“You brought them with,” I smiled. “Thanks Gus!”
“Of course I brought your pills. I don’t want to clean up anymore puke,” he said with a smile to tease me.
Boggs popped the tab on a soda and handed it to me. I used it to wash down my pill, and then took a piece of beef jerky from the bag that was being passed around. Without saying anything, we all knew to ration our meager supplies. If my friends were like me, they weren’t particularly hungry and instead craved sleep. We all shared the can of pop, and set our goods from the kitchen and the two firearms off to one side. Gus thoughtfully tucked the bottle of antibiotics back into his pocket.
The four of us settled in on the floor. With not much more space than the footprint of a large closet, the attic didn’t allow for us to spread out. We all slept beside each other. The two men protectively took places sandwiching me and Emilie. The floor was hard, the two quilts we lay upon not offering much in the way of comfort. Boggs had thought to bring a king sized thermal blanket from one of the bedrooms, which we all shared as a cover.
“Night, all,” whispered Gus as he blew out the candle.
I felt Emilie turn away from me so that she was facing Gus.
Boggs whispered to me. “I’m cold.”
I rolled over to face him. “Me too.”
We held each other for warmth. His fingers gently tracing circles on my arm sent me off to sleep.
I woke with a start. My eyes were open but everything was black. I could hear breathing, but for a moment had no idea where I was or who was with me.
“Zoe,” moaned Boggs sleepily. “What’s wrong?”
My heart had started pounding, but his voice brought me back to the here and now. “Nothing,” I whispered. “I just woke up a little confused.”
Emilie stirred beside me. “You ok Zoe?”
“Ya, I’m fine.”
Gus’ lighter flickered on, illuminating the room in a dull glow. I had a hand over my chest and looked around. Nothing seemed amiss.
“Zoe?” asked Gus. “You sure you’re ok?”
“Ya,” I answered. “I just woke up and wasn’t sure where I was.”
Boggs was sitting up beside me now. “What time is it?” he asked no one in particular.
“Seven,” answered Gus after checking his watch. “We should get moving, check the place out in the light and secure it.” He lit the candle.
Emilie sat up and stretched. Her red hair was messy from sleep. “Something stinks,” she said.
“Probably the four of us is all,” said Gus. “I don’t smell death today. Let’s hope it stays that way.”
Boggs yawned. “Gus, I think we should leave the girls up here while you and I recheck things downstairs. Make sure nothing got in overnight.”
“I agree. Emilie, Zoe, we’ll just peek around and let you know when it’s safe.” Gus reached for the spoon holding the hatch shut, and dislodged it. “Boggs, do you mind readying your pistol?”
“Sure thing.” Boggs reached over and armed himself with the pistol, then positioned himself in such a way as to have the best view once the ladder was lowered.
The ladder descended with a squeal when Gus lowered it. Boggs kept the pistol aimed downward into the hallway. Nothing stirred, so he climbed down. I saw him crouch and he kept the gun aimed toward the stairs leading away from the second floor while Gus descended to join him.
“Zoe,” whispered Emilie. “I need to use the bathroom.”
“Me too Em, but we better wait.”
She and I waited for several minutes. We flinched in tandem when we heard a crash from somewhere in the cabin.
“What do you think that was?” whispered Emilie, alarm. She clutched at my arm.
“I’m not sure, Em. Probably one of the guys knocked something over.”
We listened for several seconds, glad to not hear anything else unexpected.
“Zoe, I really need to use the bathroom. I’m going to climb down to pee and come right back. The guys won’t even know.”
“Emilie. I think it’s a bad idea,” I said.
She was already halfway down the ladder. Not wanting to be alone, I climbed down after her.
We crept down the short hallway together, treading lightly to avoid making any noise. Daylight was creeping in from under the curtains in the three bedrooms, and the bathroom had a small window with privacy glass. It helped us to see, but the rooms were still dim.
“Emilie, I’m going to check out the bedrooms while you use the bathroom,” I said as quietly as I could.
“Just don’t go far, ok?” she replied.
Emilie walked into the bathroom, leaving the door ajar. I stepped across the hall, entering a bedroom. Lack of a closet and the presence of an armoire, along with half the ceiling sloping from the pitch of the roof, suggested the building might be old. There was a small vanity along the far wall and an intricate cedar chest at the foot of a queen sized bed. A dark brown leather chair sat near the door. One wall was covered in a green and gold floral print wallpaper. I found the room charming. The bed sat on a wrought iron frame with intricate patterns on the headboard. I decided that I wanted to claim the room for myself.
Boggs snuck up behind me, wrapping his arms around me. Startled, I jumped. “It’s ok, it’s just me. Is this the room you want?” he asked me softly.
His hands were clasped around me, and I reached up to gently hold his arms. “Yes,” I said simply.
“Can I share it with you?”
I swallowed a lump that had formed in my throat and after a pause answered quietly. “Yes.” I closed my eyes as he turned me to face him.
“Zoe?” he whispered.
“Hmm?”
“You stink.”
I opened my eyes.
“So do you, Boggs.”
Emilie interrupted the moment by clearing her throat. We both looked to the doorway of the room, still holding each other. The redhead stood there with Gus behind her. “The rooms are all different from when I was here last. Someone redecorated. You guys taking this one?”
“Ya, if you don’t mind?” I said.
“Sure. I think I’ll take the one on the other side of the hall.” She grinned and side stepped down the hall, and disappeared into another room.
Her mention of you guys had made my face warm.
“Ok, Zoe, I’m not trying to be harsh but you girls need to pay attention the next time we say to stay put,” said Gus in a serious tone. “If something had gotten in the house and we missed it, we couldn’t have kept you two safe.”
Boggs added to the conversation. “He’s right Zo. Let us do what we can to keep you two out of trouble, ok?”
I looked up at Boggs and nodded. “Sorry.”
He ruffled my hair. “Gus and I need to gather some supplies to board up the windows. It means going outside. The cabin is clear, so it’s fine for you girls to head downstairs.”
Gus interrupted. “I’ll go have a talk with Emilie.” He headed toward the room where Emilie had gone.
“It’d be helpful if you and Emilie could keep watch of sorts from the porch while Gus and I go out to the shed.”
“No problem, but do we get a gun?”
“Yes, you get a gun, Zoe,” said Boggs with a roll of his eyes, teasing me. “Let’s go downstairs.”
We walked into the hall together, and saw Gus standing at the doorway to one of the other bedrooms, scolding Emilie about leaving the attic.
Boggs led me downstairs. The first floor was much brighter than the one we had just left. Gus and Emilie joined us only moments later.
“Ok, some safety tips. Stay away from the windows. I think it’s best to stay as quiet as we can. There’s a lot to do today so let’s head into the kitchen and scrounge some food,” Gus was getting good at directing. I admired that.
We ate cold green beans, canned tuna fish, and peanuts. We washed it all down with grape flavored Capri Sun pouches. Gus made sure I took another pill. The guys went over the plans to raid the shed
. They would keep the shotgun with them and we would keep the Kahr on the porch with us.
We walked out the front door as a group. We said very little, and listened intently. A few birds twittered, the sky was blue, and a slight breeze blew. The air smelled clean. Emilie and I watched as Gus and Boggs walked the short distance to the shed. Since she had more shooting experience than I did, we decided she would hold the pistol. We sat on the steps together, watching and listening intently. I could tell it was going to be a long day.
Chapter 7
It had been a tense and lengthy day as anticipated. The stress from being on edge had exhausted us all. The men had found supplies in the shed: nails, a hammer, even plywood pieces of various sizes. It had taken them the good part of the morning to bring out what they thought would be the most useful. The birds were singing today, which we took to be a good sign of safe surroundings. The men dared to drive nails into window frames to hold the plywood in place. After each nail was hammered in, we would all stop and listen for any signs of danger. The small window above the kitchen sink was eventually secured with the top of a coffee table and Boggs helped rig it to open easily from the inside. It would be a means of escape if needed, but also serve as an entry with the help of a hidden latch. We used the metal bed frame from the third bedroom to secure the front door from the inside. The headboard helped reinforce the plywood covering the picture window in the small living room. It took a bit of effort, but we broke the box springs down and used its one-by-two planks to build spears. Emilie and I had been tasked with that chore and learned how to use a hand saw to cut sharp points. We all agreed to keep the spears on the second floor as a means of defense should the entry level be overrun.
It was early afternoon when we took our first real break. The guys nailed the last metal bar across the front door, sealing us in. Boggs and Gus were both sweaty, but wearing big grins.
“Should we tell them?” Gus addressed Boggs.
“Might as well,” Boggs chuckled.
“What’s going on?” asked Emilie.
“Go into the kitchen,” instructed Boggs. “Turn on the sink.”
“Why?” I asked.
Emilie had already started toward the basin under the modified kitchen window, and got there first. She turned the right hand faucet knob and watched water fall.
“Ok?” she said questioningly. Like me, she must have wondered what the big deal was.
“Emilie, try the hot water darlin,’” said Gus with a chuckle.
Emilie turned the knob on the left, and after several long moments steam accompanied the stream of water. “Are you serious?” she asked. “How on earth…?”
“We noticed a propane tank behind the shed. And yesterday when I was on the roof I saw there’s a series of solar panels. We connected everything, so we have limited power and water now. Solar charges the batteries, which are in the shed, and the propane fuels the hot water tank, oven and stove, refrigerator, and fireplace.”
“How long will it last?” I asked, being practical.
Gus shrugged. “The propane reads nearly full and it’s a big tank. Hopefully two seasons, if we use it sparingly. The solar panels will function unless they get damaged, but the batteries may need replacing at some point. Whoever owns the cabin was pretty creative. Looks like the appliances all run on the propane and the solar was meant as a backup power source. I’d say we’re damned lucky to have found this place. We have you to credit for that, Em.”
“Can we use the shower?” asked Emilie. She was making a puppy-dog-sad-face.
“Sure,” said both the men at the same time.
“Just leave us some hot water, ok?” said Gus with a wink.
She nodded eagerly, and then ran up the stairs and into the bathroom. I could hear the water running down the drain pipes and was jealous that she got to go first. Gus, Boggs, and I used the time to take inventory of the main floor and uncover the furniture. Before we were finished I heard the water upstairs turn off. Boggs suggested I go take my turn, to which I enthusiastically agreed.
The bathroom was filled with steam and smelled like shampoo and soap from Emilie’s shower. It was heavenly. I kicked off my shoes, and stripped out of my dirty clothes. I was glad the mirror was steamed-over, not wanting to see how horrible I must look. The bathroom’s best feature was a huge claw-foot bathtub. I entertained the idea of soaking in it, but thought the guys might appreciate it if I left some hot water in the tank. I turned the faucet on and stepped into the separate shower stall. The hot water was blissful. I felt tension melt and layers of grime began to strip away. The world around me faded as I massaged a handful of pomegranate scented shampoo into my hair.
A knock on the door brought me back to the dismal world we now lived in.
“C’mon Zoe, save some hot water for us!” barked Gus. I must have been relaxing for longer than I had realized.
I sighed, rinsed my hair, and turned off the water. I growled loud enough to let everyone know I was not happy about ending my shower. I heard chuckling from the hallway.
I looked down at my hip, which was aching again. It looked bruised and swollen. I found a towel under the sink and wrapped it around myself. I wrapped another around my hair. I looked at my filthy clothes and decided to toss them into the bathtub, not having a better plan for them. They landed on top of Emilie’s filthy clothes. Great minds think alike. I opened the door and stepped into the hall, where Gus was leaning up against the wall waiting.
“Holy cow! She shines up nice!” he said and laughed.
“Gee thanks, Gussie,” I said. “Hey, do you mind looking at my hip for me? It looks a little funny.”
“Sure, Zoe. It’s brighter in the bathroom. Let’s head in there.” He held a hand out to signal me to go ahead of him.
I walked back into the bathroom with him trailing behind. He left the door open behind him like a gentleman. “Ok, let’s take a look-see.”
I stood with my hip facing the only window in the room and lifted my towel up enough for Gus to look at the wound.
“Hmm,” he muttered. “We might need to change antibiotics, Zoe. It looks a bit off. Is it hurting?”
“A little,” I admitted. “It gets achy.”
“The color is kind of funny. It’s almost green, just a faint shade right around the wound.”
“What does that mean?” I asked.
“Let me wash my hands, hold on.” He walked to the sink and scrubbed his hands. He spoke while he lathered. “It might be a resistant bacteria. It’s just hard to say.”
As the cowboy dried his hands, Emilie came to the door. She was glowing from her shower and smelled good. Her hair was drying and she looked like a little pixie. She had found a cute yellow sundress with little flowers on it and had put it on. Gus looked up at her. “Aren’t you just adorable all clean?”
She rolled her eyes.
“Emilie, could you do us a favor?” asked Gus.
Emilie nodded.
“Look through the drawers in here and see if you can find anything like peroxide or rubbing alcohol, or antibiotic ointment? Heck, bottles of pills too.”
“Sure. Is everything ok?” she wore a look of concern on her face.
“Ya, Zoe’s hip is just looking a bit angry. We need to clean it up and maybe start some new antibiotics.”
Emilie started rummaging through cabinets and drawers. She managed to find a bottle of Hibiclens, which Gus said would be good for washing the wound, and a tube of Neosporin. Gus said her prize finding was a bottle of Percocet, which he told us was a strong pain medication.
Since I had just showered, Gus said we’d hold off on using the Hibiclens till I bathed again and instead he dabbed Neosporin on the wound. The Percocet, he said, we’d set aside for emergencies. I thanked them both for their help then stepped out of the bathroom, leaving them behind.
I walked into the bedroom I had claimed, and shut the door behind me. A single candle was lit and sitting on the vanity. Someone had laid a big flannel shirt on
the bed for me. It made me smile knowing I wasn’t stuck with just a towel all night. I wondered if it had come from the armoire, then realized it didn’t much matter. I took the towel off of my hair and let it drop to the floor, followed by the one wrapped around my body. I stood there naked in the candle light, my back to the door. I startled from the crackling of jeans against leather from the corner of the room behind me, and turned in dread. I grabbed the shirt and clung to it, trying to cover myself.
“Boggs!” I shouted. My heart was beating fast.
He obviously felt bad for startling me. “I’m sorry, Zo. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He frowned and walked closer to me. I was shaking, both from fright and from the chill of standing naked in a cold dark room, and fought to regain control of myself. “Can I help with that?” He put his hands on the shirt. He had a look of desire on his face. “Please?” he asked longingly.
I swallowed hard. His blue eyes danced in the candlelight and his face was holding onto a trace of sadness and a lot of fatigue. I looked up at him, but didn’t answer. His five o’clock shadow was longer than usual and made his features look only more rugged and masculine in the glow. He took the shirt from me, my fingers letting go without much resistance. I stood there feeling overwhelmingly vulnerable as he looked down at my body, then back to my face. “You’re so beautiful, Zoe.”
He stepped forward and I took a step back, still shaking. Wanting to feel his body next to mine, but terrified of the same, I whispered back to him. “No, Boggs.” I saw the pain of rejection on his face. I held a hand up, and put my palm against his chest. “Not yet…I just need some time.” He sighed and looked at his feet, but didn’t back away. “Besides, you stink, remember?” I was still whispering and now my stomach was in a knot. His silence was the loudest thing in the room. My hand still touching him, feeling his heartbeat, I rested my forehead on his chest. He reached behind me, and I felt the flannel shirt drape over my shoulders. My face still against him, I mumbled. “I’m sorry Boggs.”
I knew he was miserable. “It’s ok, Zoe. A cold shower will do me good.” He sighed and left the room sulking.
Grace Lost (The Grace Series) Page 9