“I think Dexter’s going to be fine. How about you?”
“My chest hurts, and it smells like smoke inside my nose.”
Byron laughed. “Thank your lucky stars you can still breathe. What’s your name?”
“Andrew.”
“Well, Andrew, we’ll get you to the doctor, and have you back to normal in no time.”
The crash of the roof on the other wing collapsing startled all three survivors. A large plume of black smoke mixed with burning embers shot high into the air. The screams of the crowd in front of the school had Byron back on his feet again
Byron put his fire helmet back on. “Come on, boys. There’s a bunch of people who can’t wait to see you.”
*
“I’m standing in front of Lakewood Elementary, and as you can see behind me, it’s in flames. The school will be a total loss. But what is even worse, I’m told that two of the children are unaccounted for.
“Just minutes ago, the roof of the second wing collapsed, diminishing the chances of their survival. Teachers and parents are on the scene, and I must say, there is not a dry eye in the crowd. Everyone here is praying for a miracle,” Bill Percle from News Crew 2 said, his face stiff as he tried to keep his emotions in check.
A woman gasped and shouted, “Look! Over there! They’re alive!”
The camera swung away from Percle and at the woman who yelled the announcement. She pointed to the east side of the school. The cameraman pushed his way through the crowd as claps and cheers rose up around him.
Byron walked alongside Andrew, carrying Dexter in his arms.
Dexter smiled and waved as the three walked toward the cheering crowd.
Three paramedics rushed to their side. One gently took Dexter from Byron, and another lifted Andrew into his arms. Both headed to a waiting ambulance. The other came up to Byron, but he waved him off.
Percle hurried toward the savior fireman with his microphone leading the way. The cameraman took a strategic position and started filming.
Byron removed his large red fire helmet, fully exposing his face to the onlookers. More gasps arose from the crowd as the hero of the day presented himself, his face pale white and dark eyed with his Sub Z ID cut into his forehead.
For the first time in his career, Percle was speechless for an interview. The camera kept rolling. A zombie had never risked its own life saving a Living before without being told to do so.
Chapter 30
Rebecca sat on an uncomfortable metal chair in the NAAND office. She held the phone between her ear and shoulder, while gripping a pen in her hand ready to take notes. It was shortly after 5 p.m., and today, like yesterday, she was alone. So far, like yesterday, not one person had allowed her to finish her rehearsed solicitation, and each one had abruptly ended the call by hanging up.
Despite the success of Chapters of the NAAND in northern states, which grew daily in new members, the Dallas Chapter had gone flat.
I bet a chart would show our Chapter’s problems increasing membership is proportional to Dad’s rising popularity. ‘God’s new plan for man.’ What a crock. It’s just a new mask worn by the old prejudice. And it’s my own flesh and blood leading the pack. Fuck my life.
The outside door opened, the street noise breaking Rebecca from her thoughts. In stepped Lisa, wearing an olive tint notched collar, short-sleeved jacket, three buttons closed at the waist, topped by a removable belt. The skirt matched in color, and was covered by the jacket at the hip, stopping at the top of her knee.
Rebecca’s heart leaped when Lisa entered the room. The phone fumbled from her hand as she quickly tried to place the receiver on the base.
“Hey, Rebecca. I hoped I’d find you here. I’ve been trying to call your cell since yesterday.”
Rebecca sprang from the chair, then rushed over and gave Lisa a quick hug. “I had to turn my phone off. I’ve been trying to put some distance between me and Ben. He’s starting to crowd me a little too much lately. He sent me fifty text messages the day before yesterday.”
Lisa stepped back, still holding onto Rebecca’s arms. “Sounds complicated. We’ll have to do lunch soon so you can tell me about it.”
Rebecca sighed. “We haven’t gone to lunch in a while. A lot’s been going on I’ve been wanting to talk to you about. Ben and I are in different places in what we want from our relationship. He has romantic feelings toward me. I’ve been careful not to lead him on, at least not intentionally. I’ve made it clear I’m not ready for a relationship.”
“Even though Ben and I started off on the wrong foot, I’ve admired how loyal he is to you. He’s very cute too,” Lisa said.
“Yeah, there’s no doubt he’s a great guy. I’m lucky to have him as a friend, but something’s missing. Chemistry, I guess,” Rebecca said.
“Ah yes, the chemicals we share between us. The mysterious whatever that attracts people to one another,” Lisa said, dropping Rebecca’s arms. “It has been almost a week since our last talk. A lot of stuff has happened with me too. I’m trying to forget some of it.”
“Oh no, what happened? I was starting to get worried about you. You’re normally here three to four times a week. I tried calling, but your number had been disconnected. I actually was going to go by your apartment today. I can tell something’s up. Is there some ominous news you’re about to drop on me?”
“I got a new cell phone and . . .” Lisa paused for a second and stared at the floor. “Before I get into it, did you see what happened yesterday afternoon? Byron Poundstone rescued two firemen and saved two children from a burning elementary school.”
“I heard about it this morning. I didn’t get all the details. The report was kind of sketchy. Byron is a few years older than I am, but we grew up together going to the same church. He was a fireman before he went missing, and—and you know the rest of the story,” Rebecca said.
“His brother, Rick, was shocked when he heard what Byron did. All the times he visited him at the Institution, Byron mostly acted despondent. Something must have clicked in his brain yesterday, and he went into action like he was still a Living. It’s causing quite a controversy.”
“A controversy? The good kind or the bad kind?” Rebecca asked.
“For our cause, the good kind. For the other, the bad kind. The district fire chief is mum on the situation. The news did a fair job of making Byron sound like a hero. But there have been complaints that an unsupervised Sub Z was allowed to run loose, never mind the way he saved those kids.”
“Some people are useless.”
“No doubt. Rick spoke with Byron yesterday, and Byron said he wanted off the road crew. He wants his old job back with the fire department. Rick said he couldn’t do anything about that right now, but that Reverend Hatfield wanted him to come and work at the Streets of Gold Church.”
“Hatfield, what? What in the hell is that man up to now?”
“I know, sounds insane. Hatfield is a two-faced, motherfucking, flying asshole. But, Byron wants to go to work for him. Can you believe that?
“Anyway, he’d be doing basic maintenance and whatever his skills allow. Rick’s scheduled an appointment with Hatfield to help Byron get started. Maybe you can go over and get reacquainted with Byron, make him feel welcomed. His success could certainly help our cause,” Lisa said.
“It sure could. His act of bravery could make a huge impact on public opinion. We’ve got to handle it right. Maybe take a less in your face approach and try to get people sympathetic to his cause. I’ll bring it up at our next Chapter meeting,” Rebecca said.
“Great idea.”
“Say, how come you know so much about what Rick Poundstone has been doing? And since when did you did you start calling him by his first name?”
Lisa sighed. “That’s the other big thing I wanted to talk to you about. I, uh, I can’t donate any time to the N double A-N-D, at least not until after the primary. Or the election if Rick takes the primary.” She paused. “Or I might even be moving if Rick wins
reelection.”
Rebecca’s face flushed. “Lisa, what are you talking about? We need you working with us now more than ever.”
“I know, but I may be more valuable to the cause in my new job.”
“Your new job? And what would that be?”
“Rick, I mean Mr. Poundstone, has asked me to work for his campaign,” Lisa said, squinting her eyes as if preparing to get slapped.
“He what? You’re working for Poundstone? Are you nuts? How in the ever-loving hell is that going to help our cause?”
Lisa grimaced. “I know this news is upsetting. It’s not what you think. Rick regrets some of the positions he’s taken in the past. He’s also promised if he’s reelected he’ll support a Democratic bill to give all Sub Ys the option to choose equality with the Living. But please don’t tell anyone about this. He didn’t want it to come out before the election.”
“Did he promise you a bag of magic beans too? I hope you didn’t trade in the cow,” Rebecca fumed. “Is he getting the milk for free?”
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean. Poor Lisa, gets turned into a Sub Y by his brother. He makes it all better by putting you on his staff and tickling your fancy.”
“Rebecca, my private life is none of your business. There is nothing inappropriate going on between Rick and me.”
“I didn’t say the relationship is inappropriate. I said he’s screwing you.”
“Hey! You’re out of line, sister!” Lisa stopped just as she formed the next word on her lips. Pausing a moment, she cleared her throat, and softened her voice, “Rebecca, honey, don’t act this way. Rick and I are just friends. He’s my boss. We believe in the same principles. What we feel for each other is an uncertainty.”
“So you admit it, then. You have feelings for each other.”
“There’s nothing going on between us right now to admit,” Lisa said.
“What about us?” Rebecca said, her bottom lip quivering.
“Nothing’s changed between us. We’re still on the same team.”
“No, what about us? You and me? Isn’t it obvious I’m attracted to you? Think of all the time we’ve spent together here, all our talks on the phone, the lunches we’ve been to. Why do you think I keep inviting you to go away for the weekend? I melt every time you look me in the eyes. I hang onto every word you say. I get goose bumps when you’re near me. Can’t you tell I’m in love with you?” Rebecca took Lisa’s face in her hands and kissed her. Hard. She held the kiss as long as she could, pouring her heart and soul into it. The kiss seemed to last forever.
Lisa pushed away from Rebecca. “Rebecca. I’m sorry, but no . . . no honey. I didn’t know you felt that way. I’m sorry, but I . . . don’t share those types of feelings.”
Rebecca buried her face in her hands, unable to control the flood of emotion.
“Please, honey. Let’s not do this. I’ve never been closer to any other girl in my life. I just thought that’s how girls acted to each other when they had a special friendship. When I was growing up I used to see other girls do each other’s nails, hair, hold hands, and even kiss. I never got along with other girls. It didn’t get any better when I got older. Other women have never really liked me. I’ve only had boy friends as far back as I can remember. I’m sorry I didn’t see the signs. I wouldn’t let things go this far to see you hurt this way.” Lisa stepped forward and put her hands on Rebecca’s shoulders.
Rebecca shrugged them off.
“My life is just starting to turn for the better. I have you to thank more than anyone else for that. I hope you understand—I need you to understand. It’s just that I don’t have the same feelings for women as I do for men. It’s nothing personal.”
“I . . . don’t have feelings for women either. Just you. You’re different . . . special . . . you’re—” Rebecca cried louder.
“You are a beautiful person, Rebecca. You’re smart, you’re pretty, and you’re strong. There’s someone out there for you. It’s just not me.”
Through a few sniffs, Rebecca said, “I’m not as strong as you.”
“Don’t sell yourself short. Every day that I have known you, you have grown stronger. Remember, you came to my apartment that first time we met and stood up to me. Your strength gave me the courage to climb out of my shell and participate in life again.”
“Really?” Rebecca said, hope in her voice.
“Really. I couldn’t have made it without you. I’d be stuck in a Non-Dead compound right now slaving away at some shit job twelve hours a day. So, please, let’s find a way to remain friends. I need you in my life.” Lisa tilted her head to the side and raised her eyebrows. “Maybe we are in different places in what we want from our relationship.” Lisa winked at Rebecca, and smiled.
Rebecca took a deep breath and slowly nodded her head. The tears continued to fall.
*
“Yes ma’am, how many in your party?” The hostess’ makeup looked unusually thick on the right side of her neck. She pulled her long black hair from behind her shoulder and draped it to the front. Lisa realized she had been caught staring and felt compelled to apologize and confess she too was Sub Y.
Did she feel that way out of guilt or out of solidarity? There was no way to know for sure. She had done little to interact with other Sub Ys, no doubt because she didn’t want to be reminded what she had become.
“Hello. Representative Rick Poundstone has reservations for two at twelve thirty. I’m sure he’s not here yet but—”
“Mr. Poundstone arrived a few minutes ago. Come this way please.” The congenial tone in her voice in the initial greeting had frosted over a bit.
I guess I insulted her. I know just how she feels. I suck, Lisa thought. She followed the hostess into the main dining area and past a short row of booths. Rick was at a table for two, with fingers tapping wildly on his cellphone. He turned his head toward the hostess when she stepped up and placed the phone on the table.
“Your party is here, Mr. Poundstone. Your waitress will be right with you.” The words couldn’t have sounded more pleasant. The look she shot Lisa as she left cut like daggers.
Rick rose from his chair. “Hey. You look wonderful today. Of course, you’re dressed to kill every time I see you.”
Lisa waited for Rick to pull out her chair and sat. “Which isn’t often enough, and thank you for the compliment,” Lisa said as Rick returned to his seat. “I’m shocked you’re here before me. You have a notorious reputation for being late.”
“Well, I felt so bad for keeping you hanging for over an hour at our first lunch I—”
“Two hours, but who’s counting,” Lisa teased.
Rick raised his nose and crinkled his brow. “Yeah, that was pretty bad. Anyway, I wanted to be sure I was on time today.”
“Thank you. That’s very considerate of you.”
“I could do nothing less for my most improved solicitor. You’re doing quite well for a newbie.”
“I floundered the first couple of days, but after that first lunch, you gave me a better sense of direction.”
“Great. Then I’ll expect similar results this time. If I’m buying you lunch, I expect a return on my investment.”
Lisa crossed her hands on the table. “Yep, no one rides for free. You sure know how to crack a whip.”
“Me? I’m just an old softy. One of my gifts is helping people reach their full potential. There’s no telling what you can accomplish. Heck, you might run against me in the next election.”
“That’ll be the day.”
The waitress arrived at the table carrying two menus printed on single sheets of paper and a pen. The bangs of her blonde wig hid the ID numbers etched on her forehead. She was in prime condition for a Sub Z, destined for several years of servitude.
“Are you ready to order?”
“Yes,” Rick said, not waiting for Lisa’s opinion.
The waitress placed the menus on the table in front of the patrons and the pen in the
middle.
Rick pulled his menu closer and ran his finger down the list. He picked up the pen and made two checks on the menu. “I’m have a grilled Caesar salad with beef tenderloin and a Coke. You?”
Lisa thought a moment. “I’ll just have a house salad and a Diet Coke.” She took the pen from Rick and checked off her selections.
Rick gathered the menus and handed them to the waitress.
“Thank you,” she said and headed for the kitchen.
“Cheap date. You didn’t wanted something from the grill with your salad?” Rick asked.
“No, not today. My eyes were bigger than my stomach at our first lunch. I didn’t even finish half. I don’t like wasting food. My nutrients come from my ATP makeup. I just need to eat a little solid food to keep my insides working properly.”
“I don’t know about your insides, but the outside certainly works for me.”
“Hey, I thought this was a business lunch?”
“It is. I’m giving you the business.”
“Ha ha, Mr. comedian. I’d rather you give me some more suggestions to get donors to part with their money.”
Rick brought his hand to his chin, and then reached out to take the drinks from the waitress when she came by. He shoved one toward Lisa and tasted his. “Ugh, we need to switch drinks.” He made the exchange. “When you solicit for contributions, do you make the potential donor feel like his opinion will make a difference in my campaign?”
“Well, I guess not. I mainly state your positions and paint a clear picture of how you plan to represent them in Washington. What should I do?”
“You have to kind of play a lawyer’s game. Say things that aren’t promises. If the person has a different outlook that’s not too radical from my campaign, let him know that a growing number of voters in the district feel the same way, and that I’m open to change based upon my constituents wishes.”
“Even if a growing number don’t feel that way.”
“Yes. Even though that part may not be the full truth, I am open to change based upon voters opinions. No harm, no foul. Doing that will make me more favorable in the person’s eyes. Something else you can do is ask them their future plans in business. Be positive and think of ways I might, and the key word is might, be able to help them accomplish those goals. Don’t make any commitments, and don’t make it sound like they can buy my influence either. Be tactful though, and say something like, Donors have a louder voice in any campaign. Simple enough?”
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