would be her.

  Tina locked elbows. “We’ll go together. And we’ll scream. Everyone scream as loud as you can. That’ll scare the bejeezus outta them.”

  The door knob turned just as Audra cleared the entryway into the sickroom. “On the count of three. One.”

  The latch cleared the plate. Hinges creaked as the door started to open.

  “Two.” She hunkered down. Her throat closed and she labored for breath. Just a little wider. A little wider.

  A boom rattled the windows.

  The door slammed back in the jamb.

  “What was that?” Tina jerked upright.

  “Cole. Lucas. Ralph. Check it out.”

  Audra shivered. She recognized that voice. That was the thug leader; the one who claimed her as his…bitch.

  “But the women,” someone whined.

  “Did I stutter?” the leader barked.

  Audra strained to hear over her breathing. Had they locked the door? The shadows moved away.

  Another boom sounded. Closer this time. Hands clawed at her back, pulling her collar against her throat as the women behind her shrank away from the sound.

  “Sit tight, ladies,” The leader shouted. “And think about what I said. I’ll be back.”

  One lock turned. Then another.

  But it came from the sick room door, not the kitchen one. Audra pulled free. Maybe, just maybe they could use the explosion to their advantage. “Becky, check to see if they’ve left.”

  The teenager tiptoed in the kitchen and leaned over the sink. “I see four men walking away.” She rocked back on her heels. “There are buildings on fire.”

  Good. Misfortune couldn’t happen to more deserving people. Audra’s hand shook when she reached for the door handle. Cold metal pressed against her palm as she turned the knob. The latch cleared the plate. Now if they’d forgotten to set the deadbolt. She yanked.

  The door came free.

  They’d done it! Her heart fluttered. Resisting the urge to clap, Audra inched across the threshold.

  A man loomed from the side. He clapped an icy hand over her mouth just as a scream rose in her throat.

  Chapter Forty-One

  Manny sprinted across the parking lot. His lungs heaved; his thighs burned. He had to get to the niños. Had to save them.

  With his rifle clenched in both hands, Robertson panted next to him. The dog kept pace with them both. “We’re parked around the back.”

  Nodding, Manny veered to the left. Once around the big box store, he’d see the niños, know for certain they were alright. But he had to get there first. Fifty yards. Forty. Slush caved under each footfall. Thirty yards. Sweat stung his eyes. He pumped his arms faster.

  When he was twenty yards away, a Marine ushered Mildred around the corner. Her red hair stood on end and she twisted the apron over her sweatpants. She paused when she spied him then rushed off the curb. “Manny! Are you alright? When did you get back?”

  He slowed to a walk but kept moving forward. If Mildred was fine, then the niños would be too. A stitch tightened his side and he dug his fingers into the soft tissue to break it. “I just… got…here.”

  “Oh good.” Mildred tossed her arms around him and squeezed tightly. She held on for a moment then another. “I’m so glad.”

  Her words were glass, fragile and easily broken. Mildred was usually strong and sure.

  Fear tangled Manny’s insides and dropped a lead ball deep in his gut. “Is something wrong?”

  Her trembling transmitted aftershocks through his body. She pounded on his back and leaned away but didn’t release his upper arms. She chewed bits of pink lipstick off and deep lines radiated from her eyes. “I don’t know. They’re not telling me.”

  His legs shook. He locked his knees to remain upright. “The niños?”

  “They’re fine.” She patted his arm. Her lips wiggled but collapsed under the weig
ht of her smile. “Connie gathered all the little ones together to play school.”

  Playing. Manny swayed and tingles blossomed in his fingers. The niños were playing.

  “Ma’am.” The Marine coughed into the crook of his arm before wheezing to a stop. “We should hurry.”

  Mildred’s fingers spasmed and tears brightened her eyes. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” She turned away but didn’t release him. “Manny… Do you think… Will you…”

  Manny folded her hand in his, rubbing the cold from her skin. The niños were okay; she needed him. He knew Wheelchair Henry would expect nothing less. But where was the old man? “I’ll come.”

  Her shoulders squared then she smoothed her red hair. “Thank you, dear. I certainly appreciate it.”

  The Marine gave a curt nod, pivoted then headed for the center of the mall. His gun pointed in whatever direction he surveyed. And he surveyed all of them. “This way.”

  The German shepherd sniffed the air and raced ahead.

  The hair on Manny’s neck stood up. Why hadn’t the Marine looked them in the eye? Was it because of the shooting? He sniffed. He didn’t smell that sharp scent of gunpowder. Who had been doing the shooting? And who had they fired upon? He hoped it was that asshole Trent Powers. The dude needed to be killed for giving that woman over to that guy with the knife, for killing his wife, and for beating his neighbor to death.

  Robertson waved at the two soldiers behind him. “Return to base and collect the truck. Let’s get our people together and consolidate our position.”

  Mildred leaned against him and seemed to slow the closer they got to the center store.

  Manny leaned down to whisper into her ear. “What’s going on?”

  “They haven’t said.” She scraped the rest of her lipstick off. “But it must be Henry.”

  He blinked. “Henry?”

  Nothing could happen to Wheelchair Henry. The man knew how to take care of himself. Jesus, the older man knew how to take care of everyone.

  “I think he’s been…” she dragged air into her lungs, “…hurt.”

  She glanced up at him. Grief hollowed out her hazel eyes and the emptiness sucked at him.